Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Waterfront

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Ritual House

4.7

Exceptional(1445)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 72 times today

Ritual House in Downtown Pittsburgh masterfully celebrates the essence of American cuisine with a delightful twist of global flavors. Nestled in the iconic Union Trust Building, this restaurant is a sanctuary for food lovers seeking both comfort and innovation on their plates. Patrons rave about the perfectly cooked filet and the scallops that are claimed to be "one of the best". The luxurious surroundings and attentive service add a cherry on top of the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Whether it's the sashimi that's "out of this world" or the praised brunch options, Ritual House consistently impresses with its high-quality, flavorful American fare that truly stands out in the heart of Pittsburgh.

2. Spirits & Tales

4.7

Exceptional(639)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 5 times today

Nestled atop The Oaklander Hotel in the vibrant Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Spirits & Tales stands out as a prime destination for Contemporary American cuisine with a creative twist. This restaurant redefines the dining experience by blending classic French techniques with locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and innovative. Guests rave about the "reliably delicious food" and "beautiful, inventive cocktails," praising the seamless integration of taste and presentation. One reviewer exclaimed, "LOVED IT!!!! Brunch was AMAZING!!!!" and another highlighted the "exceptional food" during a bustling Mother's Day, underscoring the consistent quality and service. Spirits & Tales is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that celebrates modern American dining with panoramic city views and a chic, inviting atmosphere.

3. Fig & Ash

4.8

Exceptional(2143)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Northside

Booked 14 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Northside of Pittsburgh, Fig & Ash crafts a sublime experience with its Contemporary American cuisine, highlighted by a unique wood-flamed cooking style and a focus on seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" flavors, particularly the "best ever" heirloom carrots and creatively sublime artichoke pasta. The warm, rustic ambiance complements the "always spectacular" food, making every meal feel like a cozy, gourmet home-away-from-home experience. Reviews consistently praise the attentive service and innovative menu changes, ensuring "you can't say enough good things about this place" and urging new visitors to "GO" and savor this culinary gem.

4. One by Spork

5.0

Exceptional(1002)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • East Liberty

Booked 3 times today

Spork in East Liberty, Pittsburgh, is not just a restaurant; it's a cocktail connoisseur's paradise. This establishment stands out for its dedication to craftsmanship and locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each cocktail is both innovative and delicious. Reviewers rave about the cocktail offerings, with one noting the cocktails are "spectacular" and another celebrating their "distinctive" nature. The attention to detail is apparent, with guests appreciating the variety, including a thoughtful selection of non-alcoholic cocktails. Spork's vibrant ambiance and expert mixology make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier Cocktail Bar experience in Pittsburgh.

5. Morcilla

4.9

Exceptional(1835)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Lawrenceville

Booked 23 times today

Morcilla, nestled in the vibrant Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, is a treasure trove of contemporary American cuisine with a delightful Spanish twist. This restaurant is celebrated for its "unique, tasty small dishes" and a family-style menu that encourages sharing, making every meal a communal and joyous experience. Patrons consistently praise its atmosphere and service, describing their dining experiences as "one of the best" in not just Pittsburgh, but arguably the country. The meticulous craft in each dish, from the house-made charcuterie to the signature churros and chocolate hazelnut fondue, ensures an unforgettable dining experience. Reviews frequently highlight the "amazing food" and "perfect service," making Morcilla a must-visit for anyone seeking top-tier contemporary American fare.

6. The Cafe Carnegie

4.6

Exceptional(429)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Oakland

Booked 5 times today

The Café Carnegie brings approachable cooking using responsibly-sourced ingredients to Pittsburgh’s favorite museums. The bright space features a comfortable full-service dining area with seasonal outside seating, and a walk-up espresso bar for a relaxing break on a museum visit.

7. Frick Park Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(638)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Point Breeze

Booked 4 times today

Frick Park Tavern in Point Breeze, Pittsburgh, is a gem for those craving authentic Contemporary American cuisine. Known for its "scratch food," the restaurant offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere perfect for any dining experience. Patrons often rave about the exceptional dishes, highlighting the "very very good dayboat scallops" and the "fantastic meatloaf meal." The commitment to quality is evident, with one diner noting, "the risotto was as good as any I’ve had in Italy!" Additionally, the service at Frick Park Tavern consistently receives high praise, with reviewers describing staff as "wonderful and attentive" and the ambiance as "lovely." Whether it's the "delicious" deviled eggs or the highly recommended wedge salad, Frick Park Tavern stands out as a top choice for excellent Contemporary American dining in Pittsburgh.

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Pittsburgh restaurant

8. Tupelo Honey - Pittsburgh

4.2

Awesome(1117)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Mt. Washington

Booked 4 times today

Tupelo Honey in Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh, is a gem for Contemporary Southern cuisine enthusiasts. With glowing reviews praising its "amazing atmosphere" and "authentic food," it's clear why diners keep returning. Highlights include the "best shrimp and grits I've had outside of New Orleans" and the "honey fried chicken" that's a crowd pleaser. Guests rave about the "lavender lemonade mimosa," which adds a modern twist to Southern flavors. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, as patrons describe their dishes as "fresh and flavorful," with "the best french fries" and "amazing grain bowl." Tupelo Honey truly stands out for its innovative takes on Southern classics, making it a must-visit spot in Pittsburgh.

9. The Rebel Room

4.1

Excellent(52)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Rebel Room is a neighborhood bar and restaurant located in Downtown Pittsburgh offering guests a new take on American fare. Experience an inviting atmosphere punctuated by The Rebel Room’s eclectic design inspired by the rebels who made Pittsburgh what it is today.We ask that you please respect our reservation size regulations. Due to the size of our dining room, we cannot always accommodate parties larger than six. Please call, if you wish to reserve a table or section for a party larger than six. Although these reservations can not be guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate you. We look forward to seeing you!

A photo of Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh restaurant

10. Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

4.8

Exceptional(144)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Downtown

Café Momentum is not a normal restaurant. Café Momentum is a non-profit restaurant that offers a locally sourced, chef-driven menu and serves as a culinary training facility for young people impacted by the juvenile justice system.Café Momentum’s program teaches critical skills that allow youth to re-enter society in a safe, real-world environment of nurturing accountability. By participating in our program, the youth rotate through every aspect of the restaurant, from waiting tables to washing dishes, while working side-by-side with Chef Peter Henry.Don't miss our famous smoked fried chicken served with mashed potatoes, ham hock collard greens, buttermilk biscuit, and black pepper gravy. We are BYOB! $5/person corkage fee.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kristin
Pittsburgh / Western PA •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were in the new room upstairs and all the way in the back. It was a little noisy because of party near us and the acoustics of the room. Felt a little out of the vibe of the restaurant which was why we were there for my daughter’s birthday- her pick. We had burrata and bread board which was yummy. I had the short ribs which were amazing. My husband had the beef special and my daughter had pasta with grilled chicken. They weren’t thrilled with their picks - I think because mine was so good. Our dessert was amazing and so good. It was a chocolate bomb of goodness. Our waiter was a bald friendly guy who was wonderful and is a really great asset and cheerleader for your restaurant. Sorry I’m horrible with names but he deserves a raise. I would definitely recommend and can’t wait to see what amazing things this group has for 2025!
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Ritual HousePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
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4.7
J
Josh
Columbus •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall good experience. A little pricey for the serving sizes.
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Spirits & TalesPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Oakland
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4.7
C
Carley
Pittsburgh / Western PA •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing service and amazing food ever. single. time. 100000% recommend this restaurant if you’ve never been!
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MorcillaPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• Lawrenceville
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4.9
S
SarahVIP
Pittsburgh / Western PA •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food and superb service. A little loud and tight for my taste, but it is one of my favorites. So glad it’s on the Northside.
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Fig & AshPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Northside
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4.8
J
jim
Pittsburgh / Western PA •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 19, 2024
The food was great, the experience sitting watching the chefs make the food really added to the evening. The server was fantastic, she took time to explain , for the evening and the different foods that we were about to have. Overall, great time.
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One by SporkPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• East Liberty
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5

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Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Waterfront

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Ritual House

2. Spirits & Tales

3. Fig & Ash

4. One by Spork

5. Morcilla

6. The Cafe Carnegie

7. Frick Park Tavern

8. Tupelo Honey - Pittsburgh

9. The Rebel Room

10. Cafe Momentum - Pittsburgh

See what locals rave about

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