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Name: Lidia’s Pittsburgh
Address: 1400 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222
Telephone: (412) 552-0150
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.62

Lidia’s Pittsburgh

1400 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

(412) 552-0150
Store is closed

Lidia’s Pittsburgh Menu

Antipasti

Polip

Antipasti Freddi

Frico

Polpette

Fegatini Di Pollo

Zuppa Del Giorno

Fritto Misto

Polenta Con Coniglio

Polip

Antipasti Freddi

Frico

Polpette

Fegatini Di Pollo

Zuppa Del Giorno

Fritto Misto

Polenta Con Coniglio
Insalate

Insalata Cesare

Insalata Di Rucola

Insalata Mista

Insalata Di Barbabietole

Insalata Cesare

Insalata Di Rucola

Insalata Mista

Insalata Di Barbabietole
Pasta

Lasagna Bolognese

Manicotti Di Ricotta

Gnocchi

Spaghetti Alla Trapanese

Ravioli Di Cinghale

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio - Salad

Lasagna Bolognese

Manicotti Di Ricotta

Gnocchi

Spaghetti Alla Trapanese

Ravioli Di Cinghale

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio - Salad
Secondi

Pollo Al Limone

Osso Buco Di Maiale

Bistecca

Pesce Del Giorno

Pollo Alla Cacciatora Con Funghi

Zuppa Di Pesce

Salmone

Pollo Al Limone

Osso Buco Di Maiale

Bistecca

Pesce Del Giorno

Pollo Alla Cacciatora Con Funghi

Zuppa Di Pesce

Salmone
Contorni

Broccoli Rabe

Yukon Gold Potatoes & String Beans

Sauteed Spinach, Lemon & Garlic Barley Risotto

Twice-Fried Potatoes With Garlic &Parsley

Chef's Vegetarian Selection Of Contorni

Broccoli Rabe

Yukon Gold Potatoes & String Beans

Sauteed Spinach, Lemon & Garlic Barley Risotto

Twice-Fried Potatoes With Garlic &Parsley

Chef's Vegetarian Selection Of Contorni
Seasonal Menu Selections

Seasonal Menu Selections

Seasonal Menu Selections
Seasonal Menu Selections - Primi

Gnocchi Di Zucca

Scampi Alla Buonavia

Prosciutto

Gnocchi Di Zucca

Scampi Alla Buonavia

Prosciutto
Seasonal Menu Selections - Secondi

Quaglie Al Mattone

Sarme

Calamari

Dolci

Quaglie Al Mattone

Sarme

Calamari

Dolci
Dessert Menu

Budino Di Caramella

Torta Di Zucca

Torta Di Cioccolatta

Tiramisu

Torta Di Mascarpone Con Cioccolatta

Biscotti Misti

Assagio Dei Gelati E Sorbetti

Budino Di Caramella

Torta Di Zucca

Torta Di Cioccolatta

Tiramisu

Torta Di Mascarpone Con Cioccolatta

Biscotti Misti

Assagio Dei Gelati E Sorbetti

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lidia’s Pittsburgh

Antipasti

Polip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasti Freddi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polpette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fegatini Di Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polenta Con Coniglio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasti Freddi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Frico [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polpette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fegatini Di Pollo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fritto Misto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Polenta Con Coniglio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Insalate

Insalata Cesare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Rucola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Mista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Barbabietole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Cesare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Rucola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Mista [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Barbabietole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Lasagna Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manicotti Di Ricotta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Alla Trapanese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Cinghale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio - Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna Bolognese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manicotti Di Ricotta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spaghetti Alla Trapanese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Cinghale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio - Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Secondi

Pollo Al Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Osso Buco Di Maiale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistecca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesce Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Cacciatora Con Funghi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Di Pesce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Osso Buco Di Maiale [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistecca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pesce Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Cacciatora Con Funghi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Di Pesce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Contorni

Broccoli Rabe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yukon Gold Potatoes & String Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Spinach, Lemon & Garlic Barley Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Twice-Fried Potatoes With Garlic &Parsley [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chef's Vegetarian Selection Of Contorni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Rabe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yukon Gold Potatoes & String Beans [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Spinach, Lemon & Garlic Barley Risotto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Twice-Fried Potatoes With Garlic &Parsley [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chef's Vegetarian Selection Of Contorni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seasonal Menu Selections

Seasonal Menu Selections [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasonal Menu Selections [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seasonal Menu Selections - Primi

Gnocchi Di Zucca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scampi Alla Buonavia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prosciutto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi Di Zucca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scampi Alla Buonavia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prosciutto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seasonal Menu Selections - Secondi

Quaglie Al Mattone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sarme [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dolci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quaglie Al Mattone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sarme [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dolci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Dessert Menu

Budino Di Caramella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Zucca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Cioccolatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Mascarpone Con Cioccolatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscotti Misti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assagio Dei Gelati E Sorbetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Budino Di Caramella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Zucca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Cioccolatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torta Di Mascarpone Con Cioccolatta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Biscotti Misti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assagio Dei Gelati E Sorbetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Blythe S.

Yum! Pasta Trio was fantastic. The waiter was pleasant and the food was hot And very very fresh. Visiting Pittsburgh has been a treat and this restaurant has made it even more memorable.
(5)
Ed D.

pasta was OK. Not the best not the worst. Wasn't thoroughly wowed...
(3)
Anon Y.

Great Restaurant with great food nice wine. The inside ambience is good but there's no nice view of the city.
(4)
Keri K.

Groupon alert! $70 for 2 includes the following: 1. Bottle of vino 2. Delicious bread basket- especially those thin slightly crisp bread sticks 3. Caesar salad 4. Pasta trio- oh those mushroom ravioli 5. Tiramisu- my favorite part of the meal...just incredible Double date night...friend encouraged me...thank you so much. Pleasure! Oh and friends husband switched the Caesar for the seasonal beet ensalade...looked beautiful. I dislike being one of those peeps that just ain't in to beets. Colorful beets too...yellows, reds, simply gorg. Great Groupon because this meal would have been $130 or more....
(4)
Dave P.

Lidias brunch is one of the more interesting places that is most delicious. We often find ourselves here with friends on Sundays. They ussually have some very interesting choices but I always get the pasta. The servers are always pleasent and the food is plentiful. Lidias has had the same vibe for a really long time and maybe that's why I've docked it one star. It would be nice to see a little more variety.
(4)
Bob B.

I have been here twice, the most recent was at an outing in which I could sample many different pastas. Very solid, but nothing blew me away. I like the atmosphere.
(3)
David A.

If you're new to the steel city, and want consistently superb modern Italian, this is your place. The menu has standards you grew up loving, as well as modern dishes and new twists on classic gems! The staff is attentive and informative without being overbearing; the wine list is extensive, and the well drinks are stiff...
(4)
Marc C.

Yum yum yum... There are three yums... One for each amazing pasta in the prix fix pasta menu. Unbelievable service and the food was incredible. Don't miss the Ceasar or the banana chocolate caramel dessert thing!!
(5)
Jen Q.

Get the pasta trio, you won't regret it. Big heaping portions of fresh pasta delivered to your plate as soon as you have space available. Mmm. And we went on a Saturday night with no reservations and we're seated in 5 minutes.
(4)
Sunny J.

I love this place and I don't know why it's only a 3.5*....Pittsburgh, what's up? I recently went here for new years, My boyfriend and I split a green salad, manicotti, and the rib-eye. Wowzers!!!! Best manicotti I've ever had and the rib-eye was cooked perfectly to Med Rare, seasoned, and seared to perfection. Service was top notch, never wanted and or waited long for anything. Bravo, I'll be back again and again!
(5)
S P.

Classy Wonderful establishment. Visited for my mother's 60th birthday. She was astonished. For that very reason, I love this place. The food was great the servicew was excellent. Kudos to Waiter Cheno!!! Well definitely visit again.
(5)
Susan Y.

Empty room, but we were seated right next to the serving station. I asked to be moved and was told by the host "Well you can sit here, or here, or here, or here, or here..." Get the picture? Very unprofessional. So we selected a new table and found a dirty glass. Bad start, right? Well, it got quite a bit better, with a knowledgeable waitress and good food. The only issue I had was with the caesar salad, which was made with the inner most pieces of lettuce. There was little green. However, the pasta was great, and we left satisfied.
(3)
Tom U.

Review would be 4.5 for food and 2 for service. Great pasta trio, salads, and desserts. The issues with service were: - It took 10 minutes to get menus and to get a wine order in. - Requested refill of bread spreads never happened, even with a second reminder. - When my sister inquired about the fish of the day, the waiter firmly and quickly said 'there is none.' It is hard to convey the rudeness in a review, but our table certainly exchanged looks about this behavior. - Fruit flies were in evidence, and ended up in our wine bottle. They replaced the bottle, and we kept it corked. A great meal taken down several notches by inferior service.
(3)
Lisa K.

We absolutely LOVED this restaurant! The service was impeccable! I had the all you can eat pasta trio which was lovely and delicious! My husband had the cacciatore, which he makes himself at home, and he said it was the best he'd ever had! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Christina A.

We visited for brunch last Sunday. It was amazing. It is $28 a person and includes a prefix menu. You get a morning cocktail, antipasto buffet, choice of entree (endless fresh made pasta trio is an option) and a dessert buffet. The serve was impeccable. The sangria and Bloody Mary were delicious. The pasta trio was incredible. The salads at the buffet were so thoughtful and tasty. Would go again! I want to make this place a tradition. Great management! Excellent food!
(5)
Nandini G.

Went here for an early Valentine's Dinner last night. The service was great. We both ordered the pasta trio and the waiters' were very attentive at filling up our plates as soon as they neared empty. We also got the Polito appetizer to start and it was delicious- mix of octopus, potatoes, capers, onions and olives. Also, their wine bottles for $29 are a great deal. Just took off one star for the decor- a little outdated. Still a great night though- definitely recommend.
(4)
Jay P.

Great place! Went here during restaurant week, I'm a vegetarian and they were able to accommodate me. Ended up having the Insalata di Barbabietole - the beets were awesome!, Cacio e Pere Ravioli - I didn't taste much pear, there was loads of butter so that masked most of the taste, manicotti for the main meal - tasted about normal for manicotti, and tiramisu - this was great and they had a chocolate covered espresso bean as garnish.
(4)
Jeremy R.

I'm not sure why people like this place so much. The wait was long, the food came out cold, and the pastas were overcooked, gluey, greasy messes. The service was friendly but the food was very poor. Will never go back.
(2)
Gregory C.

I've been to Pittsburgh a couple of times and I make it a point to stop here for dinner at least once a trip. Excellent atmosphere, excellent service and excellent food at an excellent price. Favorites include the Cozze, Lydia's Past Trio, the Cannelloni, the Gnocchi and Bonnet alla Zucca. Just don't load up on the bread or you won't have room for your dinner.
(5)
Robin L.

Best meal I have had in all of Pennsylvania!!! Get the pasta trio!!! Selections are fresh, light and very tasty!!! Staff extremely attentive and polite!! Would go out of my way to eat here again!!!
(5)
Jon B.

First time at Lidia's, although I've wanted to go there every time I'm in Pittsburgh. I got the prix fixe Lidia's Trio del Giorno. Started off with a great Caesar's salad (Insalata "Cesare" alla Lidia), followed by three pasta dishes, and ended with an interesting choice for dessert. The pastas were right out of the kitchen - the farfalle with fennel, caramelized onions, sausage, and some tomatoes, was fantastic. The gnocchi were great, and the linguine with basil pasta and shrimp was good but not on par with the other two pastas. The dessert was an olive oil and basil torte with lemon ice cream (my description doesn't adequately describe it) - I should've written down the description from the menu, although I did upload a photo of the dessert. The wait staff was outstanding - attentive without being intrusive. The decor is awesome - especially the backlit wall with wine bottles. I hope to be in Pittsburgh again very soon and will definitely go back to Lidia's.
(5)
Emmy L.

Lidia's is a great choice if you want good pasta and classic service. The atmosphere is cool, but could be a little more intimate. If feels very, very open and sllllllightly on the Bravo/big chain vibe. The unique glass lighting and back wall is what saves it from being completely generic. The menu has everything you need for a pasta-heavy Italian joint. The sampler trio is a popular choice and for good reason. The salads are over priced, (especially the cesaer which leaves something to be desired) and I always wish there was a lower priced side-sized option. I ordered the boar-pasta for the first time last week and it tasted like a pulled-pork sandwich stuffed in pasta. It was very heavy and I was full after eating 1/3 of the plate. The one great thing about the menu is the very reasonably priced wine menu. I always leave feeling like I over paid, ate a good meal, but forget what I ordered the next day. Basically, it is not the most out-of-this-world food you will ever eat, but you won't be unhappy either.
(3)
Maureen C.

Went here with a large group. Very accommodating and were able to handle our needs. The atmosphere is fantastic. I liked the ambiance and glass decorations. The service was great. I am not a huge fan of Italian food so this is where the review gets tricky. I find it a little bit strange that they offer an unlimited pasta trio. It made me feel like I was at an olive garden or something, I think it would be better to get rid of that menu option at an otherwise classy restaurant. I ordered a beet salad which was great and then played it safe with some chicken cacciatore. I'm a fan but the food didn't knock my socks off.
(3)
Phil L.

My girlfriend REALLY hyped this place up but I ended up spending $110 on a terrible meal I couldn't even eat. I ordered the Chicken Marsala (Waitress's favorite) and it was disgusting. The sauce was VERY over powering and it was drenched in it. If that wasn't bad enough the Chicken was cheap dark meat with the skin and the bones on it. I ended up leaving even though our meals included a dessert with the price. Won't be going back here...
(2)
Katja V.

One word; gross. This is not Italian food - it's Pittsburgh italian food. The ravioli is not fresh - how difficult is it for a restaurant to make fresh ravioli? The decor is tacky. The wine list is lacking. I could rip this place apart after only one disappointing meal, but I'm not going to waste my time. In short, avoid this place! You can do much better in your own kitchen!
(2)
Mary Ann L.

The best part about our visit to Lidias was the service. Everyone from the host/ hostess to the server to the busboy was very pleasant, accommodating and efficient. Our food was just average. My husband & I each had the Caesar salad which turned out to be the best part of the meal. I had the fish special - sautÃ©ed cod with spinach. The spinach added a bitterness to the cod and the cod itself would have benefited from a heavier hand with seasonings. My husband had the lasagne. He called it just average nothing worth getting again.
(3)
Jordana M.

Overall experience was rather good. This is an impressive review for me to give a restaurant as I consider myself an avid foodie. It is rare for me to give an Italian restaurant a rave review, since I grew up eating Italian-American homemade meals. The ambiance was nice, the buzz was slightly nosier than I would have liked but it was also not so much so to be considered bothersome. Their staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. I will say, it was a little strange to not receive a menu until after we were served water and bread sticks. I can actually say I've never been seated at a restaurant where it took 15 minutes to receive one. However, after munching on the delightful breadbasket (The star of which is definitely the Focaccia bread) left me excited for what was yet to come. I enjoyed the affordable wine selection. We order an Italian table wine style Pinot Noir. It was delightful and we would order it again. For an appetizer we shared the Capesante: grilled sea scallops, shaved fennel, red onion, orange and basil. My husband and I rarely go out to eat without ordering some sort of scallop dish. I can proudly say, their scallops had a lovely sear and were cooked perfectly inside. For my entree, I ordered the Lidia's Pasta Trio which is their signature dish. Unlimited daily pasta selection served table-side. I must confess, I found the serving via table-side a little odd. If they served only my portion from the pan it would not have been as off. But thinking that others may have or will be served from that same dish that is inches away from the diner was a bit off. I had the linguine w/ walnut pesto which was average nothing too spectacular but good all around. The chicken, pork ravioli was interesting. Tastier that I expected. In fact, had I not tried my husband's entree I would have been more impressed with my ravioli. Lastly, it was served w/ eggplant penne in a red sauce. I was probably least underwhelmed by this last dish. But nevertheless, all three pastas far supersede the majority of Pittsburgh Italian restaurants. I order this with the Caesar salad and choice of dessert. The salad was okay. Admittedly, I'm a hard sell with Caesar as I prefer to make it myself. Unless of course I am eating it from Emeril's (Las Vegas) which was the best Caesar I've ever eaten. Bygones. For dessert, I ordered the Torta d'Ananas- ricotta and butter cake, caramelized pineapple, Amarena cherries, and coconut ice cream. If I had to guess, the cherries were present in syrup form perhaps on the top of the cake. As I did not see any cherries (or taste for that matter) their presence within the dish. Perhaps the syrup was used sparingly. Nevertheless, the dish was yummy. The coconut ice cream with the caramelized pineapple was the star. However, I do not think it was spectacular enough to order again. My husband had the Ravioli di Cinghale: ravioli filled with braised wild boar in a rosemary infused sauce. This dish was amazing. I could not believe how delicious every single aspect of this dish was. The ravioli looked so fresh, it appear made to order. Significantly, far exceeded the quality present in the Trio I ordered. The rosemary infused sauce was one of the most incredible sauces I have EVER eaten. The wild boar itself, was absolutely to die for. My husband and I swore we would be back, simply for us both to eat this dish again. It is a MUST HAVE. Enjoy!
(4)
Fiona L.

I was really looking forward to Lidia's. And was really disappointed. Bread was good. The cocktails were good. The service was attentive and friendly (just don't get between a server dishing out the unlimited pasta and a hungry customer who clearly hadn't reached their limit with the unlimited servings). Too bad the food wasn't good. The beet salad was underwhelming. I had the calamari which was rubbery and swimming in a tasteless chicken broth and white beans. I felt even more sad for my dining companion who had such fond memories of the calamari. I suspect such positive memories are no longer :( My other dining companion had the osso bucco which was dry and stringy. Another disappointment. And thus my rating of Meh. Which is a huge shame. But life goes on...
(2)
Brittany L.

I went to Lidia's for a work dinner the other night. The decor is beautiful at night, very warm and inviting with a Tuscan color theme going on. We had both red and white wine which were both delicious. The appetizers fritto misto were delicious and two of them fed our entire group. I also had a caesar salad, the manicotti, and the apple spice cake for dessert. The salad was huge and delicious, it filled me right up! The manicotti was a little dry and was stuffed with so much cheese that I wasn't able to actually taste the pasta noodles which is the best part of going to an Italian restaurant! The dessert was delicious and the waiter was very accommodating on my chance of a few items that were listed on the menu. I would say this is a 3.5 star restaurant at best, it looks gorgeous and is linked to famous name but the food was mediocre, the waiter was tentative with our group but he actually looked very annoyed at one point when he was trying to interrupt a fellow coworkers conversation to give our group some information.
(3)
Jim D.

Being a huge Bastianich fan, I was stoked to finally dine at Lidia's Pittsburgh. Entering the restaurant, you automatically feel impressed. It's spacious yet feels warm, inviting, and comfortable. There are beautiful touches and accents everywhere and the designer was not afraid to use color, tastefully. I was ready to feast! I ordered the polipo (grilled octopus) which was tender and flavorful thanks to the zesty vinaigrette. My osso bucco (braised pork shank) on a bed of barley risotto was easily the tastiest thing I ate that night being succulent, flavorful and utterly tender. That's not to demean my companion's hearty and tasty mushroom soup or his grilled salmon which was prepared quite nicely. I ordered the budino di nutella (nutella pudding) for dessert. It looked better on the menu unfortunately. It was bit too heavy and rich. Did I really say that? Lesson learned...perhaps. Probably not. Service is top notch. We never waited and our food came out promptly. Prices are extremely reasonable given the quality and copious portions they serve. In fact, I think I went up a full pant size upon leaving. Lidia's is a definite keeper.
(4)
Laura C.

Absolutely loved this place! Went for restaurant week and had an amazing beet and apple salad, butternut squash ravioli, pork, and apple caramel cake. My friend got the 3 pastas which were all amazing and the tiramisu. Would recommend to anyone!
(4)
Julie R.

Lidia's has the best brunch in town--hands down. For twenty-five bucks you get a drink, fresh breads w/ yummy spreads, "help yourself" table buckling with cured meats and cheese, numerous salads and sides, pasta trio sampling, and a trip or two to the dessert table. I should add that if the pasta sampler is not to your liking you can order other items, including salmon. I always get the pasta sampler and the choices range from good to out of this world. The ravioli dishes are consistently excellent and often filled with seasonal ingredients. The side dishes are also very good, and while a romaine salad and bean and tuna salad are staples, other side dishes rotate, according to what's available/in season. Wide variety of desserts at the dessert table. The tiramisu is out of this world--served in individual ramekin cups. Be sure to leave a little room for at least one of those little guys--you won't be sorry! I'd give Lidia's five stars but their service is sometimes spotty. I've gone when it's not overly busy, only to wait, wait, wait. If you're not in a hurry and you're there for brunch, it's really not a big deal, but if you are looking for prompt service or have plans, like to go somewhere afterwards, this could be a pain. I took my parents for dinner for their anniversary and the poor service was embarrassing. At this dinner my mom also ordered wine and she got--no exaggeration--about 2-3 tablespoons in the glass. I buttonholed the manager before we left and while he apologized that was it, no offer of even another wine (hopefully with a fuller glass). But in the 5+ years I've gone, that was the worst experience I had.
(4)
Rosalind C.

Oh Lidia's! How you've forsaken me! I came here with a group of friends after having talked up the calamari entree. Three out of five of us got it (the others had the osso buco and a pasta dish - the osso buco was good, and the pasta dish was a "meh") and I just wanted to put my face behind my hands and whimper out of embarrassment. The dish was totally watered down and not flavorful at all. I did ask for it to be made a little less spicy, and I think their solution to that was to dilute the sauce. But, another one of us had the entree at full strength, and it wasn't much better! I was questioned as to whether I would come back again, and I suppose I would answer yes to that, but only if someone else wanted to go. After this experience, I don't think I can face the disappointment another time.
(3)
Sharon F.

Went here for brunch yesterday. What we sampled: Mimosa (I don't like mimosas, but this was delicious with fresh squeezed orange juice) Bread basket (sea salt foccacia (delicious) cranberry and almond scones (delicious, but very crumbly which the fiance found out the hard way) strawberry butter, sugar butter, and honey butter) Antipasta table (overall good selection, but a little bland, the only memorable thing on the table for us was the Cesar salad, which was delicious, but a tad overdressed) Entree (we both ordered the pasta trio. The three choices were penne with onions, sausage, and tomato ragu (the least favorite), Homemae fettucine aglio e olio with tomatoes and butternut squash (delicious and very fresh tasting for the fall), and homemade mushroom ravioli in a thyme butter sauce (the best selection by far and completely delicious) Dessert table (good selections with standouts being the tiramisu and the chocolate torte) Overall this was a great brunch experience for the price as well as the selections. We would definitely return.
(4)
Kristina C.

Oh Lidia, oh Lida, oh have you met Lidia, oh Lidia the tattoo'd lady.... Show tunes aside because I have no idea if the Lidia of Lidia's even has a tattoo, this place is a gem. My boyfriend and I came here based on a recommendation. We were hungry and early for our reservation, so we sat, ate and drank at the bar for a while. On a Saturday night, this place is rockin - so dont even try coming in here without a reservation - unless you want to sit at the bar. The bar was surprisingly not busy. One of the bartenders was a lot more attentive than the other and even helped me find a wine to pair with my appetizer. Once sat at our table we switched from cocktails to wine. Decent wine list (I say decent because I will never spend more than $40 on a bottle of wine and they had some options in that category). The bread basket was amazing. We both ordered the pasta trio with the salad and dessert. Our server was great - helpful and attentive, through our reservation on Open Table, we were able to list allergies, he made very sure that what we ordered didnt include anything that we might die from (thank you!). My only complaint about my experience was that bussers didnt really bus until after patrons left the table- my empty bread basket sat at my table for the entire meal, as did a wine glass, an empty cocktail glass.... Bread + pasta trio = CARB OVERLOAD I rolled out of this place very happy. A great local place when in the 'burgh.
(4)
Dararith L.

Very fancy decor. Service is top notch. I had the pasta trio because it looked so delicious! In actuality, it wasn't as great. The texture of the pasta was not pleasant. Mine seemed more uncooked and quite hard to the bite. I didn't know al dente was this rough..The taste was unrefined like it was packaged and not thoroughly mixed for one of the pastas. Another had too much salt and butter for my liking. Of the three pastas, only one was done moderately well and tastes just as good (marinara sauce). However, for three unlimited pastas, you can't go wrong. I was satisfied, even with the minor problems. I guess at some point I truly value quantity over quality. I do gotta say that I also tried a bit of the Gnocchi dish and that was superb. Very fresh ingredients and each bite was incredibly fulfilling. Next time I would try more of their signature dishes instead of the pasta trio dish because it is more than likely of sub-par quality when compared to the rest of the items on the menu due to its buffet feat.
(3)
Sandy N.

Food was very good. But the training of the wait staff was Ill advised and needs to be redone. The waiter came back every 5 minutes and asked each individual (there were 4 of us) how everything was, did you want more ravioli, etc. There is a fine line between being attentive and being annoying and our service was way over the line. Our meal was so often interrupted by either the waiter, the manager, or the support staff that we were unable to enjoy it.
(3)
Melissa L.

Alright, so I've been to Lidia's a few times now and everytime I go, I get less and less impressed. The first time was great and I really enjoyed my meal (and the price). However, after going back and getting the same dish and ALSO trying their brunch- I would have to say that Lidia's wasn't as good as I originally thought it was. I personally find the pre-fixe brunch menu over priced, simply because you can get better brunch pre-fixe menus around the area for the same price. The pastas are OK- but I guess the last time I went it didn't taste as good as the first time! (I got the almond pesto spaghetti). The decor is great and I would say that the huge bar is most definitely impressive. Hopefully the next time I go back (if there is a next time) my opinion will change.
(3)
Brennan K.

I've eaten plenty of less-than-delicious Italian food, but fortunately more of the delicious kind, whether in the motherland or here at home in the states. While I had high expectations for Lidia's, it gets lumped into the former category. I really hate to say this, but Olive Garden's dishes have more flavor than those we ordered at Lidia's (and I don't even like OG...). I ordered the pasta trio and all three were oh so bland, as was my mother's lasagna bolognese. My S.O. ordered the boar raviolis (I know they weren't called that, but I know nothing of porcines as far as food goes) and thought they were just 'meh' and too salty. The menu was pretty limited, and it was especially underwhelming considering the prices of the dishes. I wouldn't return here, there are a couple of other restaurants in Pgh that I would rather visit next time i'm in the mood for Italian. Service was good and the atmosphere was pleasant though.
(2)
Ashley C.

The restaurant's atmosphere and decor is very nice - open and spacious with some very lovely fixtures. There were three of us at our table, and we ordered caesar salads, lasagna and manicotti, which we requested to have with meat sauce, rather than with the traditional tomato. One of us also ordered a glass of the house chianti. The bread and spreads were very good - particularly the herbed bread and the garbanzo bean spread. Likewise, the caesar salads were nice - the dressing had a nice lemony tang, and they were generous with the cheese and croutons. The main courses themselves were a disaster. Bland, bland, bland - and of course, Lidia's is the kind of place that doesn't put salt shakers on the table. The lasagna with spinach noodles was soft and mushy, with very little actual cheese. And the manicotti was watery and flavorless. As for the house chianti, the person who ordered it sent it back - something he's never done before - because he was astounded by how raw and medicinal it was. We might have done better with the Pasta Trio, but upon hearing what the featured pastas were, none of them sounded even remotely appealing. I appreciate what Lidia's is trying to do with their menu, but as an Italian restaurant (and not a cheap one, either - they charged us an extra $3 for the bolognese sauce vs. the plain tomato), they ought to get the basics right first. A good meat sauce and decent lasagna shouldn't be too much to ask. We won't be back!
(2)
Lexie S.

I'm a fan of Italian food. And I'm willing to pay for good Italian food. Not that Lidia's isn't good. It is. But I've had better for less $$, like Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville.
(3)
Joe P.

My dearest Lidia, Hello! How are you? How's Manhattan? Is PBS treating you well? Is your wallet getting fatter by the second? I hope so. I finally dropped by your restaurant in Pittsburgh's Strip District this evening. I know you've been begging me to check it out for years, but quite frankly, I just haven't been in the mood for pasta. You know how I am... carbs and all. You know, I must give you props for the restaurant's layout. The fancy wall art, the color of the paint... I must say Rockwell did a very good job, and watching the sun set over the Allegheny River while dining on our meal was simply delightful. At the behest of our server, each of my dining companions and I ordered the prix fixe pasta and a few antipasti. The antipasti were lovely - the lightly seasoned calamari was divine and the fresh mozzarella and olive platter was splendid. A terrific way to start the meal. Now Lidia, I know you'll never indulge me, but what on earth is in the dressing on your Caesar salad? It's smashing! There's definitely a hint of pear in it, but other than that, I'm flummoxed. Oh, and the imported cheese really bolstered the salad, sending a usually ho-hum affair into the stratosphere. You've really outdone yourself, my dear. And then came the prix fixe pasta trio. Lidia, darling, you know I'm a fan, but it really wasn't your best effort. The imported eggplant was overpowered by the tomato sauce, and the broccoli and sausage rabe was good but not great. Only the goat cheese-stuffed ravioli was better than average, but just marginally. Our server informed us that the ravioli was infused with thyme, but spank my bottom if I didn't taste a thing! Over all, not your best showing. Dessert was quite sterling - the strawberry panna cotta was perfectly prepared, although a bit much with the cookies. Really, who has room for all that. I know you chide me constantly with your incessant "mangia, Joe, mangia!", but I had really eaten far too much and the champagne had gone to my head as well. So there you have it: my visit to your restaurant in Pittsburgh. Not quite five stars, but certainly not 3 stars. I'll give you a four this time, if only for the blandness of the prix fixe. Do give my love to Joseph and don't be a stranger. We haven't chatted on Skype in ages! Kisses, Joe
(4)
Joseph S.

Let's see....an Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh in the heart of the strip named after a woman with her own Italian cooking show? Should be great, right? Not so much. Went here recently and ordered the pasta trio, since this is apparently what one gets at Lidias. Perhaps I went on the wrong day, but I thought that the three pastas (bolognese sauce, pesto sauce, and gnocchi with sage butter) were underwhelming. At the very least, there are Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh that offer much better food for a similar price. The one positive to Lidia's was the dessert - which was fantastic. I had a bite of a chocolate torte, and was very impressed. The coffee with grappa was also quite nice. All things told, though, I would spend my money elsewhere.
(2)
Dan P.

After finding a babysitter for the night, I took my wife to Lidia's in the Strip District for a Valentine's Day date (a day early). While we had been to Lidia's once before for a wine tasting, we had never eaten there. As an appetizer, we shared a delicious Fritto Misto with housemade sausage and apple. Before we ordered it, we were slightly worried that they apple may be too much, but it actually gave a nice balance to the dish. For our entrees, my wife ordered the gnocchi with braised duck ragout while I opted for the Osso Bucco di Maiale. I was happy with but not blown away by the Osso Bucco. It was a huge portion and we ended up taking some home with us. My wife loved the gnocchi though, so next time I will order a pasta for my entree. The wine list is extensive and we shared a wonderful bottle of Chianti that was on a special Valentine's Day wine list. Lidia's is definitely a great romantic date place and will be on our list to visit again soon.
(3)
Pragna H.

This is one of my most favorite brunch places in Pgh! My girlfriends and I would go here over other prix-fixe brunch places at Shadyside because of the value you get. You have a whole antipasti table, full-sized entree and a dessert table plus coffee+bloodymary or mimosa. All under $25. And that IS a lot of food! I took my boyfriend there, and this boy eats a lot! He was full and couldn't even get to dessert. (Well yea he is a boy and may be not that into sweets, but still). The flavors of the food are really good and satisfying. I truly recommend the chicken dish on the brunch menu, the grilled octopus and the gnocchi (which not being a pasta fan, I savored). I hear the pasta is really good too! Also a great place to take company or out-of-towners too!
(5)
John E.

This was a must try during my trip to Pittsburgh. I am glad I heard of it and twice as glad that I had the taste experience. The have a unique and great Caesar Salad. The Pasta Trio is a sample of three different pasta dishes the chef creates each evening. After tasting the three dishes you decide how many more portions you have of either or all dishes. The three were very good, but I had a second portion of only one. Desserts are fabulous and I mean each and every one. There were seven in my party and every person raved about the desserts. I would have given Lidia's 5 Stars, however, the server dropped some pasta into the pan while he was serving us and a few drops of the olive oil splashed out onto another diner's shirt and onto my pants. The server's response to the accident was "Sorry Guys." Would I go back? Most definitely! Lidia I hope you open up a restaurant out here in CA!
(4)
Adam S.

What a great dinner! I had the pasta trio special. They walk around with three pastas and just re-fill your plate. I even wanted one of them without an ingredient,and they didn't bat an eye. They even had the pasta prepared the same way to refill me! I haven't been back, and I kick myself for it on my way out of town every time I visit there!
(5)
Mallory M.

My husband and I opted to go to Lidias for restaurant week since he had never been before. I've been there for brunch in the past and had good meals, so I thought it'd be a nice place to take my Italian hubby. We both selected the prix fix menu with wine pairings. ($35 + $22). It was apparent when we sat down that they were understaffed. The hostess began taking our drink order because our waitress was busy. When the waitress finally got to our table, we told her that we wanted to do the wine pairing and she offered us a few tasting options. They had a decent wine selection, and both her recommendations were delicious. We both started our meals with caesar salads. The salads came out and the plates were a little sloppy in appearance. They were over-dressed and way too big for a starter salad, and the croutons were soggy as if they had been sitting in the dressing for a while. At this point, we hadn't seen our waitress in a long time; maybe 15 minutes had gone by and we were nearly done with our salads before the wines came. For the main course, I selected the gnocchi and grilled sausage. The sausage was made in-house and was very flavorful. The gnocchi, however, was so burnt it was like eating dehydrated, crunchy noodles with a dense chewy inside. Very unappetizing and I was unable to continue eating. My husband had the pasta trio, which is a table-side serving of three different pastas. The first was a spiral noodle in red tomato sauce, which was good. The pasta was cooked al dente and the sauce wasn't too sweet. The second pasta was gnocchi in a sage cream sauce, also good. The third pasta was supposed to be linguine in a mushroom sauce, but the noodles were extremely under-cooked, some of them still clumped together at one end, and there wasn't any sauce in the pan. Even the server commented on the lack of a sauce. It was inedible.. Again, our waitress was gone for a long time and one of the nearby servers noticed that we weren't eating our meals and we were actively searching for our waitress. He came over to our table and we explained the situation. He was really nice and immediately went to find the manager to get it fixed. In the meantime, our waitress did stop by and we explained again to her. She also went to find the manager. The manager came over to our table almost immediately. She was very kind and apologetic, indicating they were having a very bad day in the kitchen. She offered us new plates of food, but at this point we weren't very hungry and still hadn't eaten dessert. The manager offered to pay for our meals and dessert. I had a Nutella tart and my husband had tiramisu, both yummy, but too large to finish. Before leaving, our waitress told us we should come back, especially after they had plans to remodel in the near future. Not sure that we will after this experience...
(1)
Matthew B.

Horrible. Baby Girl bought a groupon, and we revisited after a about a 4 yr hiatus. I don't remember it being this bad. Wettest, limpest Caesar salad I ever had, couldn't finish half of it. Pasta trio was bizarre. Three disjointed pastas that fight each other in flavor are piled on your plate. Penne undercooked. Fettuccine flaccid. Only passable pasta was the pear & ricotta ravioli. Too rich, though. We were there for an hour and fifteen minutes, two courses, and it wasn't that busy. Waitress walked away two times while opening our bottle of wine. Crazy. We got the tiramisu to go, I couldn't deal with this place any more. Lighting is distracting, felt like I was in a food court in the mall. Carpet was all jacked up. Looked like fraternity house carpet. Clientele was strange...lots of sleeveless T's and baseball hats. I didn't even see that the one time I was at the Olive Garden. Staff was inattentive and bothered. I was really looking forward to going, as we love (tangentially) related restaurants Babbo & Esca. Never again.
(1)
Vanessa L.

3.5 stars We stumbled upon Lidias after a full meal. My fiances mom is really into Lisia so we decided to check it out for dessert. Upon entrance we realized we were probably underdressed for the occasion, everyone seemed to be slightly more well dressed. We were seated for dessert with minimal wait time. Since we were already full from dinner we opted for dessert and coffee only. We definitely weren't disappointed with the dessert. We ordered the tiramisu and the nutella custard, both of which was rich and delightful. To drink, I had a decaf cappuccino with the in house coffee bean they offered and my fiance had a double should of espresso which GIANT. It was practically a cup of really concentrated coffee. He was definitely awake after that! Anyways, we definitely enjoyed the taste of the beans, it had a unique toasty flavour. So, the reason I'm bumping this place down to a 3.5 instead of a 4 was because the service was not the greatest. The server we had at our table was very nice, but after she realized we were only ordering dessert, we felt her attitude changed slightly as she became less attentive. And near the end of our meal she shoved us the bill prior to us asking. Of course that brought her tip down. Later as we walked out we noticed that there was a collection of Lidias books on sale with her "autograph" in the front covers. Since my fiance's mother loves Lidia, we decided to buy one for her. Wrong decision! Let's just say.... The process of getting this book took longer than our meal! And I was giving the wrong change which prolonged the entire fiasco. So, overall good dessert, can't say much for the regular savoury food but the service was definitely odd and questionable. Might try this place again for the savoury food.
(3)
Michael C.

It ain't what it used to be. Haven't been here in more than 10 years when it was great. Food is still good maybe very good but not great. On a Friday night at 8p I was the only person sitting at the bar, let alone eating. Though the dining room was buzzing and almost full. Martini glass was so small I almost thought it was a joke. Martini itself was more vermouth than vodka. Excellent wine recommendation though and bartender was enthusiastic and trying. As the Pittsburgh foodie scene continues to evolve, Lidia's is stuck and sliding. Oh, move the wine away from the kitchen...
(3)
Sheila B.

I just really love Lidia's. I do. Like really do. When you walk in, I love the hanging glass blown chandeliers, the look of the open kitchen, the wine prominently displayed on the back wall. It just looks welcoming and inviting, a little trendy, but not too trendy to make me feel like I'm not cool enough to eat there! The hostess is always friendly and quick to seat you. I'd definitely recommend reservations if possible as they can get pretty busy both on weekdays and especially weekends. The food is amazing. Have you seen her cooking shows on PBS? It's just like that, times 1000 because you actually get to eat it, not just watch her cook it. I've never had something I didn't like here, though I do have some favorites. The duck breast is wonderful. Perfectly cooked and prepared with a sweet cherry sauce all served over polenta. Wait, I think I'm drooling :-) Their tasting trio of pastas changes daily with one imported and two dry pastas and varying sauces based on the day. Most of the time these are delicious, I've had a very few where they are good, but don't knock my socks off. Just depends on your taste. The servers do an excellent job describing the daily specials, so go with their recommendations and input. Oh yeah, don't forge the tasting trio is all you can eat so come hungry! I almost forgot the breadbasket! Always delicious with focaccia bread, cheesy breadsticks, and Tuscan style Italian bread served with a kalamata olive spread, garbanzo bean spread (amazing!) sitting in a moat of olive oil. It's hard not to fill up on the bread! If you enjoy wine, try their wine of the month by glass or bottle. I often get it and have never had one I didn't enjoy. The servers are always on point with excellent wine and food recommendations based on your personal tastes. They are quick with refills, more bread and are very capable of dealing with reasonable special requests. It's really a blessing that Lidia picked Pittsburgh as a location for one of her restaurants. If you haven't checked it out, no better time than now for some delicious Italian food and wine!
(5)
Cindy K.

I'm not a big Italian fan, but since we are up north where the best Italian is, I wanted to try it. Breads were served with strawberry, apricot, and crunchy sugar butter. That was great. We were in for brunch on Sunday. I had the Filet and was not super impressed with the meat, but the potato wedges were quite tasty. Then dessert, I loved most, but the almond/hazelnut cristota was to die for. Hubby had Pasta Trio and was satisfied. Would go back.
(4)
John S.

awesome time... food/wine was great... ask for eric
(5)
S. P.

Great addition to the Pittsburgh restaurant scene. Food was outstanding. The pasta trio is a must whether as an appetizer or a meal. The sarme (cabbage rolls with beef, veal, & pork) was awesome. We even tried the chicken livers (great appetizer but probably better for larger groups so that each person gets 1-2 livers instead of 4-5, some things are meant to be consumed in smaller quantities). Good wine list and the service was excellent. Lidia is the owner of several NYC restaurants including Del Posto. I was not aware of this until talking to our waitress after the meal. Thought that would be helpful to anyone on the fence about this place.
(4)
Joanne A.

My hubby bought a groupon for this place, so we tried it tonight. We were going to go with a group of friends, but they only allow 1 groupon per table. Valet was $7 and they park your car right in front which is convenient. Walking in, they had 2 hostesses who were very pleasant. The decor is modern. Our server was really nice and attentive. I think his name is Chando? I appreciate it too when the server offers to box leftovers instead of customers having to ask for boxes. I guess I feel like I'm not imposing when they offer to do it. As we were seated, he filled our water glasses and talked to us about the groupon, which included a bottle of wine from the $32 list (which is possibly their cheapest wine selection). The selection here is pretty extensive. I really enjoyed the bread basket with the garbanzo and cannelini bean hummus. I think that's what they were. My husband got the soup of the day which he said was just ok. Nothing special. My caesar salad was also the norm but there was so much of it, which was a waste. I like the pasta tasting trio, which our server said varies daily depending on the chef's selection. We had the paparrdele w/ sausage and cabbage, gemelli with spinach and ricotta and ramp, pea, asparagus ravioli. All tasted pretty good. My fave among the three waa the pappardele and my hubby liked the ravioli. I did notice our server called the gemelli a fusilli but they do look pretty similar, and I didn't really mind bc either way, the dish would prob taste the same. The servers came around with the food efficiently and I felt like I was at an all you can eat brazilian steakhouse only with the chip always on green side. No complains though because we were able to take our food to go. We also ended up taking the tiramisu to go and actually haven't tasted it yet. It looked good! Price wise, if we didn't have a groupon, I think the bill would've been $104 plus two tiramisus, so the groupon was prob a 50% off deal. Overall, I would recommend the food we had and the service.
(4)
Jim D.

I've been a Lidia's fan a long time. The food is exceptional as is the staff. Melissa at the bar is a kick if you ever sit at the bar. The Osso Bucco when offered is 3 very goods. You really cannot go wrong. Classic and New World Italian collide perfectly.
(5)
Jess B.

Fast service. I think I would rank this higher if I had liked the taste of my food. Ordered the lasagna. DEF had better in my life! My BF ordered the boar ravioli which was much better. A bit on the expensive side. Bread was good though!
(3)
Charles E.

I had high hopes for Lidia's and the dinner I shared with a friend here did not disappoint. We both had the pasta trio: an amazing assortment of fresh pasta dishes that truly hit the mark as something special. Service was both competent and friendly. I highly recommend Lidia's Pittsburgh as living up to the culinary reputation of it's namesake.
(5)
Thu L.

Took my friends from out of town to Lidia last night, very disappointed. I couldn't understand why people raving about it too much. OVER Charge and terrible food. None of us could finish the meals cause they tasted so bad even we were very hungry. Our waitress looked dirty and no teeths...services was ok, not that great. Olive garden is away better than this place. This was my first time and last time.
(1)
Randy H.

Lidia, you let me down. I'm a huge fan of Lidia Bastianich, love her books, love her recipes, love her shows, and love most of her restaurants. So when I had the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh recent was to make reservations at Lidia's Pittsburgh. Literally speaking, as soon as I finished booking my hotel I went to Open Table to make my reservation at Lidia's. So, my daughter and I visited on a Saturday night in February. Our first impression was the $7 valet parking fee. What? I'm from New York City and I've never paid $7 for someone to park my car. No way could I support that, we drove a half a block further and found a nice spot on the street. I really didn't get the impression that this restaurant was so upscale that the $7 valet fee is warranted. First disappointment of the night. The restaurant was not very busy this night so we had a very nice quiet dining experience. After having a chance to browse the menu our waitress described for us the Pasta Trio, a selection of three fresh pastas, two local, one imported, served with a variety of sauces. My family and I are huge fans of Lidia's restaurant in NYC named BECCO which also serves the Sinfonia di Paste, their version of the Pasta Trio. The Pasta Trio is served tableside with unlimited portions of the three pasta choices of the night. For us these choices included Penne Ala Vodka, with imported penne, Fettuccini with scallions and carrots, and beef brisket ravioli in a butter sauce. After reading several Yelp reviews about this place we got the impression our best experience would be from the Pasta Trio. So we tried it. The Penne Ala Vodka was average; the sauce was similar in taste to what I've had from Lidia's jarred sauces. I would expect so much more from the in-person experience. The pasta itself was more than al dente; it was on the tough and chewy side. The fettuccini pasta was delicious, very thin and I liked the scallions and carrots sauce. There may have been more to the sauce but I don't recall at this point. The last of the pastas was the beef brisket ravioli, WOW, this was delicious! Love it! Ok, I don't normally get this excited about pasta but I loved this one, I want to make this one myself at home. So to sum up the Pasta Trio, one hit (the brisket), one miss (the penne), and one eh? (the fettuccini). Having tasted so many of Lidia's dishes at this point I set the bar high for her restaurants. Lidia's Pittsburgh sadly didn't deliver up to these expectations. The atmosphere is nice, warehouse dÃ©cor with exposed trusses on the ceiling, the staff was friendly and very well informed about the menu, but the overall experience just comes up average. The flavors just were not there for us.
(3)
Jennifer B.

Purchased a groupon so we could check it out-unfortunately very disappointed. Caesar salad was drowning in tart dressing. Pasta trio - 1 out of the 3 was passable. The bread was good and the wine (included in the groupon deal) was pretty good which is pretty sad because I'm sure Lidia's had no hand in making either of the 2 things I didn't mind from the dinner. Good groupon deal but terrible food - will not be back.
(1)
Jasmine L.

Had the pasta trio as part of a Groupon promo. The food was hot and the wine selection was great. Our waiter was very friendly and the staff made sure to make our experience a positive one. I would definitely return to try a different dish.
(4)
Melissa C.

Holy cannoli. No, really. HOLY CANNOLI. But I'll get to dessert in a sec. My kids and I visited Lidia's the night before Easter and were blown away by everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food. Our server, Becky, was hilarious and bent over backward to meet our every need. BIG plus. We started with drinks--the kids with Lidia's Italian sodas (vanilla cream and blackberry sage) and I with an orange Manhattan. I'd substitute another bourbon for Maker's next time, but it was reallllly good. While we waited for the appetizer course, we were offered a selection of fresh-baked breads (grissini with grana padano, focaccia, and a sturdy Tuscan bread), served with kalamata olive-cannellini bean and basil pesto spreads. SO good. Our first course was Burrata with broccoli rabe, olive oil, and grilled bread. The Flavors were bright, fresh, and fabulous. My daughter got the pasta trio (a solid choice in my estimation), which included penne with sausage and caramelized onions, ravioli with thyme-butter sauce, and fettuccine with basil pesto. YUM. My son went with house garganelli pasta, lemon garlic cream, crispy fried shrimps, chives, toasted pine nuts. Holy CATS, it was good. I had gnocchi with braised duck ragu. It was to DIE for. Dessert featured tiramisu, Nutella budino with candied hazelnuts, and Zuppa Inglese which was a crazy good melange of amaretto-soaked sponge cake, pastry cream and pistachio cream with raspberry sorbetto, lemon custard sauce, fresh raspberries and candied almonds. There is a God, clearly. We had a GREAT time. Lots of jokes and smiles from the wait staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and FANTASTIC food. Just right. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Marcie M.

Three of us had dinner at 8:30 on a Friday night. Started with a drink at the bar, and were impressed with the bartender's knowledge and service--a great start! We asked for help with our wine selection, and the knowledgable sommelier helped us choose a lovely Italian red; another positive step. It was downhill from there. We were slow to order and our waitress was patient, but we didn't get bread until about 15 seconds before our entrees appeared, and 2 of our 3 specialty salads were missing key ingredients. Our waitress offered to replace them, but since we'd already rolled through most of the plates by the time she checked on us, she removed one of them from our bill instead. Pasta trio was unimpressive, ziti was quite dry and fettuccini cooked nearly to mush. Lamb chops and shrimp pasta were just OK. Desserts were nice. Bus staff mostly ignored us, 2 of them actually started a little spat while sitting at a table next to us--our poor waitress had to intervene and did most of the cleanup herself. I'm sad to give a poor review to a restaurant with such a great food icon as its namesake, but I can't recommend this place.
(2)
B S.

Pasta trio good, but wait staff was not paying attention so we didn't get the grated cheese in time to eat...until we were half done with pasta. But, waitress very friendly. Beet salad good, desserts were tasty. Didn't disappoint, though the pasta for one preparation was lackluster with red sauce and pepperoncini. Not my fav, as were the cheese rav and the pasta with sausage/cabbage. Cannoli delicious! But, where were you, Lydia?
(4)
Jen D.

Since I'm a cooking show nerd, I had to check this place out; I've always enjoyed Lidia Bastianich's show on PBS. Service was very friendly & attentive despite the fact that the place was packed. The bread basket was delicious...parmesan breadsticks & rosemary focaccia with two different dips/spreads: a kalamata olive/cannellini bean & a pesto/garbanzo bean. They sat in a drizzle of olive oil & were really yummy, almost like Italian hummus. Had the chef's pasta sampler, which included homemade fettuccine with pepperoncini & San Marzano sauce, homemade ravioli stuffed with pears in a parmesan/black peppercorn sauce & a baked ziti with sausage & cabbage. The fettucine was amazing, the pasta was super tender & the sauce robustly flavorful. The ravioli was not a combination I'd have ordered off the menu because it sounded so strange, but I changed my mind after the first bite. The sweetness of the pears was countered by the saltiness of the cheese & the peppercorns added nice texture. The ziti wasn't remarkable & the portion I was given was kinda dry & not very warm. Since they serve the pasta tableside from a big pan, I imagine keeping the ideal temperature is a challenge. Wine list was good & the pour was adequate. Prices overall were a bit high, but that's to be expected at a place that's tied to a "celebrity chef."
(4)
James L.

SETTING: Nice environment that was able to cater to groups of all sizes, from small parties to even an ugly sweater party (this really happened!). Kind of dresses itself up to be a nice sit-down place, but unfortunately, the food was not on the same level. FOOD: For appetizers, I shared the Calamari with my friend and for the main entree, I got the recommended Pasta Trio. First off, I love calamari. A lot. I've definitely had better at similar quality establishments. The calamari was very bland and did not taste fresh. The batter was not crisp and crunchy. The sauce tasted watered down. The recommended "Pasta Trio" (3 types of pastas and "all you can eat") was a bit below average. For a recommendation, I expected more. Overall, the food was underwhelming. My friend always cleans her plate. So clean, that it looks like she was served only the plate. This was the first time that she did not finish her dish (Chicken Cacciatore). She is not super picky, so this really meant she did not like it. The type of food here is comparable to Olive Garden in terms of American-Italian fare, but I would rather eat at Olive Garden anyday. OG just tastes better and is way cheaper. SERVICE: Mediocre at best. The waters were not kept filled. Not a huge deal for me since I drink slowly, but some of my friends kept looking for the water and it clearly distracted them from their dining experience. The Pasta Trio is "all you can eat" and they come back to refill your plate. A few of us were waiting on the third round...and we never got it. Even though the food was not the tastiest, we were hungry and still needed to be fed. The wait staff didn't even ask if we wanted a third serving, and just took our plates quickly without giving us a chance. A few of us were still left a little bit hungry...it was a grumpy ride home :( IMPRESSIONS: Relative to the pricing of the food, I expected better quality. Even if the pricing was on par with comparable establishments, the quality of the food was lacking. I hate to say this, but we had a disappointing experience overall, from the food to the service.
(2)
Justin H.

Firstly, SHAME ON OTHER REVIEWERS FOR PUBLICLY SHAMING THE TOOTHLESS BUSWOMAN. She works incredibly hard, does a great job, has an enjoyable personality, and should be lauded. You think she's unaware that she's missing teeth? Do you think she's proud of it, or that she wouldn't correct it if she could? How dare you insinuate that another human being isn't worthy to pick up your dirty dishes. You're probably a democrat, too. Dick. After having (literally) grown up watching Lidia cook on PBS, both my girlfriend and I had high hopes for our pilgrimage from Cleveland to Lidia's Pittsburgh. Our experience did not disappoint, and our dishes (duck ragu gnocchi & pasta trio) tasted how we always imagined Lidia's cooking would. Not that we think she was actually in the kitchen... Contrary to other reviews, all four of the sauces we tried were rich, complex, and had that perfect texture that separates your average Italian restaurant from an authentic experience. Similarly, the pasta was delicate, flavorful, and served al dente. The tiramisu is a must - best I've had on this continent.
(4)
Jason F.

I stopped by here with my wife a couple of Tuesdays ago for dinner. My wife and I go to the Strip District fairly often and whenever we pass Lidia's I always comment on how I haven't been there in a long time. So whenever a three course tasting with a bottle of wine popped up on Groupon, I quickly purchased it and made the reservations for us. The inside of Lidia's is a really nice looking place with the walls having nice shades of yellow, an exposed beams ceiling, a huge fireplace in one corner, some cutouts in the walls with bottles of wine from Italy and tables covered in white tablecloths. Since we had purchased the groupon our meals were pretty much predetermined for us. We started off our meal with a caesar salad that had grana padano cheese on it. Whenever it was delivered to our table I was impressed with the size of it as it took up a whole dinner plate. While I enjoyed the salad immensely, I can imagine that someone who doesn't like as much dressing as myself would find the salad to be overdressed. Our entrees ended up being the pasta trio which you are able to get refilled as many times as you want. On this night the trio consisted of a spaghetti with tomato and herb sauce, an orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe and a gnocchi with sage butter sauce. My favorite of the bunch had to have been the gnocchi as the gnocchi itself was light and fluffy and the sauce was seriously amazing. The orecchiette was my second favorite and I enjoyed the addition of the sausage and broccoli rabe to it. My least favorite of the bunch was the spaghetti which seemed a little boring compared to the rest. I did really enjoy the al dente pasta from it though. Our dessert was supposed to be the tiramisu but since I am unable to each chocolate I asked the server if it was possible to substitute in another dessert. If it wasn't possible then my wife was going to be in luck as we would have just taken mine home. Thankfully though they were able to substitute another dessert in and I ended up choosing the ice cream trio. I can only remember the mascarpone and blood orange granita as the flavors that I had and its worth it to note that each ice cream came with a cute miniature cookie. The blood orange granita was easily my favorite of the bunch as it was like eating italian ice with the flavor being slightly sour and also slightly sweet. The bottom line for me is that I will head back to Lidia's again in the future. I was pleasantly surprised by how good Lidia's really was and I could see myself going back here again in the future just to have the pasta trio.
(5)
J D.

Beautiful atmosphere, but totally overrated. Unfortunately, we went here to celebrate my hubby's bday, and when we left he told me that he would have rather gone to the Grand Concourse, LOL! I guess I expected fabulous--but everything was just good, nothing spectacular. First off, our waiter was in training, and even though we met his mentor, she didn't seem to keep tabs on him. Small things were overlooked, like no coffee refills or spoons, tons of dirty dishes and empty glasses on the table. He was accommodating, but we had to ask for too many things multiple times. The one thing that REALLY IRRITATED me was that I saw one of the young waiters who was serving the pasta from the serving platters, stick his fork in one of the platters and shove the ravioli in his mouth as he was standing right in the door of the kitchen. Truly, made me sick--was glad my hubby and daughter had already eaten their ravioli. :-/ The food--Two of us had the pasta trio, meh--the ravioli was good, not so much for the other two dishes. One of us had the cannelloni and ate it all up. One of us had the pork loin dish--it was dry but tasty. And then I had the lemon chicken. It was actually good, right up my alley with bright notes of lemon and caper! But, my favorite thing was the antipasta bar--the dessert bar was little to be desired. We will not be back.
(2)
jason c.

Food is good the coffee is great but the wine is on average 4 times retail. That is robbery not the usual restaurant mark up. A 53 dollar bottle of wine has a price of 230.00 on the wine list. So we won't be having any wine.
(3)
Ted S.

Not sure I had a typical experience - being here on Thanksgiving - but a few overall impressions. Nice location with easy access. Nice interior - very cool light fixtures and bottle display on the wall. Now here's the part where I feel old! It seemed like the space was dark on the inside and the contrast between the highly lit bottle wall and the interior darkness kind of made me feel blinded. Similarly, the light of outdoors on the other side did the same. Ok - that's a minor thing. The space did feel a little cool too - and a little heat wouldn't have been bad. The service was fairly good and everyone was happy. I tend to gravitate towards lighter meals that seem healthier. I'd give it a try again but tend to think I'd probably have to immediately split my meal in half and take it home as the portion sizes looked large and maybe not too healthy....
(3)
Aire B.

I had high expectations for this place and I must say I left a little underwhelmed. The service was excellent, the food was good, but not outstanding. I have to say my favorite part was my caesar salad. I would definitely go back, but just with lower expectations.
(4)
BL T.

The entire balcony of old ladies paused to gawk at my companion with green hair as we were seated in the main dining room for sunday brunch. He looked at me like I was crazy when I opted to take the bloody mary instead of continue to nurse my 2-day hangover. Our waitress was robotic and efficient. After ordering the pasta sampler as my entree, I loaded a small plate of munchies at the antipasti table. My favorite? The ceasar salad. Big fat lettuce leaves coated with fresh dressing and imported, shredded cheese. A staple food really well done. Then as my buddy's meal came, a bare plate was set in front of me, and 30 seconds later a nice man approached my table and scooped pasta directly out of a skillet onto my plate. It happened twice more, in quick succession. I was left with an arrabiata fetticuine noodle (light and obviously made fresh in the kitch), a handful of asparagus-pea ravioli in a buttery sauce, and a heavy orchettie with sausage. All three were exceptionally yummy, though when I was finished with the meal, there was a decent amount of sausage pasta left on my plate. I would definitely eat here again, but for the price, not on a regular basis.
(4)
Timothy B.

Absolutely excellent. Definitely a gem of Pittsburgh. I highly recommend Lidia's relaxed, but very classy atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
(5)
Ingrid K.

There are only a few places in the world to indulge your food fantasies from watching one of Lidia's cooking programs. One of these places is Lidia's Pittsburgh. The ambience is not kitschy-italian countryside at all. It's refreshingly simple in the decor and the service is amazing, because they give you just the right amount of attention, not too pushy or forgetful. I don't remember the names, but I tried the Pork shoulder and lamp chops, and the Pasta Trio. The trio that day was garlic aiello with fresh fettucine, homemade sausage with tomato sauce and orecchiette, and mushroom ravioli. I love how they come with the hot pan of pasta and serve it on your never-ending plate. What I don't love was the undercooked orecchiette. The second batch was a little more cooked, and then it was delicious. Everything was very salty for my taste, but overall it was some of the best italian food I've had. The best part of the experience was that I could hang out with good people and eat good food and Lidia was actually in the restaurant that night! She might not've made anything I ate, but a picture with her and hearing her talk to me made my night!
(4)
Fatal L.

Ok, I'm giving this 4 stars because for what you got, I think it was a pretty good price. Selection of breads and dips to go with it, salad was (too) huge. Husband got the seafood soup/stew and he liked it a lot, I got the pasta sampler (all you can eat of a variety of daily pastas). All were good, nothing that knocked my socks off though. Appetizers were pretty big too. Overall, nice place for something a little different than your average italian at a fair price. Place was nice, good location, walked here from our hotel. Good, though for us, overwhelming wine selection.
(4)
Caitlin C.

More like 3.5 after being at Salt of the Earth. But Still - Lidia's is one of the few restaurants on mine and Jordan's list, where one of us has been employed, but we will still willingly eat at. Lidia's is our choice when we want great Italian foods that taste as close to our family making it as possible. The other night we went for drinks and apps at the bar. This is always fun for us because the Fritto Misto is fried veggies and calamari in a light batter, with their sauce for dipping. And Lidia is the queen of sauce recipes! We also had the appetizer version of the pasta-tasting platter because there is no way to walk into that building and NOT get the pasta-tasting trio in some form or another. It's just AMAZING! Our favorite time to go is for Saturday or Sunday Brunch. I don't know why - but I think Lidia's Brunch is Pittsburgh's best kept brunch secret. For $24.99 per person, you get a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa to start, then you are brought your basket of scones, donuts, and breads accompanied by sweet butters. Then you go up to the Anti-Pasta tables for veggies, egg frittatas, meats, salads, soups - its the ANTI-PASTA table! Use your imagination (they use theirs!). Then you order your Brunch Entree - whether that's the Pasta-Tasting trio or Filet & Eggs or Salmon. After your Entree - you get to go up to their dessert table that always has tiramisu, Italian cookies, mousse, etc. People give me their brunch suggestions all the time and NO ONE has beaten Lidia's. Saturdays AND Sundays from 11a-2p. Just prepare yourself for the food coma after!
(4)
Tony D.

Was visiting Pittsburgh a few weeks ago and happened upon Lidia's mostly by accident. A happy accident, for sure. Lidia's has a nice selection of various pastas but their main attraction appears to be the Pasta Trio, where each day three different types of pastas are selected, each type having a waiter/waitress assigned to walking around and making sure you've got as much of it as you like, sort of the same thing gauchos do in Brazilian steakhouses. My friends got the Trio and were quite happy with it. I went safe with the lasagna, which was perfectly cheesy and saucy. Dessert had a name I can't remember, but it was a kind of chocolate/caramel ice cream with a toasted marshmellow coating around it and little bits of toffee. I shouldn't have eaten it all but my arm and my mouth conspired against me. Jerks. A nice ambiance and friendly waitstaff certainly don't hurt. Next time I'm in Pittsburgh, I think I'll be seeing Lidia again, and I don't care who knows!
(4)
Laura M.

Just about my fave restaurant in the burgh. You can't go wrong at Lidia's, whether you go for Sunday brunch or a nice evening out. It's Italian food worth going out for, friendly staff, and a beautiful space in the strip.
(5)
Andrea C.

I was here for a firm organized dinner so I did not get to choose my menu, but the pastas were excellent! As someone who is not a huge pasta fan, I was thoroughly impressed and hope to return the next time I'm in Pittsburgh! The atmosphere was also very nice!
(5)
John R.

If you like the Olive Garden, you'll LOVE Lidia's! We were a party of two on a Sunday night -- the restaurant was moderately busy. Our server was a bit of a space cadet. We had to stop another waiter to ask for more water...I was never offered a refill on my diet coke (which sat empty for over 30 minutes). The salmon was very good, but drenched in so much olive oil and garlic that an oil slick was left on the plate at the end of the meal. The pasta tasting was....kind of weird. One of the selections tasted like feet, the other tasted like something I could make at home with a bottle of Prego. The best was a mushroom ravioli in olive oil -- but there was so much oil (see a theme?) I had to scrape it off before eating. Long story short, we passed on dessert. The food was adequate, the service was sub-par, and it was just kind of a "meh" experience. I won't go back.
(2)
Michael D.

The NY restaurant is much better. We were eating here often, but it got boring quickly. The staff are great and the location is good for people who drive into Pittsburgh. I'd like to see some the dishes that make the NY restaurant great.
(2)
Sarah P.

Visited this place for the first time last night and it was great! I was there for an event and the appetizers were all amazing, the wine was delicious, and the pasta trio was crazy good. Completely obsessed with the mushroom ravioli (seriously, best ever).
(5)
Alex g.

Lidia's Pittsburgh is a hidden gem in The Burgh. Good food, ambiance, service and drinks. I ate at the bar and had the daily pasta trio with salad and dessert special for $29. Tonight's (Mon, Oct 4) pasta trio was papardelle w/sausage and leeks, grilled peppers/eggplant and ricotta ravioli, and penne alla vodka. The penne were cooked al dente just as I like it, but otherwise it was no different than most other penne alla vodka. The ravioli were tasteful and obviously freshly made. My favorite were the papardelle. Very good! Chendo, the bartender, is very friendly and makes a great mojito.
(4)
Eric L.

I grew up watching Lidia's TV show as a kid. So of course when I found out she had a restaurant in Pittsburgh I just HAD to try it out. The biggest selling point of Lidia's is probably their service. People say ti's a good "date spot" mainly b/c of the atmosphere and service. Their wait staff definitely has been trained to the attentive, but at times it can be overly done and I feel like I'm a part of a weeknight sitcom. For appetizers, get their grilled octopus. I've heard good things about their chicken livers, but I've never tried it myself. Their fritto misto is prepared well, but not excessively special. Their pasta tasting trio is always a great way if it's your first time at Lidia's; they always have two house-made pastas and one imported from Italy. From my experience, I've always enjoyed their housemade varieties, especially their pappardelle and gnocci (when available). Their ravioli's are typically pretty good too. The imported pastas just don't seem to reach that perfect al dente "bite" fresh pastas can achieve. Their ossobuco is a giant braised lamb shank that is fork tender and flavorful in a dark rich sauce. It seems to be a popular dish, as the last time I was at Lidia's they were out of it. On an ending note: Lidia's does take reservations (just visit their website or hop onto Opentable and rack up those dining points), but I've never had an issue getting a seat without reservations.
(4)
Leimalani F.

Best dining experience in Pittsburgh during our short stay. Bread - nice assortment of cold focaccia and cheese grissini (skinny bread sticks) served with two white bean spreads (kalamata and pesto). YUM. Insalata Mista ($8). They split the salad without even asking (cool!) and the Frisee was topped with vinegary red onion strings, artichokes, and a roasted Roma tomato. Double yum with more bread. They also do a Caesar, a beet and goat cheese salad and an arugula, pear, and Gorgonzola salad (all about the same price). Pasta - WILD boar ravioli (yes you have to say it with emphasis). Slightly sweet pulled pork in what was obviously homemade pasta sheets ($16). Interesting and good quality. Second Piatti - Oven baked calamari ($17) dusted with breadcrumbs served over fava beans in a thyme, red pepper and escarole sauce. In a bite, both mild and spicy. Delicious!!! No room for dessert. Friends ate the trio of pasta (no rave reviews here, much like other yelpers, which may be due to the fact that they obviously make larger batches and dish them out of the pan at your table... not ideal for al dente pasta, but a good value if you want to try more dishes). Cannelloni got a thumbs up, but two members of the group raved about the asparagus and crab risotto (which may have been seasonal). We did not have to wait for a table. Service was prompt and friendly. Great ambiance. Delicious food at a very reasonable price considering the pastas were homemade. Lots of seasonal specials. Can't go wrong here (unless you do the trio of pastas, apparently). Thanks Yelpers for the tip before we went!
(5)
Sarah S.

The food here is decent. It's a big place with great service that gives you the Italian family-style atmosphere you would desire. However, the food is not very good. The only awesome thing is that they have two different choices of gluten free pasta, which is awesome if you can't have gluten!
(3)
Jim T.

I'm a BIG Lidia's fan, I try to go there every time I visit Pittsburgh. Some of the best atmosphere/ambiance you will find anywhere, almost like a Chihuly gallery. A little loud, but if you are cool with that, it's all good. However, my most recent visit dropped my rating from 5 stars to 4. The potato/lentil soup was bland. The pasta trio was really a pasta uno, because two of them weren't that great. Kind of a simple sundried tomato fettucini, not that good at all. Ravioli (which i was REALLY looking forward to) was mushy and over buttery. The only savior was the Rigatoni with sausage and peas. I won't let one trip drop my opinion too far. I recommend that you go there and try it yourself, and try the pasta trio. It's different every day, so I probably just went on a not so great day, especially compared to my previous visits.
(4)
Morton F.

I have to start every Italian restaurant review by saying that in general, I'm not a fan of Italian food. What I ordered was actually not very Italian. I had a salmon BLT sandwich. I thought it was pretty good and a heaping mound of food that took me a bit longer than I thought to finish. I probably wouldn't try the pasta trio since it didn't look that special and you can't eat that much pasta to make the unlimited servings worthwhile. Service is pretty good.
(4)
Partha B.

This is a great place. I have been here many times both for lunch and dinner. I always found the food to be excellent and service very good. On a Friday night the place is generally packed. So you should make a reservation, but if couldn't they have an open bar to hang out. The upstairs is generally for large parties. It is a pasta place (Atkins may roll over) and they have a favorite dish called pasta trio- three different pasta, all you can eat. They change that pasta periodically so you may get the same pasta second time you go there. The wine is also very good - excellent wine for the price. Great food, good service, good wine and great price!! The parking lot is just opposite to the restaurant.
(5)
Hima R.

Had dinner here on a Saturday night. Actually, wanted to go to Piccolo Forno, but they said they only take reservations for groups of 6 or more and for two of us there might be a half our wait. We wanted a sure, immediate thing so we decided to try Lidia's. DRINKS: My husband had the cabernet and said it was fine, nothing spectacular but def what you'd expect from a cabernet. I had their Prosecco. It was good, not as sweet as I'd like, but still tasty. APPETIZERS: We didn't order any dishes intended to be appetizers (you'll read what I mean), but we did enjoy the basket of bread and unique spreads (garbanzo and something, olive and something) that came with tit. The bread was not straight out of the oven, but it was definitely fresh-baked that day. ENTREES: I ordered 2 appetizers instead of an entree. The first was the octopus dish, and it was THE BEST OCTOPUS I'VE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tasted like what it was but without being too briney/fishy. Also had a great texture. And the other items in the dish (capers, etc) complimented it really well. I don't use the word delicious that often, and I use delish even less often. But that was deliciously delish. My 2nd appetizer-turned-entree was the cheese crisp. It was tasty, but super heavy. I chose the crab and scallion filling for that one, which was nice, but I think the whole cheese crisp idea (essentially cheese melted down to a "cracker") did not suit me. After a few bites I decided to pack the rest, but haven't eaten much of the leftovers. My husband tried the pasta trio (unlimited) and liked it, though he didn't rave about it. I think there was a spinach ravioi, some type of alfredo linguine, and a pesto with meat and a red sauce, so there was a good texture/flavor variety from what I could see on his plate. He ate two full plates of the variety of pastas and was stuffed! DESSERT: We shared the Tiramisu. It was very fresh and authentic tasting. I felt like there was a bit too much espresso/coffee powder sprinkled on top, but perhaps my palate is sensitive to that. Overall it was yummy. SERVICE: Friendly and attentive. DEALS/DISCOUNTS: None OVERALL: Glad we tried it. I would like to try the other well-rated Italian restaurants in Greater Pittsburgh, but I have a feeling I'll go back to Lidia's someday for that octopus -- so freakin' good!
(3)
John C.

We were at Lidia's for an early dinner before seeing a show. They have a great wine list and our server made some excellent suggestions. The food was wonderful. Several of us had the Pasta Trio. This is a sampler dish with three different pastas prepared and served at your table. Afterwards, you can get additional servings of your favorite from the Trio. Of course, none of us even had room for an additional serving. If you get the Trio, I'd recommend getting the option that includes the salad and dessert. It's a great deal and you know you'll want it anyway!
(4)
Howard R.

Good food and beautiful space. My family and I were here the other night. We had gnocchi with duck; lamb chops; the fish of the day; grilled salmon and the pasta trio. The gnocchi with the duck was outstanding. The other entrees were very good. The pasta trio last night was slightly disappointing. Ravioli, Papardelle and Penne a la Vodka-lacked something. Overall, a nice meal. I would go back.
(4)
Joe D.

When the bookends of your meal are the only strong points then you aren't going to score strongly in my book. The salad was very good as were the breadsticks and bread with sea salt on the top. As for the main entrees that my girlfriend and I had...let's just say they left a little to be desired. The pasta trio sounded good until I heard that almost everyone had mushrooms in it. Lidia's is definitely that italian restaurant that is trying too hard to be cutting edge. Why not go with some standard italian dishes? Their menu doesn't include really any. My girlfriend tried to play it safe with the lasagna bolognese and they should have just called that a mountain of over-salted meat. There couldn't have been more than two sheets of pasta and two tablespoons of sauce in that dish. There is nothing worse than dry lasagna and if my girlfriend wanted to eat just meat she would have ordered just meat. Lasagna does in fact call for pasta. I ordered the halibut with polenta. I'll start with the polenta. Basically I should have just eaten my napkin because that had more flavor than the polenta. The dish came with San Marzano Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers over top of it and water passed off as sauce. Nothing annoys me more than when someone tries to go crazy with a fish dish. Let the fish do the talking. There were so many onions and capers on it that I needed to really dig for the fish. The halibut was good but it's a shame that the piece was incredibly small because the rest of the dish was subpar. The desserts were very good however. We went with the Tiramisu and Semifreddo di Cioccolato e Caramello (Milk Chocolate and carmel ice creams, chocolate cake, toasted meringue, crushed toffee). The decor was definitely cool inside too. Maybe those light fixtures would have tasted better than the lasagna? Lidia's, the trying too hard, portion controlled spot in Pittsburgh.
(2)
Michael G.

I had the pasta trio which is basically three different types of pasta with unlimited servings, with a salad to start and a desert to finish. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The salad was a good Cesar salad that you can replace with an arugula salad if you choose. It started the meal off nice. But the real treat was the pasta...all three kinds were fantastic, served family style, but the best one was the ravioli with pear and ricotta. It was to die for...everyone at the table was getting multiple servings of those and they weren't heavy, just were absolutely delicious! Oh, before I continue, we got a variety of wine. I had a white Pinot Grigio that was right on point...the servers will help you, but at this classic Italian restaurant, the wine fit the billing. Finally, I got a sorbet variety for desert and was surprised with how tasty the balsamic gelato was. The initial thought was that it'd taste like balsamic vinegar, but it has the sweet taste of balsamic without the bitterness of the vinegar like we're used to. It was my favorite of the three ice cream's I was given. The atmosphere was serene and Lidia, who has a show on the Food Network, clearly takes a lot of pride in the integrity and service as both were impeccable. Prices are on the higher side but certainly manageable. I hope to be in Pittsburgh again so I can go to Lidia's. I went with a group of 10 or so and we sat around a big table and never felt out of place or as if we were disrupting people. It's 100 percent Italian and I love it!
(5)
nadia a.

Had a wonderful dinner here after a week of being snowed in. The heavy snow on the awning outside this restaurant gave it a festive look and I couldn't wait to enter! The decor here is open and warehouse like with high ceilings-very appropriate to the Strip District area-but with the blown glass chandeliers dripping from the ceiling, the fireplace and warm colors, Lidia's is modern yet as warm and welcoming as any Italian household I've had the pleasure to visit and eat in. The menu had a lot of traditional Italian fare and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had cabbage rolls too! Everyone recommends the trio of pasta sampler, but I elected to go with their Monday night Tuscan prix fixe because the side offered was roasted butternut squash and who doesn't love THAT on a cold night looking outside at the blankets of white snow?! The bread comes with a plate of some olive oil topped by a scoop of garbanzo bean and pesto and another small scoop of white beans blended with kalamata olives. Divine! My anitpasti course was described as lobster and shrimp brushcetta. I got worried when what was served to me was half burnt toast with cold seafood salad mush on it. My entree was a sliced beef dish that is typically served this side of rare, but I DID ask if I had it well-done would it be horrible. The server reassured me, but it was very dry, so I learned my lesson there, BUT the butternut squash was HEAVEN. My little pasta trio sampler course wasn't really anything over the top spectacular, but neat to try. This IS a step up from The Olive Garden, but perhaps my expectations were so great that it just fell short of fabulous. Dessert MORE than made up for it! The ladies I was dining with had the tiramisu and the meyer lemon panna cotta which made my whole face implode with pucker! My biscotti was a delicate sampling of Italian style cookies that make Starbucks biscotti look like Chips Ahoy. With a shot of ice cream affogato it took me all the way back to Roma! Not to mention our charming sommelier Franco was very friendly and a joy to chat with! In fact, all the servers and host and staff were extremely attentive and friendly DESPITE having probably had a very hectic Vday weekend! If I'm ever back in Pittsburgh, I'll be returning for more espresso and ice cream and Franco!
(4)
Julie D.

What do you do any spending 1/2 a day tromping all over Heinz History Center? You go to Lidia's for brunch, of course. Service here is very warm and friendly, unlike Winter in Pittsburgh. Right away, you are treated to a huge basket of delicious muffins, biscuits sweetened with chocolate chips, sugared twists along with yummy fruit flavored butters. Brunch also includes a nice mimosa or a bloody Mary. We were not as impressed with the antipasti table. However, it was late in the day and perhaps that was part of the problem. The Cesar salad while yummy, looked a bit unhappy. And the wedding soup seemed bland. The quiche was good as well as the butternut squash casserole. But things did looked up with our 2nd course choices. I had the Manicotti Ripieni di Ricotta. I loved the light tomato sauce and the pasta rolls. Big J had Sarme Caupcci-Ripieni, which has cabbage stuffed with pork, veal and beef. Last was the dolci dessert buffet table. Having no room for dessert, we still shared a wonderful tiramisu. The table was very tempting with biscotti, tortes and other sweet treats.
(4)
a p.

soooo disappointing! i watch lidia on tv and have a lot of her recipes. also, having lived for some time in NYC, i am familiar with and a fan of Bastianich restaurants. one of the best meals i've ever had in my life (there aren't many) was at Del Posto. the Bastianich name to me stands for integrity and love / appreciation / sharing of high quality italian food. then, i ate here. are these the same people running this restaurant?! it was completely mediocre and subpar, as if no one cared about the quality or experience. i came here for brunch and did the pasta trio and antipasti table. it was clear the ingredients were not quality and the dishes were mass produced without much flavor or thought. it was only $25 a person, but can you make an effort? don't you care about your reputation and good name? guess not. this restaurant seems to be a sellout - a place to make money off the name in a place where the food standard frankly isn't that demanding or high (like in NYC). also, the service was not that good. too bad.
(2)
Allen B.

This place had horrible service. I waited (sitting at the bar non-the-less) for about 10 minutes before the loser bartender got me a drink and a menu. The food was weak, I got a Caesar salad and the wild bore stuffed ravioli. I was horrible. It was like they took some pulled pork and just stuffed a spoonful in a ravioli. I will not return, too many other better restaurants are in town to waste your time on this one.
(2)
Lisa M.

Lidia's is an upscale Olive Garden with slightly better wine list. The biggest problem? Everything is bland. They have a salt problem. They must not have it in their kitchen. Everything needed it. The salads were the only fairly good items we had. The arugula salad with pear walnuts and Gorgonzola was well dressed, but the beets were not cooked to their sweet level. The lamb chops were awful. Lamb tasted like the grill and not at all like lamb. I sent it back. They replaced it with pork tenderloin served on a tomato sauce (needed salt) and with cheese melted over the top with asparagus and a slice of Roma tomato. It was a sad sad dish. The tomato was hard as rock. The tenderloin was over cooked. Just bad. I had the chicken piccata upon the recommendation of the server. It had lemon, capers and green olives. The vinegar fought with the lemon in the most vile way. The chicken had that flour coated slime feel in the mouth. Served on a bed of spinach. That was the only decent taste on the plate if it didn't have any of the sauce on it. Bread is awful. They have a foccacia and skinny bread sticks that tasted stale to me. Served with an olive spread and a garlic white bean spread. They were fine on their own - in fact rather tasty. The menu is really odd. Just in the way it is laid out and with the choices. Two west coast fish selections. Halibut and salmon. Coming from the west coast, I just overlooked them by a matter of principle. But the worse is the pasta trio. The concept is just so olive garden. All you can eat of three different pastas served table side. They cart a sautÃ© pan to your table. What is that all about? Our neighbors ordered it and I over heard them talking to their server about their disappointment. But like all things Pittsburgh the people were so nice. They were gracious about the lamb and took it and the pork replacement off the bill. I just have to wonder why Lidia would create a menu like this. It just doesn't match her books or shows at all. It does nothing to support the brand of Lidia. Unless she is really trying to take over the Olive Garden market.
(2)
m n.

During a recent roadtrip to Pittsburgh our party of three found ourselves tired and ready for something delicious for dinner with the caveat that it had to be walking distance from our hotel. We consulted Yelp and decided to try out Lidia's for dinner. The place is located on the fringes of the Strip and has nice clean feel to it. That's about as good as things got for me personally. The service was not very good. We were seated and ignored for about 15 minutes although the dining room was almost empty. A bread basket was placed on the table, but the bread was not very good. Once our waiter did come, (he looked like a Mafia Don) it took another 10 minutes to get our drinks. I ordered the grilled octopus on a bed of potatoes and an heirloom tomato salad, both appetizers, as my meal. The tomatoes were not ripe and unfortunately did not have enough acid of any kind on them so that flavor was quite bland. There was no salt or pepper on the table, and no pepper was offered either. The octopus was bland but quite tender and fresh. My husband ordered the salmon which he thought was good but a bit overcooked overall -- nothing to write home about. The third person in our party ordered the pork porter house which was very tasty. Based on fellow Yelpers we ordered the strawberry pannacotta for desert but unfortunately they had none at 7:30! We settled for cookies and a tiramisu. We left overall feeling disappointed in the service and the quality of the food.
(2)
D. F.

My five stars come from a combination of food, service, ambiance and price. The service was attentive and professional, the food was very good. I had the pasta trio and liked two of them very much, the third was a bit ordinary, but delicious. The restaurant is lovely and in a great location. If service, ambiance and food were all I was taking into consideration, I'd probably have awarded four stars. The five stars reflect that all of this was had at very reasonable price. I don't dine in Pittsburgh often, but to me, it seemed relatively inexpensive for the overall dining experience. I've certainly paid alot more for alot less. Good job, Lidia!
(5)
Raquel C.

I love Lydia's. Food is very solid and I love the ambience
(4)
Margaret K.

My family had been planning to go to Lidia's for a while, and finally made a reservation for my dad's birthday. I was not really impressed with the whole experience overall. We got there for our reservation and it took a while for anyone to come greet us at the front of the place, even though it wasn't very busy. They seated us outside, but the outdoor seating is right next to the street and it wasn't very pleasant. They were nice enough to move us inside without complaint. We ordered drinks, which took a long time to get there. I had the pasta trio special, I really liked the idea of getting to sample three different fresh recipes. I only really liked one (I know it changes up though) and only got a refill of that one. My sister got the seafood alfredo, which she said was good. I don't even remember what my parents ordered because it wasn't very memorable. Although the service was decent and the food was okay, I was just generally unimpressed and felt like we paid a lot for just a "meh" experience and food.
(2)
Lindsay D.

Yummy! The braised duck gnocchi were out of this world! Our waitress was as nice as they get. Great experience!
(4)
J T.

My cabbie recommended Lidia's. I wasn't sure what to think of it I just knew it was Italian food. It was a Thursday night and the place was dead. There were about 3 other tables. It wasn't because the place isn't good though. I think it might have much more to do with the economy... I had Lidia's Trio del Giorno a la carte. The pastas were all good. Served right out of the pan, there was a penne with a red sauce, a linguine with peas and other veg, but I wasn't really paying much attention to those because they were serving goat cheese ravioli. I very nearly, almost exclusively ate the goat cheese ravioli. These were so tasty and cooked to perfection I very nearly ate until I was sick. I was a bit disappointed in the wine selection by the glass. It seemed that most of everything I really wanted was only sold by the bottle. It turns out that in Pittsburgh you can have the restaurant re-cork the bottle and you can take it with you. Who knew? Regardless I ended up with a house wine that was adequate for the job. All in all the place was just average. Even though my meal was fantastic it's mostly because I'm totally biased toward goat cheese. Strange bias I know. Everything else was just A-OK and the meal was pretty expensive for what it was. I would go there again, but I'm going to explore more of Pittsburgh before I do.
(3)
Justin S.

Get the daily pasta special.. Can't beat it. Skip salad and dessert-won't have room
(4)
Romi O.

WAAAAY over priced and although their appetizers were good, I'm not sure if it's bc we went in August and the kitchen was hot and the cooks were sweating their butts off back there but they salted their pastas WAAAAY too much. One of the pastas in their trio had sun dried tomatoes and capers in it. You'd think they'd tone down the saltiness of the pasta to let the saltiness of the sundries tomatoes and capers pull it together but no. I felt like I was eating strands of salt. The ambiance is great and their wine menu is extensive. Maybe it was a bad day but I think I can find better Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh with it's strong Italian roots.
(2)
Nelly D.

This place seems like it would be really expensive, but it's not bad at all! You get free bread with this awesome hummus dip (I think that's what it is) and all the food is always melt-in-your-mouth. They also have an all you care to eat trio of pasta, which I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Sarah S.

Just had a wonderful dinner here! My boyfriend and I have been together for just over 4 years and he has talked about this place many times! We have never been!!! When I saw the Groupon, I just had to get it. It was a nice surprise for him, especially on a Tuesday! Loved the bread and hummus-esque dippers, caesar salad, 3 pastas, and awesome tiramisu! The waiter was great! So wish I had remembered his name. He let us share one tiramisu there, and bagged the other up for later. He also rinsed and let me keep the sweet GLASS cork from bottle of red wine I selected. (It was the Nero d'Avola, btw). Not a bad wine, tasted better once we were actually eating. The second waiter? was great as well! Will definitely return! Thank you Lidia's!!!
(5)
Gabriel G.

Most of my happiness about this place stems from watching Lidia's cooking show on PBS with my Dad when I was younger. I was a bit disappointed by the taste of the sauce on the Sunday rigatoni and meatballs special, but the ravioli included in the sampler platter was incredible. The salads and desserts...heck, everything was sized generously, and we all left satisfied.
(4)
Maggie M.

With so many good Italian places in Pittsburgh I was a little skeptical about a celebrity chef chain. But brunch here was very delicious and generous. The antipasto offerings included a number of crunchy salads that were nice and vibrant. I got the egg/potato/cheese plate which was decadent and more than one person could eat, but it was tasty nonetheless. My husband got the pasta sampler including hand made gnocchi that was silky and smooth. Others at our table were satisfied with the steak, salmon, and trout options as well. Glad I saved a bit of space for dessert although if I'm back I won't sample everything again and instead I'll just focus on the tiramisu, which was by far and away the best sweet offered.
(3)
J M.

Sad to hear the mediocre reviews and, as I haven't been in Pittsburgh for a year, I can only say that, we've always had great food and really great service in the past. Look forward to being back in the 'Burgh soon. Just have to say to the groupon complainers (which of course is not all of you) . . .you got a bargain, stop complaining. Don't try to be cheap and then nitpick a restaurant to death. Happens all the time and is not nice!
(5)
John B.

Terrible will never go back. From toothless busers to pasta that tastes like a soup kitchen rewarm. Calamari was not fresh. Pasta trio had the worst sauce I have ever tasted. I grew up with fresh tomato meat sauce and worked with chefs from Italy. This would have hit the garbage in less than a second if I handed this to them to serve. Seriously when you are attempting to show class.....Do not hire people that look like they just walked out of the trash bin! Toothless busers asking to remove dishes that I am eating is Unacceptable.
(1)
Mitchell P.

I returned to Lidia's after about three years away, mainly due to the many awesome and fresh restaurants that have popped up in Pittsburgh lately. Spots like Spoon, Grit & Grace, Salt. . .these guys are doing great things, so it was easy to forget about the old standards. Back to Lidia's. . .the menu has remained consistent, with a nice selection of northern Italian and continental dishes. The special $25 wine list is now the $32 wine list, but there are still a few bargains in there. The food on what looked like a fairly slow Saturday night was good. Not mind-blowing, but the quality was consistent with Lidia's tradition. The braised rabbit dish was delicious, as was the osso buco. I had the "roasted beet salad", which actually had pickled beets, not roasted. But it was tasty. Now, the problem. . .service was insanely slow and inattentive. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, but she would disappear for huge chunks of time, leaving us with empty glasses and plates, and no food. All told, from seating to departure, dinner for two lasted exactly three hours, at least an hour was spent just sitting, waiting, wishing. It became aggravating when spending in excess of $100 per person, and at the end of the night you have to track down the waitress to give her your credit card. I expect that at Denny's, but not Lidia's. It really looks like they need a stronger manager keeping things running smoothly, because while the food is still excellent, I saw nobody in control of the dining room. This review could have easily been two stars, but I added one for the tasty rabbit.
(3)
Jing L.

I was there for their sunday brunch. My friend and I tried the pasta trio and Polipo (grilled octopus). Both of them taste good but I prefer the pasta trio over Polipo.
(4)
Patrick L.

Very Nice! The restaurant itself is large inside and has very nice decor. If you have a table by the window, you have a excellent view of the bridges and Allegheny River. The food was great and service was very helpful! I would totally recommend trying it out.
(4)
Lowell M.

I had really high expectations for this place but the food was overpriced & bland my lasagna tasted like it was made by Stouffers. The service was excellent the food nothing great.
(1)
Taylor S.

I've been here for a brunch which I really enjoyed. You just helped yourself to a buffet. It was of course scrumptious! Don't remember exactly what I had but remember it was good!
(4)
Sarah M.

We finally made it to Lydia's and unfortunately it was disappointing! The olive spreads that come with the bread basket were gritty and tasteless. The lasagne I ordered was flavorless as well. The pasta in the lasagna was a nice texture. My husband ordered the $42 steak, he ordered it mid rare and it was a bit over cooked but the issue with the steak was the flavor if a dirty grill. The Tiramisu was very good also the calamari appetizer was terrific. The service was good but she hovered too much for me personally. We also had several drinks.... So, in the end $180 left a bad taste in my mouth..........
(2)
Mark H.

Service was excellent. The menu offerings were spotty. A group 16 of us attended the Saints-Steelers game in November. We attend most of the away games and have an opportunity to eat at some very good restaurants. Lidia's was a place I was looking forward to because I am aware of her by reputation. We had several appetizers including the bruschetta, which was really only to my liking. The balsamic was excellent - syrupy and sweet - and clearly a nicely aged one. But it was incongruous with the rest of the dish, and so not many enjoyed it. The bread served at the table was really very good and we devoured baskets of it. Comments from some of the other diners: - Baked shrimp appetizer was pretty good, the calamari was very good. - Rucola salad was (in my opinion) excellent - Beet salad was interesting and overall very good - Butternut squash soup was enjoyed by several of us - Scampi alla Felidia was ordered by several guests with mixed opinions - Lasagna bolognese? so so at best Gnocchi and duck ragu was what I ordered. I was very disappointed. The duck was shredded and cooked into a sort of red congealed, thick mass with little texture. The gnocchi were so underdone as to be a sort of glutinous paste sitting under the duck. The texture was completely unappealing but I do have to say that the flavor of the duck ragu (ragout?) was pretty good. Still, the gnocchi - one of my favorite things and something I make myself probably once a month - were a disappointment. I didn't send it back because it didn't seem appropriate in the setting of a very large group to monopolize the wait staff. I'd still give it a try again when I'm there in June, but it seems that some of their efforts are focused more on being creative, which is good, but falling somewhat short. By the way, if you like a more traditional Italian and happen to be in St. Louis, Charlie Gitto's on the Hill is a great place. Similar in ambiance and quality to Lidia's, the service there can't be beat and the food is quite good as well.
(2)
Shea S.

Having basic cable for a few years now, I guess I missed who Lidia is. But her restaurant is sure nice. Wonderful and attentive service, nice atmosphere, and large portions of tasty food. I had the gnocchi, which comes with duck ragu - fantastic! I'm a huge fan of duck, and this was a new approach for me. The duck played really well with the thick ragu sauce. Not the best potato dumplings in a gnocchi, but still quite good. My friends dishes were also great, especially the lasagna which was massive. A nice comfort Italian joint with some unique twists and lovely service. Strikes me as a good spot that can please many different tastes.
(4)
Mitchell R.

Have always had superior meals here. Wine selection is good. Service is always top-notch.
(5)
Lynn B.

The atmosphere and service from this restaurant were a welcome change from much of what we received the rest of our stay in Pittsburgh. The staff seemed genuinely friendly and attentive. The food was good- not outstanding but definitely one of the best meals I had in the city. I ordered salmon, which was cooked perfectly. My friends had the pasta tasting, which for it's price seemed very reasonable. Pasta dishes never impress me the way other dishes do, but teh three offered this night were on the lighter side and a nice variety. Oh why lie, they each had three servings and I was eating off their plates. That food was gooood!
(4)
Ashley L.

2.5 Stars My boyfriend and I each purchased a groupon to Lidias. The groupon (meal for 2) included a $32 bottle of wine; choice between salad or soup; an all you can eat pasta trio; and dessert (tiramisu). The first time we went, I would have rated Lidias with one star. The service was sub-par on a Friday night. We were seated at a table too close to a service station and my seat kept being bumped into. The bottle of wine we ordered never arrived until after we were mostly finished with our salads. As for the food, the Caesar salad was OK, but I was really disappointed by the pastas. The goat cheese ravioli was bland, and the other 2 pastas lacked in flavor as well (rigatoni with an olive oil based sauce and pasta in a meat sauce, which lacked in meat). The second trip was better, bumping Lidias up to 2.5 stars. We went midweek (Wednesday), and the service improved, although we still received our bottle of wine after the salads. The quality and taste of the pastas also improved. The pasta was fresh and had much more flavor (spaghetti noodles with red peppers, mushroom ravioli, and rigatoni with sweet sausage and onion). Both times we got the dessert to go. Our waitress also boxed up the remainder of our all you can eat pasta for us to take home with us (which was nice). If you have the groupon, I would recommend going on a week night when they aren't as busy for better service. I would also call ahead to see what pastas they are serving that day. I wouldn't want to pay full price for the meal, as there are better options for Italian food in the city.
(2)
Tran T.

Visited here on Thursday evening (3/20) around 6:30 pm for dinner. It was not packed although there were several patrons and more walking in as we were leaving. No wait time. I noticed upstairs they had a conference room enclosed with glass walls - looks like it would be a nice place for a birthday party or small private engagement. The food: Bread - The complimentary bread basket had a mixture of parmesan bread sticks and a couple other bread variations. It came with two bean type dips and olive oil. The parmesan bread stick is so good!!! I would've hoarded it all if I weren't on a business trip. Alas, I had to pretend to be civilized and eat only two. The bread was good, nothing that stood out, but I love bread I'll eat it anyway. Fish of the day - I ordered the fish of the day which was rainbow trout over farro. It came with some sort of creamy sauce that brought everything together perfectly. A lot of times, the grains that come with the dish are pretty simple, I felt the farro was seasoned to bring out the flavor and texture of it rather than masking it. I ate every single bit, it was so good. Dessert - Ordered the biscotti/cookie dessert which came with one scoop of vanilla ice cream with espresso poured over the top in affogato style. It came with an assortment of cookies, none of which were too sweet. It came with two of each of Anise and almond biscotti, peanut butter cookie with chopped peanuts, some sort of dark cocoa crispy biscotti type cookie, spice cookie - like ginger molasses, pistachio cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies. All were pretty small and probably around 1.5" in diameter. It would be a good dessert to share, but I don't share and I don't share desserts of all things. The one cookie I liked the least was the crispy dark cocoa thing, I don't know what it is. I really liked the spice cookie. The chocolate crinkle cookie was very fudgy and almost like a brownie in a cookie form. Service was great, although a little pretentious. Restaurant nice, clean, and upscale, and food came out fast, piping out, and perfect! Price is fair for the quality. I would definitely return here!
(5)
Nicole B.

I liked the decor of the place. When I lived in Pittsburgh 3 years ago, I was just out of college with no money and didn't care what I ate. So I spent a lot of time eating bar food, pizza, and $1 pierogies. I never knew there were "fancy" restaurants until I returned this week for work! I got the salad with pears & gouda which was delicious with a ton of cheese. I also had the octopus appetizer as a meal - I was surprised, it's much chewier than I expected. But the vinaigrette on it was tasty and the red potatoes and kalamata olives gave it a lot of flavor. The fruity sorbet was good as well. I though the service was great and the waiters didn't laugh at me for not knowing half the words on the menu. They were more than willing to explain!
(4)
RC P.

did not like the gnocchi dish i ordered excellent service try the dessert sampler - a plate of mini desserts - very good
(3)
Sheila M.

We joined friends for dinner at Lidia's recently and enjoyed a great italian meal. A couple of us had the caesar salad, which wasn't anything special; it had way too much dressing on it - about what I could make at home with the bagged lettuce and bottle dressing. Our foodie friend, who frequents the restaurant regularly, chose a salad with peas, which looked delicious! I would order that next time. (I looked at their online menu and wasn't able to find the name though... sorry!) For dinner 2 of us had the Pasta Trio which included gnocci, fettucini alfredo with mushroom and Orecchiette ("little ears") with sausage. I'm not a huge sausage fan but found the orecchiette to be absolutely delicious! The others were very good as well. I'm not a gnocci fan, but that was the favorite of our our italian friend who joined us. Someone ordered the Spaghetti "Trapanese" with almond pesto, fried calamari and shrimp. It was outstanding! Our friend who dines here regularly said he orders it a lot. For dessert I had the winner of the table, which was to die for! It was the "Semifreddo di Cioccolato e Caramello" which was a square block of layered chocolate ice cream, caramel ice cream and chocolate cake. It was covered in toasted meringue and topped with crushed toffee with caramel sauce drizzled around the plate. The combination of flavors was incredible. I couldn't finish it so my friends dove in. It's a 15 min walk or $5-6 cab fare from the Omni William Penn to the restaurant. Our friend who travels constantly to Pitt for business says that whenever he's in town for even 3 days that he goes to Lidia's at least once... and it's about a third the price of the NY locations, so if you're going to try it and are in Pgh, might as well do it here!
(4)
Nina P.

Lidia's is a nice place for a special occasion but misses the mark for this foodie. Their Octopus Appetizer is perfect however their pasta sampler was disappointing. One of the selections was not cooked and clumped together a silly mistake from the kitchen that shamed the attentive wait staff. Dessert was no better. My vanilla creme sauce looked like snot next to a melted mess of ice cream. Take a non foodie friend here to be nice but not for a culinary fun find.
(3)
Dan M.

You can count on ONE hand the restaurants that serve fresh food. Honestly. Lidia's is one of them. Most restaurants in our fair city order supplies from "food service" companies; they come frozen and ready to "heat and serve." Or they're chain restaurants with pre-packaged meals (to "protect the 'quality' of the product") from the central "food factory." Lidia's? All the food is hand-made from fresh ingredients in the kitchen of the restaurant. And under the watchful eye of Lidia herself who seems to visit Pittsburgh quite often to maintain quality control. I adore the frico and the pasta trio offerings. The salads are fresh and vibrant. And the "under $30" wine list is a blessing. Over the years, I've had most of what's offered on the menu and I've NEVER been disappointed by either the quality of the food or the price. And the portions are generous. If that's not enough, the staff -- host/hostesses, servers, bartenders, mgmt -- are first-rate: friendly, responsive and on-the-mark. One night, my wife and I stopped by simply to have drinks and appetizers. We sat at the bar and began to chat with the bartender about wine. We ended up tasting several red wines and learning about some terrific wines priced under $20 at the state liquor store. What a resource HE turned out to be! My only warning: holidays can be tough at Lidia's: Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, New Year's Eve, etc. They usually have a fixed-price menu offering those days and they tend to be overwhelmed by the number of people who come to eat there. The service and the food quality suffers as a result. My advice? Avoid the holidays and stop by on a weeknight for a dinner experience unlike you've ever had. Linger and enjoy the desserts. Soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the staff. Still the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. No doubt about it.
(5)
John A.

First visit there. Went for Sunday brunch and haven't found this good of a brunch value for a long time. The fried mushroom risotto balls, the gnocchi with duck ragu and the manicotti with mushroom ragu were excellent. The antipasto selection was extensive and everything was delicious. The server was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere comfortable. Will definitely go back soon.
(5)
T.H. J.

Good, for a "celebrity name" restaurant. Actually, I typed in another adjective, but didn't was to have my review flagged. The pasta was very fresh and well prepared, and the service was top-notch. The non-pasta dishes were more common
(4)
Michael N.

I've been here twice and both times did the prix fixe pasta tasting. The selections change frequently but it was always delicious and extremely satisfying.
(4)
Joe R.

Was really excited to try this since I watch her show and have enjoyed making her recipes. But it was a disappointment and did not live up to my or my group's expectations. Very ordinary Italian food. Had brunch and tried a little of everything and it was ALL pretty plain and ordinary. Don't go out of your way to try this place like I did
(3)
Krissy M.

Ehhh.. For a sort-of-celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich (business partner to Mario Batalli) I was totally UNimpressed with the sunday brunch. Thank god I haven't bought her cookbook. I ordered the Pasta Tasting - and I wish I hadn't. The whole wheat Paparelle was sugary, the penne a la vodka was watery, and the raviolle was soaked in butter. My parents meals were better, which is why I've given three stars. That said, the atmosphere was beautiful and the antipasta and dessert tables were nicely laid out. The kitchen is half open behind the bar, and unlike the open kitchens in NYC where the aestitics of the kitchen are well planned out, this kitchen had four colored pots and pans thrown on top of the shelves to make it look pretty. Umm, four pots? and an industrial kitchen? not so cute. Sadly, I didn't not love this place.
(3)
Dan L.

I've been to Lidia's a few times before and figured I'd leave a review after today's trip. We arrived a bit early for our reservation and they were able to seat us right away. Even with a fairly packed dining room, the place wasn't too loud. If you have any old people in your group, they can seat you downstairs as I don't think they have an elevator (I prefer being upstairs overlooking looking the dining room, it's a nice touch). The Lobster Arancini were cooked perfectly with no crunchy, undercooked risotto inside. The only downside was that there were just 3 (we had 4 people) and they were tiny so it was almost impossible to split them. As for entrees, the gnocchi topped with a duck ragu are a fantastic dish, not too rich and the gnocchi simply melt in your mouth. The Zuppa di Pesce has a wonderfully balanced broth which wasn't oversalted (a surprise given the amount of shellfish) and tasted like it might have had Sherry wine in it. I think I counted 7 or 8 different items in this seafood hodgepodge. As for service, it was quite good and we were done with 3 courses in a bit over an hour. Lidia's certainly ranks up there as one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city.
(4)
A L.

This restaurant has remained - longer than I expected, frankly. But the food is ok, definitely not great and is fairly forgettable. The wine list is also forgettable. Overall, this is a place that I go to if I have to for an event, but probably wouldn't think about otherwise. It is well-located in the Strip District though and near some bars, so if you want to be able to walk from place to place, this is a place to consider if Italian is what you are in the mood for. Fairly pricey for what they offer.
(3)
Gini L.

I go to Lidia's once a year when I am in town for Thanksgiving. I like the ambiance and the decor, although this year our corner table had chairs that sunk WAY down - we wanted to ask for telephone books. I usually choose one of the special salads and have the gnocchi with duck ragu; it is superb! So much flavor and the gnocchi are perfect. This year, though, there was a special fall prix fixe menu with Winter Squash. The ravioli with balsamic drizzle were delicious. I choose quail with apples and squash for my main course and was very satisfied. Terrific glaze! The dessert, however, was over the top! Creme fraiche and pumpkin ice creams, caramel sauce, AND pumpkin fritters. We enjoyed a couple of the $28 bottles. No, they aren't stellar, but for the price they are all good food wines. Everyone in our party enjoyed the meals and we will definitely return.
(4)
A M.

Jeez...Has it really been a month since I've been here as I look at the receipt. Well, I'll try to fill in the blanks. This may be one of my new fav' brunch spots. I'm not a fan of brunches as I detest most buffet style dining (has to do with my germophobia), sneeze guards...etc. Howeve, this is the type of brunch I can deal with. First let's start with the space. It's a beautiful restaurant that's been here for a few years. Lidia of PBS fame has only three restaurants I believe (one in nyc, one in kc, and for some reason one in pgh). As an aside I was told when I asked that one of the reasons lidia chose pittsburgh is because the ratings for her cooking show are better in this small metro than any other urban setting. I dont' remembe all the details of the space except there were very high ceilings and ornate chandeliers (sp?). We sat at the long bar and had a great professional bartender. The bar offers a birds eye view into the open kitchen with many "back of the house" folks running about in organized confusion. It's a bit busier today than usual Isuspect because the matriarch herself "lidia" is here barking orders and checking plates. I'm told she only visits a few times a year and is here for the tomatoe dinner...Btw, Lidia in person looks very much like her profile on tv,,, she seems warm, genuine and very...how should I say..."grandmotherlike". She comes out of the kitchen signs afew autographs and then has a seat by herself sipping an espresso watching the show go past...Okay, onto the food one of the main reason's I like this brunch is because the brunch entree's are cooked to order and offer some interesting options outside of your typical brunch fair. It's relatively reasonable at $22 for everything including a "well" bloody mary. The brunch starts with a delicious assortment of warm bread from the in house bakery served with three flavored butters. I believe they are one with "crunchy" sugar, apricot and strawberry. I like the crunchy one the best and quite frankly could have made a meal out of the bread and butter alone. The buffet portion (if you will) has some fun options such as a great antipasta platter, all cheese and meats served at the perfect temperature with some house made pickles. Also, there is a nice frittata (think italian omelette) along with a couple assorted salads and fruit. You then have your choice of about a dozen main courses...everything from there famous pasta tasting trio for those who really want to "carb up" to beef tenderloin and chicken. Annie orders this DELICIOUS duck pasta. I don't think it's on the traditional brunch menu but it is soft pillows of al dente' pasta stuffed with a savory mix of duck and spices served in a small bowl with a dusting of cheese. It was quite good. I order the chicken livers, which are flavorful quick seared chicken livers, about medium rare served with polenta and fried onions. I'm not a big polenta fan and the dish could have used some sauce, but overall it was a nice flavorful brunch. You also get to peruse the dessert menu for the $22, but we skipped it. We found the food quite good and the service outstanding. Now, granted the boss was there so it was everyones "A game"...I don't care even without the best efforts I'm guessing this will become a somewhat regular stop for us.
(4)
Kim H.

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Lidia's on Thanksgiving day. The food was good. No Butterball turkey here! Staff is friendly and we were seated right away. The waiter timed it perfectly on each course. We weren't rushed or did we have to sit awhile between each course. Great wine flight! The ambiance is lovely and the tables weren't close together.
(4)
Joolz M.

It's funny that I went here for Sunday brunch and have yet to visit the NYC location, but se la vie. Lidia's Pittsburgh is good. Not spectacular, but really very good, and it's a welcome respite from the Olive Garden and the other Italian chains that seem to make up the Pgh area & the rest of the US. Also, I give it kudos for its location in the Strip District. Decor-wise, there is a comfortable and easy ambiance mixed with a slight artsiness that I liked. Plus there were only friendly and helpful servers/hosts etc., which is always worth a lot, in my opinion. While we were probably underdressed, there was zero attitude about it, and that's just not not something I would encounter in NYC. Again, the food was really good. Not amazing, mind you, but very tasty. I had the homemade pasta, which was brought tableside piping hot, in addition to the homemade salads and other fare at the buffet table. A Bloody Mary, (or Champagne, if you prefer) is included in the brunch as well, making for a great deal!! (I think the whole brunch was like $17 including drinks and dessert.) The desserts were quite good as well. This would be a great spot for a large party too. Unfortunately, I do feel like it's missing that little something extra that makes a restaurant truly great, but it is absolutely worth a try. You will enjoy your meal here.
(4)
Patrick H.

We had a great experience at Lidia's. I would give this a 4.5 if I could. We started with the Prosciutto San Danielle and Asparagus and Boiled egg salad. The salad was the perfect foil to the salty prosciutto. Very nice. We loved the bread basket with the the scoop of ground chickpeas in pesto. We each had a salad. My partner ordered the pasta tasting (more on this in a moment) which came with a Caesar Salad and my friend Carlos and I split the Roasted Beet salad. For entree, I had the gnocchi with Duck ragu. Wow. Really fantastic. Nice handmade gnocchi with a rich duck sauce that almost seemed like a confit. Carlos had the grilled calamari with corona beans and escarole. It was light and delicious in a heady broth that was spiked with Thyme. My partner, Steven had the pasta tasting. Kinda like Italian Rodizio, three housemade pastas of the day are served and by roving waiters with copper skillets. They keep on serving you pasta for as long as you want to eat. That night the pastas were a spinach and ricotta ravioli in a butter thyme sauce, pappardelle in a pulled pork sauce and Penne with eggplant. Steven liked two out of the three. He found the pulled pork sauce to be overwhelming. The raviolis were a treat and when the servers brought Steven his first round, he energetically asked "would you like to try one?" Of course I would! that was indicative of all the service we encountered. Very casual, friendly and efficient. What more could you ask for? Desserts were superlative. I had the Cranberry Torta with homemade pistachio ice cream and Steven had the Panna Cotta with Marinated dry fruits. Both were exemplary. The decor is lovely. All in all a great experience. I do understand when others say that perhaps they expected a bit more, and perhaps I agree with them, considering that this is Lidia Bastianich's place, but if you dissassociate the name with the experience I think you will find that it's a great meal at a reasonable price and what's wrong with that?
(4)
Dani B.

We have been to Lidia's twice now, and have received delicious food and excellent service both times. We have only been on weeknights, and with reservations, however, so I'm not at all discrediting the reviews that discussed poor service on weekend nights and/or without reservations. The pasta trio special was good when I had it, but my favorite dish is the gnocchi with duck ragu. I also loved my husband's wild boar ravioli. Skip the overpriced wine and order one of the house sodas instead. The ginger cranberry is fabulous! We also love love love the frico and burrata appetizers. The frico is large and rich enough that it's really enough for two people, but the appetizers are yummy, so everyone might as well get their own and bring home whatever they can't finish. Note to parents of babies, this restaurant is very family friendly, in our experience. We loved bringing our infant daughter here and were pleased that the restaurant offers slings for carseats for the smaller babies as well as highchairs for babies who are of sitting up age (many places don't have the slings). The lady's room and its changing station were very clean. The staff often stopped to smile back at the baby when she was smiling at them, and our waiter asked if we needed anything for her. Not necessary, but very nice, and appreciated. They have valet parking, but we just park about a block away and walk, since we sometimes enjoy walking further down the strip district, anyway.
(4)
Kelvin C.

Had a groupon for 2 pasta trios and wine for $70. Good food good service good atmosphere. What else could you want
(5)
Bethany K.

My husband watches Lidia every Saturday on Create. We make a weekend trip to Pa, and were both excited to visit this restaurant. Per other reviews, we chose to go to Sunday brunch. This was an excellent choice. You're offered complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. You then have an antipasti buffet which has a staff member who stands there making sure everything is kept fresh, and to answer any questions. He also took our soup to our table to allow us to continue getting items from the buffet. You have about 16 choices on the buffet, not including soup, meats. We both chose to have the pasta trio - where you are initially given 3 small portions of the daily special pasta, with ordering more as needed. The desserts are phenomenal. You have cookies, fruit, tiramisu, cakes. If my husband wasn't as full as he was, I would have had him roll me out the door ;-)
(5)
Patrick G.

Haven't been there in awhile and things sure have changed. Service was quite disappointing. Server spent more time talking to co-workers than she did waiting tables. Pasta trio was basically a duo since they forgot to bring the third offering. Food was decent but not as good as it used to be...
(3)
Rachel C.

It's been a while since I've written about Lidia. Well, Lidia's, not Lidia the person. After a couple hit and miss visits with the various pasta trio tastings I had, I'd say I was back in Lidia's good graces with their massive brunch spread. I will give you ample warning, DO NOT EAT A SINGLE THING BEFORE YOU COME HERE FOR BRUNCH. For realsies. It's a crap ton of food! And the best part? It's a bargain! For $28 you get the brunch buffet, your choice of main course AND a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Isn't that a bloody good time? Why, yes, yes it is. You just have to roll me out afterwards! The buffet is awesome, with tons of traditional anti pasta's, meat trays, soups and salads. I actually went two weeks in a row (I know... that's a lot!) and got to see that they actually change out the buffet items quite a bit. The first week I went I had a delicious bean salad and artichoke salad. The second week I came they had fried risotto balls, which I promptly had about a million of... and tasty mussels. For your main course there's about 12 different options to choose from, including the pasta trio of the day! The first week I went with the Salmon over beans and potatoes. I asked for it rare, and rare it came out! It was very flavorful and I liked the charred pieces. I could have used a few more veggies underneath, but the salmon was so large (about 8oz I swear) that it just took over the entire plate! The second week I had stuffed cabbage and mash potatoes. Odd for a polish meal to be on the menu, but it was delicious. I'd have to say even better than the salmon. I loved stuffed cabbage and the mash potatoes were certainly home made and not instant (could you imagine the horror if they were instant?). With all that food it's hard to believe I had room for dessert. But how could you NOT indulge when it's also on the buffet just staring at you waiting for it's chance to be eaten! The first week I took the traditional tiramisu, which was fantastic! I like tiramisu that's not too espresso tasting and this was perfection. Very light and tasty. The second week they had a lemon tiramisu and it was a little slice of lemon heaven. Even better than the regular. I shoved so much in my mouth I thought I was going to throw up. But it would have been all worth it, I swear! So heed my warning, friends! You will thank me as you're rolling yourself outta there!
(5)
B N.

An excellent place for authentic Italian cuisine! Though slightly pricey, you are guaranteed an amazing meal in a great atmosphere every time. I love this place for special moments such as anniversaries or birthdays. Also, the menu is seasonal which always allows you to try something new. Love this place!
(4)
Alex S.

Ate at this resturant while on a business trip. We chose Lidia's because of it's excellent reputation in the downtown Pittsburgh area. I have to say I was pretty dissapointed by my overall experience at this resturant. Our food was just average, nothing special. I had the gnocchi and the salmon (shared between the two of us.) The service was absolutely horrible. Our food took over an hour and half to come out and we were the only people in the entire resturant. Our waitress Carrie was extremely rude and had a really bad attitude. I would probably not come back.
(1)
Savi Y.

Fine Italian dining at a reasonable price and by reasonable, I mean, it's less expensive than a Michelin starred French restaurant. The atmosphere is pretty fancy...high ceilings, white table clothes, snooty looking hosts and waiters, however, looks are deceiving. This is a family-style restaurant, disguised as a fine dining. We went here with 6 adults and 2 young children...arriving a little too early for dinner, they let us wait inside. I was hoping they'd give us some free appetizers, but no such luck =(. They seated us right at 5p and seats started filling up fast, so it was probably a good idea we got there early. We ordered 5 of the pasta trios and I ordered the Zuppe di Pesce (seafood stew). The pasta was good...I wouldn't say it was amazing, but definitely worth the price...$20 for just the pasta, but yo u can add a ceasar salad and desert for I think $7. For people that don't know, everyday, there are 3 different pasta dishes the chef makes for this pasta trio. They have servers for each of the individual pastas (pretty neat IMO). They give you a sampling of the 3 at first, which, quite honestly was plenty. Then you can pick one, two or even all three for the subsequent rounds. I don't know if it's all you can eat, but even the big eaters were done after their 3rd plate. There is a child's menu, but our kids eat like birds, so we asked if they could have a little of the pasta. The servers were very accomodating...bringing everyone plates to share. My wife ordered the pasta trio with a salad and desert. The ceasar was perfect (she shared it with me) and she had tiramisu that was probably the best we've ever had. The Zuppe di pesce (my entree) was AMAZING...I'm a seafood lover though. Overall, I'd say this is an upgraded version of Olive Garden...which is NOT a bad thing.
(4)
Mihee K.

We went to treat A's parents for their anniversary - his mom has been obsessed with this lady forever. I had an amazing lobster risotto, A had the osso bucco, and his mom tried the pasta trio, which was divine. His dad had something spicy and in marinara sauce...looked godd. Neat atmosphere, and knowledgeable waitstaff...
(4)
Don M.

I was very disappointed with my meal here. I expected way more from Lidia's. As a regular viewer of the show I was expecting fresh / rustic Italian meals. What I ended up with was stuffed pasta that I'm 95% sure was reheated in a microwave, bland mains, and slow and inattentive service. The only highlight of the meal was the bread which was the only fresh ingredient used in the entire meal.
(2)
Kathy C.

Drove by, stopped for dinner without reservations on a Saturday night and they seated us which was great. I don't watch much TV and did not know Lidia is somebody famous. Anyway, the restaurant is gorgeous, service is very smooth and polished. Food was just ok-bread was great. The pasta trio that night was nothing to write home about-could have done just as well at Olive Garden. We spent a lot of money (100.00 before tip) for 3 people with no deserts and no alcohol. Lidia's is okay-nothing really to complain about, but I probably would not go there again.
(3)
Benjamin E.

Somehow I thought the place was going to be fancier. The way the concierge at the hotel spoke of it, it sounded like it was going to be expensive and busy. But I was pleasantly surprised to see entrees that weren't too expensive and a very comfortable atmosphere! It was a welcome warm spot on a cold November night! I had the Pasta 3-course meal and was thrilled! - cesaer salad, all-u-can-eat 3 types of pastas and any dessert off of the dessert menu! I thoroughly enjoyed 2 of the 3 pastas and particularly liked the meat raviolis. Very tasty! While it was an all-u-can-eat offer, we really didn't have much more than small amounts of each, as all the portions were hearty and filling. The wine list had a selection of $28 bottles that were not fantastic, but tasty for the price. And the ambiance was enjoyable. Our group of 8 had pretty good service, and definitely enjoyed our experience there. Side note: Not an Italian dish, but the night we were there one of their specials was Hungarian Goolash, that was raved about by the 1 person at our table who ordered it!
(4)
Jillian G.

Lidia's is a Pittsburgh gem! Not uptight in the least, but supremely accommodating and professional. I would recommend the weekend brunch special (antipasto buffet, entree, dessert buffet, and a cocktail). Very considerate of dietary restrictions: vegetarians and vegans. Downright delicious with no frills!
(5)
Bob D.

I had their three pasta dinner in which they bring out to you endless amounts of their homemade or imported pasta dishes. Each one was absolutely delicious, and the service was wonderful.
(5)
Julie S.

I was really excited to go to Lidia's while in Pittsburgh for work. Had some drinks at the bar and they have an extensive Italian wine list. Our service was a little delayed but once our waiter was available he was knowledgeable and continued to check on us. He was a little awkward but attentive. The mussels were a little "fishy" to my taste but the remaining dishes we ordered were great and so were the bread bowl options. I enjoyed a gnocchi special. The pasta trio is typically the recommended choice but I wasn't in the mood for what was prepared that day. Overall I would give it a B.
(3)
Marianne S.

as a big fan of Lidia's, i was anxious to eat at her restaurant, and it was totally awesome. would highly recommend. Food was excellent. wait staff was attentive. we arrived early for our reservation and they were able to seat us. it was a lot of fun and the decor was awesome too.
(5)
Rick P.

service was phenomenal, food was fresh and good but a bit bland, had the pasta trio, I'd eat here again without concerns, but it's not someplace I'd feel compelled to return to
(4)
Erica K.

I really want to give this place a good review, the decor is beautiful, the wine list is great (about ten $28 bottles, red and white, the pino grigio we had was phenom!), the service was fine, but the food was totally forgettable. The service.... You know how when you get a jokey waiter when you're not "that kind" of table, you expect the waiter to get the hint and be more professional? Well I had the exact opposite experience. My very small office was saying goodbye to one of our coworkers, so we went to Lidia's for a boozy lunch. We were in high spirits and having a great time. The waiter was perfectly courteous and professional, but I thought he should have gotten that we were a more personable table. Anyway, I didn't knock off a star for this, it doesn't seem important enough. But it did taint my visit. I remember the waiters attitude more then some of the food. Oh, and don't bother with the tiramisu, it's all cream, almost no cake. But the atmosphere is great, they really went all out with the interior design. The menu isn't particularly veg friendly, but it's not too bad. Lidia's does high-end traditional Italian without being too pretentious or too predictable. But I have no desire to eat what I ordered (the daily special pasta trio) again nor do I have any interest in trying anything else on the menu. Months later I decided to lower my stars from four to two. I really wanted to like this place, but I really didn't. And I gotta talk about that wine list again, it's Lidia's only shining star. Of course, they have a pricey reserve list, but they have a whole bunch of really cheap, good bottles, and a bunch of wines by the glass too.
(2)
D T.

Went here for a quick lunch on a Friday at 12:35. We were seated right away. Had chicken panini and pasta trio. Super! Highly recommend the pear and cheese ravioli. Service was fantastic!
(5)
Jr A.

I dont feel it is worth the money. the drinks are entirely overpriced and the food was just ok. Nothing special
(3)
christine c.

came here for the weekend brunch. really good, but i wasn't too impressed w/ my entree (the pasta trio - the broccoli one was kind of watery, tasted like it was seasoned only w/ salt, and then i didnt like the ravioli at all, the cheese was too smelly for me and then the linguini was alrite but also kind of watery) i REALLY liked the butter that came w/ the bread - 3 kinds, crunchy sugar or something, apricot and strawberry; the appetizer table was really good too - caesar salad yummy, cured meats, soup was bleh, but it was a good variety and all you can eat the desserts also were really good. had cookies, tangerine panna cotta, tiramisu (which everyone kept snatching up so if you see it, just grab it even if youre not ready for dessert), this brownie thing was REALLY good also. the almond cake wasn't as moist as i would have hoped... my bf got the gnocchi w/ duck and that was really good. a LOT in terms of portion size $24 1 entree and all you can eat appetizer and dessert. pretty good deal! but not your every-weekend brunch place
(5)
Amanda J.

I came to Lidia's with a friend for lunch one Tuesday. I was really excited to try it out, but I just wasn't impressed. I'd really love to come back and try the pasta trio, but I would never try anything else here. Both my friend and I ordered a pannini. I had chicken, and he had steak. The chicken was so salty. I ended up taking if off of the panini, and then it tasted much better. The pesto and bread were great so why use salty chicken? The bread that came with the meal was good, but the soup was a letdown as well. The atmosphere is really nice, though. It's a tablecloths and cloth napkins kind of place, and most people were in for business lunches. The servers were good, and it's a classy vibe. Overall, after reading Yelp reviews, I would only come back here for the brunch or pasta trio. Otherwise, there are cheaper and better options for lunch.
(3)
J D.

Went to Lidia's on Sunday night for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. I thought that there may not be many reservations available since it was the day after Valentine's day but the space is quiet large and I nice selection of times. We were greeted by friendly staff and seated quickly. They have a large wine list which includes a wine of the month and bottles for $32. We started with the fritto misto appetizer - fried calamari, fried shrimp and fried vegetables ($12). The portion was large enough to share between 3 to 4 people. My husband ordered the potato gnocci ($18) which were supper light in a nice rich sauce - highly recommended. The menu always has the pasta trio ($22) which includes three homemade pastas that the chef makes. You get a generous first portion and then the staff come by periodically to ask if you want seconds and thirds. On Sunday they offered a thicker spaghetti with basil pistachio pesto, butternut squash ravioli with a butter sage sauce and a penne with sausage and peas. All were very good! I asked for just one last ravioli and the waiter gave me the final 13 from the pan and said I could take them home! The leftovers were just as good the next day heated up! Extras: Valet - $7 which I thought was a little steep. Coat check is offered. Seats next to the window are not cold at all!
(5)
Mark F.

Lidia, you should be ashamed! This spot wouldn't have lasted a year in NYC. Citizens of Pittsburgh, don't be fooled. Lidia's is average at best. I ate here when it opened,a and again 4 years later. Nothing has changed. We did have some great bar nibbles, quality cocktails, and a good bottle of wine off of a pretty good list, but the food and service lacked. For starters we were served ice cold meatballs and limp soggy salads. The took away everything and only brought back fresh salads (mind you, we were one of about 10 tables being served that evening!). The entrees were dull and lacked seasoning. The servers were confused (how many times does it take to ask fro fresh pepper?) and our waiter seemed to hand off our table to another server. It's tough to find anything good here. Just another 'poser'.
(1)
Sherry Z.

Lidia's is a good restaurant for Italy food. Though there is little bit loud, food here are really awesome. $6 is needed for valet.
(4)
Pachandra O.

I popped into Lidia's for lunch before going to the Heinz History Center and Museum, which is right down the street. I'm not from the area and read some good reviews about this restaurant, so I wanted to try it. It was a Saturday around noon so I was expecting a huge crowd, but there were hardly any diners in the restaurant and after having my very expensive meal, it became apparent why. First, there was a prefix brunch menu which I found to be pricey (for the quality). There was a salad bar with old, wilted, over-dressed salad, a few different (old looking) pasta salads, and a sparsely covered meat board. For my entree, I tried the lasagna recommended by the waiter. It was a generous portion, but tasted just like a freezer lasagna you would purchase at the local grocery. The dessert bar was the best part. The nutella chocolate cake and lemon cakes were delicious. The tiramisu was not very good, though, It was runny, watery, and had too much brandy in it. The service was strange. My server was a little absent minded and awkward when presenting the menu. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, but it wasn't the worst dining experience I've ever had.
(2)
Angelica R.

My family and I came here for Sunday brunch to celebrate my father's birthday. We were seated around noon and I was starving. As other people have said, don't you dare eat a single thing before you come here or you will have to be rolled out like Violet Beauregarde. They start you off with a complimentary blood mary or mimosa. Um, hai. I like your style. And you pick your entree (of course, the famous pasta trio is an option). Then you get to take your fill of their antipasto spread. A dozen different salad options, mussels, cheese, olives, frittata... I had to try a bit of everything and yes, I was that person walking back to my table with two plates. My entree was duck gnocchi. I felt a little guilty because I adore duckies but damn was it tasty. The gnocchi were like little pillows they were so light and fluffy. Lidia, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET!? Best gnocchi I have ever had (and I don't even really like it that much; something about it just called to me). And then they wrap you up with a dessert table. I was about read to pop and we had homemade ice cream and cake at home but I couldn't stop myself. The little cookies were crisp and perfectly satisfying to wrap up a meal. But I didn't stop there. You're at Lidia's, you eat the tiramisu. Creamy, sweet but not too sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee. That coffee was so good, I didn't even need cream and sugar. Slight downfalls: the waiter didn't know who was the birthday person (discreetly ask if you don't know, just don't plunk it down in front of someone) and the wait staff cleared away all serviceware before I was done. I still had bread on my plate and I also needed a knife to cut through the baguette French-toast-like dessert - would have liked to enjoy it but I couldn't. All in all, a great brunch. Definitely the place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Wayne D.

Exceptional cuisine. Offers a beautiful atmosphere and top notch dining. Overall a bit pricey, although, well worth it. Put it on your list and don't miss it!
(5)
Jackie L.

Lidias is a classy restaurant in the strip district. There's valet parking for $6 if you so wish to do so. You step inside and see that its not a super large restaurant, but it is large enough and has a cozy feel to it. The light fixtures are brightly colored glass and are beautiful. Take a look at the bar on the back wall, because it is very striking. You dont have to dress up, but it doesnt hurt to look a little bit because you dont want a chandelier to upstage you! The menu is a two pager and everything looked very good. My group all ordered the pasta trio. The trio included a spaghetti type with roasted cauliflower and tomatoes, penne with ragu and mushroom ravioli. Each pasta was delicious and it was impossible to choose a favorite. The servings are unlimited so you dont have to miss any pasta for very long before more is brought to you. Each pasta satisfied a different food craving (light, hearty and rich) and this is what made it difficult to choose a favorite. Dessert was also very good and I had split the chocolate cake with my uncle. Just in case you're wondering, the chocolate cake has no shredded coconut so eat away! The description mentions coconut several times and ordinarily I'm scared that it will have shredded coconut, but this was safe. Lidias was a great experience and I'm glad I went. I think its worthy of 5 stars because the service, food and atmosphere was wonderful. Tutti a tavola a mangiare!
(5)
A G.

Amazing Italian food restaurant. Franco, the manger, is the best! He brought out several of our appetizers with lightning speed. Probably one of the best Italian restaurants in the city! Looking forward to coming back again soon for the pasta trio!
(5)
Marili C.

We were so looking forward to the food but our experience was awful. The restaurant is too large with modern decor with hideous red plastic/leatherette chairs but at lunchtime it had no character. There was no background music. The waiter was young and inexperienced. It seems that now that Lidia is famous she is no longer involved in the cooking so the food is like any larger chain or worse without the quality control. Table cloth was dirty, the staff was not friendly and the decor and furniture were unkept. The best part were the breadsticks and dips with olive oil. Would not recommend it.
(2)
pracheta t.

We can here for brunch on Sunday, 5 adults and four month old. I used to be the girl who wouldn't go inside a restaurant if I saw a kid within two blocks of the place but now things have changed. Before I get to my review of the brunch itself I'd like to say how impressed I was with their accommodations for babies! The changing station in the bathroom had wipes, a small sitting area and it was almost private. Fabulous. But the best part was they gave us a cradle-type thing in which our baby slept like the angel he is most certainly not. If he wasn't sleeping in it, he was just laying there playing and we could have brunch with our adult friends without having to entertain or keep an eye on our little love. Thanks Lidia's - you won me over with those two things alone. The brunch itself was fantastic. The bread with three sweet, butter spreads was my favorite. My mimosa was actually a mimosa and not just orange juice with a splash of champagne. The buffet was 90%vegetarian and never looked empty because the staff was always bringing out new dishes. For my entree I had the manicotti but also tasted the pasta trio from my friend. Yumm! And the dessert spread? Yeah I was in heaven. Overall, we had an amazing time and will def be back.
(4)
Frank V.

What a disappointment. When the water glass cracked in my hand as the server poured and soaked us, we should have known it would be that kind of evening. Worst part of the meal was the pasta trio--the limpest, pastiest, most tasteless mass of lukewarm pasta I have ever been served. One waiter saved the day by insisting I reorder, while everyone else in the joint was content to let us stew. Every aspect of the experience was substandard although when I reordered, the beet salad was very good. Overall, Lidia should be ashamed to have her name on a place like that.
(1)
David M.

I was here with my family for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding. The food was amazing. My children enjoyed it as much as my wife and I.
(5)
James C.

Since I just became a member yesterday, I reviewed a bunch of restaurants that I have eaten at in the last several weeks. Today again, I ate out after work so I decided to do another review. Today I gave Lidia's in the Strip a try, as I have heard good things, but negative things as well. Overall, I thought the place was a little outdated, overpriced, but decent food. I had the polio al limone, which I guess is close to what we know as Chicken Picatta. My buddy ordered the Lidias pasta trio, which was pretty cool, and quite tasty as well.. The only downfall here seems the price for what you get, as well as the service is a little "shakey". Overall pretty decent, I would maybe come back, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Dee D.

Another great (WEEKEND) brunch at Lidia's. $28.00 Prix fixe. Today I had the Yellow Fin Tuna special. Seared Yellow Fin with Broccoli Rabe and mango salsa verde. I did not expect the portion to be so big. I actually had to get it wrapped to take home. Their Antipasto table is always delicious with seasonal additions. Today, among the regular fare, (like their marinated/seasoned olives) there were mussels, a broccoli salad and caramelized onions atop crunchy bread. All Yummy !! My Yellow tail special was cooked perfectly and delicious; I was really surprised at the large piece of tuna. (posted pic) I did have reservations (recommended) so I was seated immediately and the service here is always stellar. For $28.00 you can not get a better meal (and a drink) You will be full by the time you leave, and the food is so creative and scrumptious. The staff never rushes you out !! Take your time, eat and eat more and enjoy !! Just some FYI. The $28. brunch is only on Sat & Sun. There is LOT parking right across the street, on Smallman St., with tons of spaces. Today it was $6.00 for all day parking; I have never seen it above $10.00. Worth it because it is right at Lidia's front door and if you planning on visiting the Strip Shops afterwards, it is an all day price. Much better than looking for street parking and walking for blocks. Yelp asks if this place is good for kids ?? This is kind of hard to answer. It is a casual place but "upscale" casual if that makes sense. Children are never an issue for me if they are well behaved and entertained. Speaking only of their "brunch" I would say OK for kids but the cuisine is not really geared towards a child. If you bring a child under the age of 12 well, I think you may have to feed them from the dessert bar. I just don't think that they would find the antipasto table or creative menu options appealing. When I was 12, I did not even know what Antipasto meant. Hey, thats just me. :)
(5)
Scott G.

Was staying near the Convention Center and decided to try Lidia's. Glad I did. It was busy but was able to get a table immediately. Ordered the Mushroom Risotto, which was outstanding. My colleague had the Italian Sausage which he said was also very good. The menu had some great choices, will definitely go back again to try other dishes. It's a bit pricey ($100 for two meals, a split appetizers and two drinks each) but worth it. Probably wouldn't take my kids here, but would be a great date spot. It's spacious and even when it's crowded, it's not too loud. Service is very good, food came out at a reasonable pace.
(4)
Rentaro M.

Had Pollo Al Limone and Pasta Trio, as well as the Caesar salad that came with it. Overall I think the dishes have complex flavor profiles and are enjoyable to eat. Their service is good and the interior is clean and simple. However, I would have like it better if they took it easy on the salt with everything and if the chicken breast was a little less chewy. It might also help to lower the price and lessen the portions. It was too much to eat. I'm not sure yet if I'd go again given the other options in Pittsburgh. I'd like to try the other items on the menu but it's too pricey if I'm to expect the same kind of food as last time.
(3)
Andy M.

A restaurant that has gone steeply downhill... It's been roughly 2-3 years since I have been to lidias, an experience in which I remember having decent food and service... Tonight was far different. Overall, let me say that the restaurant is becoming dated. Colors and decor seem boring and out of style. I didn't get that warm feeling I should in a place where there are white clothes, $12 average glasses of wine (like come on - I looked up the crappy bottle it came from) and waiters everywhere. The service was horrible. From hostess crew to the bar to the waitress, it was bad. The hostess forgot about us, then when I reminded him we were waiting (40 minutes - despite a reservation), to which he said "oh yes, I was just going to get you"... But he wasn't because we stood there a few minutes while he set the table. Rude. Did I mention the service was bad? Well, while we were waiting we had a glass of wine each (a steep $13.50 glass each - definitely didn't live up to my expectations). The bar staff wasn't concerned with us and weren't friendly at all. They were chatting to themselves and basically ignoring us. When we got to the table, it took 10 mins to meet our waitress. Then it took another 15 to order. Then 50 mins to get our food!!! I had the pasta trio (remember this meal takes no time to cook - as this is ready made and constantly being served) and my wife had the porkchop. Honestly, we typically enjoy our restaurant food (just read my Casbah review) but our food was really just so-so. My wife's pork chop was fatty and over-cooked (despite the waitress specifically making note of how the chef prefers to cook it medium). My pasta was decent, which I ate, and requested seconds (which is allowed for the trio because they give you very small portions).... However, seconds never came. Waitress didn't even know until I told her politely. Then she blamed new staff working the pasta routes... No good enough reason for me - sorry. Then the bill. I ordered the pasta trio for $23 and the waitress asked me if I wanted to upgrade my Salad for $2, to which I approved. However she charged the $36 pasta trio (which comes with desert). I told her this was a mistake and she agreed and ran back with a new check. Now I had a $10 salad and $23 pasta trio. I was expecting $23 +$2 salad upgrade. Nope. So I explained to her politely that I ordered the $23 trio to which she (must have) mistakenly offered me an upgrade. I accepted. However I was told I was wrong and she didn't offer to make this right. Ugh. Seriously you want to fight me on it? Especially when I know I was being appropriately (not like I was trying to score a free meal). Isn't the rule "customer is always right"? Finally, we felt like the whole restaurant clientele has declined. How many people did we see in tie-dye shirt or wearing hats (literally wearing hats at 8:30pm in a fine dining restaurant)? We saw enough to know that this isn't the lidias we expected. We won't ever go back or recommend the place. As far as we are concerned - there is a very good reason that you don't have a problem getting a reservation here (because IT STINKS!). Avoid!
(2)
mike s.

I'll start with the exceptional service. The servers really act as a team. They each know the menu really well. I have a gluten allergy, which makes this very important. The timing of the meal was perfect. Never waited too long for any part of the meal, but didn't feel rushed either. The atmosphere of the restaurant is mixed. Casual, but nice. It can get loud, and doesn't lend itself to a romantic evening. That said, I find it very inviting. Table are a little close, but nothing too bad. The food was very good, but not great. Prices are a little high for Pittsburgh. The servers have always suggested the Pasta Trio, which my wife had. Each of the three smelled fabulous. She enjoyed each, having a second helping of only one of the three, because they give you enough on the first go around. With celiac disease, I was very happy to see they've added gluten free pasta to their menu. I had their house made corn pasta ravioli filled with pumpkin & cheese in a brown butter sauce. It was very good, but the texture was a little off. Prices for gluten free were reasonable. I'd still return here, although at these price levels, just not as often.
(4)
Jules P.

I love Lidia's pasta trio. My husband and I went several times over the year we lived in Pittsburgh, and we always loved getting one of their seasonal drinks while we waited for our table. Desserts are ok - not really as good as the dinners or the drinks - but worth trying. This is a must-go for anyone who is an Italian food fan. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Crista B.

Oh yum!!! After a VERY stressful week this week Lidia's was a wonderful oasis on a Thursday night. Our server (Robert) was a breath of fresh air in his knowledge and love of food. HAVE THE BURRATA! No, I am not kidding. It was so good that it just about brought my coworker to tears. :) All of food was wonderful and it was refreshing that a restaurant would let us sit and enjoy our food. After a wonderful three hours at Lidia's we eventually made our way back to the hotel (with a tiramisu to go).
(5)
Joey G.

Lidia's was one of our favorite Italian restaurant in the city. We have even eaten at her place in New York because we like the Pittsburgh restaurant so much. Well that has changed in our last two visits. During our most recent visit on Valentines day the food was on the level of an Atria's restaurant. First, our waitress was not well informed of the offerings that evening. She had to check with kitchen several times to answer our questions. Second, our food was served just barley warm. Third, the food was lacking in proper seasoning and without any taste. The restaurant was only about 70% full at 8PM on one of the busiest days of the year. very sad
(2)
Tiffany Y.

We had a 5 PM reservation, but it was 4:30 PM and we had no more places to go in the neighborhood to kill time, so we asked to be seated early. The hostess agreed to seat us early. I ordered the frico (sausage, broccoli rabe, potato, leeks) for my appetizer, but the waitress told me that the menu that she gave me was outdated and that the frico was not available to order. I ordered a caesar salad and calamari instead. For my entree, I ordered the ravioli di cinghiale (gigantic boar ravioli). My husband, who is part Italian and lived in Italy when he was a child, said that he was unimpressed with the menu, and he simply ordered salmon. The caesar salad tasted sour and needed more cheese. The calamari, boar ravioli, and salmon tasted good. The wait staff was nice and brought out our food and drinks on time. We were not thrilled with the taste of the food for the price, so we will not return.
(3)
Priya M.

The ambience is very good but the food was just okay. Nothing to talk about. The service was good.
(2)
Shira F.

I was excited to come here on a semi-recent trip to Pittsburgh visiting sister and brother-in-law. I'm sorry to say, I was let down. We came for brunch. We each opted for the pasta trio. Sounded like a good deal, so why not? The sangria was good. The little buffet of sorts was a total let down. Bread and flavored butters on the table were pretty good. As for the pasta... More landed on my fiancÃ© and sisters clothes than did land on their plates. 2/3 were complete duds. The pesto was pretty good. Service was okay at best. Nothing was done about the spillage, so I wonder if this a regular occurrence. If so, find better servers because if you don't, you'll be losing a lot of business. I'd consider coming for dinner, maybe, next time I'm in town.
(3)
Adam C.

I don't know why I never came here. Maybe because it's not a cool place. At all. The vibe reminds me of the now defunct Roxy Cafe in South Hills Village. Just screaming early 90's, carpet everywhere, awful frilly fixtures and unneccesary flourishes all over the place. But close your eyes and have a go at the bread and pasta. It's nearly impossible to go wrong with house made fresh pasta and theirs wasn't bad at all. The bread ruled. The bar menu was not a joke, featuring the likes of East End and Bell's, cocktails that weren't a punchline, probably good wine (I don't know anything in that dept. so I could be dead wrong, but my wife's house red was great). It's not that cheap, and they make you pay for parking. And I still don't feel cool. But if there is a better-textured pasta in Pittsburgh I haven't had it. I always thought I would hate this place but I honestly liked it, a lot. So I guess don't be a closed minded jerk and deprive yourself of nice Italian food for no good reason.
(4)
Annie S.

Where do I begin? We didn't have a reservation so we sat at bar and had cocktails till we could get a table. The bartender was great. She was so helpful on helping us decide which cocktails to try. Amazing drinks, and friendly service, we thought our night was off to a great start. Our table was ready, we sat down and my waitress (short Italian woman) acted like she came from eat n park. Unprofessional, and was such a disappointment. Husband ordered something totally different than what she brought him. It just was not a pleasant experience with the waitress we got stuck with. However, the food itself was delicious. I will probably come back because the food was good but will make sure I have a different server or just eat dinner at the bar.
(3)
Darren W.

It was another concert night, but this time is was in the thick of my birthday weekend celebrations. A rendezvous with my childhood friend Dan, his enchanting wife, Devin Townsend, and France's metallic defenders of Mother Earth, Gojira was in the works. A normally simple matter of deciding where to dine prior to the Mr. Smalls concert became complicated when it was discovered that Cure and Meat & Potatoes --our original choices -- were both completely booked. Leaving the decision entirely in Dan's palms, he asked me to make a reservation at the Pittsburgh stronghold of famed Chef Lidia Bastianich. Successfully, I managed to snag a table for 5:45PM, and we scarcely arrived on time for this circus of the unusual, beautiful, and delectable to begin. My mother, a fan of Bastianich's PBS program for years, has raved about Lidia's ever since it opened. And Lordy, does mama know best. Taking into account Bastianich's traditionalism, the strange menu items shocked me when I scouted the bill of fare online, but once I saw dishes involving octopus and wild boar, there wasn't much else for me to consider... Thus is... youtube.com/watch?v=FUQuâ€¦ Weirder still was the decor. A fireplace was upstaged by large, illuminated, multi-colored, stained-glass circles and ceiling fixtures that resembled either gargantuan bunches of extradimensional grapes or prehistoric insect hives or chandeliers conceived by alien glassblowers. youtube.com/watch?v=YtSnâ€¦ The first act consisted of a varied bread basket that was escorted by two spreads of pesto, ground chickpeas, and olive oil. Each scoop resembled a gelato but when slathered onto the myriad forms of fresh bread became something akin to a hummus. Alas, I sampled the breads carefully, wary of allowing myself to be too filled with grains to ravish the remainder of what would prove to be an astonishing meal. Frico came next. A crisped flap of Montasio cheese cloaked potatoes, leeks, apple and sausage and nearly fooled my dining companions and I into thinking we were eating an omelet or frittata with a sharp flavor. The apples added tartness and amplified the cheese. The sausage brought the brine. The leeks, shy vegetables that they are, hid happily amidst the fray like Tom Waits did during Cinemax's black-and-white Roy Orbison concert of 1988. From the sea rose the second appetizer in Polipo. The dismembered Kraken was surrounded by potatoes, pickled onion, Gaeta olives, and capers. The tubers filled out the dish, making it all the meatier. The tentacles themselves tasted of scallops on the fatter parts only to recall lobster tail as they tapered off, onions, olives, and capers placing sweet and salty punctuation marks at the end of the sentence. Wild Boar: The Godpig. It serves as the avatar of Lord Vishnu. In the low 1800's it instilled fear into English villagers as the Beast of Dean. Brave as they are ferocious, they have been known to appear on coats of arms. Their tusks have been known to cripple stout men and have killed tigers to defend themselves and their young. youtube.com/watch?v=aHW2â€¦ And one would never think that a slaughtered razorback would become so delicately savory when braised and placed within a supple trio of oversized ravioli. Topped with a scarlet sauce imbued with rosemary, that most aromatic, divinatory, and memory-improving herb, the dish's savage origins were forgotten as bloody struggle gave way to a love affair. Only Lidia could work such bewitchment. It was as if she had taken an ogre and with a wave of her hand turned it into a flock of doves. Dessert was as holy as a harlot. Torta di Cioccolatta is her tag, bringing you to lust-stained submission is her...bag, and it is full of tricks. Wounded, bleeding amarena cherries and candied walnuts orbit her...heavenly body of fudge, milk chocolate mousse, and white chocolate ganache. She is a complex creature, one of layers, all of which conspired to make each bite immoral, immortal alchemy, and the last was agony for...I craved more of her. Lidia, Lidia, Lidia, what spell have you cast onto me? What web have you woven around my gastronomic soul? Dinner at Lidia's is an opera -- a grand, opulent, fantastical opera for the palate and stomach as well as the heart. P.S. Our darling of a server was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and awfully proficient. I believe her name was Emily, and we adored her. P.P.S. When making the reservation, I was told that the dress code is business casual. I was able to get away with wearing dressy jeans and a dapper, long-sleeved top. Oh you know there was a metal concert tee underneath. I changed in the restroom before departing to Mr. Smalls.
(5)
Sid G.

Had the frico and fritto misto for appetizers - definitely enjoyed the fritto misto (calamari) more than the frico. For the meal, selected the three pasta dinner which included a spinach pasta, ravioli in cheese sauce and penne with meat sauce. The latter two were very good and the meal was available with limitless quantities of pasta, which was a good deal. For dessert, had tiramisu, which was not too soggy, good consistency and tasted excellent.
(4)
Lori B.

Overall we enjoyed the experience at Lydia's. The ambience , service and food were all very good. We started with deep fried artichokes with a mustard aioli. ...lightly breaded and cooked perfectly. We shared their Caesar salad...a favorite they say and done very well..great favors in the dressing. My only ding is that they slightly over dressed the lettuce for my liking. Then my husband and I both ordered the pasta trio...on this day they served a potato leek ravioli, a basil parmesan tagliatelle and a sausage, fennel rigatoni. All were very good however, both of us liked the rigatoni best...with lots of flavors in the meat sauce. We also enjoy wine with our pasta a nice bottle of white wine but for an upscale Italian restaurant the quality of the wine glasses was mediocre and thus swayed us toward a lower cost wine.
(4)
Donna H.

When we first arrived, the Host(ess), was on the phone is a private conversation. I understand a plumbing problem is urgent, but the follow up calls should be set aside at the very least when customers are standing in front of you to be seated. I really did not have to hear your conversation about your apartment and landlord before being seated for a celebration lunch. Next, the waitress was so animated, she seemed to be an a actor rather than a server. She seemed to be reciting words from a memorized script and not sincere. For salad, they only served "Caesar Salad". My husband is from Italy and he has said many times, that there is no such thing as a Caesar Salad in Italy. Check out the Wikipedia site for verification. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caâ€¦ And on top of that, It doesn't seem right to serve salad that is turning a yellowish color and not a vibrant green. It appeared to be old, no excuse for a restaurant to serve old lettuce, especially Lidia's. The pasta was delicious, but the other things did not make up for what we were hoping for, especially for a celebration meal at Lidia's, very disappointing. A preoccupied host, a fake waitress and old yellow lettuce,
(2)
Teri S.

Went yesterday after my daughter's college graduation. When the grad ceremony ran longer than expected, I called the hostess to let her know we had been delayed but were departing and hoped to be there soon. As we were sitting in traffic, I received a call from a man who identified himself as the general manager and rudely asked if I still intended to be dining there. After I explained our delay and that I had just spoke with the hostess, he (again very rudely) wanted to know how much longer I thought it would take for me to get to the restaurant. We arrived at Lydia's about 30 minutes late for a mid-afternoon reservation. There were several large parties but quite a number of open tables. Upon presenting at the hostess table, neither the hostess or the general manager acknowledged us for several minutes while they continued some discussion between the two of them. We were seated at a small round table tucked in a corner - very small for a party of five. Our server arrived and explained the menu, which was the buffet brunch at the time. He spoke so quickly and mumbled so much that we had trouble understanding him. We ordered our drinks and he indicated he would take our order when he returned with the drinks. He later returned without our drinks and told us that they needed to break down the buffet to prep for upcoming dinner service so we could not have the antipasto or dessert portions of the brunch. Instead they would charge us ala carte but we would be limited to the entrees on the brunch menu and they could provide a Caesar salad or cup of soup. He the left and returned later to take our order - still no drinks. We eventually received Caesar salad (not fresh, limp and overdressed) and drinks. We were seated within view of the antipasto buffet and were able to observe that we were on to the service of our entrees well before the antipasto buffet was broken down. Clearly there was no reason that our menu needed to be so restricted. Food was ok. Chicken was salty and overpowered by capers. Individuals who ordered pasta trio indicated two of three were good. Unfortunately, the table set up required the server to hold the pasta skillet over my lap in order to serve those seated on the other side of the table. No mishaps but a few close calls. Amounts provided in first serving were small and it was nearly impossible to get an additional serving. Two individuals never did receive the second serving of one of the pastas that they requested. We were able to order from dessert menu. Desserts were unremarkable and very small. Service was horrible. Our server did not return. Took great effort to flag him down for additional drinks. House wine and mimosa were overpriced at $12 and $13 respectively given size and quality. Gentleman bussing our table was the only positive of our experience. He was friendly and accommodating. I will not return again and would discourage others as well.
(1)
Ken P.

I don't mind paying high prices for great food, I just want it to be great and if it's not, I do expect the service to make up for it. Lidia's food was pretty good, but the service was just average and for the price of pasta, they weren't very accommodating to special requests. Most of our group ordered the three pasta special. After the first round of pasta came by it seemed to take forever to get another round. The dessert I was hoping to get was 'reserved' for those ordering a special dinner that night, and when I ordered a glass of 'a dry red wine that's a bit oaky' I ended up with a somewhat sweet cabernet. While the pasta that did come to the table was excellent, it wouldn't be enough to sway me back.
(3)
Brian C.

Once again Yelp has Lidia's pegged perfectly at 3.5 stars - I'm going back and forth myself between 3 and 4 stars. Lidia's is a surprisingly large space which is decorated nicely and has great service. The food however, is good but by no means mind blowing. Their signature Pasta Trio lets you try 3 different pastas (served out of a pan tableside) and then choose if you want to get seconds on any of them. All of the pastas are cooked perfectly and fresh but the sauces just don't blow me away, they are missing that last ingredient or two which would take them from good to excellent. Given that I had better pasta at a place called Meat & Potatoes the next evening I think says something. Bread served at the beginning of the meal is warm and really outstanding, but the spreads weren't exciting. The wine list is nice and the atmosphere is generally upscale but friendly. Now that I think back about Lidia's, I have to say I do appreciate the homemade pasta and I'll potentially be back but it's just a bit on the pricey side for Pittsburgh so I have to presume they're going on the name at this point.
(4)
Lauren B.

I think this place is good but over-hyped and over-priced for what it is. I had the pasta trio and I got the combo which came with a Ceasar salad and a dessert. The pasta trio by itself is $18 but with the salad and dessert is $32 (an extra $14, so not such a great deal!). $18 for pasta with no meat or seafood in it is already way overpriced and ought to come with a soup or salad anyway. So I was expecting this to be an amazing Ceasar salad but it was the worst I've ever had at a nice restaurant. Instead of romaine lettuce, most of the lettuce was iceberg! And the dressing was too vinegary and did not taste very good. And I had hoped being an Italian place they would offer anchovies on it, but that was not the case. The pasta trio was tasty and included a goat cheese ravioli with cream sauce, a fettucine with sundried tomatoes, and a penne with a pork ragu sauce. All were good but I felt like they had been sitting out for awhile and didn't taste freshly cooked, and the texture of one of the pastas was slightly chewy. It was fun to see them all come over with their bowls though and the guy with the parmesan was also right there ready to grate some fresh cheese for you. For the bread, instead of butter they had these interesting things made out of a couple different sorts of bean which tasted rather like a hummus so that was interesting though would have been nice if the bread was warm. I had the tiramisu for dessert which was good but nothing amazing. The atmosphere was really nice with some interesting artwork and chandeliers and the service was prompt and polite. However the food was kind of disappointing. Honestly I think I like Olive Garden better and they have much better prices.
(3)
Francesco R.

Only average at best and when you figure in the slow service, cold food and high price i cant even give it an average rating. You can get better Italian food at any hole in the wall in Philadelphia, New York or Boston any time. i wanted to love it so much after watching Lidia on TV but the restaurant doesn't bring her own magic to the table it seems.
(2)
Audra B.

I came here for brunch on Sunday with a reservation for 7. We were seated right away and greeted by our server almost immediately. Our drinks were never empty and there was never a point where we were looking around trying to get our servers' attention. Now, on to the food. Brunch is $28 which includes coffee, a choice of a mimosa, sangria, or a bloody mary, antipasti table, entree, and dessert table. This is a great deal, with an overwhelming array of food options. My bloody mary was very good and spicy. I tasted the sangria and it was good as well. As each member of my brunch party went up to the antipasti table, an employee would come over and try to sell Lidia's books and pasta sauce. Who wants to be haggled while trying to grab a piece of salami? I don't understand why the management team thinks this is acceptable. I was completely turned off by this and it was annoying to everyone I was with. The antipasti table as good, but not great. The caesar salad was completely overdressed and the romaine was almost brown. Why would they use old lettuce? You can tell immediately just by looking at it that it isn't fresh. The entree I chose was the pasta trio and they were all fabulous. I had mushroom ravioli, ricotta with fettucine, and a penne bolognese. They were all so good I couldn't pick a favorite. I would come back, but if I was bothered at the antipasti table again I would ask to speak with management.
(3)
Chris K.

Delicious lunch! Great food and atmosphere. I had the special--trout. Yum! My guests had the lemon chicken, the salmon and the pasta trio. All excellent. We also had the tiramisu. This is a special restaurant in Pittsburgh.
(4)
Gerald M.

Ever get an urge for food you haven't eaten in some time? Today I drove from Murrysville to Lidia's in the Strip... for one thing: chicken livers! Hard to cook a batch evenly at home, not to mention the splatters all over the cooktop, Lidia's does all the work (and cleanup). Excellent service at the bar, along with a great beer and the chicken livers were cooked just right. Hot, tender and flavorful. Lidia's Brunch is our favorite, but sometimes you get an urge for just one item. Thanks to the friendly folks at Lidia's. My stomach loves you. Worth the trip.
(5)
Nita L.

I've had some excellent meals here when there were 3 or 4 of us. I've had two group functions that were way less than wonderful. I would not entertain having an event for any more than 4 people. Even 10 people taxed the staff!
(2)
Jason J.

Uh, how did she get a TV show? I actually like her show, but this restaurant is so flaky. The food is overpriced and way too greasy. Don't pick a restaurant because the owner is a celebrity chef as clearly that person isn't making you food, save your money and go somewhere where the chef actually cares about what they are cooking.
(2)
Robert C.

Overall this was good Italian food if you're ready to venture into something more asventerous than Olive Garden. I had the pasta trio and thought the ravioli was amazing. Everything else was pretty good, but a butternut squash ravioli made the meal. Be prepared to spend about $30 a person for the full experience and I'll remember this meal for a while.
(4)
Cindy G.

I've been a huge fan of Lidia Bastianich for years, watching her show on PBS and cooking her recipes. My Dad is a huge fan as well. I recently moved back to Pittsburgh (after 30 years) to help out my folks as my Dad's cancer has worsened. I had no idea Lidia had a restaurant here. About a month ago I met a college friend (and foodie) at the strip for drinks and we ended up at Lidia's. Bar is awesome - I highly recommend the white Manhattans. While I was there I found out Lidia would be in town for a special dinner, Nov. 7. Woot! Gonna go and bring my Mom and Dad. So happy I could make my reservation online! The restaurant was very professional and called to confirm (beating me to call them) and then accommodated us with a table closer to the door so my Dad, who has a walker, would not have to walk so far. Said table was very cozy against the wall, the arrangement was perfect. The greeting and seating staff were excellent and friendly. My Mom and Dad bought her latest cook in anticipation. Upon seating, Lidia was bee bopping around and we said hello and she promised to come back to visit. The meal, the MEAL! Yum, holy moly! To start, I had a white Manhattan, of course, and enjoyed the yummy bread-sticks. I also ate some of the homemade bread (one was rosemary I think) with pesto butter and a bean butter. Had to save room! We did not order wine, my Dad can't drink wine due to his medication. The meal was paired with Lidia's own wine, another time I would love to try some. Since I was driving I only had one cocktail. ; p The antipasti - squash and ricotta tart was to die for, the mozzarella and celery salad was wonderful. For Primi, my Mom had Lidia's signature Ceasar salad, my Dad had the tomato and ricotta crostini. I had the ricotta and vegetable crostata with arugula salad. I loved mine, the crostata again so excellent, the arugula salad was warm served on a warm plate. Had a bite of my parent's Primi. It's always good to go with others, so you can share and try out more dishes! The pasta was Ravioli verde with sage butter - delectable! The ravioli looked more like beautiful speckled green meatballs and melted in your mouth. For Secondi, I had Lidia's Pasta trio, my favorite of which was the homemade pappardelle with cabbage and meat sauce. My Dad had the pork shanks braised in apple cider vinegar and barley risotto (my other choice) and my Mom had the lamb chops with red wine sauce and spinach spaetzle. The pork was luscious and the lamb chops were delicious too. Dolci was outstanding as well, my parents had the Grandma Rose's apple cake with candied walnuts (those were awesome - they were coated with a marzipan type coating). I had the Caprese Torte which was chocolate and divine. All served with a dollop of mascarpone ice cream, so good! Lidia came back over and chatted for awhile with my Dad (and my Mom and me) and signed their cookbook. They talked about cooking and where in Italy they are from and the slovak influence of their youth. Her's in far north Italy, his in a coal town in PA with Italian and Slovak neighbors. Magical. The service was superb. The only sour notes were the din of the restaurant (everyone was excited!) and the "bull in the china shop" busboy (man). He actually splashed matter into my Dad's eye piling dishes and utensils on his arm busing the table next to us. It was fine, no harm, no foul and he was very nice, as was everyone on staff. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Melanie E.

The space is terrific with good colors & wall buffering to keep the noise of feasting festive dining in check. We tried the 3 pasta special & while the pastas were homemade, there was only one on the plate we actually finished. One had sun-dried tomatoes, but the tomatoes were overwhelming. Another had artichokes, but they were bits of the actual leaves rather than the meat or heart of the artichoke & so eatiing it was trying to chew through those fibrous leaves & it was abandoned. The 3rd was a butternut squash which, while tasty, was a smidge sweet, but it was the only one we finished. The caeser salad was fresh romaine & a delicious dressing. We had to try the tiramisu. I know that it's typically made with leftover ladyfingers but I've gotten used to having fairly fresh ones & these tasted stale. They also weren't layered uniformly, so about half of it didn't even have any. We ordered a bottle of wine, but they didn't have what was listed (which always perturbs me). Overall, my take is that it could be a fantastic restaurant, but more for the tourist crowd. I might try it again for lunch.
(3)
Ken L.

I got the pasta trio. The pasta was good, not great, and a little pricey for the quality. The pasta trio is a good way to sample the different kinds of pasta they make, which range from inventive to the usual staples. All were good. The servings were small, the better to sample the three different kinds of pasta, and the service was quick if you wanted more. All the servers were friendly. I liked the pasta, didn't absolutely love it and feel like I've gotten better pasta elsewhere. I am also taking another star off because it was a little expensive for having good (but not great) pasta.
(3)
Lauren G.

I walked into this place, having never heard or seen it. I walked out with my heart won over. Staff was friendly. Unbelievably friendly. The chef experiments to make new creations that are like explosions of goodness in your mouth. Yum. The mushroom ravioli was amazing. I DO NOT LIKE MUSHROOMS. But I looooove this dish. Try out the goat cheese with a tiny bit citrus and an apple. Ahh their a h'orderves are marvelous. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back. Their restaurant is beautiful. They have taken the typical Pittsburgh high ceilings and spiced them up with some beautiful hand-blown glass lights. Look up! Oh and the large windows open it up just the perfect amount. Okay, so I don't technically know if the glass was hand blown, but I like to think so.
(5)
Tim B.

I visited a few years back and had quite a pleasurable experience. The Sunday brunch for $25 included your choice of a mimosa or bloody mary, unlimited access to the soup/antipasti/salad buffet, entrÃ©e of choice and unlimited trips to the dessert table. This is quite a value, plus everything was delicious. The fresh pasta trio is amazing. My only complaint involved the background music. The house system was playing classic rock, which is totally inappropriate and out of place for such a nice establishment.
(5)
Catherine J.

I didn't really know what to expect from Lidia's, but in all it was the perfect meal for us travelers. The experience started off a little rocky, but at every progression of the meal, the experience got better and better. . The Strip was a ghost town on a Saturday night (during the Kenny Chesney concert). Upon opening the doors to Lidia's, the interior was bustling... with old people! While the decor seemed modern and edgy, the clientele was decked out in rinestone-encrusted tshirts and argyle. Yikes! We kept changing our reservation number throughout the day, and by the time we arrived, our party was officially a party of four instead of six. I'm not unsympathetic to needing to do some table switching to accommodate us, but it appeared as if the hostess meant to solve the problem and then forgot about us once another problem arose. After a fairly long wait off to the side, one of our party went to the podium to ask about our table. Apparently, they had forgotten about us, but we were seated quickly after the mistake was realized. (Sidenote: the hostess' outfit was really unintentionally inappropriate. Part of her top was sheer, and would have been tastefully so if she didn't have her bra and underwear sticking out in awkward places, unbeknownst to her.) Anyway! I guess I can see how people think Lidia's is too much like an Olive Garden, but once you look at the ingredients and the preparation methods, it really isn't at all. I guess people see "unlimited pasta" and their minds go somewhere a little less sophisticated. Don't fall into this trap! Everything was expertly prepared with balanced flavors and appropriate portioning. I had the pasta trio (like everyone else, amirite!?) and indeed, the beginning portions of the pasta were small. The point is to sample, and then get more of what you prefer, even if it's all of them. I wouldn't want huge globs of pasta on my plate (getting cold, cheese and sauces congealing), so I appreciated this approach. Your followup portions come by with waiters carrying large metal pans of small-batch prepped pasta. All of the pasta tasted freshly made (not dried) and with exceptionally light and balanced sauces. Perfect. I feel like you have to get the pasta trio at least once. The other entrees looked amazing as well. If I lived in the neighborhood, I would focus my ordering on the rotating seasonal entrees. My Cesar salad was a little overdressed for my tastes, but still very flavorful and fresh. The bread basket was above-average, with at least three different warm options and two spreads (an olive and pesto spread). Dessert was inventive, a lemon cake with a basil layer and poppyseed ice cream. The other elements escape me, but it was nice that my table mate gave me a bite. Service was great, if a little slow towards the end. I enjoyed their wine selections, though one of the reds was much better alone (not with food), and probably shouldn't have been on the menu. Though the wine list is quite extensive, there's a smaller, curated list of bottles for $28. It kept our choices (and bill) a little more manageable. So glad I got to try Lidia's!
(4)
Jenn C.

Not impressed by this restaurant. Ordered the pasta trio, which was recommended by the waitress and was labeled on the menu as "all you can eat". The staff service gave small portions of each and hardly returned for further portions. If I wanted "all you can eat" I would have been at the restaurant all night waiting to be served. The pasta was cold when served. The frozen pasta from my son's school fundraiser was better. I would not recommend nor would I ever return.
(1)
Lawrence R.

Had brunch there yesterday. Phenomenal! Staff that we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable, super efficient but didn't hover over us. Kudos for that--a well-trained staff! Everything we had was delicious, every little salad and nibble bit on the antipasti table. I had the gnocchi with duck ragu as my main course, and it was perfection; if I can quibble, the portion was actually too large! But--perfection! My partner had the chicken livers with polenta, which was also super. We sampled a few of the offerings on the dessert table, all of which were lovely. The roasted half peaches with crumble topping were the best, although I also loved the olive oil/lemon cake topped with sugar coated blueberries. We had such a nice experience here, and ordered why we don't go that often. We will have to get here more often, based on yesterday's peerless experience.
(4)
Bill D.

Sunday Brunch delicious! Stopped in to try this and noted they were busy but not overwhelmed. Was panhandled at the door by a woman ion distress? Story was a variation that I had hearts before from different people. I just look like a sucker I suppose!? Anyway the service is very good. Breads were dropped off with a variety of flavored butters. My server explained the specials to me and my choices were made. I chose the Cabbage rolls stuffed with a variety of meats and then off to the Antipasti buffet. Great fresh Caesar Salad and some quiche for beginnings. Tried some marinated mushroom s and olives. My server checked on my progress and when I was ready they brought my entrÃ©e. Delicious to a T! Then for a short visit to the Dessert Bar scrumptious Tira Misu and other delectable tempting confections. My meal was priced just right for there quality and taste.
(4)
Alex L.

Great food and service, very pleased with my Valentine's day dinner here. Planning to come back to try more of their fare, since their Valentine's day menu was limited.
(5)
Demra C.

Stop here on a visit to Pittsburg . Was surprised by how great the food was . Coming at brunch was perfect as the anti pasta bar was filled with olives , salads , salmon , mussels , veggies and meats. I chose the pasta trio . Perfect choice as it was a great way to sample three pastas . My mushroom filled ravioli was the highlight of the plate . Every bite had a perfect mix of mushroom and cheese . Service started out great however at time to receive bill we lost our waitress for about 10 mins. Not the best ending for such a wonderful tasting brunch .
(4)
Lauren P.

This is the place to go for brunch and they have both Saturday and Sunday brunch-hard to find in Pittsburgh. For a flat rate of $28 you get an alcoholic drink, appetizer buffet, entrÃ©e and dessert buffet. I recommend the Sangria although if you like Blood Mary's they look tasty and the option of a mimosa is always there. The buffet consists of a variety of salads and other delicious Italian dishes. This past time they had roasted squash and cauliflower, an antipasto tray, quiche and a few other dishes I just didn't have room to try. It is always fresh and the servers are quick to replenish. Next up you get to pick an entree which also includes the pasta trio tasting. I recommend this as you get to sample 3 different types of pasta dishes and then have unlimited refills of your favorite one. Servers bring out the pasta in the hot pans right to your table. Save room for dessert which is another buffet with their fabulous tiramisu and a variety of other Italian treats including some types of Italian cookies. I don't really like tiramisu but at Lydia's it is fabulous! Our server was fantastic-every time we left the table which was a lot (to get more food of course) she folded our napkin! She overheard it was my birthday and made sure to bring out a dessert with a birthday candle. The atmosphere is so comfortable and with lots of room. Great for special occasions and family friendly.
(5)
Tim M.

What an embarrassment. Rotten/black salad greens. A server with a black eye. Pedestrian "signature" pasta. Plates and glasses left uncleared. Greasy, scratchy plates at buffet. All yours for $28 per person!
(1)
Kate G.

Portions are huge! Try the gnocchi! We started off at the bar while we waited for the other half our group. They had fried chickpeas sitting out on the bar which were absolutely delicious. Once our party was all there and we were seated, we decided to order. My brother, sister, and I all decided to go with the 3 course meal. While the rest of my family ordered just one thing. Overall we found that the pasta dishes were far better than the other dishes with the exception of the lamb chops which were prefect. My sister & I both got the ricotta gnudi which was in giant balls and delicious but I would have preferred if it was in smaller gnocchi like shapes. My brother got the burratta which was very good but also huge. My brother's fiance got the ceasar salad which she said was good but also a very large portion. For our main courses the highlights were definitely the gnocchi, the pasta tasting trio, and the Angello (lamb chops). I ended up getting the Saltimbocca alla Romano which had great flavors but was overcooked. My sister got the sausage, which was okay, but not as great as we would expect for a restaurant owned by Lydia. The lasagna was also not as good as you would have thought. The best of the desserts was the gelato trio, but the tiramisu & upside down rhubarb cake was also good (although the rose gelato wasn't so great) .
(3)
Jody G.

Three of us had dinner here during a little getaway trip to Pittsburgh. The decor was a bit more impressive than the service and the food were. Not that they were bad. They just didn't quite meet my expectations. First, even though we had a reservation, it couldn't be found. Then it was, but it was on the "wait list". Then we were seated right away..... but away from the hubbub of the main dining room at a table between the bar and the kitchen. The wine list (including MANY wines by the glass) was nice. The waiter suggested a fantastic dry white for me, but I was disappointed when I wanted a second glass and there wasn't any more. The next suggestion wasn't nearly as good. The waiter seemed a bit frazzled at times. Maybe because he sometimes functioned as a bartender (our table location gave us that behind the scenes view). Sometimes our used plates sat for a l-o-n-g time and sometimes (like when we were not asked if we wanted refills on the "Pasta Trio" they were oh so efficiently whisked away. The bread brought to the table was wonderful, as were the spreads that accompanied it. One of my dining companions had the octopus appetizer which he stated was the best he's ever had... and he eats LOTS of weird sea creatures. My son and I shared the Caesar salad which was quite good. Was that a touch if mustard in the dressing? YUM! For our entrees my two dining companions had the "Pasta Trio". Both enjoyed them, although they felt they were inconsistent.... and not refilled as "enthusiastically" as hoped for. My grilled salmon was tasty, but a little fatty. I never had fatty salmon before. Kinda weird. The accompanying Yukon gold potatoes and green beans with a whole grain mustard sauce were DELISH! Desserts were quite good. A pumpkin mousse and an amaretto cake shared three ways were a tasty ending to the meal.
(3)
Teresa T.

3.5 stars for brunch. We had reservations at 11:30am on Sunday for 5 but Lidia's was not overly crowded. Wide open space with tall ceilings. Servers were friendly and did not push us out after we paid our bill, which was nice. Bring your appetite!! Highlights: The OJ in the Mimosa was fresh The rosemary and sea salt bread with sugar butter Lemon scone with sugar butter, and apricot and strawberry butter Fried cauliflower from the antipasto table My main entree - grilled octopus w/ potatoes, onions, string beans, olives, pickled onions - salty which I loved and the octopus was tender and cooked well The pistachio and ginger mini cookies were my favorite Coffee brewed well The other items were just okay so while there were some standouts Lidia's brunch was more quantity verse quality given the wide spread available. You will not leave hungry and if you do you did Lidia's wrong! Also they will break out checks separately.
(3)
Cat C.

After walking around the Strip District, this certainly hit the spot. We did the buffet, and I got the pasta trio. I was not disappointed. Endless amounts of great pasta, plus everything else that came with the buffet table. It's a classy place, but people from all walks of life were eating there, from people dressed in Steelers gear to older, well-dressed couples. I'd definitely come back or go to her other restaurant.
(4)
Jeremia F.

Wow how can this place be constantly this consistent. The service is always excellent and the food is superb. This time I was heading to Kaya for Lunch with one of my more well rounded foodie friends from out of town when he saw Lidia's he made me make a U-turn because he had always wanted to try this place and has watched a lot of her shows on PBS. He had the wild boar ravioli which was a plate of 3 large ravioli stuffed with a very flavorful boar meat concoction. The other partner in crime had the butter nut squash ravioli which was definitely a 5 star dish. Heck next time I eat here I think I will order a main entree and the butter nut squash ravioli for desert. I'm a big polenta fan so I went for the salsiccia which had polenta and broccoli rabe and house made sausage. The polenta was cooked perfectly along with the broccoli, the sausage that is in this dish is a great mild sausage. The sausage was not overpowering or spicy. The price for each entree was right around $16. I think that the prices are right in line for the quality of food that is offered here. I highly recommend this place. Give it a try for yourself and I am certain that I will be back.
(5)
Lauren C.

Order the pasta trio and you can't go wrong! I looove to go here for lunch and get the pasta trio. For lunch, you get unlimited servings of three different pastas (one of which is imported from Italy) brought out fresh and served table-side from the skillet plus soup or salad for $14. Their Caesar salad is delicious and they offer some unique soups which are a refreshing change from the normal wedding soup or minestrone. It might be on the high side for lunch but it's well worth it! Warning: you may want to nap when you get back to your desk. They also serve fresh breads with spreads. I prefer the green spread which is a bean base and contains who knows what else. The dinner pasta trio is a little more expensive ($18 for just the pasta or $29.50 w/salad, trio and dessert). I've had soooo many different pastas there, I couldn't begin to name them all. Some of my favorites include the pear ravioli, goat cheese ravioli, penne a la vodka, penne arrabiata, gnocchi in a Gorgonzola sauce and the list continues. They typically serve one pasta that contains meat and two meatless pastas but they'll make a third meatless pasta for all those vegetarians out there. I don't typically order off the menu but I've had the salmon and been pleased. I also recommend their brunch. It's $25 per person and includes a variety of anti pasta (probably a rotating sample of 10 or so that includes anything from soup, Caesar salad, various other salads, meat trays, bean based dishes, marinated vegetables, quiche, etc), fresh breads with an assortment of flavored butters (strawberry jam butter is my fav), one mimosa or bloody mary, the pasta trio or some other entree, coffee or tea, and a table full of various desserts for sampling. You can't go wrong. We go here for brunch when family is visiting and everybody looooves it! I recommend making a reservation for brunch. They don't rush you through your meal which means that service can be a little slower than your typical restaurant but with the pasta trio in your future, you won't regret it.
(5)
Katharine C.

Each experience I've had at Lidia's was positive. I've visited the restaurant several times, but mostly for lunch or brunch. The food is delicious and well prepared, though it can be a bit pricey. I've visited Lidia's most frequently for brunch, and find the value to be top-notch. For $25, you have a large antipasti table selection, your choice of entree, a generous dessert table selection, and complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. Other restaurants of this caliber would charge separately for all this food, putting the total bill far higher. The foods are fresh and reflect a wide variety of Italian foods, not necessarily the same foods you would find at your corner Italian restaurant featuring spaghetti and lasagna. The food is good, but perhaps doesn't quite meet the high expectations people have before their first visit. Letting go of the unnatural expectation that every bite of food you eat from a celebrity chef restaurant will be life-changing, you will have a pleasant and positive experience at Lidia's. When we excitedly told the wait staff we were celebrating my birthday with them, they brought me a complimentary flour-less chocolate cake which was absolutely incredible. The service at Lidia's is incomparable, always making you feel like the king or queen of the room. I would recommend Lidia's to anyone looking for a quality Italian lunch or dinner with an upscale atmosphere. This restaurant would be great for dates and special occasions.
(5)
Mark M.

This was my first experience at Lidia's and it was amazing. It was a rare evening out for my wife and I and we enjoyed our meal immensely. The food was very good...3 to 4 stars at least. We ordered the pasta Trio and the creativity behind the dishes was very impressive. The only thing taking away from it was the execution on the pasta itself. The fettuccine was cooked well past al dente and bordered on soggy. The ravioli however were perfect And the flavor profiles on all the dishes were spot on The reason I gave a five star review on 3 to 4 star food was the service. Everyone without exception was very attentive, friendly, helpful, and generally awesome. This team could've served hot dogs and it still would've seem like an amazing experience.
(5)
Bobby Y.

Great atmosphere, great food, service ehhh.... They messed up our table we had a reservation for, and nothing...no sorry, no comp'd bar items, just a misstep. Sat at the table for nearly ten minutes, forgotten until a bus boy brought water, five minutes after that we finally receive menus. We're a party of two, not so complicated. We order drinks, and one is completely forgotten. That's alright, water is healthier for me anyways. On the not so healthy side we had the pasta trio dinner which was amazing. $18(Aug 2011) and $29.50 if you add Caesar salad and dessert. The ravioli was by far the best. Perhaps we didn't have the best service, but we'll always give them a second shot. They had valet parking, but we lucked out and found street parking.
(4)
Amanda W.

AMAZING pasta! Went for lunch and tried the trio. All very good. Great service and fresh food. Will definitely be back. It is a little pricey for lunch, but the taste makes it worth it.
(5)
Meredith B.

My coworker had been recommending Lidia's to me for a while, and I'm glad I listened to her and brought my family here for dinner last week. We had a wonderful Italian meal, and one of the better dining experiences in Pittsburgh so far. We had a reservation on Saturday night around 6 pm, and used their valet service ($5? $6? I forget). We were seated right away, and we all admired the gorgeous dining room space. It seems to have been built in an old warehouse - the ceiling is massively high, and there's gorgeous Mondrian-esque glass over the bar. Very stylish! I should also say right off the bat that our server was outstanding. Friendly, funny, and knowledgeable, he was one of the best parts of the whole experience. He helped us choose a wine which we all enjoyed, and he poured it skillfully. He was also helpful to us at various points throughout the meal - for example, four of us began with the Insalata di Rucola (split two salads between four people, and they came on separate plates). The salad sounded amazing, with arugula, pear, walnuts, and gorgonzola (get in mah belleh) but we all noticed that there was quite a lack of...well, pear. We all had maybe one measly little wedge, and it definitely kept the salad from being as yummy as it should have been. So we told our server about it, and he immediately brought out a plate full of pear slices. Redeemed! And the salad became delicious. My entree was the Ravioli di Cinghale (ravioli filled with wild boar, in a rosemary sauce) and it was pretty delicious. Three big raviolis, filled with succulent meat (think pulled pork, but Italian and well-spiced). The sauce was very very light, but still flavorful. My dad got the Pasta Trio, and it was hilariously awesome to watch three different guys come by with big bowls, delivering their delicious wares to his plate. He had a lot of fun with that. My mom loved her sea bass as well. Dad's pasta trio came with a dessert, so he got the Crostata di Pere, a sugary pear maple dessert which I think was good, but I don't have really strong memories of it so clearly it didn't bowl me over. All in all, it was a very good meal with some truly excellent service. We felt cared for and comfortable, and our bellies were full. What more could we ask for?
(4)
Sarah A.

This place is a mediocre when it comes to food! I really like the space and the atmosphere and I wish they would work a little bit on their sauces to make them more authentic!!
(3)
Aneesh B.

Happened to be in PIT for the weekend, and after a few drinks at a lounge on the Strip, were happy to score a reservation at Lidia's. Seen her on TV many times and was really happy to have the chance to eat at one of her restaurants. Appetizers: frico with house made sausage and broccoli rabe, fritto misto. Both were good, with the frico being the standout for me. Think rustic quesadilla, but the cheese is melted and fashioned into the shell. Yum. Main: Mushroom Stuffed Quails and Cotechino Sausage with Cannellini Beans and Swiss-Chard. Loved it. Dining companions enjoyed the pasta trio (neverending bowl of house-made selections) as well as the fish special (Brazilian tiger fish). 17 bucks for house-made pasta, and as much as you want, is a great deal. No entree was priced over 26 bucks, which was fair. Big portions for sure. Didn't have room for dessert or coffee, but the server brought out a complimentary biscotti plate served with an affogato "dipping sauce" for the group to share anyway. Very classy and was appreciated. Overall: a wonderfully warm-yet-modern dining room, attentive service, a great value, and a very good meal. Would have to visit a few more times and eat some more things to give it the full five stars, but am absolutely looking forward to the opportunity to do just that. Oh, the wine list, which is wholly Italian varietals, has a little something for everyone. I s'pose son Joe B. had a little to do with that! Grazie, Lidia. I can now happily say that I have been able to accept your warm invitation at the end of each show (Tutti a tavola a mangiare). Looking forward to the next opportunity.
(4)
Serena T.

I'll be honest, when I go out to eat, usually Italian is the last option on my mind. While I enjoy it at times, I rarely have cravings for it. I've been to Lidia's twice now because the people I'm with wanted to go. But each time I've been thrilled with my dining experience. The service has been great and the food has been excellent. I typically don't like tomato based pasta sauces which at Lidia's is no problem because they have such a wide selection of pasta and sauces. I've had the pasta trio each time that I've gone and I've really enjoyed it. I've also tried some of the other dishes from the people I'm with and they all have been great. Really enjoyed the Wild Boar Ravioli - delish! If your in the Strip and happen to stroll by Lidia's you should check it out b/c you won't be disappointed. I'll also add, that I'm not a big Tiramisu fan, but Lidia's is the only place that I not only eat Tiramasu but I enjoy it and becomes by dessert of choice.
(5)
Jim U.

I have been to all of Lidia's restaurants in Manhattan, but this was my first go at her establishment all the way out in Pittsburgh. This restaurant is pretty similar to Becco, except there is no "theater crowd" and the restaurant has a considerable amount of space. The menus are pretty similar too, with the unlimited pasta specials being a mainstay here as well. The design of the restaurant is intriguing. It has two levels, and a considerable amount of open air space which is punctuated with huge, intricate chandeliers and giant tableaux along the walls. There is an industrial feel which helps the restaurant blend in fairly well with the Strip District; yet, at the same time, there is a sense of elegance down along the floor. The balance was struck quite nicely, and it made for an interesting place to eat. As for dinner, I was disappointed that the 3-course prix-fixe was only available as an option for the entire table. My girlfriend did not want to eat any pasta, so that option was simply not available to me. I am not sure why they can't offer the special on an individual basis and charge a "single supplement" price if only one person orders it from a particular table, especially if we were both planning to eat 3 courses anyway. I ended up ordering the same appetizer I would have ordered from the 3-course menu, a pasta dish for my second course, and forwent dessert for the same price. It seems silly to be so pedantic about such things. Oh well. For the appetizer, I went with the Cozze ($12). As an appetizer, it is only available in a white wine preparation, but on the prix-fixe menu they had a red wine (fra diavolo) preparation. Since that menu was verboten to me, you guessed it, I received the white wine preparation. The mussels were served in a very narrow, tall bowl. The bowl was jammed tight with open black mussels, sitting upon a shallow pool of broth and crowned by two pieces of toast. The mussels were clean, not a single one was cracked, and they were all open boasting sizable pieces of meat. I had to eat about half of them though before I could get to the broth, and given the narrow opening of the bowl, I had to break the toast into pieces to sop up some of the broth at the end. The broth was silky smooth and fairly flavorful. I just wish it were more accessible. The presentation was aesthetically pleasing, but not especially functional. For the main course, I went with the Lasagna Bolognese ($16). I was so pleased to see an authentic preparation! There were flat sheets of freshly made spinach pasta which had the perfect texture for this dish. The color of the sauce was correct too for a dish from Bologna. The quality of the Grana Padano was pretty good as well. The portion size was especially large making for a rather robust and tasty dish. I was fairly pleased with this course, good all around. Wine. I had a glass of Nero d'Avola ($10). The particular selection was decent. I was surprised though that my wine glass was taken from the table and later appeared on the table with wine in it. What was this? Why was I not shown the bottle? Why was I not given an option to taste it? (It's an inexpensive wine; I can live with that one). Why was it not poured in front of me? And, why was it under-poured? So, yeah, I was pretty much not inclined to have any more wine, given such off-putting service. I passed on dessert and called it a night. Overall, I think the quality of the dishes is high, and I generally enjoyed the ambiance. They are missing all of the polished service that I would expect to see at any of the NY locations, though. Also, I was annoyed with the structure of the menu. 3.75 stars
(3)
Mary R.

We came here for dessert and drink after dinner and we were pleasantly surprised. We each had a local beer at the bar with a pumpkin custard with pistachio brittle. Wonderful, warm, and festive, the Saturday before Christmas. Professional staff and an elegant warmth impressed us at this Italian restaurant in P'burgh's strip district. I loved looking at the decor in Lidia's. The massive slate fireplace looks like something out of Game of Thrones and I couldn't help but imagine a giant pig roasting in it. The chandeliers and the accent lights are made of handblown glass globes. The main dining room chandeliers are beautiful, in and of themselves, but they are not lit to their best advantage. Clearly expensive and complicated, but not well thought through. All that aside, the beer was great, the pumpkin custard was fabulous and we had a great time walking back to the hotel in the warm Pittsburgh rain.
(4)
chris m.

The food was fine. The wine was good. I wouldn't go expecting to be blown away but the execution of the dishes I ate were fine. I did feel like the cook had had enough of making my dish for the 9999th time. A menu refresh shouldn't be too hard with all of Lidia's wonderful recipes. The place I feel, survives on 80% her name, 20% dish quality.
(3)
Leah H.

A fantastic Italian meal all around. From the Caesar salads to the rustic pasta trio to the desserts...tiramisu and a variety of cookies! The waitress was very knowledgable about the menu and wine list. Pear ravioli with five cheeses? To die for!
(5)
Robb C.

My guests and I had a pleasant meal with good service.
(4)
Gerry W.

Had dinner with my son last night and it was fabulous. He went for the ribeye and I had roasted chicken. We started with the grilled calamari which was decent, could have used more calamari and less chick peas. The main courses were cooked perfectly and delish! Definitely will go back when returning to Pittsburgh.
(4)
Kay E.

Our boss treated some co-workers and myself to lunch here last week (one of my colleagues was leaving) and had a terrific time. The decor is amazing and so is the food. I had the Porchetta panino (pulled pork Shoulder with horseradish apple salsa) which came with these parsely-seasoned home fries. All of it was amazing. Like Darren (I was so jealous he got to go there back in February and I didn't), I had the Torta di Cioccolatta, and it was godly. The service was on-target too. I love this place and that it's so close to where I now work. Seriously gourmet.
(5)
Carrie L.

I had a great lunch here! The service, TBH, was average, but they pre-bused the hell out of my table so I was incredibly delighted! (Lack of pre-bus is a HUUUUUGE pet peeve of mine!) There were several items on the menu that I really wanted to try and I was truly torn on what to get. There was a Wild Boar dish, a Salmon that sounded amazing, and a Duck dish that sounded awesome, too! I'll walk you through the meal... 1.) They bring you some delicious breads (a Rosemary and Sea Salt bread, and another plainer Italian bread) to dip into a plate that had 2 perfectly rounded scoops of spreads in a pool of olive oil. The scoops? I think that one was an avocado-based spread and the other, I think, was a black bean spread--neither of them were overly flavorful, but both were relatively light and fresh. **My Faves Here: Sea Salt & Rosemary Bread with the [Black Bean] Spread 2.) Next was salad: You can choose a Caesar salad or a pickier/plane salad (but the plane salad will take extra time to make because the servers prep the salads themselves--so it was explained to us, anyhow). The Caesar was good! The anchovies are diced into the dressing, but you can barely recognize them if you're not a fan of anchovies and are worried about that. I honestly wouldn't have even known they were in there, had I not asked! **My Faves Here: Go for the Ceasar; it was great! 3.) For an appetizer (this is a weird choice, but I'm happy we did it), we got the "Chef's Vegetarian Sampler". This included a delicious, and lightly spicy, Barley Risotto, some Sauteed Spinach, and some type of [fried] Potato dish. It was very good! **My Faves Here: The Potatoes were pretty addicting! **Least Faves Here: The sauteed spinach--very garlicy! 4.) I ended up choosing "Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio"--and I would recommend that to others who find themselves torn between several things. Here's how this works... There are 3 pastas "of the day". The servers bring around large bowls of all three types of pasta and places all three types on your plate for you to try. One you've sampled all three, its "all you can eat" of your faves. They'll ask you what types you'd like more of and give you more. Not a bad deal! The day that I went, all three were pretty good. One had a spicy, red sauce and wide noodles. Another had an olive oil based sauce and had Orecchiette pasta. The last one was the one that I could have eaten allllllll day! It was simple, but amazing! Goat Cheese filled Ravioli with a Butter and Thyme sauce! Ugh... to die for! Let me tell you about this ravioli! They were not "doughey" at all; they were perfect! Very thin pasta, but none were broken! Delicate and perfectly filled with the most amazing cheese. The butter/thyme sauce wasn't the least bit overwhelming! It was the perfect compliment to this dish! ...just thinking about it makes me want to go back to Lidia's NOW! **My Faves Here: OBVIOUSLY the Goat Cheese Ravioli! **My Least Fave: The Orcchiette dish. It wasn't "bad", it was just "meh". 5.) Oh, yes... there WAS dessert, too! ;) (don't judge me! lots of folks have dessert at lunch-time!) ;) I enjoyed the Tiramisu! Now, some people like it when the lady fingers in Tiramisu are very Rummy tasting, but I am not a fan of too much of that! This was perfect and delicious! I would def recommend it! All in all... Lidia's = WIN! PROS: Delicious; Pre-bus galore! CONS: Parking (but you can park in the "dust bowl" across the street. Located in the strip Pretty busy on the weekends!
(4)
Jim J.

Four stars based on Lidia's stellar reputation but not the meal my wife and I received. First, parking around the block was impossible. We found a spot in a paid parking lot across the street. For $6 we were able to park about a quarter mile away. I need the exercise anyway. Our waitress was very helpful and attentive. I was interested in trying Lidia's bolognese sauce. Even though it was not on the menu, they served a small plate of spaghetti with bolognese sauce. Big points for accommodating my request. But the sauce was watery without much flavor. I was impressed with the knife skills of whoever fine diced the carrots. Just surprised/disappointed with the results. There are probably as many different bolognese recipes as Italian cooks. This may have been perfectly prepared but I was expecting more depth of flavor in a carefully built, slow simmered sauce. As others have mentioned, the bread service is great. The scoops of basil and olive flavored spread were a little bland. When combined with the fresh bread with salt crystals on the crust, the result was really good. I had the white bean soup of the day. It was a bit bland needing a little more salt. Same opinion of the gnocchi with braised duck ragu. The ragu sauce had much more flavor than the soup and was enjoyable but could have been better with a touch more salt. As a classically trained newbe cook, I try to eat the best of the best foods when I can. It is easy to follow a recipe. It is very hard to prepare a dish perfectly. I was hoping for perfection. Don't think that is what I got - but really enjoyed the bread and great service.
(4)
I.E. C.

I've never understood the hype of this place. The food is simply OK, nothing special at all, except that it's a bit pricey. On a recent visit for brunch, I visited the antipasto bar. The spinach frittata, was beyond bland. The coleslaw with apple was surprisingly good. The rest of the antipastos were forgettable. I also ordered the Spring Ramp Ravioli with Crab Meat in a Thyme Butter Sauce. Sounds delicious right? Well... sadly I thought the pasta quality was poor, and again lacking in the flavor department. I will say our bartender was fantastic though. He always had a smile on his face and was attentive to all of our needs. That's the only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)
Stephen S.

I'm a big fan of Lidia, but.... I watch her shows and have a cook book, which I adore. But I was somewhat disappointed with my dinner there. It was a on a Wednesday night, but there shouldn't be an excuse for a meal this expensive. First dish was grilled octopus, which was great. I thought it needed more seasoning on the meat, but the accompanying salad was perfectly dressed. My gnocchi I felt wasn't fresh, however the rabbit ragu was really nice. Again, though, it needed more seasoning. I actually wondered if they were catering to an old Pittsburgh clientele who may not put salt on their food. My dinner partner had calimari and shrimp over pasta, and it was too al dente.
(3)
Michael U.

Arriving at the midpoint of the lunch hour we were surprised to find the restaurant less than 1/4 full. With the bar empty and only one section being seated be claimed our reservation and were led quickly to a table near the large glass windows - an excellent view of the river would be our companion throughout the meal. Meeting our waiter, a friendly man named Chendo we were given menus and a brief explanation of the daily special pastas for the Pasta Trio. With the restaurant quite slow that day I will note we were very well taken care of throughout out meal - the service staff was excellent. Browsing the high ceilinged room, randomly placed bottles and objects, and abundant brightly colored glass panels plus Chihuily influenced chandeliers I have to say Lidia's is a very handsome restaurant - it has that "wow" factor of many New York City dining rooms. While the white paper over white tablecloth aspect of the table setting struck me as odd, everything else felt "fine dining" without seeming forced. Sitting and waiting for our meals to arrive we were first delivered one of the better bread baskets I've had in recent memory - Sea Salt Foccacia, Rustic Italian, and Cracked Wheat Sourdough served with two spreads, a Chick Pea Pesto and pureed White Beans with Black Olive, both resting in a pool of slightly sweet extra virgin olive oil. Served warm the breads were tantalizing and given the size of the portions soon to be arriving it was definitely a chore not to overindulge (a chore I failed, miserably.) For our main courses my mother opted for a salad and a contorti while Erika and I chose pastas. For myselfthe choice was quite simple - my favorite pasta and my favorite protein on the same plate, Gnocchi with Duck Guazetto. An Italian Stew not unlike Chicken Cacciatore, but featuring duck in white wine instead of Chicken in Red the thick reduction was hearty, meaty, smoky, and laden with vegetables. Paired with a toothsome yet non-doughy potato gnocchi the dish was not only enormous, but incredibly filling. While I will admit I ate a lot of bread and helped my mother and sister with their plates I can say that this was one dish I couldn't finish, it was just too large. For Mother's selection she opted for the Roasted Beet and Apple Salad with Frisee and Fresh Goat Cheese plus the Pan Seared Golden Polenta Fritters. A competent salad with sweet apples balancing earthy beets and pungent goat cheese the dish was brought together by a splash of balsamic and olive oil, ample in size and flavor, very nicely done. Not fairing quite as well as the Salad were the Fritters - nicely prepared and crispy on the outside with creamy polenta within, they simply lacked flavor. Erika's selection would be the signature Pasta Trio - three pastas plated tableside with unlimited refills. Admittedly the concept sounds somewhat "Olive Garden" but that is before you realize two of the pastas are made in house and one is imported direct from Italy...and all the sauces are made daily in the kitchen, as well. Served up onto a single large platter the daily selections would be hand torn Tagliatelle and Pork Ragu, Imported Orchiette with Fennel Sausage and Thyme, and house folded Sweet Pea and Corn Ravioli with Cream Sauce. Enormous in portion I cannot really fathom anyone requiring seconds of the trio and at a mere $14 the selections were excellent. Smoky and Sweet the Pork Ragu complimented the al dente Tagliatelle nicely while the aromatic sausage was an equally balanced flavor for the Orchiette. The most impressive of the group, the sweet pea and corn ravioli, was sweetened only by the vegetal components while the cream itself had notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Arriving simultaneously and thankfully smaller than the entrees was Torta di Mandorle e Mirtilli - Blueberry and almond cake, blueberry-lavender ice cream, almond crunch, blueberries. . If a little is good a lot is better seemed to be the theme of this dessert and it worked nicely - the fresh blueberries lacing the buttery pound cake, the flowery accent to the blueberry ice cream, and the crunchy sugared almonds paired with even more blueberries - excellent. The second dessert, larger in size but lighter in texture, would be Panna Cotta alla Fragola - Strawberry and ricotta panna cottas, lemon-strawberry sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries. Served in a 12oz glass better suited for a milkshake the panna cotta was surprisingly springy and well blended with a more gelatin strawberry base topped by an ample creamy layer of whipped cream and ricotta. Unnecessary but welcomed the lemony cookies were much akin to a shortbread in texture and Madeline in flavor. Having heard "upscale Olive Garden" comparisons I personally find that assessment far from accurate and would actually go so far as to say that aside from the lack of seasoning the the experience was on par with many fine dining Italian establishments in other cities.
(4)
Sarah S.

As a lover of pasta--I love to eat it, I love to make it, I love to cook with it--this restaurant is heaven. Just outside of downtown Pittsburgh (by Wholey's and The Heinz History Museum), this restaurant has soaring ceilings, a beautiful Chihuly-style glass chandelier, and friendly waitstaff. It's great for a date night, business lunch/dinner, or celebratory dinner (we've celebrated new jobs, birthdays, and anniversaries here over the years). It was started by famous chef Lidia Bastianich and features a wonderful selection of pastas, wines, and desserts. The meal always starts with a bread basket filled with crunchy cheese bread sticks (they taste like gourmet Cheez-Its), herbed foccacia, and Italian bread and the breads are served alongside two different "butters" (olive and pesto, I believe). There are some amazing dishes on the menu (my mom loves their gnocchi with duck ragu and the arugula salad and rarely gets anything else, while my dad and brother are more willing to try different things from the menu, like wild boar ravioli or caprese salad), but the best choice on the menu by far is Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio. Offered either on its own or paired with a Caesar salad and choice of dessert, this meal consists of endless servings of three different, freshly made pastas. The pastas and their sauces change each day, but you can usually count on at least one butter-based sauce (usually butter and sage or butter and thyme) and one tomato-based sauce. The pastas are always different--last night, they had bucatini, papardelle, and ravioli--and they are always freshly made. The servers bring out steaming saute pans filled with the fresh pasta and you can eat as much pasta as you want (the servers will stop by every so often to offer another serving). This meal is a great way to try new types of pastas and new sauces and, with three types served each time, you're bound to like one. I've had spinach and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle in a thyme-butter sauce, linguine in a creamy tomato sauce, bucatini in a spicy tomato sauce with caramelized onions and bacon...I've had too many pastas and sauces to count and I've always enjoyed this meal. I highly recommend getting it with the salad and dessert--the Caesar salad is lovely and they usually have some tasty desserts. They always offer delicious ice creams and sorbets (we've had lemon sorbet, olive oil ice cream, chocolate espresso ice cream, and strawberry sorbet, to name a few) and they usually have some sort of decadent chocolate dessert available. The restaurant is definitely dressy, but there's always the one table with the idiots who came dressed in jeans and a tee shirt--please don't be one of those idiots (wear a cute dress or khakis and a polo). They offer valet parking, but there's a large, relatively inexpensive parking lot right across the street. Reservations help, but usually you can get in without one (unless it's a weekend evening). I recommend coming in with an empty stomach, because with all of that pasta, you'll need some room in there.
(4)
Claude S.

What you need to know, which I did not, is that this is a massive, chain restaurant. They can seat several 100 people. It's like the type of restaurant you find at a casino. It's an upscale chain, but it's basically a chain. And, the food is tasty and well prepared. They do what they do well.
(3)
Todd D.

I think this will bounce between a 3.5 and 4.5. My caveats are these: we ate there on Valentine's Day while visiting Pittsburgh, though we didn't know it would be a prix fixe menu. Second, I love Lidia's cooking and have been waiting a long time to get to her place. The restaurant is beautiful inside. The Valentine's menu was more limited than what I had hoped for - the whole menu - but it wasn't bad. We included the wine pairings with our menu. Bruschetta around as the first (with prosecco); the endive salad, tarte, and roasted beets (x2) for primi; three pastas (x2), swordfish, and salmon for mains. Both sets came with a selection of either a white or red wine. Dessert is four pieces per person (truffle, petit four, chocolate cookie, and one other), plus dessert wine. The food was excellent, with one misfire on the veggie version of the paparadelle (normally bolognese) - it was weak in the sauce and more tomato juice than sauce. Cost is an issue on the rating: the menu was $50 and the wine pairing (not required) was $25. Once you get into the $75 range pp, ($360 with tip), you actually expect a bit more than this - better wine, a few tweeks to the menu. I think that with a full menu we might do less food, different choices, and split a bottle of wine and get in for about $60 pp, which seems more reasonable to me. I suspect a night with the full set of options would work out better. 3.5 for this night; probably more like 4.5 on another night. Definitely worth the trip.
(4)
Elizabeth S.

I visited Pittsburgh for the weekend and was excited to try Lidia's since I have been to her son's outstanding restaurants up in New York. Lidia's was a major disappointment for me. Decor and service were just fine, no issues there. But the food was something I would expect from a chain restaurant like Carrabba's or Olive Garden. The quality seemed poor: bread was soggy, greens and salad dressings way over salted, greasy, sloppy pasta sauces, and huge portions just slapped onto dirty plates with greasy fingerprints all over the edges. Plus, I spent the entire meal swatting flies away from our table. I was really puzzled by this experience. When you dine at Joe's restaurants, you get the sense that every single ingredient is hand selected for the highest quality and the presentation of the food shows care went into it. I expected a similar standard at Lidia's. I wondered if Lidia visits this restaurant often and whether she knows about the quality of the food. Celebrity chefs often seem to suffer from this issue: they get involved in so many business ventures and if they are not at the restaurants regularly, the quality suffers. Sorry to say it, but I definitely won't be back to Lidia's.
(2)
Michele W.

Not a place I'd return to for regular fare, overpriced for quality. But the brunch is a divine value.
(4)
JIM B.

As always Lidia's is fantastic. Don't open the menu, the pasta trio is what you should get.
(4)
Pete H.

Had dinner here with my wife and another couple. The food was good, as we have expected from a previous visit. The service was OK. The restaurant was maybe half full on a Monday night. We were passed from one server to another, even though the first server was still working. In addition, the explanation of the 3-course special was incomplete, so it was not clear what was included or what choices were possible, but we did get all that should have been included. We also had a hard time getting attention for basic service items, like more cheese for the one person who ordered the pasta tasting trio, or the second glass of wine for the special. In the end, we could not finish it all and asked for it to be boxed up. Three of us got our remainders boxes, but they apparently didn't box up the half of the secondi from my wife, who was really looking forward to finishing it the next night. We didn't notice until the next morning that they left out one of the take home boxes. Maybe the staff was just having an off night, but it will negatively effect my decision for a repeat visit. Summary: good, but the service was a bit disappointing for this level of restaurant.
(3)
Kurt V.

I had dinner at Lidia's on Saturday evening, February 22, 2014. I flew in from TX to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Lidia's was the chosen restaurant and I was very excited. We were a party of 8 and were crowded around a round table. Five of us ordered the Pasta Trio and it was the BEST fettuccine and ravioli! The pasta was fresh and the taste was out of this world! The disappointment came when we wanted more. We sat at length waiting for seconds after our initial taste trio. When we were served again, I received a spoonful of fettuccine - one to three bites. Our drinks, other than water, were only refilled once. I ended up switching from iced tea to water, not by choice but before I noticed, my tea glass was filled with water. I was also bumped throughout the meal by wait staff walking between me and a temporary wall that was put up to accommodate a large birthday party. Fortunately I can get good pasta with much better service elsewhere. I really wish I could say otherwise but I will not be back and wouldn't recommend this location unless maybe for lunch or a less busy evening. I am pretty sure if Lidia experienced the service in her own restaurant she would be appalled!
(3)
Vinnie O.

Lidia's was awesome. Had a reservation made thru Yelp. They were prompt to sit us as soon as we arrived. The wait staff was very courteous and quick to bring drinks and the bread basket. That bread, the bruschetta appetizer, an the main meal were delicious! My wife had the 3 course pasta, and the ravioli was the best I've ever tasted. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good Italian joint in Pittsburgh!
(4)
Robert P.

Nice place would give atmosphere a 6 1/2 out of 10 and food a seven out of 10. Often has good specials!
(4)
Theresa C.

Been here for lunch with the coworkers once a week now. I must say, the pasta trio is a great deal (all you can eat) but not all of the rotational pastas are equally tasty. The decor is very open and spacious.
(4)
Keri K.

Groupon alert! $70 for 2 includes the following: 1. Bottle of vino 2. Delicious bread basket- especially those thin slightly crisp bread sticks 3. Caesar salad 4. Pasta trio- oh those mushroom ravioli 5. Tiramisu- my favorite part of the meal...just incredible Double date night...friend encouraged me...thank you so much. Pleasure! Oh and friends husband switched the Caesar for the seasonal beet ensalade...looked beautiful. I dislike being one of those peeps that just ain't in to beets. Colorful beets too...yellows, reds, simply gorg. Great Groupon because this meal would have been $130 or more....
(4)
Mallory M.

My husband and I opted to go to Lidias for restaurant week since he had never been before. I've been there for brunch in the past and had good meals, so I thought it'd be a nice place to take my Italian hubby. We both selected the prix fix menu with wine pairings. ($35 + $22). It was apparent when we sat down that they were understaffed. The hostess began taking our drink order because our waitress was busy. When the waitress finally got to our table, we told her that we wanted to do the wine pairing and she offered us a few tasting options. They had a decent wine selection, and both her recommendations were delicious. We both started our meals with caesar salads. The salads came out and the plates were a little sloppy in appearance. They were over-dressed and way too big for a starter salad, and the croutons were soggy as if they had been sitting in the dressing for a while. At this point, we hadn't seen our waitress in a long time; maybe 15 minutes had gone by and we were nearly done with our salads before the wines came. For the main course, I selected the gnocchi and grilled sausage. The sausage was made in-house and was very flavorful. The gnocchi, however, was so burnt it was like eating dehydrated, crunchy noodles with a dense chewy inside. Very unappetizing and I was unable to continue eating. My husband had the pasta trio, which is a table-side serving of three different pastas. The first was a spiral noodle in red tomato sauce, which was good. The pasta was cooked al dente and the sauce wasn't too sweet. The second pasta was gnocchi in a sage cream sauce, also good. The third pasta was supposed to be linguine in a mushroom sauce, but the noodles were extremely under-cooked, some of them still clumped together at one end, and there wasn't any sauce in the pan. Even the server commented on the lack of a sauce. It was inedible.. Again, our waitress was gone for a long time and one of the nearby servers noticed that we weren't eating our meals and we were actively searching for our waitress. He came over to our table and we explained the situation. He was really nice and immediately went to find the manager to get it fixed. In the meantime, our waitress did stop by and we explained again to her. She also went to find the manager. The manager came over to our table almost immediately. She was very kind and apologetic, indicating they were having a very bad day in the kitchen. She offered us new plates of food, but at this point we weren't very hungry and still hadn't eaten dessert. The manager offered to pay for our meals and dessert. I had a Nutella tart and my husband had tiramisu, both yummy, but too large to finish. Before leaving, our waitress told us we should come back, especially after they had plans to remodel in the near future. Not sure that we will after this experience...
(1)
Blythe S.

Yum! Pasta Trio was fantastic. The waiter was pleasant and the food was hot And very very fresh. Visiting Pittsburgh has been a treat and this restaurant has made it even more memorable.
(5)
Ed D.

pasta was OK. Not the best not the worst. Wasn't thoroughly wowed...
(3)
Anon Y.

Great Restaurant with great food nice wine. The inside ambience is good but there's no nice view of the city.
(4)
Matthew B.

Horrible. Baby Girl bought a groupon, and we revisited after a about a 4 yr hiatus. I don't remember it being this bad. Wettest, limpest Caesar salad I ever had, couldn't finish half of it. Pasta trio was bizarre. Three disjointed pastas that fight each other in flavor are piled on your plate. Penne undercooked. Fettuccine flaccid. Only passable pasta was the pear & ricotta ravioli. Too rich, though. We were there for an hour and fifteen minutes, two courses, and it wasn't that busy. Waitress walked away two times while opening our bottle of wine. Crazy. We got the tiramisu to go, I couldn't deal with this place any more. Lighting is distracting, felt like I was in a food court in the mall. Carpet was all jacked up. Looked like fraternity house carpet. Clientele was strange...lots of sleeveless T's and baseball hats. I didn't even see that the one time I was at the Olive Garden. Staff was inattentive and bothered. I was really looking forward to going, as we love (tangentially) related restaurants Babbo & Esca. Never again.
(1)
Vanessa L.

3.5 stars We stumbled upon Lidias after a full meal. My fiances mom is really into Lisia so we decided to check it out for dessert. Upon entrance we realized we were probably underdressed for the occasion, everyone seemed to be slightly more well dressed. We were seated for dessert with minimal wait time. Since we were already full from dinner we opted for dessert and coffee only. We definitely weren't disappointed with the dessert. We ordered the tiramisu and the nutella custard, both of which was rich and delightful. To drink, I had a decaf cappuccino with the in house coffee bean they offered and my fiance had a double should of espresso which GIANT. It was practically a cup of really concentrated coffee. He was definitely awake after that! Anyways, we definitely enjoyed the taste of the beans, it had a unique toasty flavour. So, the reason I'm bumping this place down to a 3.5 instead of a 4 was because the service was not the greatest. The server we had at our table was very nice, but after she realized we were only ordering dessert, we felt her attitude changed slightly as she became less attentive. And near the end of our meal she shoved us the bill prior to us asking. Of course that brought her tip down. Later as we walked out we noticed that there was a collection of Lidias books on sale with her "autograph" in the front covers. Since my fiance's mother loves Lidia, we decided to buy one for her. Wrong decision! Let's just say.... The process of getting this book took longer than our meal! And I was giving the wrong change which prolonged the entire fiasco. So, overall good dessert, can't say much for the regular savoury food but the service was definitely odd and questionable. Might try this place again for the savoury food.
(3)
Michael C.

It ain't what it used to be. Haven't been here in more than 10 years when it was great. Food is still good maybe very good but not great. On a Friday night at 8p I was the only person sitting at the bar, let alone eating. Though the dining room was buzzing and almost full. Martini glass was so small I almost thought it was a joke. Martini itself was more vermouth than vodka. Excellent wine recommendation though and bartender was enthusiastic and trying. As the Pittsburgh foodie scene continues to evolve, Lidia's is stuck and sliding. Oh, move the wine away from the kitchen...
(3)
Sheila B.

I just really love Lidia's. I do. Like really do. When you walk in, I love the hanging glass blown chandeliers, the look of the open kitchen, the wine prominently displayed on the back wall. It just looks welcoming and inviting, a little trendy, but not too trendy to make me feel like I'm not cool enough to eat there! The hostess is always friendly and quick to seat you. I'd definitely recommend reservations if possible as they can get pretty busy both on weekdays and especially weekends. The food is amazing. Have you seen her cooking shows on PBS? It's just like that, times 1000 because you actually get to eat it, not just watch her cook it. I've never had something I didn't like here, though I do have some favorites. The duck breast is wonderful. Perfectly cooked and prepared with a sweet cherry sauce all served over polenta. Wait, I think I'm drooling :-) Their tasting trio of pastas changes daily with one imported and two dry pastas and varying sauces based on the day. Most of the time these are delicious, I've had a very few where they are good, but don't knock my socks off. Just depends on your taste. The servers do an excellent job describing the daily specials, so go with their recommendations and input. Oh yeah, don't forge the tasting trio is all you can eat so come hungry! I almost forgot the breadbasket! Always delicious with focaccia bread, cheesy breadsticks, and Tuscan style Italian bread served with a kalamata olive spread, garbanzo bean spread (amazing!) sitting in a moat of olive oil. It's hard not to fill up on the bread! If you enjoy wine, try their wine of the month by glass or bottle. I often get it and have never had one I didn't enjoy. The servers are always on point with excellent wine and food recommendations based on your personal tastes. They are quick with refills, more bread and are very capable of dealing with reasonable special requests. It's really a blessing that Lidia picked Pittsburgh as a location for one of her restaurants. If you haven't checked it out, no better time than now for some delicious Italian food and wine!
(5)
Dave P.

Lidias brunch is one of the more interesting places that is most delicious. We often find ourselves here with friends on Sundays. They ussually have some very interesting choices but I always get the pasta. The servers are always pleasent and the food is plentiful. Lidias has had the same vibe for a really long time and maybe that's why I've docked it one star. It would be nice to see a little more variety.
(4)
Bob B.

I have been here twice, the most recent was at an outing in which I could sample many different pastas. Very solid, but nothing blew me away. I like the atmosphere.
(3)
Sarah M.

We finally made it to Lydia's and unfortunately it was disappointing! The olive spreads that come with the bread basket were gritty and tasteless. The lasagne I ordered was flavorless as well. The pasta in the lasagna was a nice texture. My husband ordered the $42 steak, he ordered it mid rare and it was a bit over cooked but the issue with the steak was the flavor if a dirty grill. The Tiramisu was very good also the calamari appetizer was terrific. The service was good but she hovered too much for me personally. We also had several drinks.... So, in the end $180 left a bad taste in my mouth..........
(2)
Joanne A.

My hubby bought a groupon for this place, so we tried it tonight. We were going to go with a group of friends, but they only allow 1 groupon per table. Valet was $7 and they park your car right in front which is convenient. Walking in, they had 2 hostesses who were very pleasant. The decor is modern. Our server was really nice and attentive. I think his name is Chando? I appreciate it too when the server offers to box leftovers instead of customers having to ask for boxes. I guess I feel like I'm not imposing when they offer to do it. As we were seated, he filled our water glasses and talked to us about the groupon, which included a bottle of wine from the $32 list (which is possibly their cheapest wine selection). The selection here is pretty extensive. I really enjoyed the bread basket with the garbanzo and cannelini bean hummus. I think that's what they were. My husband got the soup of the day which he said was just ok. Nothing special. My caesar salad was also the norm but there was so much of it, which was a waste. I like the pasta tasting trio, which our server said varies daily depending on the chef's selection. We had the paparrdele w/ sausage and cabbage, gemelli with spinach and ricotta and ramp, pea, asparagus ravioli. All tasted pretty good. My fave among the three waa the pappardele and my hubby liked the ravioli. I did notice our server called the gemelli a fusilli but they do look pretty similar, and I didn't really mind bc either way, the dish would prob taste the same. The servers came around with the food efficiently and I felt like I was at an all you can eat brazilian steakhouse only with the chip always on green side. No complains though because we were able to take our food to go. We also ended up taking the tiramisu to go and actually haven't tasted it yet. It looked good! Price wise, if we didn't have a groupon, I think the bill would've been $104 plus two tiramisus, so the groupon was prob a 50% off deal. Overall, I would recommend the food we had and the service.
(4)
Jim D.

I've been a Lidia's fan a long time. The food is exceptional as is the staff. Melissa at the bar is a kick if you ever sit at the bar. The Osso Bucco when offered is 3 very goods. You really cannot go wrong. Classic and New World Italian collide perfectly.
(5)
Jess B.

Fast service. I think I would rank this higher if I had liked the taste of my food. Ordered the lasagna. DEF had better in my life! My BF ordered the boar ravioli which was much better. A bit on the expensive side. Bread was good though!
(3)
Charles E.

I had high hopes for Lidia's and the dinner I shared with a friend here did not disappoint. We both had the pasta trio: an amazing assortment of fresh pasta dishes that truly hit the mark as something special. Service was both competent and friendly. I highly recommend Lidia's Pittsburgh as living up to the culinary reputation of it's namesake.
(5)
Thu L.

Took my friends from out of town to Lidia last night, very disappointed. I couldn't understand why people raving about it too much. OVER Charge and terrible food. None of us could finish the meals cause they tasted so bad even we were very hungry. Our waitress looked dirty and no teeths...services was ok, not that great. Olive garden is away better than this place. This was my first time and last time.
(1)
Randy H.

Lidia, you let me down. I'm a huge fan of Lidia Bastianich, love her books, love her recipes, love her shows, and love most of her restaurants. So when I had the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh recent was to make reservations at Lidia's Pittsburgh. Literally speaking, as soon as I finished booking my hotel I went to Open Table to make my reservation at Lidia's. So, my daughter and I visited on a Saturday night in February. Our first impression was the $7 valet parking fee. What? I'm from New York City and I've never paid $7 for someone to park my car. No way could I support that, we drove a half a block further and found a nice spot on the street. I really didn't get the impression that this restaurant was so upscale that the $7 valet fee is warranted. First disappointment of the night. The restaurant was not very busy this night so we had a very nice quiet dining experience. After having a chance to browse the menu our waitress described for us the Pasta Trio, a selection of three fresh pastas, two local, one imported, served with a variety of sauces. My family and I are huge fans of Lidia's restaurant in NYC named BECCO which also serves the Sinfonia di Paste, their version of the Pasta Trio. The Pasta Trio is served tableside with unlimited portions of the three pasta choices of the night. For us these choices included Penne Ala Vodka, with imported penne, Fettuccini with scallions and carrots, and beef brisket ravioli in a butter sauce. After reading several Yelp reviews about this place we got the impression our best experience would be from the Pasta Trio. So we tried it. The Penne Ala Vodka was average; the sauce was similar in taste to what I've had from Lidia's jarred sauces. I would expect so much more from the in-person experience. The pasta itself was more than al dente; it was on the tough and chewy side. The fettuccini pasta was delicious, very thin and I liked the scallions and carrots sauce. There may have been more to the sauce but I don't recall at this point. The last of the pastas was the beef brisket ravioli, WOW, this was delicious! Love it! Ok, I don't normally get this excited about pasta but I loved this one, I want to make this one myself at home. So to sum up the Pasta Trio, one hit (the brisket), one miss (the penne), and one eh? (the fettuccini). Having tasted so many of Lidia's dishes at this point I set the bar high for her restaurants. Lidia's Pittsburgh sadly didn't deliver up to these expectations. The atmosphere is nice, warehouse dÃ©cor with exposed trusses on the ceiling, the staff was friendly and very well informed about the menu, but the overall experience just comes up average. The flavors just were not there for us.
(3)
Jennifer B.

Purchased a groupon so we could check it out-unfortunately very disappointed. Caesar salad was drowning in tart dressing. Pasta trio - 1 out of the 3 was passable. The bread was good and the wine (included in the groupon deal) was pretty good which is pretty sad because I'm sure Lidia's had no hand in making either of the 2 things I didn't mind from the dinner. Good groupon deal but terrible food - will not be back.
(1)
Jasmine L.

Had the pasta trio as part of a Groupon promo. The food was hot and the wine selection was great. Our waiter was very friendly and the staff made sure to make our experience a positive one. I would definitely return to try a different dish.
(4)
Melissa C.

Holy cannoli. No, really. HOLY CANNOLI. But I'll get to dessert in a sec. My kids and I visited Lidia's the night before Easter and were blown away by everything from the atmosphere to the service to the food. Our server, Becky, was hilarious and bent over backward to meet our every need. BIG plus. We started with drinks--the kids with Lidia's Italian sodas (vanilla cream and blackberry sage) and I with an orange Manhattan. I'd substitute another bourbon for Maker's next time, but it was reallllly good. While we waited for the appetizer course, we were offered a selection of fresh-baked breads (grissini with grana padano, focaccia, and a sturdy Tuscan bread), served with kalamata olive-cannellini bean and basil pesto spreads. SO good. Our first course was Burrata with broccoli rabe, olive oil, and grilled bread. The Flavors were bright, fresh, and fabulous. My daughter got the pasta trio (a solid choice in my estimation), which included penne with sausage and caramelized onions, ravioli with thyme-butter sauce, and fettuccine with basil pesto. YUM. My son went with house garganelli pasta, lemon garlic cream, crispy fried shrimps, chives, toasted pine nuts. Holy CATS, it was good. I had gnocchi with braised duck ragu. It was to DIE for. Dessert featured tiramisu, Nutella budino with candied hazelnuts, and Zuppa Inglese which was a crazy good melange of amaretto-soaked sponge cake, pastry cream and pistachio cream with raspberry sorbetto, lemon custard sauce, fresh raspberries and candied almonds. There is a God, clearly. We had a GREAT time. Lots of jokes and smiles from the wait staff, a relaxed atmosphere, and FANTASTIC food. Just right. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Marcie M.

Three of us had dinner at 8:30 on a Friday night. Started with a drink at the bar, and were impressed with the bartender's knowledge and service--a great start! We asked for help with our wine selection, and the knowledgable sommelier helped us choose a lovely Italian red; another positive step. It was downhill from there. We were slow to order and our waitress was patient, but we didn't get bread until about 15 seconds before our entrees appeared, and 2 of our 3 specialty salads were missing key ingredients. Our waitress offered to replace them, but since we'd already rolled through most of the plates by the time she checked on us, she removed one of them from our bill instead. Pasta trio was unimpressive, ziti was quite dry and fettuccini cooked nearly to mush. Lamb chops and shrimp pasta were just OK. Desserts were nice. Bus staff mostly ignored us, 2 of them actually started a little spat while sitting at a table next to us--our poor waitress had to intervene and did most of the cleanup herself. I'm sad to give a poor review to a restaurant with such a great food icon as its namesake, but I can't recommend this place.
(2)
S. P.

Great addition to the Pittsburgh restaurant scene. Food was outstanding. The pasta trio is a must whether as an appetizer or a meal. The sarme (cabbage rolls with beef, veal, & pork) was awesome. We even tried the chicken livers (great appetizer but probably better for larger groups so that each person gets 1-2 livers instead of 4-5, some things are meant to be consumed in smaller quantities). Good wine list and the service was excellent. Lidia is the owner of several NYC restaurants including Del Posto. I was not aware of this until talking to our waitress after the meal. Thought that would be helpful to anyone on the fence about this place.
(4)
Cindy K.

I'm not a big Italian fan, but since we are up north where the best Italian is, I wanted to try it. Breads were served with strawberry, apricot, and crunchy sugar butter. That was great. We were in for brunch on Sunday. I had the Filet and was not super impressed with the meat, but the potato wedges were quite tasty. Then dessert, I loved most, but the almond/hazelnut cristota was to die for. Hubby had Pasta Trio and was satisfied. Would go back.
(4)
John S.

awesome time... food/wine was great... ask for eric
(5)
Pachandra O.

I popped into Lidia's for lunch before going to the Heinz History Center and Museum, which is right down the street. I'm not from the area and read some good reviews about this restaurant, so I wanted to try it. It was a Saturday around noon so I was expecting a huge crowd, but there were hardly any diners in the restaurant and after having my very expensive meal, it became apparent why. First, there was a prefix brunch menu which I found to be pricey (for the quality). There was a salad bar with old, wilted, over-dressed salad, a few different (old looking) pasta salads, and a sparsely covered meat board. For my entree, I tried the lasagna recommended by the waiter. It was a generous portion, but tasted just like a freezer lasagna you would purchase at the local grocery. The dessert bar was the best part. The nutella chocolate cake and lemon cakes were delicious. The tiramisu was not very good, though, It was runny, watery, and had too much brandy in it. The service was strange. My server was a little absent minded and awkward when presenting the menu. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone, but it wasn't the worst dining experience I've ever had.
(2)
Angelica R.

My family and I came here for Sunday brunch to celebrate my father's birthday. We were seated around noon and I was starving. As other people have said, don't you dare eat a single thing before you come here or you will have to be rolled out like Violet Beauregarde. They start you off with a complimentary blood mary or mimosa. Um, hai. I like your style. And you pick your entree (of course, the famous pasta trio is an option). Then you get to take your fill of their antipasto spread. A dozen different salad options, mussels, cheese, olives, frittata... I had to try a bit of everything and yes, I was that person walking back to my table with two plates. My entree was duck gnocchi. I felt a little guilty because I adore duckies but damn was it tasty. The gnocchi were like little pillows they were so light and fluffy. Lidia, WHAT IS YOUR SECRET!? Best gnocchi I have ever had (and I don't even really like it that much; something about it just called to me). And then they wrap you up with a dessert table. I was about read to pop and we had homemade ice cream and cake at home but I couldn't stop myself. The little cookies were crisp and perfectly satisfying to wrap up a meal. But I didn't stop there. You're at Lidia's, you eat the tiramisu. Creamy, sweet but not too sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee. That coffee was so good, I didn't even need cream and sugar. Slight downfalls: the waiter didn't know who was the birthday person (discreetly ask if you don't know, just don't plunk it down in front of someone) and the wait staff cleared away all serviceware before I was done. I still had bread on my plate and I also needed a knife to cut through the baguette French-toast-like dessert - would have liked to enjoy it but I couldn't. All in all, a great brunch. Definitely the place to go for a special occasion.
(4)
Wayne D.

Exceptional cuisine. Offers a beautiful atmosphere and top notch dining. Overall a bit pricey, although, well worth it. Put it on your list and don't miss it!
(5)
Jackie L.

Lidias is a classy restaurant in the strip district. There's valet parking for $6 if you so wish to do so. You step inside and see that its not a super large restaurant, but it is large enough and has a cozy feel to it. The light fixtures are brightly colored glass and are beautiful. Take a look at the bar on the back wall, because it is very striking. You dont have to dress up, but it doesnt hurt to look a little bit because you dont want a chandelier to upstage you! The menu is a two pager and everything looked very good. My group all ordered the pasta trio. The trio included a spaghetti type with roasted cauliflower and tomatoes, penne with ragu and mushroom ravioli. Each pasta was delicious and it was impossible to choose a favorite. The servings are unlimited so you dont have to miss any pasta for very long before more is brought to you. Each pasta satisfied a different food craving (light, hearty and rich) and this is what made it difficult to choose a favorite. Dessert was also very good and I had split the chocolate cake with my uncle. Just in case you're wondering, the chocolate cake has no shredded coconut so eat away! The description mentions coconut several times and ordinarily I'm scared that it will have shredded coconut, but this was safe. Lidias was a great experience and I'm glad I went. I think its worthy of 5 stars because the service, food and atmosphere was wonderful. Tutti a tavola a mangiare!
(5)
A G.

Amazing Italian food restaurant. Franco, the manger, is the best! He brought out several of our appetizers with lightning speed. Probably one of the best Italian restaurants in the city! Looking forward to coming back again soon for the pasta trio!
(5)
Marili C.

We were so looking forward to the food but our experience was awful. The restaurant is too large with modern decor with hideous red plastic/leatherette chairs but at lunchtime it had no character. There was no background music. The waiter was young and inexperienced. It seems that now that Lidia is famous she is no longer involved in the cooking so the food is like any larger chain or worse without the quality control. Table cloth was dirty, the staff was not friendly and the decor and furniture were unkept. The best part were the breadsticks and dips with olive oil. Would not recommend it.
(2)
Sunny J.

I love this place and I don't know why it's only a 3.5*....Pittsburgh, what's up? I recently went here for new years, My boyfriend and I split a green salad, manicotti, and the rib-eye. Wowzers!!!! Best manicotti I've ever had and the rib-eye was cooked perfectly to Med Rare, seasoned, and seared to perfection. Service was top notch, never wanted and or waited long for anything. Bravo, I'll be back again and again!
(5)
S P.

Classy Wonderful establishment. Visited for my mother's 60th birthday. She was astonished. For that very reason, I love this place. The food was great the servicew was excellent. Kudos to Waiter Cheno!!! Well definitely visit again.
(5)
pracheta t.

We can here for brunch on Sunday, 5 adults and four month old. I used to be the girl who wouldn't go inside a restaurant if I saw a kid within two blocks of the place but now things have changed. Before I get to my review of the brunch itself I'd like to say how impressed I was with their accommodations for babies! The changing station in the bathroom had wipes, a small sitting area and it was almost private. Fabulous. But the best part was they gave us a cradle-type thing in which our baby slept like the angel he is most certainly not. If he wasn't sleeping in it, he was just laying there playing and we could have brunch with our adult friends without having to entertain or keep an eye on our little love. Thanks Lidia's - you won me over with those two things alone. The brunch itself was fantastic. The bread with three sweet, butter spreads was my favorite. My mimosa was actually a mimosa and not just orange juice with a splash of champagne. The buffet was 90%vegetarian and never looked empty because the staff was always bringing out new dishes. For my entree I had the manicotti but also tasted the pasta trio from my friend. Yumm! And the dessert spread? Yeah I was in heaven. Overall, we had an amazing time and will def be back.
(4)
Frank V.

What a disappointment. When the water glass cracked in my hand as the server poured and soaked us, we should have known it would be that kind of evening. Worst part of the meal was the pasta trio--the limpest, pastiest, most tasteless mass of lukewarm pasta I have ever been served. One waiter saved the day by insisting I reorder, while everyone else in the joint was content to let us stew. Every aspect of the experience was substandard although when I reordered, the beet salad was very good. Overall, Lidia should be ashamed to have her name on a place like that.
(1)
David M.

I was here with my family for Sunday brunch. Service was outstanding. The food was amazing. My children enjoyed it as much as my wife and I.
(5)
James C.

Since I just became a member yesterday, I reviewed a bunch of restaurants that I have eaten at in the last several weeks. Today again, I ate out after work so I decided to do another review. Today I gave Lidia's in the Strip a try, as I have heard good things, but negative things as well. Overall, I thought the place was a little outdated, overpriced, but decent food. I had the polio al limone, which I guess is close to what we know as Chicken Picatta. My buddy ordered the Lidias pasta trio, which was pretty cool, and quite tasty as well.. The only downfall here seems the price for what you get, as well as the service is a little "shakey". Overall pretty decent, I would maybe come back, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Dee D.

Another great (WEEKEND) brunch at Lidia's. $28.00 Prix fixe. Today I had the Yellow Fin Tuna special. Seared Yellow Fin with Broccoli Rabe and mango salsa verde. I did not expect the portion to be so big. I actually had to get it wrapped to take home. Their Antipasto table is always delicious with seasonal additions. Today, among the regular fare, (like their marinated/seasoned olives) there were mussels, a broccoli salad and caramelized onions atop crunchy bread. All Yummy !! My Yellow tail special was cooked perfectly and delicious; I was really surprised at the large piece of tuna. (posted pic) I did have reservations (recommended) so I was seated immediately and the service here is always stellar. For $28.00 you can not get a better meal (and a drink) You will be full by the time you leave, and the food is so creative and scrumptious. The staff never rushes you out !! Take your time, eat and eat more and enjoy !! Just some FYI. The $28. brunch is only on Sat & Sun. There is LOT parking right across the street, on Smallman St., with tons of spaces. Today it was $6.00 for all day parking; I have never seen it above $10.00. Worth it because it is right at Lidia's front door and if you planning on visiting the Strip Shops afterwards, it is an all day price. Much better than looking for street parking and walking for blocks. Yelp asks if this place is good for kids ?? This is kind of hard to answer. It is a casual place but "upscale" casual if that makes sense. Children are never an issue for me if they are well behaved and entertained. Speaking only of their "brunch" I would say OK for kids but the cuisine is not really geared towards a child. If you bring a child under the age of 12 well, I think you may have to feed them from the dessert bar. I just don't think that they would find the antipasto table or creative menu options appealing. When I was 12, I did not even know what Antipasto meant. Hey, thats just me. :)
(5)
Scott G.

Was staying near the Convention Center and decided to try Lidia's. Glad I did. It was busy but was able to get a table immediately. Ordered the Mushroom Risotto, which was outstanding. My colleague had the Italian Sausage which he said was also very good. The menu had some great choices, will definitely go back again to try other dishes. It's a bit pricey ($100 for two meals, a split appetizers and two drinks each) but worth it. Probably wouldn't take my kids here, but would be a great date spot. It's spacious and even when it's crowded, it's not too loud. Service is very good, food came out at a reasonable pace.
(4)
Rentaro M.

Had Pollo Al Limone and Pasta Trio, as well as the Caesar salad that came with it. Overall I think the dishes have complex flavor profiles and are enjoyable to eat. Their service is good and the interior is clean and simple. However, I would have like it better if they took it easy on the salt with everything and if the chicken breast was a little less chewy. It might also help to lower the price and lessen the portions. It was too much to eat. I'm not sure yet if I'd go again given the other options in Pittsburgh. I'd like to try the other items on the menu but it's too pricey if I'm to expect the same kind of food as last time.
(3)
Andy M.

A restaurant that has gone steeply downhill... It's been roughly 2-3 years since I have been to lidias, an experience in which I remember having decent food and service... Tonight was far different. Overall, let me say that the restaurant is becoming dated. Colors and decor seem boring and out of style. I didn't get that warm feeling I should in a place where there are white clothes, $12 average glasses of wine (like come on - I looked up the crappy bottle it came from) and waiters everywhere. The service was horrible. From hostess crew to the bar to the waitress, it was bad. The hostess forgot about us, then when I reminded him we were waiting (40 minutes - despite a reservation), to which he said "oh yes, I was just going to get you"... But he wasn't because we stood there a few minutes while he set the table. Rude. Did I mention the service was bad? Well, while we were waiting we had a glass of wine each (a steep $13.50 glass each - definitely didn't live up to my expectations). The bar staff wasn't concerned with us and weren't friendly at all. They were chatting to themselves and basically ignoring us. When we got to the table, it took 10 mins to meet our waitress. Then it took another 15 to order. Then 50 mins to get our food!!! I had the pasta trio (remember this meal takes no time to cook - as this is ready made and constantly being served) and my wife had the porkchop. Honestly, we typically enjoy our restaurant food (just read my Casbah review) but our food was really just so-so. My wife's pork chop was fatty and over-cooked (despite the waitress specifically making note of how the chef prefers to cook it medium). My pasta was decent, which I ate, and requested seconds (which is allowed for the trio because they give you very small portions).... However, seconds never came. Waitress didn't even know until I told her politely. Then she blamed new staff working the pasta routes... No good enough reason for me - sorry. Then the bill. I ordered the pasta trio for $23 and the waitress asked me if I wanted to upgrade my Salad for $2, to which I approved. However she charged the $36 pasta trio (which comes with desert). I told her this was a mistake and she agreed and ran back with a new check. Now I had a $10 salad and $23 pasta trio. I was expecting $23 +$2 salad upgrade. Nope. So I explained to her politely that I ordered the $23 trio to which she (must have) mistakenly offered me an upgrade. I accepted. However I was told I was wrong and she didn't offer to make this right. Ugh. Seriously you want to fight me on it? Especially when I know I was being appropriately (not like I was trying to score a free meal). Isn't the rule "customer is always right"? Finally, we felt like the whole restaurant clientele has declined. How many people did we see in tie-dye shirt or wearing hats (literally wearing hats at 8:30pm in a fine dining restaurant)? We saw enough to know that this isn't the lidias we expected. We won't ever go back or recommend the place. As far as we are concerned - there is a very good reason that you don't have a problem getting a reservation here (because IT STINKS!). Avoid!
(2)
mike s.

I'll start with the exceptional service. The servers really act as a team. They each know the menu really well. I have a gluten allergy, which makes this very important. The timing of the meal was perfect. Never waited too long for any part of the meal, but didn't feel rushed either. The atmosphere of the restaurant is mixed. Casual, but nice. It can get loud, and doesn't lend itself to a romantic evening. That said, I find it very inviting. Table are a little close, but nothing too bad. The food was very good, but not great. Prices are a little high for Pittsburgh. The servers have always suggested the Pasta Trio, which my wife had. Each of the three smelled fabulous. She enjoyed each, having a second helping of only one of the three, because they give you enough on the first go around. With celiac disease, I was very happy to see they've added gluten free pasta to their menu. I had their house made corn pasta ravioli filled with pumpkin & cheese in a brown butter sauce. It was very good, but the texture was a little off. Prices for gluten free were reasonable. I'd still return here, although at these price levels, just not as often.
(4)
Jules P.

I love Lidia's pasta trio. My husband and I went several times over the year we lived in Pittsburgh, and we always loved getting one of their seasonal drinks while we waited for our table. Desserts are ok - not really as good as the dinners or the drinks - but worth trying. This is a must-go for anyone who is an Italian food fan. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Crista B.

Oh yum!!! After a VERY stressful week this week Lidia's was a wonderful oasis on a Thursday night. Our server (Robert) was a breath of fresh air in his knowledge and love of food. HAVE THE BURRATA! No, I am not kidding. It was so good that it just about brought my coworker to tears. :) All of food was wonderful and it was refreshing that a restaurant would let us sit and enjoy our food. After a wonderful three hours at Lidia's we eventually made our way back to the hotel (with a tiramisu to go).
(5)
Joey G.

Lidia's was one of our favorite Italian restaurant in the city. We have even eaten at her place in New York because we like the Pittsburgh restaurant so much. Well that has changed in our last two visits. During our most recent visit on Valentines day the food was on the level of an Atria's restaurant. First, our waitress was not well informed of the offerings that evening. She had to check with kitchen several times to answer our questions. Second, our food was served just barley warm. Third, the food was lacking in proper seasoning and without any taste. The restaurant was only about 70% full at 8PM on one of the busiest days of the year. very sad
(2)
Lisa K.

We absolutely LOVED this restaurant! The service was impeccable! I had the all you can eat pasta trio which was lovely and delicious! My husband had the cacciatore, which he makes himself at home, and he said it was the best he'd ever had! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Tiffany Y.

We had a 5 PM reservation, but it was 4:30 PM and we had no more places to go in the neighborhood to kill time, so we asked to be seated early. The hostess agreed to seat us early. I ordered the frico (sausage, broccoli rabe, potato, leeks) for my appetizer, but the waitress told me that the menu that she gave me was outdated and that the frico was not available to order. I ordered a caesar salad and calamari instead. For my entree, I ordered the ravioli di cinghiale (gigantic boar ravioli). My husband, who is part Italian and lived in Italy when he was a child, said that he was unimpressed with the menu, and he simply ordered salmon. The caesar salad tasted sour and needed more cheese. The calamari, boar ravioli, and salmon tasted good. The wait staff was nice and brought out our food and drinks on time. We were not thrilled with the taste of the food for the price, so we will not return.
(3)
Priya M.

The ambience is very good but the food was just okay. Nothing to talk about. The service was good.
(2)
Shira F.

I was excited to come here on a semi-recent trip to Pittsburgh visiting sister and brother-in-law. I'm sorry to say, I was let down. We came for brunch. We each opted for the pasta trio. Sounded like a good deal, so why not? The sangria was good. The little buffet of sorts was a total let down. Bread and flavored butters on the table were pretty good. As for the pasta... More landed on my fiancÃ© and sisters clothes than did land on their plates. 2/3 were complete duds. The pesto was pretty good. Service was okay at best. Nothing was done about the spillage, so I wonder if this a regular occurrence. If so, find better servers because if you don't, you'll be losing a lot of business. I'd consider coming for dinner, maybe, next time I'm in town.
(3)
Adam C.

I don't know why I never came here. Maybe because it's not a cool place. At all. The vibe reminds me of the now defunct Roxy Cafe in South Hills Village. Just screaming early 90's, carpet everywhere, awful frilly fixtures and unneccesary flourishes all over the place. But close your eyes and have a go at the bread and pasta. It's nearly impossible to go wrong with house made fresh pasta and theirs wasn't bad at all. The bread ruled. The bar menu was not a joke, featuring the likes of East End and Bell's, cocktails that weren't a punchline, probably good wine (I don't know anything in that dept. so I could be dead wrong, but my wife's house red was great). It's not that cheap, and they make you pay for parking. And I still don't feel cool. But if there is a better-textured pasta in Pittsburgh I haven't had it. I always thought I would hate this place but I honestly liked it, a lot. So I guess don't be a closed minded jerk and deprive yourself of nice Italian food for no good reason.
(4)
Annie S.

Where do I begin? We didn't have a reservation so we sat at bar and had cocktails till we could get a table. The bartender was great. She was so helpful on helping us decide which cocktails to try. Amazing drinks, and friendly service, we thought our night was off to a great start. Our table was ready, we sat down and my waitress (short Italian woman) acted like she came from eat n park. Unprofessional, and was such a disappointment. Husband ordered something totally different than what she brought him. It just was not a pleasant experience with the waitress we got stuck with. However, the food itself was delicious. I will probably come back because the food was good but will make sure I have a different server or just eat dinner at the bar.
(3)
Darren W.

It was another concert night, but this time is was in the thick of my birthday weekend celebrations. A rendezvous with my childhood friend Dan, his enchanting wife, Devin Townsend, and France's metallic defenders of Mother Earth, Gojira was in the works. A normally simple matter of deciding where to dine prior to the Mr. Smalls concert became complicated when it was discovered that Cure and Meat & Potatoes --our original choices -- were both completely booked. Leaving the decision entirely in Dan's palms, he asked me to make a reservation at the Pittsburgh stronghold of famed Chef Lidia Bastianich. Successfully, I managed to snag a table for 5:45PM, and we scarcely arrived on time for this circus of the unusual, beautiful, and delectable to begin. My mother, a fan of Bastianich's PBS program for years, has raved about Lidia's ever since it opened. And Lordy, does mama know best. Taking into account Bastianich's traditionalism, the strange menu items shocked me when I scouted the bill of fare online, but once I saw dishes involving octopus and wild boar, there wasn't much else for me to consider... Thus is... youtube.com/watch?v=FUQuâ€¦ Weirder still was the decor. A fireplace was upstaged by large, illuminated, multi-colored, stained-glass circles and ceiling fixtures that resembled either gargantuan bunches of extradimensional grapes or prehistoric insect hives or chandeliers conceived by alien glassblowers. youtube.com/watch?v=YtSnâ€¦ The first act consisted of a varied bread basket that was escorted by two spreads of pesto, ground chickpeas, and olive oil. Each scoop resembled a gelato but when slathered onto the myriad forms of fresh bread became something akin to a hummus. Alas, I sampled the breads carefully, wary of allowing myself to be too filled with grains to ravish the remainder of what would prove to be an astonishing meal. Frico came next. A crisped flap of Montasio cheese cloaked potatoes, leeks, apple and sausage and nearly fooled my dining companions and I into thinking we were eating an omelet or frittata with a sharp flavor. The apples added tartness and amplified the cheese. The sausage brought the brine. The leeks, shy vegetables that they are, hid happily amidst the fray like Tom Waits did during Cinemax's black-and-white Roy Orbison concert of 1988. From the sea rose the second appetizer in Polipo. The dismembered Kraken was surrounded by potatoes, pickled onion, Gaeta olives, and capers. The tubers filled out the dish, making it all the meatier. The tentacles themselves tasted of scallops on the fatter parts only to recall lobster tail as they tapered off, onions, olives, and capers placing sweet and salty punctuation marks at the end of the sentence. Wild Boar: The Godpig. It serves as the avatar of Lord Vishnu. In the low 1800's it instilled fear into English villagers as the Beast of Dean. Brave as they are ferocious, they have been known to appear on coats of arms. Their tusks have been known to cripple stout men and have killed tigers to defend themselves and their young. youtube.com/watch?v=aHW2â€¦ And one would never think that a slaughtered razorback would become so delicately savory when braised and placed within a supple trio of oversized ravioli. Topped with a scarlet sauce imbued with rosemary, that most aromatic, divinatory, and memory-improving herb, the dish's savage origins were forgotten as bloody struggle gave way to a love affair. Only Lidia could work such bewitchment. It was as if she had taken an ogre and with a wave of her hand turned it into a flock of doves. Dessert was as holy as a harlot. Torta di Cioccolatta is her tag, bringing you to lust-stained submission is her...bag, and it is full of tricks. Wounded, bleeding amarena cherries and candied walnuts orbit her...heavenly body of fudge, milk chocolate mousse, and white chocolate ganache. She is a complex creature, one of layers, all of which conspired to make each bite immoral, immortal alchemy, and the last was agony for...I craved more of her. Lidia, Lidia, Lidia, what spell have you cast onto me? What web have you woven around my gastronomic soul? Dinner at Lidia's is an opera -- a grand, opulent, fantastical opera for the palate and stomach as well as the heart. P.S. Our darling of a server was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and awfully proficient. I believe her name was Emily, and we adored her. P.P.S. When making the reservation, I was told that the dress code is business casual. I was able to get away with wearing dressy jeans and a dapper, long-sleeved top. Oh you know there was a metal concert tee underneath. I changed in the restroom before departing to Mr. Smalls.
(5)
Sid G.

Had the frico and fritto misto for appetizers - definitely enjoyed the fritto misto (calamari) more than the frico. For the meal, selected the three pasta dinner which included a spinach pasta, ravioli in cheese sauce and penne with meat sauce. The latter two were very good and the meal was available with limitless quantities of pasta, which was a good deal. For dessert, had tiramisu, which was not too soggy, good consistency and tasted excellent.
(4)
Lori B.

Overall we enjoyed the experience at Lydia's. The ambience , service and food were all very good. We started with deep fried artichokes with a mustard aioli. ...lightly breaded and cooked perfectly. We shared their Caesar salad...a favorite they say and done very well..great favors in the dressing. My only ding is that they slightly over dressed the lettuce for my liking. Then my husband and I both ordered the pasta trio...on this day they served a potato leek ravioli, a basil parmesan tagliatelle and a sausage, fennel rigatoni. All were very good however, both of us liked the rigatoni best...with lots of flavors in the meat sauce. We also enjoy wine with our pasta a nice bottle of white wine but for an upscale Italian restaurant the quality of the wine glasses was mediocre and thus swayed us toward a lower cost wine.
(4)
Donna H.

When we first arrived, the Host(ess), was on the phone is a private conversation. I understand a plumbing problem is urgent, but the follow up calls should be set aside at the very least when customers are standing in front of you to be seated. I really did not have to hear your conversation about your apartment and landlord before being seated for a celebration lunch. Next, the waitress was so animated, she seemed to be an a actor rather than a server. She seemed to be reciting words from a memorized script and not sincere. For salad, they only served "Caesar Salad". My husband is from Italy and he has said many times, that there is no such thing as a Caesar Salad in Italy. Check out the Wikipedia site for verification. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caâ€¦ And on top of that, It doesn't seem right to serve salad that is turning a yellowish color and not a vibrant green. It appeared to be old, no excuse for a restaurant to serve old lettuce, especially Lidia's. The pasta was delicious, but the other things did not make up for what we were hoping for, especially for a celebration meal at Lidia's, very disappointing. A preoccupied host, a fake waitress and old yellow lettuce,
(2)
Teri S.

Went yesterday after my daughter's college graduation. When the grad ceremony ran longer than expected, I called the hostess to let her know we had been delayed but were departing and hoped to be there soon. As we were sitting in traffic, I received a call from a man who identified himself as the general manager and rudely asked if I still intended to be dining there. After I explained our delay and that I had just spoke with the hostess, he (again very rudely) wanted to know how much longer I thought it would take for me to get to the restaurant. We arrived at Lydia's about 30 minutes late for a mid-afternoon reservation. There were several large parties but quite a number of open tables. Upon presenting at the hostess table, neither the hostess or the general manager acknowledged us for several minutes while they continued some discussion between the two of them. We were seated at a small round table tucked in a corner - very small for a party of five. Our server arrived and explained the menu, which was the buffet brunch at the time. He spoke so quickly and mumbled so much that we had trouble understanding him. We ordered our drinks and he indicated he would take our order when he returned with the drinks. He later returned without our drinks and told us that they needed to break down the buffet to prep for upcoming dinner service so we could not have the antipasto or dessert portions of the brunch. Instead they would charge us ala carte but we would be limited to the entrees on the brunch menu and they could provide a Caesar salad or cup of soup. He the left and returned later to take our order - still no drinks. We eventually received Caesar salad (not fresh, limp and overdressed) and drinks. We were seated within view of the antipasto buffet and were able to observe that we were on to the service of our entrees well before the antipasto buffet was broken down. Clearly there was no reason that our menu needed to be so restricted. Food was ok. Chicken was salty and overpowered by capers. Individuals who ordered pasta trio indicated two of three were good. Unfortunately, the table set up required the server to hold the pasta skillet over my lap in order to serve those seated on the other side of the table. No mishaps but a few close calls. Amounts provided in first serving were small and it was nearly impossible to get an additional serving. Two individuals never did receive the second serving of one of the pastas that they requested. We were able to order from dessert menu. Desserts were unremarkable and very small. Service was horrible. Our server did not return. Took great effort to flag him down for additional drinks. House wine and mimosa were overpriced at $12 and $13 respectively given size and quality. Gentleman bussing our table was the only positive of our experience. He was friendly and accommodating. I will not return again and would discourage others as well.
(1)
Ken P.

I don't mind paying high prices for great food, I just want it to be great and if it's not, I do expect the service to make up for it. Lidia's food was pretty good, but the service was just average and for the price of pasta, they weren't very accommodating to special requests. Most of our group ordered the three pasta special. After the first round of pasta came by it seemed to take forever to get another round. The dessert I was hoping to get was 'reserved' for those ordering a special dinner that night, and when I ordered a glass of 'a dry red wine that's a bit oaky' I ended up with a somewhat sweet cabernet. While the pasta that did come to the table was excellent, it wouldn't be enough to sway me back.
(3)
Brian C.

Once again Yelp has Lidia's pegged perfectly at 3.5 stars - I'm going back and forth myself between 3 and 4 stars. Lidia's is a surprisingly large space which is decorated nicely and has great service. The food however, is good but by no means mind blowing. Their signature Pasta Trio lets you try 3 different pastas (served out of a pan tableside) and then choose if you want to get seconds on any of them. All of the pastas are cooked perfectly and fresh but the sauces just don't blow me away, they are missing that last ingredient or two which would take them from good to excellent. Given that I had better pasta at a place called Meat & Potatoes the next evening I think says something. Bread served at the beginning of the meal is warm and really outstanding, but the spreads weren't exciting. The wine list is nice and the atmosphere is generally upscale but friendly. Now that I think back about Lidia's, I have to say I do appreciate the homemade pasta and I'll potentially be back but it's just a bit on the pricey side for Pittsburgh so I have to presume they're going on the name at this point.
(4)
Lauren B.

I think this place is good but over-hyped and over-priced for what it is. I had the pasta trio and I got the combo which came with a Ceasar salad and a dessert. The pasta trio by itself is $18 but with the salad and dessert is $32 (an extra $14, so not such a great deal!). $18 for pasta with no meat or seafood in it is already way overpriced and ought to come with a soup or salad anyway. So I was expecting this to be an amazing Ceasar salad but it was the worst I've ever had at a nice restaurant. Instead of romaine lettuce, most of the lettuce was iceberg! And the dressing was too vinegary and did not taste very good. And I had hoped being an Italian place they would offer anchovies on it, but that was not the case. The pasta trio was tasty and included a goat cheese ravioli with cream sauce, a fettucine with sundried tomatoes, and a penne with a pork ragu sauce. All were good but I felt like they had been sitting out for awhile and didn't taste freshly cooked, and the texture of one of the pastas was slightly chewy. It was fun to see them all come over with their bowls though and the guy with the parmesan was also right there ready to grate some fresh cheese for you. For the bread, instead of butter they had these interesting things made out of a couple different sorts of bean which tasted rather like a hummus so that was interesting though would have been nice if the bread was warm. I had the tiramisu for dessert which was good but nothing amazing. The atmosphere was really nice with some interesting artwork and chandeliers and the service was prompt and polite. However the food was kind of disappointing. Honestly I think I like Olive Garden better and they have much better prices.
(3)
Francesco R.

Only average at best and when you figure in the slow service, cold food and high price i cant even give it an average rating. You can get better Italian food at any hole in the wall in Philadelphia, New York or Boston any time. i wanted to love it so much after watching Lidia on TV but the restaurant doesn't bring her own magic to the table it seems.
(2)
Audra B.

I came here for brunch on Sunday with a reservation for 7. We were seated right away and greeted by our server almost immediately. Our drinks were never empty and there was never a point where we were looking around trying to get our servers' attention. Now, on to the food. Brunch is $28 which includes coffee, a choice of a mimosa, sangria, or a bloody mary, antipasti table, entree, and dessert table. This is a great deal, with an overwhelming array of food options. My bloody mary was very good and spicy. I tasted the sangria and it was good as well. As each member of my brunch party went up to the antipasti table, an employee would come over and try to sell Lidia's books and pasta sauce. Who wants to be haggled while trying to grab a piece of salami? I don't understand why the management team thinks this is acceptable. I was completely turned off by this and it was annoying to everyone I was with. The antipasti table as good, but not great. The caesar salad was completely overdressed and the romaine was almost brown. Why would they use old lettuce? You can tell immediately just by looking at it that it isn't fresh. The entree I chose was the pasta trio and they were all fabulous. I had mushroom ravioli, ricotta with fettucine, and a penne bolognese. They were all so good I couldn't pick a favorite. I would come back, but if I was bothered at the antipasti table again I would ask to speak with management.
(3)
Chris K.

Delicious lunch! Great food and atmosphere. I had the special--trout. Yum! My guests had the lemon chicken, the salmon and the pasta trio. All excellent. We also had the tiramisu. This is a special restaurant in Pittsburgh.
(4)
Gerald M.

Ever get an urge for food you haven't eaten in some time? Today I drove from Murrysville to Lidia's in the Strip... for one thing: chicken livers! Hard to cook a batch evenly at home, not to mention the splatters all over the cooktop, Lidia's does all the work (and cleanup). Excellent service at the bar, along with a great beer and the chicken livers were cooked just right. Hot, tender and flavorful. Lidia's Brunch is our favorite, but sometimes you get an urge for just one item. Thanks to the friendly folks at Lidia's. My stomach loves you. Worth the trip.
(5)
Christina A.

We visited for brunch last Sunday. It was amazing. It is $28 a person and includes a prefix menu. You get a morning cocktail, antipasto buffet, choice of entree (endless fresh made pasta trio is an option) and a dessert buffet. The serve was impeccable. The sangria and Bloody Mary were delicious. The pasta trio was incredible. The salads at the buffet were so thoughtful and tasty. Would go again! I want to make this place a tradition. Great management! Excellent food!
(5)
Cindy G.

I've been a huge fan of Lidia Bastianich for years, watching her show on PBS and cooking her recipes. My Dad is a huge fan as well. I recently moved back to Pittsburgh (after 30 years) to help out my folks as my Dad's cancer has worsened. I had no idea Lidia had a restaurant here. About a month ago I met a college friend (and foodie) at the strip for drinks and we ended up at Lidia's. Bar is awesome - I highly recommend the white Manhattans. While I was there I found out Lidia would be in town for a special dinner, Nov. 7. Woot! Gonna go and bring my Mom and Dad. So happy I could make my reservation online! The restaurant was very professional and called to confirm (beating me to call them) and then accommodated us with a table closer to the door so my Dad, who has a walker, would not have to walk so far. Said table was very cozy against the wall, the arrangement was perfect. The greeting and seating staff were excellent and friendly. My Mom and Dad bought her latest cook in anticipation. Upon seating, Lidia was bee bopping around and we said hello and she promised to come back to visit. The meal, the MEAL! Yum, holy moly! To start, I had a white Manhattan, of course, and enjoyed the yummy bread-sticks. I also ate some of the homemade bread (one was rosemary I think) with pesto butter and a bean butter. Had to save room! We did not order wine, my Dad can't drink wine due to his medication. The meal was paired with Lidia's own wine, another time I would love to try some. Since I was driving I only had one cocktail. ; p The antipasti - squash and ricotta tart was to die for, the mozzarella and celery salad was wonderful. For Primi, my Mom had Lidia's signature Ceasar salad, my Dad had the tomato and ricotta crostini. I had the ricotta and vegetable crostata with arugula salad. I loved mine, the crostata again so excellent, the arugula salad was warm served on a warm plate. Had a bite of my parent's Primi. It's always good to go with others, so you can share and try out more dishes! The pasta was Ravioli verde with sage butter - delectable! The ravioli looked more like beautiful speckled green meatballs and melted in your mouth. For Secondi, I had Lidia's Pasta trio, my favorite of which was the homemade pappardelle with cabbage and meat sauce. My Dad had the pork shanks braised in apple cider vinegar and barley risotto (my other choice) and my Mom had the lamb chops with red wine sauce and spinach spaetzle. The pork was luscious and the lamb chops were delicious too. Dolci was outstanding as well, my parents had the Grandma Rose's apple cake with candied walnuts (those were awesome - they were coated with a marzipan type coating). I had the Caprese Torte which was chocolate and divine. All served with a dollop of mascarpone ice cream, so good! Lidia came back over and chatted for awhile with my Dad (and my Mom and me) and signed their cookbook. They talked about cooking and where in Italy they are from and the slovak influence of their youth. Her's in far north Italy, his in a coal town in PA with Italian and Slovak neighbors. Magical. The service was superb. The only sour notes were the din of the restaurant (everyone was excited!) and the "bull in the china shop" busboy (man). He actually splashed matter into my Dad's eye piling dishes and utensils on his arm busing the table next to us. It was fine, no harm, no foul and he was very nice, as was everyone on staff. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Melanie E.

The space is terrific with good colors & wall buffering to keep the noise of feasting festive dining in check. We tried the 3 pasta special & while the pastas were homemade, there was only one on the plate we actually finished. One had sun-dried tomatoes, but the tomatoes were overwhelming. Another had artichokes, but they were bits of the actual leaves rather than the meat or heart of the artichoke & so eatiing it was trying to chew through those fibrous leaves & it was abandoned. The 3rd was a butternut squash which, while tasty, was a smidge sweet, but it was the only one we finished. The caeser salad was fresh romaine & a delicious dressing. We had to try the tiramisu. I know that it's typically made with leftover ladyfingers but I've gotten used to having fairly fresh ones & these tasted stale. They also weren't layered uniformly, so about half of it didn't even have any. We ordered a bottle of wine, but they didn't have what was listed (which always perturbs me). Overall, my take is that it could be a fantastic restaurant, but more for the tourist crowd. I might try it again for lunch.
(3)
Ken L.

I got the pasta trio. The pasta was good, not great, and a little pricey for the quality. The pasta trio is a good way to sample the different kinds of pasta they make, which range from inventive to the usual staples. All were good. The servings were small, the better to sample the three different kinds of pasta, and the service was quick if you wanted more. All the servers were friendly. I liked the pasta, didn't absolutely love it and feel like I've gotten better pasta elsewhere. I am also taking another star off because it was a little expensive for having good (but not great) pasta.
(3)
Catherine J.

I didn't really know what to expect from Lidia's, but in all it was the perfect meal for us travelers. The experience started off a little rocky, but at every progression of the meal, the experience got better and better. . The Strip was a ghost town on a Saturday night (during the Kenny Chesney concert). Upon opening the doors to Lidia's, the interior was bustling... with old people! While the decor seemed modern and edgy, the clientele was decked out in rinestone-encrusted tshirts and argyle. Yikes! We kept changing our reservation number throughout the day, and by the time we arrived, our party was officially a party of four instead of six. I'm not unsympathetic to needing to do some table switching to accommodate us, but it appeared as if the hostess meant to solve the problem and then forgot about us once another problem arose. After a fairly long wait off to the side, one of our party went to the podium to ask about our table. Apparently, they had forgotten about us, but we were seated quickly after the mistake was realized. (Sidenote: the hostess' outfit was really unintentionally inappropriate. Part of her top was sheer, and would have been tastefully so if she didn't have her bra and underwear sticking out in awkward places, unbeknownst to her.) Anyway! I guess I can see how people think Lidia's is too much like an Olive Garden, but once you look at the ingredients and the preparation methods, it really isn't at all. I guess people see "unlimited pasta" and their minds go somewhere a little less sophisticated. Don't fall into this trap! Everything was expertly prepared with balanced flavors and appropriate portioning. I had the pasta trio (like everyone else, amirite!?) and indeed, the beginning portions of the pasta were small. The point is to sample, and then get more of what you prefer, even if it's all of them. I wouldn't want huge globs of pasta on my plate (getting cold, cheese and sauces congealing), so I appreciated this approach. Your followup portions come by with waiters carrying large metal pans of small-batch prepped pasta. All of the pasta tasted freshly made (not dried) and with exceptionally light and balanced sauces. Perfect. I feel like you have to get the pasta trio at least once. The other entrees looked amazing as well. If I lived in the neighborhood, I would focus my ordering on the rotating seasonal entrees. My Cesar salad was a little overdressed for my tastes, but still very flavorful and fresh. The bread basket was above-average, with at least three different warm options and two spreads (an olive and pesto spread). Dessert was inventive, a lemon cake with a basil layer and poppyseed ice cream. The other elements escape me, but it was nice that my table mate gave me a bite. Service was great, if a little slow towards the end. I enjoyed their wine selections, though one of the reds was much better alone (not with food), and probably shouldn't have been on the menu. Though the wine list is quite extensive, there's a smaller, curated list of bottles for $28. It kept our choices (and bill) a little more manageable. So glad I got to try Lidia's!
(4)
Jenn C.

Not impressed by this restaurant. Ordered the pasta trio, which was recommended by the waitress and was labeled on the menu as "all you can eat". The staff service gave small portions of each and hardly returned for further portions. If I wanted "all you can eat" I would have been at the restaurant all night waiting to be served. The pasta was cold when served. The frozen pasta from my son's school fundraiser was better. I would not recommend nor would I ever return.
(1)
Lauren G.

I walked into this place, having never heard or seen it. I walked out with my heart won over. Staff was friendly. Unbelievably friendly. The chef experiments to make new creations that are like explosions of goodness in your mouth. Yum. The mushroom ravioli was amazing. I DO NOT LIKE MUSHROOMS. But I looooove this dish. Try out the goat cheese with a tiny bit citrus and an apple. Ahh their a h'orderves are marvelous. Just thinking about it makes me want to go back. Their restaurant is beautiful. They have taken the typical Pittsburgh high ceilings and spiced them up with some beautiful hand-blown glass lights. Look up! Oh and the large windows open it up just the perfect amount. Okay, so I don't technically know if the glass was hand blown, but I like to think so.
(5)
Tim B.

I visited a few years back and had quite a pleasurable experience. The Sunday brunch for $25 included your choice of a mimosa or bloody mary, unlimited access to the soup/antipasti/salad buffet, entrÃ©e of choice and unlimited trips to the dessert table. This is quite a value, plus everything was delicious. The fresh pasta trio is amazing. My only complaint involved the background music. The house system was playing classic rock, which is totally inappropriate and out of place for such a nice establishment.
(5)
Lawrence R.

Had brunch there yesterday. Phenomenal! Staff that we encountered were friendly and knowledgeable, super efficient but didn't hover over us. Kudos for that--a well-trained staff! Everything we had was delicious, every little salad and nibble bit on the antipasti table. I had the gnocchi with duck ragu as my main course, and it was perfection; if I can quibble, the portion was actually too large! But--perfection! My partner had the chicken livers with polenta, which was also super. We sampled a few of the offerings on the dessert table, all of which were lovely. The roasted half peaches with crumble topping were the best, although I also loved the olive oil/lemon cake topped with sugar coated blueberries. We had such a nice experience here, and ordered why we don't go that often. We will have to get here more often, based on yesterday's peerless experience.
(4)
Bill D.

Sunday Brunch delicious! Stopped in to try this and noted they were busy but not overwhelmed. Was panhandled at the door by a woman ion distress? Story was a variation that I had hearts before from different people. I just look like a sucker I suppose!? Anyway the service is very good. Breads were dropped off with a variety of flavored butters. My server explained the specials to me and my choices were made. I chose the Cabbage rolls stuffed with a variety of meats and then off to the Antipasti buffet. Great fresh Caesar Salad and some quiche for beginnings. Tried some marinated mushroom s and olives. My server checked on my progress and when I was ready they brought my entrÃ©e. Delicious to a T! Then for a short visit to the Dessert Bar scrumptious Tira Misu and other delectable tempting confections. My meal was priced just right for there quality and taste.
(4)
Alex L.

Great food and service, very pleased with my Valentine's day dinner here. Planning to come back to try more of their fare, since their Valentine's day menu was limited.
(5)
Lauren P.

This is the place to go for brunch and they have both Saturday and Sunday brunch-hard to find in Pittsburgh. For a flat rate of $28 you get an alcoholic drink, appetizer buffet, entrÃ©e and dessert buffet. I recommend the Sangria although if you like Blood Mary's they look tasty and the option of a mimosa is always there. The buffet consists of a variety of salads and other delicious Italian dishes. This past time they had roasted squash and cauliflower, an antipasto tray, quiche and a few other dishes I just didn't have room to try. It is always fresh and the servers are quick to replenish. Next up you get to pick an entree which also includes the pasta trio tasting. I recommend this as you get to sample 3 different types of pasta dishes and then have unlimited refills of your favorite one. Servers bring out the pasta in the hot pans right to your table. Save room for dessert which is another buffet with their fabulous tiramisu and a variety of other Italian treats including some types of Italian cookies. I don't really like tiramisu but at Lydia's it is fabulous! Our server was fantastic-every time we left the table which was a lot (to get more food of course) she folded our napkin! She overheard it was my birthday and made sure to bring out a dessert with a birthday candle. The atmosphere is so comfortable and with lots of room. Great for special occasions and family friendly.
(5)
Tim M.

What an embarrassment. Rotten/black salad greens. A server with a black eye. Pedestrian "signature" pasta. Plates and glasses left uncleared. Greasy, scratchy plates at buffet. All yours for $28 per person!
(1)
Kate G.

Portions are huge! Try the gnocchi! We started off at the bar while we waited for the other half our group. They had fried chickpeas sitting out on the bar which were absolutely delicious. Once our party was all there and we were seated, we decided to order. My brother, sister, and I all decided to go with the 3 course meal. While the rest of my family ordered just one thing. Overall we found that the pasta dishes were far better than the other dishes with the exception of the lamb chops which were prefect. My sister & I both got the ricotta gnudi which was in giant balls and delicious but I would have preferred if it was in smaller gnocchi like shapes. My brother got the burratta which was very good but also huge. My brother's fiance got the ceasar salad which she said was good but also a very large portion. For our main courses the highlights were definitely the gnocchi, the pasta tasting trio, and the Angello (lamb chops). I ended up getting the Saltimbocca alla Romano which had great flavors but was overcooked. My sister got the sausage, which was okay, but not as great as we would expect for a restaurant owned by Lydia. The lasagna was also not as good as you would have thought. The best of the desserts was the gelato trio, but the tiramisu & upside down rhubarb cake was also good (although the rose gelato wasn't so great) .
(3)
Jody G.

Three of us had dinner here during a little getaway trip to Pittsburgh. The decor was a bit more impressive than the service and the food were. Not that they were bad. They just didn't quite meet my expectations. First, even though we had a reservation, it couldn't be found. Then it was, but it was on the "wait list". Then we were seated right away..... but away from the hubbub of the main dining room at a table between the bar and the kitchen. The wine list (including MANY wines by the glass) was nice. The waiter suggested a fantastic dry white for me, but I was disappointed when I wanted a second glass and there wasn't any more. The next suggestion wasn't nearly as good. The waiter seemed a bit frazzled at times. Maybe because he sometimes functioned as a bartender (our table location gave us that behind the scenes view). Sometimes our used plates sat for a l-o-n-g time and sometimes (like when we were not asked if we wanted refills on the "Pasta Trio" they were oh so efficiently whisked away. The bread brought to the table was wonderful, as were the spreads that accompanied it. One of my dining companions had the octopus appetizer which he stated was the best he's ever had... and he eats LOTS of weird sea creatures. My son and I shared the Caesar salad which was quite good. Was that a touch if mustard in the dressing? YUM! For our entrees my two dining companions had the "Pasta Trio". Both enjoyed them, although they felt they were inconsistent.... and not refilled as "enthusiastically" as hoped for. My grilled salmon was tasty, but a little fatty. I never had fatty salmon before. Kinda weird. The accompanying Yukon gold potatoes and green beans with a whole grain mustard sauce were DELISH! Desserts were quite good. A pumpkin mousse and an amaretto cake shared three ways were a tasty ending to the meal.
(3)
Teresa T.

3.5 stars for brunch. We had reservations at 11:30am on Sunday for 5 but Lidia's was not overly crowded. Wide open space with tall ceilings. Servers were friendly and did not push us out after we paid our bill, which was nice. Bring your appetite!! Highlights: The OJ in the Mimosa was fresh The rosemary and sea salt bread with sugar butter Lemon scone with sugar butter, and apricot and strawberry butter Fried cauliflower from the antipasto table My main entree - grilled octopus w/ potatoes, onions, string beans, olives, pickled onions - salty which I loved and the octopus was tender and cooked well The pistachio and ginger mini cookies were my favorite Coffee brewed well The other items were just okay so while there were some standouts Lidia's brunch was more quantity verse quality given the wide spread available. You will not leave hungry and if you do you did Lidia's wrong! Also they will break out checks separately.
(3)
Susan Y.

Empty room, but we were seated right next to the serving station. I asked to be moved and was told by the host "Well you can sit here, or here, or here, or here, or here..." Get the picture? Very unprofessional. So we selected a new table and found a dirty glass. Bad start, right? Well, it got quite a bit better, with a knowledgeable waitress and good food. The only issue I had was with the caesar salad, which was made with the inner most pieces of lettuce. There was little green. However, the pasta was great, and we left satisfied.
(3)
Jeremia F.

Wow how can this place be constantly this consistent. The service is always excellent and the food is superb. This time I was heading to Kaya for Lunch with one of my more well rounded foodie friends from out of town when he saw Lidia's he made me make a U-turn because he had always wanted to try this place and has watched a lot of her shows on PBS. He had the wild boar ravioli which was a plate of 3 large ravioli stuffed with a very flavorful boar meat concoction. The other partner in crime had the butter nut squash ravioli which was definitely a 5 star dish. Heck next time I eat here I think I will order a main entree and the butter nut squash ravioli for desert. I'm a big polenta fan so I went for the salsiccia which had polenta and broccoli rabe and house made sausage. The polenta was cooked perfectly along with the broccoli, the sausage that is in this dish is a great mild sausage. The sausage was not overpowering or spicy. The price for each entree was right around $16. I think that the prices are right in line for the quality of food that is offered here. I highly recommend this place. Give it a try for yourself and I am certain that I will be back.
(5)
Lauren C.

Order the pasta trio and you can't go wrong! I looove to go here for lunch and get the pasta trio. For lunch, you get unlimited servings of three different pastas (one of which is imported from Italy) brought out fresh and served table-side from the skillet plus soup or salad for $14. Their Caesar salad is delicious and they offer some unique soups which are a refreshing change from the normal wedding soup or minestrone. It might be on the high side for lunch but it's well worth it! Warning: you may want to nap when you get back to your desk. They also serve fresh breads with spreads. I prefer the green spread which is a bean base and contains who knows what else. The dinner pasta trio is a little more expensive ($18 for just the pasta or $29.50 w/salad, trio and dessert). I've had soooo many different pastas there, I couldn't begin to name them all. Some of my favorites include the pear ravioli, goat cheese ravioli, penne a la vodka, penne arrabiata, gnocchi in a Gorgonzola sauce and the list continues. They typically serve one pasta that contains meat and two meatless pastas but they'll make a third meatless pasta for all those vegetarians out there. I don't typically order off the menu but I've had the salmon and been pleased. I also recommend their brunch. It's $25 per person and includes a variety of anti pasta (probably a rotating sample of 10 or so that includes anything from soup, Caesar salad, various other salads, meat trays, bean based dishes, marinated vegetables, quiche, etc), fresh breads with an assortment of flavored butters (strawberry jam butter is my fav), one mimosa or bloody mary, the pasta trio or some other entree, coffee or tea, and a table full of various desserts for sampling. You can't go wrong. We go here for brunch when family is visiting and everybody looooves it! I recommend making a reservation for brunch. They don't rush you through your meal which means that service can be a little slower than your typical restaurant but with the pasta trio in your future, you won't regret it.
(5)
Katharine C.

Each experience I've had at Lidia's was positive. I've visited the restaurant several times, but mostly for lunch or brunch. The food is delicious and well prepared, though it can be a bit pricey. I've visited Lidia's most frequently for brunch, and find the value to be top-notch. For $25, you have a large antipasti table selection, your choice of entree, a generous dessert table selection, and complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. Other restaurants of this caliber would charge separately for all this food, putting the total bill far higher. The foods are fresh and reflect a wide variety of Italian foods, not necessarily the same foods you would find at your corner Italian restaurant featuring spaghetti and lasagna. The food is good, but perhaps doesn't quite meet the high expectations people have before their first visit. Letting go of the unnatural expectation that every bite of food you eat from a celebrity chef restaurant will be life-changing, you will have a pleasant and positive experience at Lidia's. When we excitedly told the wait staff we were celebrating my birthday with them, they brought me a complimentary flour-less chocolate cake which was absolutely incredible. The service at Lidia's is incomparable, always making you feel like the king or queen of the room. I would recommend Lidia's to anyone looking for a quality Italian lunch or dinner with an upscale atmosphere. This restaurant would be great for dates and special occasions.
(5)
Mark M.

This was my first experience at Lidia's and it was amazing. It was a rare evening out for my wife and I and we enjoyed our meal immensely. The food was very good...3 to 4 stars at least. We ordered the pasta Trio and the creativity behind the dishes was very impressive. The only thing taking away from it was the execution on the pasta itself. The fettuccine was cooked well past al dente and bordered on soggy. The ravioli however were perfect And the flavor profiles on all the dishes were spot on The reason I gave a five star review on 3 to 4 star food was the service. Everyone without exception was very attentive, friendly, helpful, and generally awesome. This team could've served hot dogs and it still would've seem like an amazing experience.
(5)
Bobby Y.

Great atmosphere, great food, service ehhh.... They messed up our table we had a reservation for, and nothing...no sorry, no comp'd bar items, just a misstep. Sat at the table for nearly ten minutes, forgotten until a bus boy brought water, five minutes after that we finally receive menus. We're a party of two, not so complicated. We order drinks, and one is completely forgotten. That's alright, water is healthier for me anyways. On the not so healthy side we had the pasta trio dinner which was amazing. $18(Aug 2011) and $29.50 if you add Caesar salad and dessert. The ravioli was by far the best. Perhaps we didn't have the best service, but we'll always give them a second shot. They had valet parking, but we lucked out and found street parking.
(4)
Amanda W.

AMAZING pasta! Went for lunch and tried the trio. All very good. Great service and fresh food. Will definitely be back. It is a little pricey for lunch, but the taste makes it worth it.
(5)
Meredith B.

My coworker had been recommending Lidia's to me for a while, and I'm glad I listened to her and brought my family here for dinner last week. We had a wonderful Italian meal, and one of the better dining experiences in Pittsburgh so far. We had a reservation on Saturday night around 6 pm, and used their valet service ($5? $6? I forget). We were seated right away, and we all admired the gorgeous dining room space. It seems to have been built in an old warehouse - the ceiling is massively high, and there's gorgeous Mondrian-esque glass over the bar. Very stylish! I should also say right off the bat that our server was outstanding. Friendly, funny, and knowledgeable, he was one of the best parts of the whole experience. He helped us choose a wine which we all enjoyed, and he poured it skillfully. He was also helpful to us at various points throughout the meal - for example, four of us began with the Insalata di Rucola (split two salads between four people, and they came on separate plates). The salad sounded amazing, with arugula, pear, walnuts, and gorgonzola (get in mah belleh) but we all noticed that there was quite a lack of...well, pear. We all had maybe one measly little wedge, and it definitely kept the salad from being as yummy as it should have been. So we told our server about it, and he immediately brought out a plate full of pear slices. Redeemed! And the salad became delicious. My entree was the Ravioli di Cinghale (ravioli filled with wild boar, in a rosemary sauce) and it was pretty delicious. Three big raviolis, filled with succulent meat (think pulled pork, but Italian and well-spiced). The sauce was very very light, but still flavorful. My dad got the Pasta Trio, and it was hilariously awesome to watch three different guys come by with big bowls, delivering their delicious wares to his plate. He had a lot of fun with that. My mom loved her sea bass as well. Dad's pasta trio came with a dessert, so he got the Crostata di Pere, a sugary pear maple dessert which I think was good, but I don't have really strong memories of it so clearly it didn't bowl me over. All in all, it was a very good meal with some truly excellent service. We felt cared for and comfortable, and our bellies were full. What more could we ask for?
(4)
Sarah A.

This place is a mediocre when it comes to food! I really like the space and the atmosphere and I wish they would work a little bit on their sauces to make them more authentic!!
(3)
Cat C.

After walking around the Strip District, this certainly hit the spot. We did the buffet, and I got the pasta trio. I was not disappointed. Endless amounts of great pasta, plus everything else that came with the buffet table. It's a classy place, but people from all walks of life were eating there, from people dressed in Steelers gear to older, well-dressed couples. I'd definitely come back or go to her other restaurant.
(4)
Nandini G.

Went here for an early Valentine's Dinner last night. The service was great. We both ordered the pasta trio and the waiters' were very attentive at filling up our plates as soon as they neared empty. We also got the Polito appetizer to start and it was delicious- mix of octopus, potatoes, capers, onions and olives. Also, their wine bottles for $29 are a great deal. Just took off one star for the decor- a little outdated. Still a great night though- definitely recommend.
(4)
Aneesh B.

Happened to be in PIT for the weekend, and after a few drinks at a lounge on the Strip, were happy to score a reservation at Lidia's. Seen her on TV many times and was really happy to have the chance to eat at one of her restaurants. Appetizers: frico with house made sausage and broccoli rabe, fritto misto. Both were good, with the frico being the standout for me. Think rustic quesadilla, but the cheese is melted and fashioned into the shell. Yum. Main: Mushroom Stuffed Quails and Cotechino Sausage with Cannellini Beans and Swiss-Chard. Loved it. Dining companions enjoyed the pasta trio (neverending bowl of house-made selections) as well as the fish special (Brazilian tiger fish). 17 bucks for house-made pasta, and as much as you want, is a great deal. No entree was priced over 26 bucks, which was fair. Big portions for sure. Didn't have room for dessert or coffee, but the server brought out a complimentary biscotti plate served with an affogato "dipping sauce" for the group to share anyway. Very classy and was appreciated. Overall: a wonderfully warm-yet-modern dining room, attentive service, a great value, and a very good meal. Would have to visit a few more times and eat some more things to give it the full five stars, but am absolutely looking forward to the opportunity to do just that. Oh, the wine list, which is wholly Italian varietals, has a little something for everyone. I s'pose son Joe B. had a little to do with that! Grazie, Lidia. I can now happily say that I have been able to accept your warm invitation at the end of each show (Tutti a tavola a mangiare). Looking forward to the next opportunity.
(4)
Serena T.

I'll be honest, when I go out to eat, usually Italian is the last option on my mind. While I enjoy it at times, I rarely have cravings for it. I've been to Lidia's twice now because the people I'm with wanted to go. But each time I've been thrilled with my dining experience. The service has been great and the food has been excellent. I typically don't like tomato based pasta sauces which at Lidia's is no problem because they have such a wide selection of pasta and sauces. I've had the pasta trio each time that I've gone and I've really enjoyed it. I've also tried some of the other dishes from the people I'm with and they all have been great. Really enjoyed the Wild Boar Ravioli - delish! If your in the Strip and happen to stroll by Lidia's you should check it out b/c you won't be disappointed. I'll also add, that I'm not a big Tiramisu fan, but Lidia's is the only place that I not only eat Tiramasu but I enjoy it and becomes by dessert of choice.
(5)
Nita L.

I've had some excellent meals here when there were 3 or 4 of us. I've had two group functions that were way less than wonderful. I would not entertain having an event for any more than 4 people. Even 10 people taxed the staff!
(2)
Jason J.

Uh, how did she get a TV show? I actually like her show, but this restaurant is so flaky. The food is overpriced and way too greasy. Don't pick a restaurant because the owner is a celebrity chef as clearly that person isn't making you food, save your money and go somewhere where the chef actually cares about what they are cooking.
(2)
Jim U.

I have been to all of Lidia's restaurants in Manhattan, but this was my first go at her establishment all the way out in Pittsburgh. This restaurant is pretty similar to Becco, except there is no "theater crowd" and the restaurant has a considerable amount of space. The menus are pretty similar too, with the unlimited pasta specials being a mainstay here as well. The design of the restaurant is intriguing. It has two levels, and a considerable amount of open air space which is punctuated with huge, intricate chandeliers and giant tableaux along the walls. There is an industrial feel which helps the restaurant blend in fairly well with the Strip District; yet, at the same time, there is a sense of elegance down along the floor. The balance was struck quite nicely, and it made for an interesting place to eat. As for dinner, I was disappointed that the 3-course prix-fixe was only available as an option for the entire table. My girlfriend did not want to eat any pasta, so that option was simply not available to me. I am not sure why they can't offer the special on an individual basis and charge a "single supplement" price if only one person orders it from a particular table, especially if we were both planning to eat 3 courses anyway. I ended up ordering the same appetizer I would have ordered from the 3-course menu, a pasta dish for my second course, and forwent dessert for the same price. It seems silly to be so pedantic about such things. Oh well. For the appetizer, I went with the Cozze ($12). As an appetizer, it is only available in a white wine preparation, but on the prix-fixe menu they had a red wine (fra diavolo) preparation. Since that menu was verboten to me, you guessed it, I received the white wine preparation. The mussels were served in a very narrow, tall bowl. The bowl was jammed tight with open black mussels, sitting upon a shallow pool of broth and crowned by two pieces of toast. The mussels were clean, not a single one was cracked, and they were all open boasting sizable pieces of meat. I had to eat about half of them though before I could get to the broth, and given the narrow opening of the bowl, I had to break the toast into pieces to sop up some of the broth at the end. The broth was silky smooth and fairly flavorful. I just wish it were more accessible. The presentation was aesthetically pleasing, but not especially functional. For the main course, I went with the Lasagna Bolognese ($16). I was so pleased to see an authentic preparation! There were flat sheets of freshly made spinach pasta which had the perfect texture for this dish. The color of the sauce was correct too for a dish from Bologna. The quality of the Grana Padano was pretty good as well. The portion size was especially large making for a rather robust and tasty dish. I was fairly pleased with this course, good all around. Wine. I had a glass of Nero d'Avola ($10). The particular selection was decent. I was surprised though that my wine glass was taken from the table and later appeared on the table with wine in it. What was this? Why was I not shown the bottle? Why was I not given an option to taste it? (It's an inexpensive wine; I can live with that one). Why was it not poured in front of me? And, why was it under-poured? So, yeah, I was pretty much not inclined to have any more wine, given such off-putting service. I passed on dessert and called it a night. Overall, I think the quality of the dishes is high, and I generally enjoyed the ambiance. They are missing all of the polished service that I would expect to see at any of the NY locations, though. Also, I was annoyed with the structure of the menu. 3.75 stars
(3)
Mary R.

We came here for dessert and drink after dinner and we were pleasantly surprised. We each had a local beer at the bar with a pumpkin custard with pistachio brittle. Wonderful, warm, and festive, the Saturday before Christmas. Professional staff and an elegant warmth impressed us at this Italian restaurant in P'burgh's strip district. I loved looking at the decor in Lidia's. The massive slate fireplace looks like something out of Game of Thrones and I couldn't help but imagine a giant pig roasting in it. The chandeliers and the accent lights are made of handblown glass globes. The main dining room chandeliers are beautiful, in and of themselves, but they are not lit to their best advantage. Clearly expensive and complicated, but not well thought through. All that aside, the beer was great, the pumpkin custard was fabulous and we had a great time walking back to the hotel in the warm Pittsburgh rain.
(4)
chris m.

The food was fine. The wine was good. I wouldn't go expecting to be blown away but the execution of the dishes I ate were fine. I did feel like the cook had had enough of making my dish for the 9999th time. A menu refresh shouldn't be too hard with all of Lidia's wonderful recipes. The place I feel, survives on 80% her name, 20% dish quality.
(3)
Leah H.

A fantastic Italian meal all around. From the Caesar salads to the rustic pasta trio to the desserts...tiramisu and a variety of cookies! The waitress was very knowledgable about the menu and wine list. Pear ravioli with five cheeses? To die for!
(5)
Robb C.

My guests and I had a pleasant meal with good service.
(4)
Gerry W.

Had dinner with my son last night and it was fabulous. He went for the ribeye and I had roasted chicken. We started with the grilled calamari which was decent, could have used more calamari and less chick peas. The main courses were cooked perfectly and delish! Definitely will go back when returning to Pittsburgh.
(4)
Kay E.

Our boss treated some co-workers and myself to lunch here last week (one of my colleagues was leaving) and had a terrific time. The decor is amazing and so is the food. I had the Porchetta panino (pulled pork Shoulder with horseradish apple salsa) which came with these parsely-seasoned home fries. All of it was amazing. Like Darren (I was so jealous he got to go there back in February and I didn't), I had the Torta di Cioccolatta, and it was godly. The service was on-target too. I love this place and that it's so close to where I now work. Seriously gourmet.
(5)
Carrie L.

I had a great lunch here! The service, TBH, was average, but they pre-bused the hell out of my table so I was incredibly delighted! (Lack of pre-bus is a HUUUUUGE pet peeve of mine!) There were several items on the menu that I really wanted to try and I was truly torn on what to get. There was a Wild Boar dish, a Salmon that sounded amazing, and a Duck dish that sounded awesome, too! I'll walk you through the meal... 1.) They bring you some delicious breads (a Rosemary and Sea Salt bread, and another plainer Italian bread) to dip into a plate that had 2 perfectly rounded scoops of spreads in a pool of olive oil. The scoops? I think that one was an avocado-based spread and the other, I think, was a black bean spread--neither of them were overly flavorful, but both were relatively light and fresh. **My Faves Here: Sea Salt & Rosemary Bread with the [Black Bean] Spread 2.) Next was salad: You can choose a Caesar salad or a pickier/plane salad (but the plane salad will take extra time to make because the servers prep the salads themselves--so it was explained to us, anyhow). The Caesar was good! The anchovies are diced into the dressing, but you can barely recognize them if you're not a fan of anchovies and are worried about that. I honestly wouldn't have even known they were in there, had I not asked! **My Faves Here: Go for the Ceasar; it was great! 3.) For an appetizer (this is a weird choice, but I'm happy we did it), we got the "Chef's Vegetarian Sampler". This included a delicious, and lightly spicy, Barley Risotto, some Sauteed Spinach, and some type of [fried] Potato dish. It was very good! **My Faves Here: The Potatoes were pretty addicting! **Least Faves Here: The sauteed spinach--very garlicy! 4.) I ended up choosing "Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio"--and I would recommend that to others who find themselves torn between several things. Here's how this works... There are 3 pastas "of the day". The servers bring around large bowls of all three types of pasta and places all three types on your plate for you to try. One you've sampled all three, its "all you can eat" of your faves. They'll ask you what types you'd like more of and give you more. Not a bad deal! The day that I went, all three were pretty good. One had a spicy, red sauce and wide noodles. Another had an olive oil based sauce and had Orecchiette pasta. The last one was the one that I could have eaten allllllll day! It was simple, but amazing! Goat Cheese filled Ravioli with a Butter and Thyme sauce! Ugh... to die for! Let me tell you about this ravioli! They were not "doughey" at all; they were perfect! Very thin pasta, but none were broken! Delicate and perfectly filled with the most amazing cheese. The butter/thyme sauce wasn't the least bit overwhelming! It was the perfect compliment to this dish! ...just thinking about it makes me want to go back to Lidia's NOW! **My Faves Here: OBVIOUSLY the Goat Cheese Ravioli! **My Least Fave: The Orcchiette dish. It wasn't "bad", it was just "meh". 5.) Oh, yes... there WAS dessert, too! ;) (don't judge me! lots of folks have dessert at lunch-time!) ;) I enjoyed the Tiramisu! Now, some people like it when the lady fingers in Tiramisu are very Rummy tasting, but I am not a fan of too much of that! This was perfect and delicious! I would def recommend it! All in all... Lidia's = WIN! PROS: Delicious; Pre-bus galore! CONS: Parking (but you can park in the "dust bowl" across the street. Located in the strip Pretty busy on the weekends!
(4)
Jim J.

Four stars based on Lidia's stellar reputation but not the meal my wife and I received. First, parking around the block was impossible. We found a spot in a paid parking lot across the street. For $6 we were able to park about a quarter mile away. I need the exercise anyway. Our waitress was very helpful and attentive. I was interested in trying Lidia's bolognese sauce. Even though it was not on the menu, they served a small plate of spaghetti with bolognese sauce. Big points for accommodating my request. But the sauce was watery without much flavor. I was impressed with the knife skills of whoever fine diced the carrots. Just surprised/disappointed with the results. There are probably as many different bolognese recipes as Italian cooks. This may have been perfectly prepared but I was expecting more depth of flavor in a carefully built, slow simmered sauce. As others have mentioned, the bread service is great. The scoops of basil and olive flavored spread were a little bland. When combined with the fresh bread with salt crystals on the crust, the result was really good. I had the white bean soup of the day. It was a bit bland needing a little more salt. Same opinion of the gnocchi with braised duck ragu. The ragu sauce had much more flavor than the soup and was enjoyable but could have been better with a touch more salt. As a classically trained newbe cook, I try to eat the best of the best foods when I can. It is easy to follow a recipe. It is very hard to prepare a dish perfectly. I was hoping for perfection. Don't think that is what I got - but really enjoyed the bread and great service.
(4)
I.E. C.

I've never understood the hype of this place. The food is simply OK, nothing special at all, except that it's a bit pricey. On a recent visit for brunch, I visited the antipasto bar. The spinach frittata, was beyond bland. The coleslaw with apple was surprisingly good. The rest of the antipastos were forgettable. I also ordered the Spring Ramp Ravioli with Crab Meat in a Thyme Butter Sauce. Sounds delicious right? Well... sadly I thought the pasta quality was poor, and again lacking in the flavor department. I will say our bartender was fantastic though. He always had a smile on his face and was attentive to all of our needs. That's the only reason I'm giving this place 3 stars instead of 2.
(3)
Stephen S.

I'm a big fan of Lidia, but.... I watch her shows and have a cook book, which I adore. But I was somewhat disappointed with my dinner there. It was a on a Wednesday night, but there shouldn't be an excuse for a meal this expensive. First dish was grilled octopus, which was great. I thought it needed more seasoning on the meat, but the accompanying salad was perfectly dressed. My gnocchi I felt wasn't fresh, however the rabbit ragu was really nice. Again, though, it needed more seasoning. I actually wondered if they were catering to an old Pittsburgh clientele who may not put salt on their food. My dinner partner had calimari and shrimp over pasta, and it was too al dente.
(3)
Michael U.

Arriving at the midpoint of the lunch hour we were surprised to find the restaurant less than 1/4 full. With the bar empty and only one section being seated be claimed our reservation and were led quickly to a table near the large glass windows - an excellent view of the river would be our companion throughout the meal. Meeting our waiter, a friendly man named Chendo we were given menus and a brief explanation of the daily special pastas for the Pasta Trio. With the restaurant quite slow that day I will note we were very well taken care of throughout out meal - the service staff was excellent. Browsing the high ceilinged room, randomly placed bottles and objects, and abundant brightly colored glass panels plus Chihuily influenced chandeliers I have to say Lidia's is a very handsome restaurant - it has that "wow" factor of many New York City dining rooms. While the white paper over white tablecloth aspect of the table setting struck me as odd, everything else felt "fine dining" without seeming forced. Sitting and waiting for our meals to arrive we were first delivered one of the better bread baskets I've had in recent memory - Sea Salt Foccacia, Rustic Italian, and Cracked Wheat Sourdough served with two spreads, a Chick Pea Pesto and pureed White Beans with Black Olive, both resting in a pool of slightly sweet extra virgin olive oil. Served warm the breads were tantalizing and given the size of the portions soon to be arriving it was definitely a chore not to overindulge (a chore I failed, miserably.) For our main courses my mother opted for a salad and a contorti while Erika and I chose pastas. For myselfthe choice was quite simple - my favorite pasta and my favorite protein on the same plate, Gnocchi with Duck Guazetto. An Italian Stew not unlike Chicken Cacciatore, but featuring duck in white wine instead of Chicken in Red the thick reduction was hearty, meaty, smoky, and laden with vegetables. Paired with a toothsome yet non-doughy potato gnocchi the dish was not only enormous, but incredibly filling. While I will admit I ate a lot of bread and helped my mother and sister with their plates I can say that this was one dish I couldn't finish, it was just too large. For Mother's selection she opted for the Roasted Beet and Apple Salad with Frisee and Fresh Goat Cheese plus the Pan Seared Golden Polenta Fritters. A competent salad with sweet apples balancing earthy beets and pungent goat cheese the dish was brought together by a splash of balsamic and olive oil, ample in size and flavor, very nicely done. Not fairing quite as well as the Salad were the Fritters - nicely prepared and crispy on the outside with creamy polenta within, they simply lacked flavor. Erika's selection would be the signature Pasta Trio - three pastas plated tableside with unlimited refills. Admittedly the concept sounds somewhat "Olive Garden" but that is before you realize two of the pastas are made in house and one is imported direct from Italy...and all the sauces are made daily in the kitchen, as well. Served up onto a single large platter the daily selections would be hand torn Tagliatelle and Pork Ragu, Imported Orchiette with Fennel Sausage and Thyme, and house folded Sweet Pea and Corn Ravioli with Cream Sauce. Enormous in portion I cannot really fathom anyone requiring seconds of the trio and at a mere $14 the selections were excellent. Smoky and Sweet the Pork Ragu complimented the al dente Tagliatelle nicely while the aromatic sausage was an equally balanced flavor for the Orchiette. The most impressive of the group, the sweet pea and corn ravioli, was sweetened only by the vegetal components while the cream itself had notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Arriving simultaneously and thankfully smaller than the entrees was Torta di Mandorle e Mirtilli - Blueberry and almond cake, blueberry-lavender ice cream, almond crunch, blueberries. . If a little is good a lot is better seemed to be the theme of this dessert and it worked nicely - the fresh blueberries lacing the buttery pound cake, the flowery accent to the blueberry ice cream, and the crunchy sugared almonds paired with even more blueberries - excellent. The second dessert, larger in size but lighter in texture, would be Panna Cotta alla Fragola - Strawberry and ricotta panna cottas, lemon-strawberry sandwich cookies, fresh strawberries. Served in a 12oz glass better suited for a milkshake the panna cotta was surprisingly springy and well blended with a more gelatin strawberry base topped by an ample creamy layer of whipped cream and ricotta. Unnecessary but welcomed the lemony cookies were much akin to a shortbread in texture and Madeline in flavor. Having heard "upscale Olive Garden" comparisons I personally find that assessment far from accurate and would actually go so far as to say that aside from the lack of seasoning the the experience was on par with many fine dining Italian establishments in other cities.
(4)
Sarah S.

As a lover of pasta--I love to eat it, I love to make it, I love to cook with it--this restaurant is heaven. Just outside of downtown Pittsburgh (by Wholey's and The Heinz History Museum), this restaurant has soaring ceilings, a beautiful Chihuly-style glass chandelier, and friendly waitstaff. It's great for a date night, business lunch/dinner, or celebratory dinner (we've celebrated new jobs, birthdays, and anniversaries here over the years). It was started by famous chef Lidia Bastianich and features a wonderful selection of pastas, wines, and desserts. The meal always starts with a bread basket filled with crunchy cheese bread sticks (they taste like gourmet Cheez-Its), herbed foccacia, and Italian bread and the breads are served alongside two different "butters" (olive and pesto, I believe). There are some amazing dishes on the menu (my mom loves their gnocchi with duck ragu and the arugula salad and rarely gets anything else, while my dad and brother are more willing to try different things from the menu, like wild boar ravioli or caprese salad), but the best choice on the menu by far is Lidia's Pasta Tasting Trio. Offered either on its own or paired with a Caesar salad and choice of dessert, this meal consists of endless servings of three different, freshly made pastas. The pastas and their sauces change each day, but you can usually count on at least one butter-based sauce (usually butter and sage or butter and thyme) and one tomato-based sauce. The pastas are always different--last night, they had bucatini, papardelle, and ravioli--and they are always freshly made. The servers bring out steaming saute pans filled with the fresh pasta and you can eat as much pasta as you want (the servers will stop by every so often to offer another serving). This meal is a great way to try new types of pastas and new sauces and, with three types served each time, you're bound to like one. I've had spinach and ricotta ravioli, tagliatelle in a thyme-butter sauce, linguine in a creamy tomato sauce, bucatini in a spicy tomato sauce with caramelized onions and bacon...I've had too many pastas and sauces to count and I've always enjoyed this meal. I highly recommend getting it with the salad and dessert--the Caesar salad is lovely and they usually have some tasty desserts. They always offer delicious ice creams and sorbets (we've had lemon sorbet, olive oil ice cream, chocolate espresso ice cream, and strawberry sorbet, to name a few) and they usually have some sort of decadent chocolate dessert available. The restaurant is definitely dressy, but there's always the one table with the idiots who came dressed in jeans and a tee shirt--please don't be one of those idiots (wear a cute dress or khakis and a polo). They offer valet parking, but there's a large, relatively inexpensive parking lot right across the street. Reservations help, but usually you can get in without one (unless it's a weekend evening). I recommend coming in with an empty stomach, because with all of that pasta, you'll need some room in there.
(4)
Claude S.

What you need to know, which I did not, is that this is a massive, chain restaurant. They can seat several 100 people. It's like the type of restaurant you find at a casino. It's an upscale chain, but it's basically a chain. And, the food is tasty and well prepared. They do what they do well.
(3)
Todd D.

I think this will bounce between a 3.5 and 4.5. My caveats are these: we ate there on Valentine's Day while visiting Pittsburgh, though we didn't know it would be a prix fixe menu. Second, I love Lidia's cooking and have been waiting a long time to get to her place. The restaurant is beautiful inside. The Valentine's menu was more limited than what I had hoped for - the whole menu - but it wasn't bad. We included the wine pairings with our menu. Bruschetta around as the first (with prosecco); the endive salad, tarte, and roasted beets (x2) for primi; three pastas (x2), swordfish, and salmon for mains. Both sets came with a selection of either a white or red wine. Dessert is four pieces per person (truffle, petit four, chocolate cookie, and one other), plus dessert wine. The food was excellent, with one misfire on the veggie version of the paparadelle (normally bolognese) - it was weak in the sauce and more tomato juice than sauce. Cost is an issue on the rating: the menu was $50 and the wine pairing (not required) was $25. Once you get into the $75 range pp, ($360 with tip), you actually expect a bit more than this - better wine, a few tweeks to the menu. I think that with a full menu we might do less food, different choices, and split a bottle of wine and get in for about $60 pp, which seems more reasonable to me. I suspect a night with the full set of options would work out better. 3.5 for this night; probably more like 4.5 on another night. Definitely worth the trip.
(4)
Elizabeth S.

I visited Pittsburgh for the weekend and was excited to try Lidia's since I have been to her son's outstanding restaurants up in New York. Lidia's was a major disappointment for me. Decor and service were just fine, no issues there. But the food was something I would expect from a chain restaurant like Carrabba's or Olive Garden. The quality seemed poor: bread was soggy, greens and salad dressings way over salted, greasy, sloppy pasta sauces, and huge portions just slapped onto dirty plates with greasy fingerprints all over the edges. Plus, I spent the entire meal swatting flies away from our table. I was really puzzled by this experience. When you dine at Joe's restaurants, you get the sense that every single ingredient is hand selected for the highest quality and the presentation of the food shows care went into it. I expected a similar standard at Lidia's. I wondered if Lidia visits this restaurant often and whether she knows about the quality of the food. Celebrity chefs often seem to suffer from this issue: they get involved in so many business ventures and if they are not at the restaurants regularly, the quality suffers. Sorry to say it, but I definitely won't be back to Lidia's.
(2)
Michele W.

Not a place I'd return to for regular fare, overpriced for quality. But the brunch is a divine value.
(4)
JIM B.

As always Lidia's is fantastic. Don't open the menu, the pasta trio is what you should get.
(4)
Pete H.

Had dinner here with my wife and another couple. The food was good, as we have expected from a previous visit. The service was OK. The restaurant was maybe half full on a Monday night. We were passed from one server to another, even though the first server was still working. In addition, the explanation of the 3-course special was incomplete, so it was not clear what was included or what choices were possible, but we did get all that should have been included. We also had a hard time getting attention for basic service items, like more cheese for the one person who ordered the pasta tasting trio, or the second glass of wine for the special. In the end, we could not finish it all and asked for it to be boxed up. Three of us got our remainders boxes, but they apparently didn't box up the half of the secondi from my wife, who was really looking forward to finishing it the next night. We didn't notice until the next morning that they left out one of the take home boxes. Maybe the staff was just having an off night, but it will negatively effect my decision for a repeat visit. Summary: good, but the service was a bit disappointing for this level of restaurant.
(3)
Kurt V.

I had dinner at Lidia's on Saturday evening, February 22, 2014. I flew in from TX to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Lidia's was the chosen restaurant and I was very excited. We were a party of 8 and were crowded around a round table. Five of us ordered the Pasta Trio and it was the BEST fettuccine and ravioli! The pasta was fresh and the taste was out of this world! The disappointment came when we wanted more. We sat at length waiting for seconds after our initial taste trio. When we were served again, I received a spoonful of fettuccine - one to three bites. Our drinks, other than water, were only refilled once. I ended up switching from iced tea to water, not by choice but before I noticed, my tea glass was filled with water. I was also bumped throughout the meal by wait staff walking between me and a temporary wall that was put up to accommodate a large birthday party. Fortunately I can get good pasta with much better service elsewhere. I really wish I could say otherwise but I will not be back and wouldn't recommend this location unless maybe for lunch or a less busy evening. I am pretty sure if Lidia experienced the service in her own restaurant she would be appalled!
(3)
Vinnie O.

Lidia's was awesome. Had a reservation made thru Yelp. They were prompt to sit us as soon as we arrived. The wait staff was very courteous and quick to bring drinks and the bread basket. That bread, the bruschetta appetizer, an the main meal were delicious! My wife had the 3 course pasta, and the ravioli was the best I've ever tasted. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good Italian joint in Pittsburgh!
(4)
Robert P.

Nice place would give atmosphere a 6 1/2 out of 10 and food a seven out of 10. Often has good specials!
(4)
Theresa C.

Been here for lunch with the coworkers once a week now. I must say, the pasta trio is a great deal (all you can eat) but not all of the rotational pastas are equally tasty. The decor is very open and spacious.
(4)
Emmy L.

Lidia's is a great choice if you want good pasta and classic service. The atmosphere is cool, but could be a little more intimate. If feels very, very open and sllllllightly on the Bravo/big chain vibe. The unique glass lighting and back wall is what saves it from being completely generic. The menu has everything you need for a pasta-heavy Italian joint. The sampler trio is a popular choice and for good reason. The salads are over priced, (especially the cesaer which leaves something to be desired) and I always wish there was a lower priced side-sized option. I ordered the boar-pasta for the first time last week and it tasted like a pulled-pork sandwich stuffed in pasta. It was very heavy and I was full after eating 1/3 of the plate. The one great thing about the menu is the very reasonably priced wine menu. I always leave feeling like I over paid, ate a good meal, but forget what I ordered the next day. Basically, it is not the most out-of-this-world food you will ever eat, but you won't be unhappy either.
(3)
Maureen C.

Went here with a large group. Very accommodating and were able to handle our needs. The atmosphere is fantastic. I liked the ambiance and glass decorations. The service was great. I am not a huge fan of Italian food so this is where the review gets tricky. I find it a little bit strange that they offer an unlimited pasta trio. It made me feel like I was at an olive garden or something, I think it would be better to get rid of that menu option at an otherwise classy restaurant. I ordered a beet salad which was great and then played it safe with some chicken cacciatore. I'm a fan but the food didn't knock my socks off.
(3)
Phil L.

My girlfriend REALLY hyped this place up but I ended up spending $110 on a terrible meal I couldn't even eat. I ordered the Chicken Marsala (Waitress's favorite) and it was disgusting. The sauce was VERY over powering and it was drenched in it. If that wasn't bad enough the Chicken was cheap dark meat with the skin and the bones on it. I ended up leaving even though our meals included a dessert with the price. Won't be going back here...
(2)
Katja V.

One word; gross. This is not Italian food - it's Pittsburgh italian food. The ravioli is not fresh - how difficult is it for a restaurant to make fresh ravioli? The decor is tacky. The wine list is lacking. I could rip this place apart after only one disappointing meal, but I'm not going to waste my time. In short, avoid this place! You can do much better in your own kitchen!
(2)
Mary Ann L.

The best part about our visit to Lidias was the service. Everyone from the host/ hostess to the server to the busboy was very pleasant, accommodating and efficient. Our food was just average. My husband & I each had the Caesar salad which turned out to be the best part of the meal. I had the fish special - sautÃ©ed cod with spinach. The spinach added a bitterness to the cod and the cod itself would have benefited from a heavier hand with seasonings. My husband had the lasagne. He called it just average nothing worth getting again.
(3)
Jordana M.

Overall experience was rather good. This is an impressive review for me to give a restaurant as I consider myself an avid foodie. It is rare for me to give an Italian restaurant a rave review, since I grew up eating Italian-American homemade meals. The ambiance was nice, the buzz was slightly nosier than I would have liked but it was also not so much so to be considered bothersome. Their staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. I will say, it was a little strange to not receive a menu until after we were served water and bread sticks. I can actually say I've never been seated at a restaurant where it took 15 minutes to receive one. However, after munching on the delightful breadbasket (The star of which is definitely the Focaccia bread) left me excited for what was yet to come. I enjoyed the affordable wine selection. We order an Italian table wine style Pinot Noir. It was delightful and we would order it again. For an appetizer we shared the Capesante: grilled sea scallops, shaved fennel, red onion, orange and basil. My husband and I rarely go out to eat without ordering some sort of scallop dish. I can proudly say, their scallops had a lovely sear and were cooked perfectly inside. For my entree, I ordered the Lidia's Pasta Trio which is their signature dish. Unlimited daily pasta selection served table-side. I must confess, I found the serving via table-side a little odd. If they served only my portion from the pan it would not have been as off. But thinking that others may have or will be served from that same dish that is inches away from the diner was a bit off. I had the linguine w/ walnut pesto which was average nothing too spectacular but good all around. The chicken, pork ravioli was interesting. Tastier that I expected. In fact, had I not tried my husband's entree I would have been more impressed with my ravioli. Lastly, it was served w/ eggplant penne in a red sauce. I was probably least underwhelmed by this last dish. But nevertheless, all three pastas far supersede the majority of Pittsburgh Italian restaurants. I order this with the Caesar salad and choice of dessert. The salad was okay. Admittedly, I'm a hard sell with Caesar as I prefer to make it myself. Unless of course I am eating it from Emeril's (Las Vegas) which was the best Caesar I've ever eaten. Bygones. For dessert, I ordered the Torta d'Ananas- ricotta and butter cake, caramelized pineapple, Amarena cherries, and coconut ice cream. If I had to guess, the cherries were present in syrup form perhaps on the top of the cake. As I did not see any cherries (or taste for that matter) their presence within the dish. Perhaps the syrup was used sparingly. Nevertheless, the dish was yummy. The coconut ice cream with the caramelized pineapple was the star. However, I do not think it was spectacular enough to order again. My husband had the Ravioli di Cinghale: ravioli filled with braised wild boar in a rosemary infused sauce. This dish was amazing. I could not believe how delicious every single aspect of this dish was. The ravioli looked so fresh, it appear made to order. Significantly, far exceeded the quality present in the Trio I ordered. The rosemary infused sauce was one of the most incredible sauces I have EVER eaten. The wild boar itself, was absolutely to die for. My husband and I swore we would be back, simply for us both to eat this dish again. It is a MUST HAVE. Enjoy!
(4)
Fiona L.

I was really looking forward to Lidia's. And was really disappointed. Bread was good. The cocktails were good. The service was attentive and friendly (just don't get between a server dishing out the unlimited pasta and a hungry customer who clearly hadn't reached their limit with the unlimited servings). Too bad the food wasn't good. The beet salad was underwhelming. I had the calamari which was rubbery and swimming in a tasteless chicken broth and white beans. I felt even more sad for my dining companion who had such fond memories of the calamari. I suspect such positive memories are no longer :( My other dining companion had the osso bucco which was dry and stringy. Another disappointment. And thus my rating of Meh. Which is a huge shame. But life goes on...
(2)
Brittany L.

I went to Lidia's for a work dinner the other night. The decor is beautiful at night, very warm and inviting with a Tuscan color theme going on. We had both red and white wine which were both delicious. The appetizers fritto misto were delicious and two of them fed our entire group. I also had a caesar salad, the manicotti, and the apple spice cake for dessert. The salad was huge and delicious, it filled me right up! The manicotti was a little dry and was stuffed with so much cheese that I wasn't able to actually taste the pasta noodles which is the best part of going to an Italian restaurant! The dessert was delicious and the waiter was very accommodating on my chance of a few items that were listed on the menu. I would say this is a 3.5 star restaurant at best, it looks gorgeous and is linked to famous name but the food was mediocre, the waiter was tentative with our group but he actually looked very annoyed at one point when he was trying to interrupt a fellow coworkers conversation to give our group some information.
(3)
Jim D.

Being a huge Bastianich fan, I was stoked to finally dine at Lidia's Pittsburgh. Entering the restaurant, you automatically feel impressed. It's spacious yet feels warm, inviting, and comfortable. There are beautiful touches and accents everywhere and the designer was not afraid to use color, tastefully. I was ready to feast! I ordered the polipo (grilled octopus) which was tender and flavorful thanks to the zesty vinaigrette. My osso bucco (braised pork shank) on a bed of barley risotto was easily the tastiest thing I ate that night being succulent, flavorful and utterly tender. That's not to demean my companion's hearty and tasty mushroom soup or his grilled salmon which was prepared quite nicely. I ordered the budino di nutella (nutella pudding) for dessert. It looked better on the menu unfortunately. It was bit too heavy and rich. Did I really say that? Lesson learned...perhaps. Probably not. Service is top notch. We never waited and our food came out promptly. Prices are extremely reasonable given the quality and copious portions they serve. In fact, I think I went up a full pant size upon leaving. Lidia's is a definite keeper.
(4)
Laura C.

Absolutely loved this place! Went for restaurant week and had an amazing beet and apple salad, butternut squash ravioli, pork, and apple caramel cake. My friend got the 3 pastas which were all amazing and the tiramisu. Would recommend to anyone!
(4)
Julie R.

Lidia's has the best brunch in town--hands down. For twenty-five bucks you get a drink, fresh breads w/ yummy spreads, "help yourself" table buckling with cured meats and cheese, numerous salads and sides, pasta trio sampling, and a trip or two to the dessert table. I should add that if the pasta sampler is not to your liking you can order other items, including salmon. I always get the pasta sampler and the choices range from good to out of this world. The ravioli dishes are consistently excellent and often filled with seasonal ingredients. The side dishes are also very good, and while a romaine salad and bean and tuna salad are staples, other side dishes rotate, according to what's available/in season. Wide variety of desserts at the dessert table. The tiramisu is out of this world--served in individual ramekin cups. Be sure to leave a little room for at least one of those little guys--you won't be sorry! I'd give Lidia's five stars but their service is sometimes spotty. I've gone when it's not overly busy, only to wait, wait, wait. If you're not in a hurry and you're there for brunch, it's really not a big deal, but if you are looking for prompt service or have plans, like to go somewhere afterwards, this could be a pain. I took my parents for dinner for their anniversary and the poor service was embarrassing. At this dinner my mom also ordered wine and she got--no exaggeration--about 2-3 tablespoons in the glass. I buttonholed the manager before we left and while he apologized that was it, no offer of even another wine (hopefully with a fuller glass). But in the 5+ years I've gone, that was the worst experience I had.
(4)
a p.

soooo disappointing! i watch lidia on tv and have a lot of her recipes. also, having lived for some time in NYC, i am familiar with and a fan of Bastianich restaurants. one of the best meals i've ever had in my life (there aren't many) was at Del Posto. the Bastianich name to me stands for integrity and love / appreciation / sharing of high quality italian food. then, i ate here. are these the same people running this restaurant?! it was completely mediocre and subpar, as if no one cared about the quality or experience. i came here for brunch and did the pasta trio and antipasti table. it was clear the ingredients were not quality and the dishes were mass produced without much flavor or thought. it was only $25 a person, but can you make an effort? don't you care about your reputation and good name? guess not. this restaurant seems to be a sellout - a place to make money off the name in a place where the food standard frankly isn't that demanding or high (like in NYC). also, the service was not that good. too bad.
(2)
Allen B.

This place had horrible service. I waited (sitting at the bar non-the-less) for about 10 minutes before the loser bartender got me a drink and a menu. The food was weak, I got a Caesar salad and the wild bore stuffed ravioli. I was horrible. It was like they took some pulled pork and just stuffed a spoonful in a ravioli. I will not return, too many other better restaurants are in town to waste your time on this one.
(2)
Lisa M.

Lidia's is an upscale Olive Garden with slightly better wine list. The biggest problem? Everything is bland. They have a salt problem. They must not have it in their kitchen. Everything needed it. The salads were the only fairly good items we had. The arugula salad with pear walnuts and Gorgonzola was well dressed, but the beets were not cooked to their sweet level. The lamb chops were awful. Lamb tasted like the grill and not at all like lamb. I sent it back. They replaced it with pork tenderloin served on a tomato sauce (needed salt) and with cheese melted over the top with asparagus and a slice of Roma tomato. It was a sad sad dish. The tomato was hard as rock. The tenderloin was over cooked. Just bad. I had the chicken piccata upon the recommendation of the server. It had lemon, capers and green olives. The vinegar fought with the lemon in the most vile way. The chicken had that flour coated slime feel in the mouth. Served on a bed of spinach. That was the only decent taste on the plate if it didn't have any of the sauce on it. Bread is awful. They have a foccacia and skinny bread sticks that tasted stale to me. Served with an olive spread and a garlic white bean spread. They were fine on their own - in fact rather tasty. The menu is really odd. Just in the way it is laid out and with the choices. Two west coast fish selections. Halibut and salmon. Coming from the west coast, I just overlooked them by a matter of principle. But the worse is the pasta trio. The concept is just so olive garden. All you can eat of three different pastas served table side. They cart a sautÃ© pan to your table. What is that all about? Our neighbors ordered it and I over heard them talking to their server about their disappointment. But like all things Pittsburgh the people were so nice. They were gracious about the lamb and took it and the pork replacement off the bill. I just have to wonder why Lidia would create a menu like this. It just doesn't match her books or shows at all. It does nothing to support the brand of Lidia. Unless she is really trying to take over the Olive Garden market.
(2)
Robert C.

Overall this was good Italian food if you're ready to venture into something more asventerous than Olive Garden. I had the pasta trio and thought the ravioli was amazing. Everything else was pretty good, but a butternut squash ravioli made the meal. Be prepared to spend about $30 a person for the full experience and I'll remember this meal for a while.
(4)
David A.

If you're new to the steel city, and want consistently superb modern Italian, this is your place. The menu has standards you grew up loving, as well as modern dishes and new twists on classic gems! The staff is attentive and informative without being overbearing; the wine list is extensive, and the well drinks are stiff...
(4)
Marc C.

Yum yum yum... There are three yums... One for each amazing pasta in the prix fix pasta menu. Unbelievable service and the food was incredible. Don't miss the Ceasar or the banana chocolate caramel dessert thing!!
(5)
Jen Q.

Get the pasta trio, you won't regret it. Big heaping portions of fresh pasta delivered to your plate as soon as you have space available. Mmm. And we went on a Saturday night with no reservations and we're seated in 5 minutes.
(4)
m n.

During a recent roadtrip to Pittsburgh our party of three found ourselves tired and ready for something delicious for dinner with the caveat that it had to be walking distance from our hotel. We consulted Yelp and decided to try out Lidia's for dinner. The place is located on the fringes of the Strip and has nice clean feel to it. That's about as good as things got for me personally. The service was not very good. We were seated and ignored for about 15 minutes although the dining room was almost empty. A bread basket was placed on the table, but the bread was not very good. Once our waiter did come, (he looked like a Mafia Don) it took another 10 minutes to get our drinks. I ordered the grilled octopus on a bed of potatoes and an heirloom tomato salad, both appetizers, as my meal. The tomatoes were not ripe and unfortunately did not have enough acid of any kind on them so that flavor was quite bland. There was no salt or pepper on the table, and no pepper was offered either. The octopus was bland but quite tender and fresh. My husband ordered the salmon which he thought was good but a bit overcooked overall -- nothing to write home about. The third person in our party ordered the pork porter house which was very tasty. Based on fellow Yelpers we ordered the strawberry pannacotta for desert but unfortunately they had none at 7:30! We settled for cookies and a tiramisu. We left overall feeling disappointed in the service and the quality of the food.
(2)
D. F.

My five stars come from a combination of food, service, ambiance and price. The service was attentive and professional, the food was very good. I had the pasta trio and liked two of them very much, the third was a bit ordinary, but delicious. The restaurant is lovely and in a great location. If service, ambiance and food were all I was taking into consideration, I'd probably have awarded four stars. The five stars reflect that all of this was had at very reasonable price. I don't dine in Pittsburgh often, but to me, it seemed relatively inexpensive for the overall dining experience. I've certainly paid alot more for alot less. Good job, Lidia!
(5)
Raquel C.

I love Lydia's. Food is very solid and I love the ambience
(4)
Margaret K.

My family had been planning to go to Lidia's for a while, and finally made a reservation for my dad's birthday. I was not really impressed with the whole experience overall. We got there for our reservation and it took a while for anyone to come greet us at the front of the place, even though it wasn't very busy. They seated us outside, but the outdoor seating is right next to the street and it wasn't very pleasant. They were nice enough to move us inside without complaint. We ordered drinks, which took a long time to get there. I had the pasta trio special, I really liked the idea of getting to sample three different fresh recipes. I only really liked one (I know it changes up though) and only got a refill of that one. My sister got the seafood alfredo, which she said was good. I don't even remember what my parents ordered because it wasn't very memorable. Although the service was decent and the food was okay, I was just generally unimpressed and felt like we paid a lot for just a "meh" experience and food.
(2)
Lindsay D.

Yummy! The braised duck gnocchi were out of this world! Our waitress was as nice as they get. Great experience!
(4)
J T.

My cabbie recommended Lidia's. I wasn't sure what to think of it I just knew it was Italian food. It was a Thursday night and the place was dead. There were about 3 other tables. It wasn't because the place isn't good though. I think it might have much more to do with the economy... I had Lidia's Trio del Giorno a la carte. The pastas were all good. Served right out of the pan, there was a penne with a red sauce, a linguine with peas and other veg, but I wasn't really paying much attention to those because they were serving goat cheese ravioli. I very nearly, almost exclusively ate the goat cheese ravioli. These were so tasty and cooked to perfection I very nearly ate until I was sick. I was a bit disappointed in the wine selection by the glass. It seemed that most of everything I really wanted was only sold by the bottle. It turns out that in Pittsburgh you can have the restaurant re-cork the bottle and you can take it with you. Who knew? Regardless I ended up with a house wine that was adequate for the job. All in all the place was just average. Even though my meal was fantastic it's mostly because I'm totally biased toward goat cheese. Strange bias I know. Everything else was just A-OK and the meal was pretty expensive for what it was. I would go there again, but I'm going to explore more of Pittsburgh before I do.
(3)
Justin S.

Get the daily pasta special.. Can't beat it. Skip salad and dessert-won't have room
(4)
Romi O.

WAAAAY over priced and although their appetizers were good, I'm not sure if it's bc we went in August and the kitchen was hot and the cooks were sweating their butts off back there but they salted their pastas WAAAAY too much. One of the pastas in their trio had sun dried tomatoes and capers in it. You'd think they'd tone down the saltiness of the pasta to let the saltiness of the sundries tomatoes and capers pull it together but no. I felt like I was eating strands of salt. The ambiance is great and their wine menu is extensive. Maybe it was a bad day but I think I can find better Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh with it's strong Italian roots.
(2)
Nelly D.

This place seems like it would be really expensive, but it's not bad at all! You get free bread with this awesome hummus dip (I think that's what it is) and all the food is always melt-in-your-mouth. They also have an all you care to eat trio of pasta, which I would definitely recommend!
(5)
Lynn B.

The atmosphere and service from this restaurant were a welcome change from much of what we received the rest of our stay in Pittsburgh. The staff seemed genuinely friendly and attentive. The food was good- not outstanding but definitely one of the best meals I had in the city. I ordered salmon, which was cooked perfectly. My friends had the pasta tasting, which for it's price seemed very reasonable. Pasta dishes never impress me the way other dishes do, but teh three offered this night were on the lighter side and a nice variety. Oh why lie, they each had three servings and I was eating off their plates. That food was gooood!
(4)
Savi Y.

Fine Italian dining at a reasonable price and by reasonable, I mean, it's less expensive than a Michelin starred French restaurant. The atmosphere is pretty fancy...high ceilings, white table clothes, snooty looking hosts and waiters, however, looks are deceiving. This is a family-style restaurant, disguised as a fine dining. We went here with 6 adults and 2 young children...arriving a little too early for dinner, they let us wait inside. I was hoping they'd give us some free appetizers, but no such luck =(. They seated us right at 5p and seats started filling up fast, so it was probably a good idea we got there early. We ordered 5 of the pasta trios and I ordered the Zuppe di Pesce (seafood stew). The pasta was good...I wouldn't say it was amazing, but definitely worth the price...$20 for just the pasta, but yo u can add a ceasar salad and desert for I think $7. For people that don't know, everyday, there are 3 different pasta dishes the chef makes for this pasta trio. They have servers for each of the individual pastas (pretty neat IMO). They give you a sampling of the 3 at first, which, quite honestly was plenty. Then you can pick one, two or even all three for the subsequent rounds. I don't know if it's all you can eat, but even the big eaters were done after their 3rd plate. There is a child's menu, but our kids eat like birds, so we asked if they could have a little of the pasta. The servers were very accomodating...bringing everyone plates to share. My wife ordered the pasta trio with a salad and desert. The ceasar was perfect (she shared it with me) and she had tiramisu that was probably the best we've ever had. The Zuppe di pesce (my entree) was AMAZING...I'm a seafood lover though. Overall, I'd say this is an upgraded version of Olive Garden...which is NOT a bad thing.
(4)
Mihee K.

We went to treat A's parents for their anniversary - his mom has been obsessed with this lady forever. I had an amazing lobster risotto, A had the osso bucco, and his mom tried the pasta trio, which was divine. His dad had something spicy and in marinara sauce...looked godd. Neat atmosphere, and knowledgeable waitstaff...
(4)
Don M.

I was very disappointed with my meal here. I expected way more from Lidia's. As a regular viewer of the show I was expecting fresh / rustic Italian meals. What I ended up with was stuffed pasta that I'm 95% sure was reheated in a microwave, bland mains, and slow and inattentive service. The only highlight of the meal was the bread which was the only fresh ingredient used in the entire meal.
(2)
Kathy C.

Drove by, stopped for dinner without reservations on a Saturday night and they seated us which was great. I don't watch much TV and did not know Lidia is somebody famous. Anyway, the restaurant is gorgeous, service is very smooth and polished. Food was just ok-bread was great. The pasta trio that night was nothing to write home about-could have done just as well at Olive Garden. We spent a lot of money (100.00 before tip) for 3 people with no deserts and no alcohol. Lidia's is okay-nothing really to complain about, but I probably would not go there again.
(3)
Benjamin E.

Somehow I thought the place was going to be fancier. The way the concierge at the hotel spoke of it, it sounded like it was going to be expensive and busy. But I was pleasantly surprised to see entrees that weren't too expensive and a very comfortable atmosphere! It was a welcome warm spot on a cold November night! I had the Pasta 3-course meal and was thrilled! - cesaer salad, all-u-can-eat 3 types of pastas and any dessert off of the dessert menu! I thoroughly enjoyed 2 of the 3 pastas and particularly liked the meat raviolis. Very tasty! While it was an all-u-can-eat offer, we really didn't have much more than small amounts of each, as all the portions were hearty and filling. The wine list had a selection of $28 bottles that were not fantastic, but tasty for the price. And the ambiance was enjoyable. Our group of 8 had pretty good service, and definitely enjoyed our experience there. Side note: Not an Italian dish, but the night we were there one of their specials was Hungarian Goolash, that was raved about by the 1 person at our table who ordered it!
(4)
Jillian G.

Lidia's is a Pittsburgh gem! Not uptight in the least, but supremely accommodating and professional. I would recommend the weekend brunch special (antipasto buffet, entree, dessert buffet, and a cocktail). Very considerate of dietary restrictions: vegetarians and vegans. Downright delicious with no frills!
(5)
Bob D.

I had their three pasta dinner in which they bring out to you endless amounts of their homemade or imported pasta dishes. Each one was absolutely delicious, and the service was wonderful.
(5)
Julie S.

I was really excited to go to Lidia's while in Pittsburgh for work. Had some drinks at the bar and they have an extensive Italian wine list. Our service was a little delayed but once our waiter was available he was knowledgeable and continued to check on us. He was a little awkward but attentive. The mussels were a little "fishy" to my taste but the remaining dishes we ordered were great and so were the bread bowl options. I enjoyed a gnocchi special. The pasta trio is typically the recommended choice but I wasn't in the mood for what was prepared that day. Overall I would give it a B.
(3)
Marianne S.

as a big fan of Lidia's, i was anxious to eat at her restaurant, and it was totally awesome. would highly recommend. Food was excellent. wait staff was attentive. we arrived early for our reservation and they were able to seat us. it was a lot of fun and the decor was awesome too.
(5)
Rick P.

service was phenomenal, food was fresh and good but a bit bland, had the pasta trio, I'd eat here again without concerns, but it's not someplace I'd feel compelled to return to
(4)
Erica K.

I really want to give this place a good review, the decor is beautiful, the wine list is great (about ten $28 bottles, red and white, the pino grigio we had was phenom!), the service was fine, but the food was totally forgettable. The service.... You know how when you get a jokey waiter when you're not "that kind" of table, you expect the waiter to get the hint and be more professional? Well I had the exact opposite experience. My very small office was saying goodbye to one of our coworkers, so we went to Lidia's for a boozy lunch. We were in high spirits and having a great time. The waiter was perfectly courteous and professional, but I thought he should have gotten that we were a more personable table. Anyway, I didn't knock off a star for this, it doesn't seem important enough. But it did taint my visit. I remember the waiters attitude more then some of the food. Oh, and don't bother with the tiramisu, it's all cream, almost no cake. But the atmosphere is great, they really went all out with the interior design. The menu isn't particularly veg friendly, but it's not too bad. Lidia's does high-end traditional Italian without being too pretentious or too predictable. But I have no desire to eat what I ordered (the daily special pasta trio) again nor do I have any interest in trying anything else on the menu. Months later I decided to lower my stars from four to two. I really wanted to like this place, but I really didn't. And I gotta talk about that wine list again, it's Lidia's only shining star. Of course, they have a pricey reserve list, but they have a whole bunch of really cheap, good bottles, and a bunch of wines by the glass too.
(2)
D T.

Went here for a quick lunch on a Friday at 12:35. We were seated right away. Had chicken panini and pasta trio. Super! Highly recommend the pear and cheese ravioli. Service was fantastic!
(5)
Jr A.

I dont feel it is worth the money. the drinks are entirely overpriced and the food was just ok. Nothing special
(3)
christine c.

came here for the weekend brunch. really good, but i wasn't too impressed w/ my entree (the pasta trio - the broccoli one was kind of watery, tasted like it was seasoned only w/ salt, and then i didnt like the ravioli at all, the cheese was too smelly for me and then the linguini was alrite but also kind of watery) i REALLY liked the butter that came w/ the bread - 3 kinds, crunchy sugar or something, apricot and strawberry; the appetizer table was really good too - caesar salad yummy, cured meats, soup was bleh, but it was a good variety and all you can eat the desserts also were really good. had cookies, tangerine panna cotta, tiramisu (which everyone kept snatching up so if you see it, just grab it even if youre not ready for dessert), this brownie thing was REALLY good also. the almond cake wasn't as moist as i would have hoped... my bf got the gnocchi w/ duck and that was really good. a LOT in terms of portion size $24 1 entree and all you can eat appetizer and dessert. pretty good deal! but not your every-weekend brunch place
(5)
Nicole B.

I liked the decor of the place. When I lived in Pittsburgh 3 years ago, I was just out of college with no money and didn't care what I ate. So I spent a lot of time eating bar food, pizza, and $1 pierogies. I never knew there were "fancy" restaurants until I returned this week for work! I got the salad with pears & gouda which was delicious with a ton of cheese. I also had the octopus appetizer as a meal - I was surprised, it's much chewier than I expected. But the vinaigrette on it was tasty and the red potatoes and kalamata olives gave it a lot of flavor. The fruity sorbet was good as well. I though the service was great and the waiters didn't laugh at me for not knowing half the words on the menu. They were more than willing to explain!
(4)
RC P.

did not like the gnocchi dish i ordered excellent service try the dessert sampler - a plate of mini desserts - very good
(3)
Sheila M.

We joined friends for dinner at Lidia's recently and enjoyed a great italian meal. A couple of us had the caesar salad, which wasn't anything special; it had way too much dressing on it - about what I could make at home with the bagged lettuce and bottle dressing. Our foodie friend, who frequents the restaurant regularly, chose a salad with peas, which looked delicious! I would order that next time. (I looked at their online menu and wasn't able to find the name though... sorry!) For dinner 2 of us had the Pasta Trio which included gnocci, fettucini alfredo with mushroom and Orecchiette ("little ears") with sausage. I'm not a huge sausage fan but found the orecchiette to be absolutely delicious! The others were very good as well. I'm not a gnocci fan, but that was the favorite of our our italian friend who joined us. Someone ordered the Spaghetti "Trapanese" with almond pesto, fried calamari and shrimp. It was outstanding! Our friend who dines here regularly said he orders it a lot. For dessert I had the winner of the table, which was to die for! It was the "Semifreddo di Cioccolato e Caramello" which was a square block of layered chocolate ice cream, caramel ice cream and chocolate cake. It was covered in toasted meringue and topped with crushed toffee with caramel sauce drizzled around the plate. The combination of flavors was incredible. I couldn't finish it so my friends dove in. It's a 15 min walk or $5-6 cab fare from the Omni William Penn to the restaurant. Our friend who travels constantly to Pitt for business says that whenever he's in town for even 3 days that he goes to Lidia's at least once... and it's about a third the price of the NY locations, so if you're going to try it and are in Pgh, might as well do it here!
(4)
Nina P.

Lidia's is a nice place for a special occasion but misses the mark for this foodie. Their Octopus Appetizer is perfect however their pasta sampler was disappointing. One of the selections was not cooked and clumped together a silly mistake from the kitchen that shamed the attentive wait staff. Dessert was no better. My vanilla creme sauce looked like snot next to a melted mess of ice cream. Take a non foodie friend here to be nice but not for a culinary fun find.
(3)
Dan M.

You can count on ONE hand the restaurants that serve fresh food. Honestly. Lidia's is one of them. Most restaurants in our fair city order supplies from "food service" companies; they come frozen and ready to "heat and serve." Or they're chain restaurants with pre-packaged meals (to "protect the 'quality' of the product") from the central "food factory." Lidia's? All the food is hand-made from fresh ingredients in the kitchen of the restaurant. And under the watchful eye of Lidia herself who seems to visit Pittsburgh quite often to maintain quality control. I adore the frico and the pasta trio offerings. The salads are fresh and vibrant. And the "under $30" wine list is a blessing. Over the years, I've had most of what's offered on the menu and I've NEVER been disappointed by either the quality of the food or the price. And the portions are generous. If that's not enough, the staff -- host/hostesses, servers, bartenders, mgmt -- are first-rate: friendly, responsive and on-the-mark. One night, my wife and I stopped by simply to have drinks and appetizers. We sat at the bar and began to chat with the bartender about wine. We ended up tasting several red wines and learning about some terrific wines priced under $20 at the state liquor store. What a resource HE turned out to be! My only warning: holidays can be tough at Lidia's: Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, New Year's Eve, etc. They usually have a fixed-price menu offering those days and they tend to be overwhelmed by the number of people who come to eat there. The service and the food quality suffers as a result. My advice? Avoid the holidays and stop by on a weeknight for a dinner experience unlike you've ever had. Linger and enjoy the desserts. Soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the staff. Still the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. No doubt about it.
(5)
John A.

First visit there. Went for Sunday brunch and haven't found this good of a brunch value for a long time. The fried mushroom risotto balls, the gnocchi with duck ragu and the manicotti with mushroom ragu were excellent. The antipasto selection was extensive and everything was delicious. The server was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere comfortable. Will definitely go back soon.
(5)
T.H. J.

Good, for a "celebrity name" restaurant. Actually, I typed in another adjective, but didn't was to have my review flagged. The pasta was very fresh and well prepared, and the service was top-notch. The non-pasta dishes were more common
(4)
Michael N.

I've been here twice and both times did the prix fixe pasta tasting. The selections change frequently but it was always delicious and extremely satisfying.
(4)
Joe R.

Was really excited to try this since I watch her show and have enjoyed making her recipes. But it was a disappointment and did not live up to my or my group's expectations. Very ordinary Italian food. Had brunch and tried a little of everything and it was ALL pretty plain and ordinary. Don't go out of your way to try this place like I did
(3)
Krissy M.

Ehhh.. For a sort-of-celebrity chef Lidia Bastianich (business partner to Mario Batalli) I was totally UNimpressed with the sunday brunch. Thank god I haven't bought her cookbook. I ordered the Pasta Tasting - and I wish I hadn't. The whole wheat Paparelle was sugary, the penne a la vodka was watery, and the raviolle was soaked in butter. My parents meals were better, which is why I've given three stars. That said, the atmosphere was beautiful and the antipasta and dessert tables were nicely laid out. The kitchen is half open behind the bar, and unlike the open kitchens in NYC where the aestitics of the kitchen are well planned out, this kitchen had four colored pots and pans thrown on top of the shelves to make it look pretty. Umm, four pots? and an industrial kitchen? not so cute. Sadly, I didn't not love this place.
(3)
Dan L.

I've been to Lidia's a few times before and figured I'd leave a review after today's trip. We arrived a bit early for our reservation and they were able to seat us right away. Even with a fairly packed dining room, the place wasn't too loud. If you have any old people in your group, they can seat you downstairs as I don't think they have an elevator (I prefer being upstairs overlooking looking the dining room, it's a nice touch). The Lobster Arancini were cooked perfectly with no crunchy, undercooked risotto inside. The only downside was that there were just 3 (we had 4 people) and they were tiny so it was almost impossible to split them. As for entrees, the gnocchi topped with a duck ragu are a fantastic dish, not too rich and the gnocchi simply melt in your mouth. The Zuppa di Pesce has a wonderfully balanced broth which wasn't oversalted (a surprise given the amount of shellfish) and tasted like it might have had Sherry wine in it. I think I counted 7 or 8 different items in this seafood hodgepodge. As for service, it was quite good and we were done with 3 courses in a bit over an hour. Lidia's certainly ranks up there as one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the city.
(4)
A L.

This restaurant has remained - longer than I expected, frankly. But the food is ok, definitely not great and is fairly forgettable. The wine list is also forgettable. Overall, this is a place that I go to if I have to for an event, but probably wouldn't think about otherwise. It is well-located in the Strip District though and near some bars, so if you want to be able to walk from place to place, this is a place to consider if Italian is what you are in the mood for. Fairly pricey for what they offer.
(3)
Gini L.

I go to Lidia's once a year when I am in town for Thanksgiving. I like the ambiance and the decor, although this year our corner table had chairs that sunk WAY down - we wanted to ask for telephone books. I usually choose one of the special salads and have the gnocchi with duck ragu; it is superb! So much flavor and the gnocchi are perfect. This year, though, there was a special fall prix fixe menu with Winter Squash. The ravioli with balsamic drizzle were delicious. I choose quail with apples and squash for my main course and was very satisfied. Terrific glaze! The dessert, however, was over the top! Creme fraiche and pumpkin ice creams, caramel sauce, AND pumpkin fritters. We enjoyed a couple of the $28 bottles. No, they aren't stellar, but for the price they are all good food wines. Everyone in our party enjoyed the meals and we will definitely return.
(4)
A M.

Jeez...Has it really been a month since I've been here as I look at the receipt. Well, I'll try to fill in the blanks. This may be one of my new fav' brunch spots. I'm not a fan of brunches as I detest most buffet style dining (has to do with my germophobia), sneeze guards...etc. Howeve, this is the type of brunch I can deal with. First let's start with the space. It's a beautiful restaurant that's been here for a few years. Lidia of PBS fame has only three restaurants I believe (one in nyc, one in kc, and for some reason one in pgh). As an aside I was told when I asked that one of the reasons lidia chose pittsburgh is because the ratings for her cooking show are better in this small metro than any other urban setting. I dont' remembe all the details of the space except there were very high ceilings and ornate chandeliers (sp?). We sat at the long bar and had a great professional bartender. The bar offers a birds eye view into the open kitchen with many "back of the house" folks running about in organized confusion. It's a bit busier today than usual Isuspect because the matriarch herself "lidia" is here barking orders and checking plates. I'm told she only visits a few times a year and is here for the tomatoe dinner...Btw, Lidia in person looks very much like her profile on tv,,, she seems warm, genuine and very...how should I say..."grandmotherlike". She comes out of the kitchen signs afew autographs and then has a seat by herself sipping an espresso watching the show go past...Okay, onto the food one of the main reason's I like this brunch is because the brunch entree's are cooked to order and offer some interesting options outside of your typical brunch fair. It's relatively reasonable at $22 for everything including a "well" bloody mary. The brunch starts with a delicious assortment of warm bread from the in house bakery served with three flavored butters. I believe they are one with "crunchy" sugar, apricot and strawberry. I like the crunchy one the best and quite frankly could have made a meal out of the bread and butter alone. The buffet portion (if you will) has some fun options such as a great antipasta platter, all cheese and meats served at the perfect temperature with some house made pickles. Also, there is a nice frittata (think italian omelette) along with a couple assorted salads and fruit. You then have your choice of about a dozen main courses...everything from there famous pasta tasting trio for those who really want to "carb up" to beef tenderloin and chicken. Annie orders this DELICIOUS duck pasta. I don't think it's on the traditional brunch menu but it is soft pillows of al dente' pasta stuffed with a savory mix of duck and spices served in a small bowl with a dusting of cheese. It was quite good. I order the chicken livers, which are flavorful quick seared chicken livers, about medium rare served with polenta and fried onions. I'm not a big polenta fan and the dish could have used some sauce, but overall it was a nice flavorful brunch. You also get to peruse the dessert menu for the $22, but we skipped it. We found the food quite good and the service outstanding. Now, granted the boss was there so it was everyones "A game"...I don't care even without the best efforts I'm guessing this will become a somewhat regular stop for us.
(4)
Kim H.

My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Lidia's on Thanksgiving day. The food was good. No Butterball turkey here! Staff is friendly and we were seated right away. The waiter timed it perfectly on each course. We weren't rushed or did we have to sit awhile between each course. Great wine flight! The ambiance is lovely and the tables weren't close together.
(4)
Joolz M.

It's funny that I went here for Sunday brunch and have yet to visit the NYC location, but se la vie. Lidia's Pittsburgh is good. Not spectacular, but really very good, and it's a welcome respite from the Olive Garden and the other Italian chains that seem to make up the Pgh area & the rest of the US. Also, I give it kudos for its location in the Strip District. Decor-wise, there is a comfortable and easy ambiance mixed with a slight artsiness that I liked. Plus there were only friendly and helpful servers/hosts etc., which is always worth a lot, in my opinion. While we were probably underdressed, there was zero attitude about it, and that's just not not something I would encounter in NYC. Again, the food was really good. Not amazing, mind you, but very tasty. I had the homemade pasta, which was brought tableside piping hot, in addition to the homemade salads and other fare at the buffet table. A Bloody Mary, (or Champagne, if you prefer) is included in the brunch as well, making for a great deal!! (I think the whole brunch was like $17 including drinks and dessert.) The desserts were quite good as well. This would be a great spot for a large party too. Unfortunately, I do feel like it's missing that little something extra that makes a restaurant truly great, but it is absolutely worth a try. You will enjoy your meal here.
(4)
Patrick H.

We had a great experience at Lidia's. I would give this a 4.5 if I could. We started with the Prosciutto San Danielle and Asparagus and Boiled egg salad. The salad was the perfect foil to the salty prosciutto. Very nice. We loved the bread basket with the the scoop of ground chickpeas in pesto. We each had a salad. My partner ordered the pasta tasting (more on this in a moment) which came with a Caesar Salad and my friend Carlos and I split the Roasted Beet salad. For entree, I had the gnocchi with Duck ragu. Wow. Really fantastic. Nice handmade gnocchi with a rich duck sauce that almost seemed like a confit. Carlos had the grilled calamari with corona beans and escarole. It was light and delicious in a heady broth that was spiked with Thyme. My partner, Steven had the pasta tasting. Kinda like Italian Rodizio, three housemade pastas of the day are served and by roving waiters with copper skillets. They keep on serving you pasta for as long as you want to eat. That night the pastas were a spinach and ricotta ravioli in a butter thyme sauce, pappardelle in a pulled pork sauce and Penne with eggplant. Steven liked two out of the three. He found the pulled pork sauce to be overwhelming. The raviolis were a treat and when the servers brought Steven his first round, he energetically asked "would you like to try one?" Of course I would! that was indicative of all the service we encountered. Very casual, friendly and efficient. What more could you ask for? Desserts were superlative. I had the Cranberry Torta with homemade pistachio ice cream and Steven had the Panna Cotta with Marinated dry fruits. Both were exemplary. The decor is lovely. All in all a great experience. I do understand when others say that perhaps they expected a bit more, and perhaps I agree with them, considering that this is Lidia Bastianich's place, but if you dissassociate the name with the experience I think you will find that it's a great meal at a reasonable price and what's wrong with that?
(4)
Rosalind C.

Oh Lidia's! How you've forsaken me! I came here with a group of friends after having talked up the calamari entree. Three out of five of us got it (the others had the osso buco and a pasta dish - the osso buco was good, and the pasta dish was a "meh") and I just wanted to put my face behind my hands and whimper out of embarrassment. The dish was totally watered down and not flavorful at all. I did ask for it to be made a little less spicy, and I think their solution to that was to dilute the sauce. But, another one of us had the entree at full strength, and it wasn't much better! I was questioned as to whether I would come back again, and I suppose I would answer yes to that, but only if someone else wanted to go. After this experience, I don't think I can face the disappointment another time.
(3)
Sharon F.

Went here for brunch yesterday. What we sampled: Mimosa (I don't like mimosas, but this was delicious with fresh squeezed orange juice) Bread basket (sea salt foccacia (delicious) cranberry and almond scones (delicious, but very crumbly which the fiance found out the hard way) strawberry butter, sugar butter, and honey butter) Antipasta table (overall good selection, but a little bland, the only memorable thing on the table for us was the Cesar salad, which was delicious, but a tad overdressed) Entree (we both ordered the pasta trio. The three choices were penne with onions, sausage, and tomato ragu (the least favorite), Homemae fettucine aglio e olio with tomatoes and butternut squash (delicious and very fresh tasting for the fall), and homemade mushroom ravioli in a thyme butter sauce (the best selection by far and completely delicious) Dessert table (good selections with standouts being the tiramisu and the chocolate torte) Overall this was a great brunch experience for the price as well as the selections. We would definitely return.
(4)
Jeremy R.

I'm not sure why people like this place so much. The wait was long, the food came out cold, and the pastas were overcooked, gluey, greasy messes. The service was friendly but the food was very poor. Will never go back.
(2)
Gregory C.

I've been to Pittsburgh a couple of times and I make it a point to stop here for dinner at least once a trip. Excellent atmosphere, excellent service and excellent food at an excellent price. Favorites include the Cozze, Lydia's Past Trio, the Cannelloni, the Gnocchi and Bonnet alla Zucca. Just don't load up on the bread or you won't have room for your dinner.
(5)
Jay P.

Great place! Went here during restaurant week, I'm a vegetarian and they were able to accommodate me. Ended up having the Insalata di Barbabietole - the beets were awesome!, Cacio e Pere Ravioli - I didn't taste much pear, there was loads of butter so that masked most of the taste, manicotti for the main meal - tasted about normal for manicotti, and tiramisu - this was great and they had a chocolate covered espresso bean as garnish.
(4)
Robin L.

Best meal I have had in all of Pennsylvania!!! Get the pasta trio!!! Selections are fresh, light and very tasty!!! Staff extremely attentive and polite!! Would go out of my way to eat here again!!!
(5)
Kristina C.

Oh Lidia, oh Lida, oh have you met Lidia, oh Lidia the tattoo'd lady.... Show tunes aside because I have no idea if the Lidia of Lidia's even has a tattoo, this place is a gem. My boyfriend and I came here based on a recommendation. We were hungry and early for our reservation, so we sat, ate and drank at the bar for a while. On a Saturday night, this place is rockin - so dont even try coming in here without a reservation - unless you want to sit at the bar. The bar was surprisingly not busy. One of the bartenders was a lot more attentive than the other and even helped me find a wine to pair with my appetizer. Once sat at our table we switched from cocktails to wine. Decent wine list (I say decent because I will never spend more than $40 on a bottle of wine and they had some options in that category). The bread basket was amazing. We both ordered the pasta trio with the salad and dessert. Our server was great - helpful and attentive, through our reservation on Open Table, we were able to list allergies, he made very sure that what we ordered didnt include anything that we might die from (thank you!). My only complaint about my experience was that bussers didnt really bus until after patrons left the table- my empty bread basket sat at my table for the entire meal, as did a wine glass, an empty cocktail glass.... Bread + pasta trio = CARB OVERLOAD I rolled out of this place very happy. A great local place when in the 'burgh.
(4)
Dararith L.

Very fancy decor. Service is top notch. I had the pasta trio because it looked so delicious! In actuality, it wasn't as great. The texture of the pasta was not pleasant. Mine seemed more uncooked and quite hard to the bite. I didn't know al dente was this rough..The taste was unrefined like it was packaged and not thoroughly mixed for one of the pastas. Another had too much salt and butter for my liking. Of the three pastas, only one was done moderately well and tastes just as good (marinara sauce). However, for three unlimited pastas, you can't go wrong. I was satisfied, even with the minor problems. I guess at some point I truly value quantity over quality. I do gotta say that I also tried a bit of the Gnocchi dish and that was superb. Very fresh ingredients and each bite was incredibly fulfilling. Next time I would try more of their signature dishes instead of the pasta trio dish because it is more than likely of sub-par quality when compared to the rest of the items on the menu due to its buffet feat.
(3)
Sandy N.

Food was very good. But the training of the wait staff was Ill advised and needs to be redone. The waiter came back every 5 minutes and asked each individual (there were 4 of us) how everything was, did you want more ravioli, etc. There is a fine line between being attentive and being annoying and our service was way over the line. Our meal was so often interrupted by either the waiter, the manager, or the support staff that we were unable to enjoy it.
(3)
Melissa L.

Alright, so I've been to Lidia's a few times now and everytime I go, I get less and less impressed. The first time was great and I really enjoyed my meal (and the price). However, after going back and getting the same dish and ALSO trying their brunch- I would have to say that Lidia's wasn't as good as I originally thought it was. I personally find the pre-fixe brunch menu over priced, simply because you can get better brunch pre-fixe menus around the area for the same price. The pastas are OK- but I guess the last time I went it didn't taste as good as the first time! (I got the almond pesto spaghetti). The decor is great and I would say that the huge bar is most definitely impressive. Hopefully the next time I go back (if there is a next time) my opinion will change.
(3)
Brennan K.

I've eaten plenty of less-than-delicious Italian food, but fortunately more of the delicious kind, whether in the motherland or here at home in the states. While I had high expectations for Lidia's, it gets lumped into the former category. I really hate to say this, but Olive Garden's dishes have more flavor than those we ordered at Lidia's (and I don't even like OG...). I ordered the pasta trio and all three were oh so bland, as was my mother's lasagna bolognese. My S.O. ordered the boar raviolis (I know they weren't called that, but I know nothing of porcines as far as food goes) and thought they were just 'meh' and too salty. The menu was pretty limited, and it was especially underwhelming considering the prices of the dishes. I wouldn't return here, there are a couple of other restaurants in Pgh that I would rather visit next time i'm in the mood for Italian. Service was good and the atmosphere was pleasant though.
(2)
Ashley C.

The restaurant's atmosphere and decor is very nice - open and spacious with some very lovely fixtures. There were three of us at our table, and we ordered caesar salads, lasagna and manicotti, which we requested to have with meat sauce, rather than with the traditional tomato. One of us also ordered a glass of the house chianti. The bread and spreads were very good - particularly the herbed bread and the garbanzo bean spread. Likewise, the caesar salads were nice - the dressing had a nice lemony tang, and they were generous with the cheese and croutons. The main courses themselves were a disaster. Bland, bland, bland - and of course, Lidia's is the kind of place that doesn't put salt shakers on the table. The lasagna with spinach noodles was soft and mushy, with very little actual cheese. And the manicotti was watery and flavorless. As for the house chianti, the person who ordered it sent it back - something he's never done before - because he was astounded by how raw and medicinal it was. We might have done better with the Pasta Trio, but upon hearing what the featured pastas were, none of them sounded even remotely appealing. I appreciate what Lidia's is trying to do with their menu, but as an Italian restaurant (and not a cheap one, either - they charged us an extra $3 for the bolognese sauce vs. the plain tomato), they ought to get the basics right first. A good meat sauce and decent lasagna shouldn't be too much to ask. We won't be back!
(2)
Lexie S.

I'm a fan of Italian food. And I'm willing to pay for good Italian food. Not that Lidia's isn't good. It is. But I've had better for less $$, like Piccolo Forno in Lawrenceville.
(3)
Joe P.

My dearest Lidia, Hello! How are you? How's Manhattan? Is PBS treating you well? Is your wallet getting fatter by the second? I hope so. I finally dropped by your restaurant in Pittsburgh's Strip District this evening. I know you've been begging me to check it out for years, but quite frankly, I just haven't been in the mood for pasta. You know how I am... carbs and all. You know, I must give you props for the restaurant's layout. The fancy wall art, the color of the paint... I must say Rockwell did a very good job, and watching the sun set over the Allegheny River while dining on our meal was simply delightful. At the behest of our server, each of my dining companions and I ordered the prix fixe pasta and a few antipasti. The antipasti were lovely - the lightly seasoned calamari was divine and the fresh mozzarella and olive platter was splendid. A terrific way to start the meal. Now Lidia, I know you'll never indulge me, but what on earth is in the dressing on your Caesar salad? It's smashing! There's definitely a hint of pear in it, but other than that, I'm flummoxed. Oh, and the imported cheese really bolstered the salad, sending a usually ho-hum affair into the stratosphere. You've really outdone yourself, my dear. And then came the prix fixe pasta trio. Lidia, darling, you know I'm a fan, but it really wasn't your best effort. The imported eggplant was overpowered by the tomato sauce, and the broccoli and sausage rabe was good but not great. Only the goat cheese-stuffed ravioli was better than average, but just marginally. Our server informed us that the ravioli was infused with thyme, but spank my bottom if I didn't taste a thing! Over all, not your best showing. Dessert was quite sterling - the strawberry panna cotta was perfectly prepared, although a bit much with the cookies. Really, who has room for all that. I know you chide me constantly with your incessant "mangia, Joe, mangia!", but I had really eaten far too much and the champagne had gone to my head as well. So there you have it: my visit to your restaurant in Pittsburgh. Not quite five stars, but certainly not 3 stars. I'll give you a four this time, if only for the blandness of the prix fixe. Do give my love to Joseph and don't be a stranger. We haven't chatted on Skype in ages! Kisses, Joe
(4)
Joseph S.

Let's see....an Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh in the heart of the strip named after a woman with her own Italian cooking show? Should be great, right? Not so much. Went here recently and ordered the pasta trio, since this is apparently what one gets at Lidias. Perhaps I went on the wrong day, but I thought that the three pastas (bolognese sauce, pesto sauce, and gnocchi with sage butter) were underwhelming. At the very least, there are Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh that offer much better food for a similar price. The one positive to Lidia's was the dessert - which was fantastic. I had a bite of a chocolate torte, and was very impressed. The coffee with grappa was also quite nice. All things told, though, I would spend my money elsewhere.
(2)
Dan P.

After finding a babysitter for the night, I took my wife to Lidia's in the Strip District for a Valentine's Day date (a day early). While we had been to Lidia's once before for a wine tasting, we had never eaten there. As an appetizer, we shared a delicious Fritto Misto with housemade sausage and apple. Before we ordered it, we were slightly worried that they apple may be too much, but it actually gave a nice balance to the dish. For our entrees, my wife ordered the gnocchi with braised duck ragout while I opted for the Osso Bucco di Maiale. I was happy with but not blown away by the Osso Bucco. It was a huge portion and we ended up taking some home with us. My wife loved the gnocchi though, so next time I will order a pasta for my entree. The wine list is extensive and we shared a wonderful bottle of Chianti that was on a special Valentine's Day wine list. Lidia's is definitely a great romantic date place and will be on our list to visit again soon.
(3)
Pragna H.

This is one of my most favorite brunch places in Pgh! My girlfriends and I would go here over other prix-fixe brunch places at Shadyside because of the value you get. You have a whole antipasti table, full-sized entree and a dessert table plus coffee+bloodymary or mimosa. All under $25. And that IS a lot of food! I took my boyfriend there, and this boy eats a lot! He was full and couldn't even get to dessert. (Well yea he is a boy and may be not that into sweets, but still). The flavors of the food are really good and satisfying. I truly recommend the chicken dish on the brunch menu, the grilled octopus and the gnocchi (which not being a pasta fan, I savored). I hear the pasta is really good too! Also a great place to take company or out-of-towners too!
(5)
John E.

This was a must try during my trip to Pittsburgh. I am glad I heard of it and twice as glad that I had the taste experience. The have a unique and great Caesar Salad. The Pasta Trio is a sample of three different pasta dishes the chef creates each evening. After tasting the three dishes you decide how many more portions you have of either or all dishes. The three were very good, but I had a second portion of only one. Desserts are fabulous and I mean each and every one. There were seven in my party and every person raved about the desserts. I would have given Lidia's 5 Stars, however, the server dropped some pasta into the pan while he was serving us and a few drops of the olive oil splashed out onto another diner's shirt and onto my pants. The server's response to the accident was "Sorry Guys." Would I go back? Most definitely! Lidia I hope you open up a restaurant out here in CA!
(4)
Adam S.

What a great dinner! I had the pasta trio special. They walk around with three pastas and just re-fill your plate. I even wanted one of them without an ingredient,and they didn't bat an eye. They even had the pasta prepared the same way to refill me! I haven't been back, and I kick myself for it on my way out of town every time I visit there!
(5)
BL T.

The entire balcony of old ladies paused to gawk at my companion with green hair as we were seated in the main dining room for sunday brunch. He looked at me like I was crazy when I opted to take the bloody mary instead of continue to nurse my 2-day hangover. Our waitress was robotic and efficient. After ordering the pasta sampler as my entree, I loaded a small plate of munchies at the antipasti table. My favorite? The ceasar salad. Big fat lettuce leaves coated with fresh dressing and imported, shredded cheese. A staple food really well done. Then as my buddy's meal came, a bare plate was set in front of me, and 30 seconds later a nice man approached my table and scooped pasta directly out of a skillet onto my plate. It happened twice more, in quick succession. I was left with an arrabiata fetticuine noodle (light and obviously made fresh in the kitch), a handful of asparagus-pea ravioli in a buttery sauce, and a heavy orchettie with sausage. All three were exceptionally yummy, though when I was finished with the meal, there was a decent amount of sausage pasta left on my plate. I would definitely eat here again, but for the price, not on a regular basis.
(4)
Timothy B.

Absolutely excellent. Definitely a gem of Pittsburgh. I highly recommend Lidia's relaxed, but very classy atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
(5)
Ingrid K.

There are only a few places in the world to indulge your food fantasies from watching one of Lidia's cooking programs. One of these places is Lidia's Pittsburgh. The ambience is not kitschy-italian countryside at all. It's refreshingly simple in the decor and the service is amazing, because they give you just the right amount of attention, not too pushy or forgetful. I don't remember the names, but I tried the Pork shoulder and lamp chops, and the Pasta Trio. The trio that day was garlic aiello with fresh fettucine, homemade sausage with tomato sauce and orecchiette, and mushroom ravioli. I love how they come with the hot pan of pasta and serve it on your never-ending plate. What I don't love was the undercooked orecchiette. The second batch was a little more cooked, and then it was delicious. Everything was very salty for my taste, but overall it was some of the best italian food I've had. The best part of the experience was that I could hang out with good people and eat good food and Lidia was actually in the restaurant that night! She might not've made anything I ate, but a picture with her and hearing her talk to me made my night!
(4)
Fatal L.

Ok, I'm giving this 4 stars because for what you got, I think it was a pretty good price. Selection of breads and dips to go with it, salad was (too) huge. Husband got the seafood soup/stew and he liked it a lot, I got the pasta sampler (all you can eat of a variety of daily pastas). All were good, nothing that knocked my socks off though. Appetizers were pretty big too. Overall, nice place for something a little different than your average italian at a fair price. Place was nice, good location, walked here from our hotel. Good, though for us, overwhelming wine selection.
(4)
Jon B.

First time at Lidia's, although I've wanted to go there every time I'm in Pittsburgh. I got the prix fixe Lidia's Trio del Giorno. Started off with a great Caesar's salad (Insalata "Cesare" alla Lidia), followed by three pasta dishes, and ended with an interesting choice for dessert. The pastas were right out of the kitchen - the farfalle with fennel, caramelized onions, sausage, and some tomatoes, was fantastic. The gnocchi were great, and the linguine with basil pasta and shrimp was good but not on par with the other two pastas. The dessert was an olive oil and basil torte with lemon ice cream (my description doesn't adequately describe it) - I should've written down the description from the menu, although I did upload a photo of the dessert. The wait staff was outstanding - attentive without being intrusive. The decor is awesome - especially the backlit wall with wine bottles. I hope to be in Pittsburgh again very soon and will definitely go back to Lidia's.
(5)
Caitlin C.

More like 3.5 after being at Salt of the Earth. But Still - Lidia's is one of the few restaurants on mine and Jordan's list, where one of us has been employed, but we will still willingly eat at. Lidia's is our choice when we want great Italian foods that taste as close to our family making it as possible. The other night we went for drinks and apps at the bar. This is always fun for us because the Fritto Misto is fried veggies and calamari in a light batter, with their sauce for dipping. And Lidia is the queen of sauce recipes! We also had the appetizer version of the pasta-tasting platter because there is no way to walk into that building and NOT get the pasta-tasting trio in some form or another. It's just AMAZING! Our favorite time to go is for Saturday or Sunday Brunch. I don't know why - but I think Lidia's Brunch is Pittsburgh's best kept brunch secret. For $24.99 per person, you get a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa to start, then you are brought your basket of scones, donuts, and breads accompanied by sweet butters. Then you go up to the Anti-Pasta tables for veggies, egg frittatas, meats, salads, soups - its the ANTI-PASTA table! Use your imagination (they use theirs!). Then you order your Brunch Entree - whether that's the Pasta-Tasting trio or Filet & Eggs or Salmon. After your Entree - you get to go up to their dessert table that always has tiramisu, Italian cookies, mousse, etc. People give me their brunch suggestions all the time and NO ONE has beaten Lidia's. Saturdays AND Sundays from 11a-2p. Just prepare yourself for the food coma after!
(4)
Tony D.

Was visiting Pittsburgh a few weeks ago and happened upon Lidia's mostly by accident. A happy accident, for sure. Lidia's has a nice selection of various pastas but their main attraction appears to be the Pasta Trio, where each day three different types of pastas are selected, each type having a waiter/waitress assigned to walking around and making sure you've got as much of it as you like, sort of the same thing gauchos do in Brazilian steakhouses. My friends got the Trio and were quite happy with it. I went safe with the lasagna, which was perfectly cheesy and saucy. Dessert had a name I can't remember, but it was a kind of chocolate/caramel ice cream with a toasted marshmellow coating around it and little bits of toffee. I shouldn't have eaten it all but my arm and my mouth conspired against me. Jerks. A nice ambiance and friendly waitstaff certainly don't hurt. Next time I'm in Pittsburgh, I think I'll be seeing Lidia again, and I don't care who knows!
(4)
John R.

If you like the Olive Garden, you'll LOVE Lidia's! We were a party of two on a Sunday night -- the restaurant was moderately busy. Our server was a bit of a space cadet. We had to stop another waiter to ask for more water...I was never offered a refill on my diet coke (which sat empty for over 30 minutes). The salmon was very good, but drenched in so much olive oil and garlic that an oil slick was left on the plate at the end of the meal. The pasta tasting was....kind of weird. One of the selections tasted like feet, the other tasted like something I could make at home with a bottle of Prego. The best was a mushroom ravioli in olive oil -- but there was so much oil (see a theme?) I had to scrape it off before eating. Long story short, we passed on dessert. The food was adequate, the service was sub-par, and it was just kind of a "meh" experience. I won't go back.
(2)
Michael D.

The NY restaurant is much better. We were eating here often, but it got boring quickly. The staff are great and the location is good for people who drive into Pittsburgh. I'd like to see some the dishes that make the NY restaurant great.
(2)
Sarah P.

Visited this place for the first time last night and it was great! I was there for an event and the appetizers were all amazing, the wine was delicious, and the pasta trio was crazy good. Completely obsessed with the mushroom ravioli (seriously, best ever).
(5)
Alex g.

Lidia's Pittsburgh is a hidden gem in The Burgh. Good food, ambiance, service and drinks. I ate at the bar and had the daily pasta trio with salad and dessert special for $29. Tonight's (Mon, Oct 4) pasta trio was papardelle w/sausage and leeks, grilled peppers/eggplant and ricotta ravioli, and penne alla vodka. The penne were cooked al dente just as I like it, but otherwise it was no different than most other penne alla vodka. The ravioli were tasteful and obviously freshly made. My favorite were the papardelle. Very good! Chendo, the bartender, is very friendly and makes a great mojito.
(4)
Andrea C.

I was here for a firm organized dinner so I did not get to choose my menu, but the pastas were excellent! As someone who is not a huge pasta fan, I was thoroughly impressed and hope to return the next time I'm in Pittsburgh! The atmosphere was also very nice!
(5)
Tom U.

Review would be 4.5 for food and 2 for service. Great pasta trio, salads, and desserts. The issues with service were: - It took 10 minutes to get menus and to get a wine order in. - Requested refill of bread spreads never happened, even with a second reminder. - When my sister inquired about the fish of the day, the waiter firmly and quickly said 'there is none.' It is hard to convey the rudeness in a review, but our table certainly exchanged looks about this behavior. - Fruit flies were in evidence, and ended up in our wine bottle. They replaced the bottle, and we kept it corked. A great meal taken down several notches by inferior service.
(3)
Eric L.

I grew up watching Lidia's TV show as a kid. So of course when I found out she had a restaurant in Pittsburgh I just HAD to try it out. The biggest selling point of Lidia's is probably their service. People say ti's a good "date spot" mainly b/c of the atmosphere and service. Their wait staff definitely has been trained to the attentive, but at times it can be overly done and I feel like I'm a part of a weeknight sitcom. For appetizers, get their grilled octopus. I've heard good things about their chicken livers, but I've never tried it myself. Their fritto misto is prepared well, but not excessively special. Their pasta tasting trio is always a great way if it's your first time at Lidia's; they always have two house-made pastas and one imported from Italy. From my experience, I've always enjoyed their housemade varieties, especially their pappardelle and gnocci (when available). Their ravioli's are typically pretty good too. The imported pastas just don't seem to reach that perfect al dente "bite" fresh pastas can achieve. Their ossobuco is a giant braised lamb shank that is fork tender and flavorful in a dark rich sauce. It seems to be a popular dish, as the last time I was at Lidia's they were out of it. On an ending note: Lidia's does take reservations (just visit their website or hop onto Opentable and rack up those dining points), but I've never had an issue getting a seat without reservations.
(4)
Leimalani F.

Best dining experience in Pittsburgh during our short stay. Bread - nice assortment of cold focaccia and cheese grissini (skinny bread sticks) served with two white bean spreads (kalamata and pesto). YUM. Insalata Mista ($8). They split the salad without even asking (cool!) and the Frisee was topped with vinegary red onion strings, artichokes, and a roasted Roma tomato. Double yum with more bread. They also do a Caesar, a beet and goat cheese salad and an arugula, pear, and Gorgonzola salad (all about the same price). Pasta - WILD boar ravioli (yes you have to say it with emphasis). Slightly sweet pulled pork in what was obviously homemade pasta sheets ($16). Interesting and good quality. Second Piatti - Oven baked calamari ($17) dusted with breadcrumbs served over fava beans in a thyme, red pepper and escarole sauce. In a bite, both mild and spicy. Delicious!!! No room for dessert. Friends ate the trio of pasta (no rave reviews here, much like other yelpers, which may be due to the fact that they obviously make larger batches and dish them out of the pan at your table... not ideal for al dente pasta, but a good value if you want to try more dishes). Cannelloni got a thumbs up, but two members of the group raved about the asparagus and crab risotto (which may have been seasonal). We did not have to wait for a table. Service was prompt and friendly. Great ambiance. Delicious food at a very reasonable price considering the pastas were homemade. Lots of seasonal specials. Can't go wrong here (unless you do the trio of pastas, apparently). Thanks Yelpers for the tip before we went!
(5)
Sarah S.

The food here is decent. It's a big place with great service that gives you the Italian family-style atmosphere you would desire. However, the food is not very good. The only awesome thing is that they have two different choices of gluten free pasta, which is awesome if you can't have gluten!
(3)
Jim T.

I'm a BIG Lidia's fan, I try to go there every time I visit Pittsburgh. Some of the best atmosphere/ambiance you will find anywhere, almost like a Chihuly gallery. A little loud, but if you are cool with that, it's all good. However, my most recent visit dropped my rating from 5 stars to 4. The potato/lentil soup was bland. The pasta trio was really a pasta uno, because two of them weren't that great. Kind of a simple sundried tomato fettucini, not that good at all. Ravioli (which i was REALLY looking forward to) was mushy and over buttery. The only savior was the Rigatoni with sausage and peas. I won't let one trip drop my opinion too far. I recommend that you go there and try it yourself, and try the pasta trio. It's different every day, so I probably just went on a not so great day, especially compared to my previous visits.
(4)
Morton F.

I have to start every Italian restaurant review by saying that in general, I'm not a fan of Italian food. What I ordered was actually not very Italian. I had a salmon BLT sandwich. I thought it was pretty good and a heaping mound of food that took me a bit longer than I thought to finish. I probably wouldn't try the pasta trio since it didn't look that special and you can't eat that much pasta to make the unlimited servings worthwhile. Service is pretty good.
(4)
Partha B.

This is a great place. I have been here many times both for lunch and dinner. I always found the food to be excellent and service very good. On a Friday night the place is generally packed. So you should make a reservation, but if couldn't they have an open bar to hang out. The upstairs is generally for large parties. It is a pasta place (Atkins may roll over) and they have a favorite dish called pasta trio- three different pasta, all you can eat. They change that pasta periodically so you may get the same pasta second time you go there. The wine is also very good - excellent wine for the price. Great food, good service, good wine and great price!! The parking lot is just opposite to the restaurant.
(5)
Hima R.

Had dinner here on a Saturday night. Actually, wanted to go to Piccolo Forno, but they said they only take reservations for groups of 6 or more and for two of us there might be a half our wait. We wanted a sure, immediate thing so we decided to try Lidia's. DRINKS: My husband had the cabernet and said it was fine, nothing spectacular but def what you'd expect from a cabernet. I had their Prosecco. It was good, not as sweet as I'd like, but still tasty. APPETIZERS: We didn't order any dishes intended to be appetizers (you'll read what I mean), but we did enjoy the basket of bread and unique spreads (garbanzo and something, olive and something) that came with tit. The bread was not straight out of the oven, but it was definitely fresh-baked that day. ENTREES: I ordered 2 appetizers instead of an entree. The first was the octopus dish, and it was THE BEST OCTOPUS I'VE EVER HAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tasted like what it was but without being too briney/fishy. Also had a great texture. And the other items in the dish (capers, etc) complimented it really well. I don't use the word delicious that often, and I use delish even less often. But that was deliciously delish. My 2nd appetizer-turned-entree was the cheese crisp. It was tasty, but super heavy. I chose the crab and scallion filling for that one, which was nice, but I think the whole cheese crisp idea (essentially cheese melted down to a "cracker") did not suit me. After a few bites I decided to pack the rest, but haven't eaten much of the leftovers. My husband tried the pasta trio (unlimited) and liked it, though he didn't rave about it. I think there was a spinach ravioi, some type of alfredo linguine, and a pesto with meat and a red sauce, so there was a good texture/flavor variety from what I could see on his plate. He ate two full plates of the variety of pastas and was stuffed! DESSERT: We shared the Tiramisu. It was very fresh and authentic tasting. I felt like there was a bit too much espresso/coffee powder sprinkled on top, but perhaps my palate is sensitive to that. Overall it was yummy. SERVICE: Friendly and attentive. DEALS/DISCOUNTS: None OVERALL: Glad we tried it. I would like to try the other well-rated Italian restaurants in Greater Pittsburgh, but I have a feeling I'll go back to Lidia's someday for that octopus -- so freakin' good!
(3)
John C.

We were at Lidia's for an early dinner before seeing a show. They have a great wine list and our server made some excellent suggestions. The food was wonderful. Several of us had the Pasta Trio. This is a sampler dish with three different pastas prepared and served at your table. Afterwards, you can get additional servings of your favorite from the Trio. Of course, none of us even had room for an additional serving. If you get the Trio, I'd recommend getting the option that includes the salad and dessert. It's a great deal and you know you'll want it anyway!
(4)
Howard R.

Good food and beautiful space. My family and I were here the other night. We had gnocchi with duck; lamb chops; the fish of the day; grilled salmon and the pasta trio. The gnocchi with the duck was outstanding. The other entrees were very good. The pasta trio last night was slightly disappointing. Ravioli, Papardelle and Penne a la Vodka-lacked something. Overall, a nice meal. I would go back.
(4)
Joe D.

When the bookends of your meal are the only strong points then you aren't going to score strongly in my book. The salad was very good as were the breadsticks and bread with sea salt on the top. As for the main entrees that my girlfriend and I had...let's just say they left a little to be desired. The pasta trio sounded good until I heard that almost everyone had mushrooms in it. Lidia's is definitely that italian restaurant that is trying too hard to be cutting edge. Why not go with some standard italian dishes? Their menu doesn't include really any. My girlfriend tried to play it safe with the lasagna bolognese and they should have just called that a mountain of over-salted meat. There couldn't have been more than two sheets of pasta and two tablespoons of sauce in that dish. There is nothing worse than dry lasagna and if my girlfriend wanted to eat just meat she would have ordered just meat. Lasagna does in fact call for pasta. I ordered the halibut with polenta. I'll start with the polenta. Basically I should have just eaten my napkin because that had more flavor than the polenta. The dish came with San Marzano Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers over top of it and water passed off as sauce. Nothing annoys me more than when someone tries to go crazy with a fish dish. Let the fish do the talking. There were so many onions and capers on it that I needed to really dig for the fish. The halibut was good but it's a shame that the piece was incredibly small because the rest of the dish was subpar. The desserts were very good however. We went with the Tiramisu and Semifreddo di Cioccolato e Caramello (Milk Chocolate and carmel ice creams, chocolate cake, toasted meringue, crushed toffee). The decor was definitely cool inside too. Maybe those light fixtures would have tasted better than the lasagna? Lidia's, the trying too hard, portion controlled spot in Pittsburgh.
(2)
Michael G.

I had the pasta trio which is basically three different types of pasta with unlimited servings, with a salad to start and a desert to finish. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The salad was a good Cesar salad that you can replace with an arugula salad if you choose. It started the meal off nice. But the real treat was the pasta...all three kinds were fantastic, served family style, but the best one was the ravioli with pear and ricotta. It was to die for...everyone at the table was getting multiple servings of those and they weren't heavy, just were absolutely delicious! Oh, before I continue, we got a variety of wine. I had a white Pinot Grigio that was right on point...the servers will help you, but at this classic Italian restaurant, the wine fit the billing. Finally, I got a sorbet variety for desert and was surprised with how tasty the balsamic gelato was. The initial thought was that it'd taste like balsamic vinegar, but it has the sweet taste of balsamic without the bitterness of the vinegar like we're used to. It was my favorite of the three ice cream's I was given. The atmosphere was serene and Lidia, who has a show on the Food Network, clearly takes a lot of pride in the integrity and service as both were impeccable. Prices are on the higher side but certainly manageable. I hope to be in Pittsburgh again so I can go to Lidia's. I went with a group of 10 or so and we sat around a big table and never felt out of place or as if we were disrupting people. It's 100 percent Italian and I love it!
(5)
nadia a.

Had a wonderful dinner here after a week of being snowed in. The heavy snow on the awning outside this restaurant gave it a festive look and I couldn't wait to enter! The decor here is open and warehouse like with high ceilings-very appropriate to the Strip District area-but with the blown glass chandeliers dripping from the ceiling, the fireplace and warm colors, Lidia's is modern yet as warm and welcoming as any Italian household I've had the pleasure to visit and eat in. The menu had a lot of traditional Italian fare and I was pleasantly surprised to see they had cabbage rolls too! Everyone recommends the trio of pasta sampler, but I elected to go with their Monday night Tuscan prix fixe because the side offered was roasted butternut squash and who doesn't love THAT on a cold night looking outside at the blankets of white snow?! The bread comes with a plate of some olive oil topped by a scoop of garbanzo bean and pesto and another small scoop of white beans blended with kalamata olives. Divine! My anitpasti course was described as lobster and shrimp brushcetta. I got worried when what was served to me was half burnt toast with cold seafood salad mush on it. My entree was a sliced beef dish that is typically served this side of rare, but I DID ask if I had it well-done would it be horrible. The server reassured me, but it was very dry, so I learned my lesson there, BUT the butternut squash was HEAVEN. My little pasta trio sampler course wasn't really anything over the top spectacular, but neat to try. This IS a step up from The Olive Garden, but perhaps my expectations were so great that it just fell short of fabulous. Dessert MORE than made up for it! The ladies I was dining with had the tiramisu and the meyer lemon panna cotta which made my whole face implode with pucker! My biscotti was a delicate sampling of Italian style cookies that make Starbucks biscotti look like Chips Ahoy. With a shot of ice cream affogato it took me all the way back to Roma! Not to mention our charming sommelier Franco was very friendly and a joy to chat with! In fact, all the servers and host and staff were extremely attentive and friendly DESPITE having probably had a very hectic Vday weekend! If I'm ever back in Pittsburgh, I'll be returning for more espresso and ice cream and Franco!
(4)
Julie D.

What do you do any spending 1/2 a day tromping all over Heinz History Center? You go to Lidia's for brunch, of course. Service here is very warm and friendly, unlike Winter in Pittsburgh. Right away, you are treated to a huge basket of delicious muffins, biscuits sweetened with chocolate chips, sugared twists along with yummy fruit flavored butters. Brunch also includes a nice mimosa or a bloody Mary. We were not as impressed with the antipasti table. However, it was late in the day and perhaps that was part of the problem. The Cesar salad while yummy, looked a bit unhappy. And the wedding soup seemed bland. The quiche was good as well as the butternut squash casserole. But things did looked up with our 2nd course choices. I had the Manicotti Ripieni di Ricotta. I loved the light tomato sauce and the pasta rolls. Big J had Sarme Caupcci-Ripieni, which has cabbage stuffed with pork, veal and beef. Last was the dolci dessert buffet table. Having no room for dessert, we still shared a wonderful tiramisu. The table was very tempting with biscotti, tortes and other sweet treats.
(4)
B S.

Pasta trio good, but wait staff was not paying attention so we didn't get the grated cheese in time to eat...until we were half done with pasta. But, waitress very friendly. Beet salad good, desserts were tasty. Didn't disappoint, though the pasta for one preparation was lackluster with red sauce and pepperoncini. Not my fav, as were the cheese rav and the pasta with sausage/cabbage. Cannoli delicious! But, where were you, Lydia?
(4)
Jen D.

Since I'm a cooking show nerd, I had to check this place out; I've always enjoyed Lidia Bastianich's show on PBS. Service was very friendly & attentive despite the fact that the place was packed. The bread basket was delicious...parmesan breadsticks & rosemary focaccia with two different dips/spreads: a kalamata olive/cannellini bean & a pesto/garbanzo bean. They sat in a drizzle of olive oil & were really yummy, almost like Italian hummus. Had the chef's pasta sampler, which included homemade fettuccine with pepperoncini & San Marzano sauce, homemade ravioli stuffed with pears in a parmesan/black peppercorn sauce & a baked ziti with sausage & cabbage. The fettucine was amazing, the pasta was super tender & the sauce robustly flavorful. The ravioli was not a combination I'd have ordered off the menu because it sounded so strange, but I changed my mind after the first bite. The sweetness of the pears was countered by the saltiness of the cheese & the peppercorns added nice texture. The ziti wasn't remarkable & the portion I was given was kinda dry & not very warm. Since they serve the pasta tableside from a big pan, I imagine keeping the ideal temperature is a challenge. Wine list was good & the pour was adequate. Prices overall were a bit high, but that's to be expected at a place that's tied to a "celebrity chef."
(4)
James L.

SETTING: Nice environment that was able to cater to groups of all sizes, from small parties to even an ugly sweater party (this really happened!). Kind of dresses itself up to be a nice sit-down place, but unfortunately, the food was not on the same level. FOOD: For appetizers, I shared the Calamari with my friend and for the main entree, I got the recommended Pasta Trio. First off, I love calamari. A lot. I've definitely had better at similar quality establishments. The calamari was very bland and did not taste fresh. The batter was not crisp and crunchy. The sauce tasted watered down. The recommended "Pasta Trio" (3 types of pastas and "all you can eat") was a bit below average. For a recommendation, I expected more. Overall, the food was underwhelming. My friend always cleans her plate. So clean, that it looks like she was served only the plate. This was the first time that she did not finish her dish (Chicken Cacciatore). She is not super picky, so this really meant she did not like it. The type of food here is comparable to Olive Garden in terms of American-Italian fare, but I would rather eat at Olive Garden anyday. OG just tastes better and is way cheaper. SERVICE: Mediocre at best. The waters were not kept filled. Not a huge deal for me since I drink slowly, but some of my friends kept looking for the water and it clearly distracted them from their dining experience. The Pasta Trio is "all you can eat" and they come back to refill your plate. A few of us were waiting on the third round...and we never got it. Even though the food was not the tastiest, we were hungry and still needed to be fed. The wait staff didn't even ask if we wanted a third serving, and just took our plates quickly without giving us a chance. A few of us were still left a little bit hungry...it was a grumpy ride home :( IMPRESSIONS: Relative to the pricing of the food, I expected better quality. Even if the pricing was on par with comparable establishments, the quality of the food was lacking. I hate to say this, but we had a disappointing experience overall, from the food to the service.
(2)
Justin H.

Firstly, SHAME ON OTHER REVIEWERS FOR PUBLICLY SHAMING THE TOOTHLESS BUSWOMAN. She works incredibly hard, does a great job, has an enjoyable personality, and should be lauded. You think she's unaware that she's missing teeth? Do you think she's proud of it, or that she wouldn't correct it if she could? How dare you insinuate that another human being isn't worthy to pick up your dirty dishes. You're probably a democrat, too. Dick. After having (literally) grown up watching Lidia cook on PBS, both my girlfriend and I had high hopes for our pilgrimage from Cleveland to Lidia's Pittsburgh. Our experience did not disappoint, and our dishes (duck ragu gnocchi & pasta trio) tasted how we always imagined Lidia's cooking would. Not that we think she was actually in the kitchen... Contrary to other reviews, all four of the sauces we tried were rich, complex, and had that perfect texture that separates your average Italian restaurant from an authentic experience. Similarly, the pasta was delicate, flavorful, and served al dente. The tiramisu is a must - best I've had on this continent.
(4)
Jason F.

I stopped by here with my wife a couple of Tuesdays ago for dinner. My wife and I go to the Strip District fairly often and whenever we pass Lidia's I always comment on how I haven't been there in a long time. So whenever a three course tasting with a bottle of wine popped up on Groupon, I quickly purchased it and made the reservations for us. The inside of Lidia's is a really nice looking place with the walls having nice shades of yellow, an exposed beams ceiling, a huge fireplace in one corner, some cutouts in the walls with bottles of wine from Italy and tables covered in white tablecloths. Since we had purchased the groupon our meals were pretty much predetermined for us. We started off our meal with a caesar salad that had grana padano cheese on it. Whenever it was delivered to our table I was impressed with the size of it as it took up a whole dinner plate. While I enjoyed the salad immensely, I can imagine that someone who doesn't like as much dressing as myself would find the salad to be overdressed. Our entrees ended up being the pasta trio which you are able to get refilled as many times as you want. On this night the trio consisted of a spaghetti with tomato and herb sauce, an orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe and a gnocchi with sage butter sauce. My favorite of the bunch had to have been the gnocchi as the gnocchi itself was light and fluffy and the sauce was seriously amazing. The orecchiette was my second favorite and I enjoyed the addition of the sausage and broccoli rabe to it. My least favorite of the bunch was the spaghetti which seemed a little boring compared to the rest. I did really enjoy the al dente pasta from it though. Our dessert was supposed to be the tiramisu but since I am unable to each chocolate I asked the server if it was possible to substitute in another dessert. If it wasn't possible then my wife was going to be in luck as we would have just taken mine home. Thankfully though they were able to substitute another dessert in and I ended up choosing the ice cream trio. I can only remember the mascarpone and blood orange granita as the flavors that I had and its worth it to note that each ice cream came with a cute miniature cookie. The blood orange granita was easily my favorite of the bunch as it was like eating italian ice with the flavor being slightly sour and also slightly sweet. The bottom line for me is that I will head back to Lidia's again in the future. I was pleasantly surprised by how good Lidia's really was and I could see myself going back here again in the future just to have the pasta trio.
(5)
J D.

Beautiful atmosphere, but totally overrated. Unfortunately, we went here to celebrate my hubby's bday, and when we left he told me that he would have rather gone to the Grand Concourse, LOL! I guess I expected fabulous--but everything was just good, nothing spectacular. First off, our waiter was in training, and even though we met his mentor, she didn't seem to keep tabs on him. Small things were overlooked, like no coffee refills or spoons, tons of dirty dishes and empty glasses on the table. He was accommodating, but we had to ask for too many things multiple times. The one thing that REALLY IRRITATED me was that I saw one of the young waiters who was serving the pasta from the serving platters, stick his fork in one of the platters and shove the ravioli in his mouth as he was standing right in the door of the kitchen. Truly, made me sick--was glad my hubby and daughter had already eaten their ravioli. :-/ The food--Two of us had the pasta trio, meh--the ravioli was good, not so much for the other two dishes. One of us had the cannelloni and ate it all up. One of us had the pork loin dish--it was dry but tasty. And then I had the lemon chicken. It was actually good, right up my alley with bright notes of lemon and caper! But, my favorite thing was the antipasta bar--the dessert bar was little to be desired. We will not be back.
(2)
jason c.

Food is good the coffee is great but the wine is on average 4 times retail. That is robbery not the usual restaurant mark up. A 53 dollar bottle of wine has a price of 230.00 on the wine list. So we won't be having any wine.
(3)
Ted S.

Not sure I had a typical experience - being here on Thanksgiving - but a few overall impressions. Nice location with easy access. Nice interior - very cool light fixtures and bottle display on the wall. Now here's the part where I feel old! It seemed like the space was dark on the inside and the contrast between the highly lit bottle wall and the interior darkness kind of made me feel blinded. Similarly, the light of outdoors on the other side did the same. Ok - that's a minor thing. The space did feel a little cool too - and a little heat wouldn't have been bad. The service was fairly good and everyone was happy. I tend to gravitate towards lighter meals that seem healthier. I'd give it a try again but tend to think I'd probably have to immediately split my meal in half and take it home as the portion sizes looked large and maybe not too healthy....
(3)
Aire B.

I had high expectations for this place and I must say I left a little underwhelmed. The service was excellent, the food was good, but not outstanding. I have to say my favorite part was my caesar salad. I would definitely go back, but just with lower expectations.
(4)
Sarah S.

Just had a wonderful dinner here! My boyfriend and I have been together for just over 4 years and he has talked about this place many times! We have never been!!! When I saw the Groupon, I just had to get it. It was a nice surprise for him, especially on a Tuesday! Loved the bread and hummus-esque dippers, caesar salad, 3 pastas, and awesome tiramisu! The waiter was great! So wish I had remembered his name. He let us share one tiramisu there, and bagged the other up for later. He also rinsed and let me keep the sweet GLASS cork from bottle of red wine I selected. (It was the Nero d'Avola, btw). Not a bad wine, tasted better once we were actually eating. The second waiter? was great as well! Will definitely return! Thank you Lidia's!!!
(5)
Gabriel G.

Most of my happiness about this place stems from watching Lidia's cooking show on PBS with my Dad when I was younger. I was a bit disappointed by the taste of the sauce on the Sunday rigatoni and meatballs special, but the ravioli included in the sampler platter was incredible. The salads and desserts...heck, everything was sized generously, and we all left satisfied.
(4)
Maggie M.

With so many good Italian places in Pittsburgh I was a little skeptical about a celebrity chef chain. But brunch here was very delicious and generous. The antipasto offerings included a number of crunchy salads that were nice and vibrant. I got the egg/potato/cheese plate which was decadent and more than one person could eat, but it was tasty nonetheless. My husband got the pasta sampler including hand made gnocchi that was silky and smooth. Others at our table were satisfied with the steak, salmon, and trout options as well. Glad I saved a bit of space for dessert although if I'm back I won't sample everything again and instead I'll just focus on the tiramisu, which was by far and away the best sweet offered.
(3)
J M.

Sad to hear the mediocre reviews and, as I haven't been in Pittsburgh for a year, I can only say that, we've always had great food and really great service in the past. Look forward to being back in the 'Burgh soon. Just have to say to the groupon complainers (which of course is not all of you) . . .you got a bargain, stop complaining. Don't try to be cheap and then nitpick a restaurant to death. Happens all the time and is not nice!
(5)
John B.

Terrible will never go back. From toothless busers to pasta that tastes like a soup kitchen rewarm. Calamari was not fresh. Pasta trio had the worst sauce I have ever tasted. I grew up with fresh tomato meat sauce and worked with chefs from Italy. This would have hit the garbage in less than a second if I handed this to them to serve. Seriously when you are attempting to show class.....Do not hire people that look like they just walked out of the trash bin! Toothless busers asking to remove dishes that I am eating is Unacceptable.
(1)
Mitchell P.

I returned to Lidia's after about three years away, mainly due to the many awesome and fresh restaurants that have popped up in Pittsburgh lately. Spots like Spoon, Grit & Grace, Salt. . .these guys are doing great things, so it was easy to forget about the old standards. Back to Lidia's. . .the menu has remained consistent, with a nice selection of northern Italian and continental dishes. The special $25 wine list is now the $32 wine list, but there are still a few bargains in there. The food on what looked like a fairly slow Saturday night was good. Not mind-blowing, but the quality was consistent with Lidia's tradition. The braised rabbit dish was delicious, as was the osso buco. I had the "roasted beet salad", which actually had pickled beets, not roasted. But it was tasty. Now, the problem. . .service was insanely slow and inattentive. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable, but she would disappear for huge chunks of time, leaving us with empty glasses and plates, and no food. All told, from seating to departure, dinner for two lasted exactly three hours, at least an hour was spent just sitting, waiting, wishing. It became aggravating when spending in excess of $100 per person, and at the end of the night you have to track down the waitress to give her your credit card. I expect that at Denny's, but not Lidia's. It really looks like they need a stronger manager keeping things running smoothly, because while the food is still excellent, I saw nobody in control of the dining room. This review could have easily been two stars, but I added one for the tasty rabbit.
(3)
Jing L.

I was there for their sunday brunch. My friend and I tried the pasta trio and Polipo (grilled octopus). Both of them taste good but I prefer the pasta trio over Polipo.
(4)
Patrick L.

Very Nice! The restaurant itself is large inside and has very nice decor. If you have a table by the window, you have a excellent view of the bridges and Allegheny River. The food was great and service was very helpful! I would totally recommend trying it out.
(4)
Demra C.

Stop here on a visit to Pittsburg . Was surprised by how great the food was . Coming at brunch was perfect as the anti pasta bar was filled with olives , salads , salmon , mussels , veggies and meats. I chose the pasta trio . Perfect choice as it was a great way to sample three pastas . My mushroom filled ravioli was the highlight of the plate . Every bite had a perfect mix of mushroom and cheese . Service started out great however at time to receive bill we lost our waitress for about 10 mins. Not the best ending for such a wonderful tasting brunch .
(4)
Laura M.

Just about my fave restaurant in the burgh. You can't go wrong at Lidia's, whether you go for Sunday brunch or a nice evening out. It's Italian food worth going out for, friendly staff, and a beautiful space in the strip.
(5)
Mark H.

Service was excellent. The menu offerings were spotty. A group 16 of us attended the Saints-Steelers game in November. We attend most of the away games and have an opportunity to eat at some very good restaurants. Lidia's was a place I was looking forward to because I am aware of her by reputation. We had several appetizers including the bruschetta, which was really only to my liking. The balsamic was excellent - syrupy and sweet - and clearly a nicely aged one. But it was incongruous with the rest of the dish, and so not many enjoyed it. The bread served at the table was really very good and we devoured baskets of it. Comments from some of the other diners: - Baked shrimp appetizer was pretty good, the calamari was very good. - Rucola salad was (in my opinion) excellent - Beet salad was interesting and overall very good - Butternut squash soup was enjoyed by several of us - Scampi alla Felidia was ordered by several guests with mixed opinions - Lasagna bolognese? so so at best Gnocchi and duck ragu was what I ordered. I was very disappointed. The duck was shredded and cooked into a sort of red congealed, thick mass with little texture. The gnocchi were so underdone as to be a sort of glutinous paste sitting under the duck. The texture was completely unappealing but I do have to say that the flavor of the duck ragu (ragout?) was pretty good. Still, the gnocchi - one of my favorite things and something I make myself probably once a month - were a disappointment. I didn't send it back because it didn't seem appropriate in the setting of a very large group to monopolize the wait staff. I'd still give it a try again when I'm there in June, but it seems that some of their efforts are focused more on being creative, which is good, but falling somewhat short. By the way, if you like a more traditional Italian and happen to be in St. Louis, Charlie Gitto's on the Hill is a great place. Similar in ambiance and quality to Lidia's, the service there can't be beat and the food is quite good as well.
(2)
Shea S.

Having basic cable for a few years now, I guess I missed who Lidia is. But her restaurant is sure nice. Wonderful and attentive service, nice atmosphere, and large portions of tasty food. I had the gnocchi, which comes with duck ragu - fantastic! I'm a huge fan of duck, and this was a new approach for me. The duck played really well with the thick ragu sauce. Not the best potato dumplings in a gnocchi, but still quite good. My friends dishes were also great, especially the lasagna which was massive. A nice comfort Italian joint with some unique twists and lovely service. Strikes me as a good spot that can please many different tastes.
(4)
Mitchell R.

Have always had superior meals here. Wine selection is good. Service is always top-notch.
(5)
Lowell M.

I had really high expectations for this place but the food was overpriced & bland my lasagna tasted like it was made by Stouffers. The service was excellent the food nothing great.
(1)
Taylor S.

I've been here for a brunch which I really enjoyed. You just helped yourself to a buffet. It was of course scrumptious! Don't remember exactly what I had but remember it was good!
(4)
Ashley L.

2.5 Stars My boyfriend and I each purchased a groupon to Lidias. The groupon (meal for 2) included a $32 bottle of wine; choice between salad or soup; an all you can eat pasta trio; and dessert (tiramisu). The first time we went, I would have rated Lidias with one star. The service was sub-par on a Friday night. We were seated at a table too close to a service station and my seat kept being bumped into. The bottle of wine we ordered never arrived until after we were mostly finished with our salads. As for the food, the Caesar salad was OK, but I was really disappointed by the pastas. The goat cheese ravioli was bland, and the other 2 pastas lacked in flavor as well (rigatoni with an olive oil based sauce and pasta in a meat sauce, which lacked in meat). The second trip was better, bumping Lidias up to 2.5 stars. We went midweek (Wednesday), and the service improved, although we still received our bottle of wine after the salads. The quality and taste of the pastas also improved. The pasta was fresh and had much more flavor (spaghetti noodles with red peppers, mushroom ravioli, and rigatoni with sweet sausage and onion). Both times we got the dessert to go. Our waitress also boxed up the remainder of our all you can eat pasta for us to take home with us (which was nice). If you have the groupon, I would recommend going on a week night when they aren't as busy for better service. I would also call ahead to see what pastas they are serving that day. I wouldn't want to pay full price for the meal, as there are better options for Italian food in the city.
(2)
Tran T.

Visited here on Thursday evening (3/20) around 6:30 pm for dinner. It was not packed although there were several patrons and more walking in as we were leaving. No wait time. I noticed upstairs they had a conference room enclosed with glass walls - looks like it would be a nice place for a birthday party or small private engagement. The food: Bread - The complimentary bread basket had a mixture of parmesan bread sticks and a couple other bread variations. It came with two bean type dips and olive oil. The parmesan bread stick is so good!!! I would've hoarded it all if I weren't on a business trip. Alas, I had to pretend to be civilized and eat only two. The bread was good, nothing that stood out, but I love bread I'll eat it anyway. Fish of the day - I ordered the fish of the day which was rainbow trout over farro. It came with some sort of creamy sauce that brought everything together perfectly. A lot of times, the grains that come with the dish are pretty simple, I felt the farro was seasoned to bring out the flavor and texture of it rather than masking it. I ate every single bit, it was so good. Dessert - Ordered the biscotti/cookie dessert which came with one scoop of vanilla ice cream with espresso poured over the top in affogato style. It came with an assortment of cookies, none of which were too sweet. It came with two of each of Anise and almond biscotti, peanut butter cookie with chopped peanuts, some sort of dark cocoa crispy biscotti type cookie, spice cookie - like ginger molasses, pistachio cookies, and chocolate crinkle cookies. All were pretty small and probably around 1.5" in diameter. It would be a good dessert to share, but I don't share and I don't share desserts of all things. The one cookie I liked the least was the crispy dark cocoa thing, I don't know what it is. I really liked the spice cookie. The chocolate crinkle cookie was very fudgy and almost like a brownie in a cookie form. Service was great, although a little pretentious. Restaurant nice, clean, and upscale, and food came out fast, piping out, and perfect! Price is fair for the quality. I would definitely return here!
(5)
Dani B.

We have been to Lidia's twice now, and have received delicious food and excellent service both times. We have only been on weeknights, and with reservations, however, so I'm not at all discrediting the reviews that discussed poor service on weekend nights and/or without reservations. The pasta trio special was good when I had it, but my favorite dish is the gnocchi with duck ragu. I also loved my husband's wild boar ravioli. Skip the overpriced wine and order one of the house sodas instead. The ginger cranberry is fabulous! We also love love love the frico and burrata appetizers. The frico is large and rich enough that it's really enough for two people, but the appetizers are yummy, so everyone might as well get their own and bring home whatever they can't finish. Note to parents of babies, this restaurant is very family friendly, in our experience. We loved bringing our infant daughter here and were pleased that the restaurant offers slings for carseats for the smaller babies as well as highchairs for babies who are of sitting up age (many places don't have the slings). The lady's room and its changing station were very clean. The staff often stopped to smile back at the baby when she was smiling at them, and our waiter asked if we needed anything for her. Not necessary, but very nice, and appreciated. They have valet parking, but we just park about a block away and walk, since we sometimes enjoy walking further down the strip district, anyway.
(4)
Kelvin C.

Had a groupon for 2 pasta trios and wine for $70. Good food good service good atmosphere. What else could you want
(5)
Bethany K.

My husband watches Lidia every Saturday on Create. We make a weekend trip to Pa, and were both excited to visit this restaurant. Per other reviews, we chose to go to Sunday brunch. This was an excellent choice. You're offered complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. You then have an antipasti buffet which has a staff member who stands there making sure everything is kept fresh, and to answer any questions. He also took our soup to our table to allow us to continue getting items from the buffet. You have about 16 choices on the buffet, not including soup, meats. We both chose to have the pasta trio - where you are initially given 3 small portions of the daily special pasta, with ordering more as needed. The desserts are phenomenal. You have cookies, fruit, tiramisu, cakes. If my husband wasn't as full as he was, I would have had him roll me out the door ;-)
(5)
Patrick G.

Haven't been there in awhile and things sure have changed. Service was quite disappointing. Server spent more time talking to co-workers than she did waiting tables. Pasta trio was basically a duo since they forgot to bring the third offering. Food was decent but not as good as it used to be...
(3)
Rachel C.

It's been a while since I've written about Lidia. Well, Lidia's, not Lidia the person. After a couple hit and miss visits with the various pasta trio tastings I had, I'd say I was back in Lidia's good graces with their massive brunch spread. I will give you ample warning, DO NOT EAT A SINGLE THING BEFORE YOU COME HERE FOR BRUNCH. For realsies. It's a crap ton of food! And the best part? It's a bargain! For $28 you get the brunch buffet, your choice of main course AND a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Isn't that a bloody good time? Why, yes, yes it is. You just have to roll me out afterwards! The buffet is awesome, with tons of traditional anti pasta's, meat trays, soups and salads. I actually went two weeks in a row (I know... that's a lot!) and got to see that they actually change out the buffet items quite a bit. The first week I went I had a delicious bean salad and artichoke salad. The second week I came they had fried risotto balls, which I promptly had about a million of... and tasty mussels. For your main course there's about 12 different options to choose from, including the pasta trio of the day! The first week I went with the Salmon over beans and potatoes. I asked for it rare, and rare it came out! It was very flavorful and I liked the charred pieces. I could have used a few more veggies underneath, but the salmon was so large (about 8oz I swear) that it just took over the entire plate! The second week I had stuffed cabbage and mash potatoes. Odd for a polish meal to be on the menu, but it was delicious. I'd have to say even better than the salmon. I loved stuffed cabbage and the mash potatoes were certainly home made and not instant (could you imagine the horror if they were instant?). With all that food it's hard to believe I had room for dessert. But how could you NOT indulge when it's also on the buffet just staring at you waiting for it's chance to be eaten! The first week I took the traditional tiramisu, which was fantastic! I like tiramisu that's not too espresso tasting and this was perfection. Very light and tasty. The second week they had a lemon tiramisu and it was a little slice of lemon heaven. Even better than the regular. I shoved so much in my mouth I thought I was going to throw up. But it would have been all worth it, I swear! So heed my warning, friends! You will thank me as you're rolling yourself outta there!
(5)
B N.

An excellent place for authentic Italian cuisine! Though slightly pricey, you are guaranteed an amazing meal in a great atmosphere every time. I love this place for special moments such as anniversaries or birthdays. Also, the menu is seasonal which always allows you to try something new. Love this place!
(4)
Alex S.

Ate at this resturant while on a business trip. We chose Lidia's because of it's excellent reputation in the downtown Pittsburgh area. I have to say I was pretty dissapointed by my overall experience at this resturant. Our food was just average, nothing special. I had the gnocchi and the salmon (shared between the two of us.) The service was absolutely horrible. Our food took over an hour and half to come out and we were the only people in the entire resturant. Our waitress Carrie was extremely rude and had a really bad attitude. I would probably not come back.
(1)
Amanda J.

I came to Lidia's with a friend for lunch one Tuesday. I was really excited to try it out, but I just wasn't impressed. I'd really love to come back and try the pasta trio, but I would never try anything else here. Both my friend and I ordered a pannini. I had chicken, and he had steak. The chicken was so salty. I ended up taking if off of the panini, and then it tasted much better. The pesto and bread were great so why use salty chicken? The bread that came with the meal was good, but the soup was a letdown as well. The atmosphere is really nice, though. It's a tablecloths and cloth napkins kind of place, and most people were in for business lunches. The servers were good, and it's a classy vibe. Overall, after reading Yelp reviews, I would only come back here for the brunch or pasta trio. Otherwise, there are cheaper and better options for lunch.
(3)
J D.

Went to Lidia's on Sunday night for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. I thought that there may not be many reservations available since it was the day after Valentine's day but the space is quiet large and I nice selection of times. We were greeted by friendly staff and seated quickly. They have a large wine list which includes a wine of the month and bottles for $32. We started with the fritto misto appetizer - fried calamari, fried shrimp and fried vegetables ($12). The portion was large enough to share between 3 to 4 people. My husband ordered the potato gnocci ($18) which were supper light in a nice rich sauce - highly recommended. The menu always has the pasta trio ($22) which includes three homemade pastas that the chef makes. You get a generous first portion and then the staff come by periodically to ask if you want seconds and thirds. On Sunday they offered a thicker spaghetti with basil pistachio pesto, butternut squash ravioli with a butter sage sauce and a penne with sausage and peas. All were very good! I asked for just one last ravioli and the waiter gave me the final 13 from the pan and said I could take them home! The leftovers were just as good the next day heated up! Extras: Valet - $7 which I thought was a little steep. Coat check is offered. Seats next to the window are not cold at all!
(5)
Mark F.

Lidia, you should be ashamed! This spot wouldn't have lasted a year in NYC. Citizens of Pittsburgh, don't be fooled. Lidia's is average at best. I ate here when it opened,a and again 4 years later. Nothing has changed. We did have some great bar nibbles, quality cocktails, and a good bottle of wine off of a pretty good list, but the food and service lacked. For starters we were served ice cold meatballs and limp soggy salads. The took away everything and only brought back fresh salads (mind you, we were one of about 10 tables being served that evening!). The entrees were dull and lacked seasoning. The servers were confused (how many times does it take to ask fro fresh pepper?) and our waiter seemed to hand off our table to another server. It's tough to find anything good here. Just another 'poser'.
(1)
Sherry Z.

Lidia's is a good restaurant for Italy food. Though there is little bit loud, food here are really awesome. $6 is needed for valet.
(4)

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Address : 1400 Smallman St
Pittsburgh, PA, 15222
Phone (412) 552-0150
Website https://www.lidias-pittsburgh.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Lidia’s Pittsburgh

1400 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Lidia’s Pittsburgh Menu

Antipasti

Insalate

Pasta

Secondi

Contorni

Seasonal Menu Selections

Seasonal Menu Selections - Primi

Seasonal Menu Selections - Secondi

Dessert Menu

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lidia’s Pittsburgh

Antipasti

Insalate

Pasta

Secondi

Contorni

Seasonal Menu Selections

Seasonal Menu Selections - Primi

Seasonal Menu Selections - Secondi

Dessert Menu

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