This is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh, bar none. Cheffy, unique, imaginative and elevated food done well (for the most part). Good drinks. Local passion. I shall keep coming back! Thank You!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Taylor Mallory
I'd definitely recommend this place if you're in the area, but wouldn't go out of my way for it. The service was fantastic, but the food wasn't a full A+. The duck I got was incredibly tender, the demi was unctuous as all hell, and the leek puree really brought everything together, but the skin lacked any sense of crisp to it and my wife's pork chop was incredibly under seasoned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Shannon Masterson
Had an excellent first experience months ago, but went in March for a birthday. Our server’s fly was down through the whole service & all of our food was cold (not even room temp). For a $350 table, you would think they might discount part of it. This was never offered though our server lied to the owner and said he offered it. Management was supposed to be in touch but only reached out after I left and a message that I was interested in booking a party. Sad because this place used to be good! Pay attention to other reviews that mention the same thing ? other places will charge you less and give you warm food at least.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Mark Masterson
Party of four on a Saturday night. All four meals came out at room temperature. Even when they tried reheating, meals were still not warm. Asked waiter if we could just pay for wine we had. I was told there was nothing he could do. We paid in full but didnt leave a tip. Reached out to owner to no avail. There are better restaurants with better food and service. Save the aggravation snd go somewhere else
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Iw412
This is my third or fourth visit to the Vandal and I continue to be impressed. The service is terrific. The ambience is nice casual. There is a small careful menu. And once again for me, as on previous visits, the appetizers totally shine. Everyone of them is interesting. A bit out of the box a bit playful and just as yummy as the description. I'm not usually a big dessert person, but the toffee cake was very delicious.
Kathryn
The seating was backless which wasn't as comfortable as we had hoped. They have a practice of taking the entire food order at once, and they say that's to ensure the timing works out. But it definitely feels like they are worried you won't order entrees or something and it's off putting to have that policy be the main point upon welcoming you in. It seems they're more interested in efficiently turning tables than ensuring a nice experience for diners. Too loud to hear one another. Steak served cold.
RachelP
Such a special restaurant. Every dish is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Started with the perfectly shucked oysters, then the perfectly dressed Caesar, and the steak frites as the main. Just exquisite from start to finish.
LICmust
Outstanding cocktails in a very grown up atmosphere, terrific bar tender. We chose to sit at the bar, enjoy cocktails and shared 2 appetizers - both excellent! We decided to split the duck breast entree which was delicious and certainly enough for us. All around a good place.
Sarah took such great care of us and was great with recommendations & educating us about the food/drinks. I think she took our experience to the next level and made it so much more fun!! My friend and I shared everything, but our favorites were the oysters and the hanger steak. We both got Pornstar Martinis that not only were so beautiful, they were also delicious. Definitely get dessert!
NikkiD
The chef/owners came up with a tasting menu for us- Everything was prepared with skill and care, tasted amazing and presented beautifully- The service was impeccable- warm and inviting and extremely accommodating The atmosphere was conducive for the conversation/ celebration we had.Great Job!!
Great meal as always! I had the new Buccatini with lobster and prawns with a light tomato sauce with Calabrian Chilis Outstanding dish, warming, but not too spicy. My wife had the Duck breast with Calvados sauce and loved it. Great service and good wines.
joseph donohue
bad service, cold food… this place used to be excellent, now it’s a sad scene…
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
SamuelS
Great service. Food is conceptually creative and very well-executed. Modern/hip vibes. Great spot for a fancy dinner date or a few small plates and a drink on a night out. Massive asset to the Lawrenceville neighborhood.
Jelena
This is a must visit in Pittsburgh. We were visiting from Canada for the weekend. The service was exceptional as was the atmosphere. And the food was truly top shelf. Some of the best things we have ever eaten in our lives. And the drinks were spectacular. We got the stuffed olives, pate eclair, prawn lobster pasta and hanger steak frites. Our personal faves were the olives and the steak. Truly some of the best ever. My husband had a couple Old fashions and I had the Ol Smokey Cocktail and both were incredible. The owner went out of his way and our server was excellent. HIGHLY recommend. Such a hidden gem.
RobertV
We didn't know what to expect coming into the restaurant but were pleasantly surprised by the simple ambiance and quality of the food. The waiter was personable and pleasant, making it a pleasant experience. We will be back.
This is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh, bar none. Cheffy, unique, imaginative and elevated food done well (for the most part). Good drinks. Local passion. I shall keep coming back! Thank You!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I'd definitely recommend this place if you're in the area, but wouldn't go out of my way for it. The service was fantastic, but the food wasn't a full A+. The duck I got was incredibly tender, the demi was unctuous as all hell, and the leek puree really brought everything together, but the skin lacked any sense of crisp to it and my wife's pork chop was incredibly under seasoned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Had an excellent first experience months ago, but went in March for a birthday. Our server’s fly was down through the whole service & all of our food was cold (not even room temp). For a $350 table, you would think they might discount part of it. This was never offered though our server lied to the owner and said he offered it. Management was supposed to be in touch but only reached out after I left and a message that I was interested in booking a party. Sad because this place used to be good! Pay attention to other reviews that mention the same thing ? other places will charge you less and give you warm food at least.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Party of four on a Saturday night. All four meals came out at room temperature. Even when they tried reheating, meals were still not warm. Asked waiter if we could just pay for wine we had. I was told there was nothing he could do. We paid in full but didnt leave a tip. Reached out to owner to no avail. There are better restaurants with better food and service. Save the aggravation snd go somewhere else
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
This is my third or fourth visit to the Vandal and I continue to be impressed. The service is terrific. The ambience is nice casual. There is a small careful menu. And once again for me, as on previous visits, the appetizers totally shine. Everyone of them is interesting. A bit out of the box a bit playful and just as yummy as the description. I'm not usually a big dessert person, but the toffee cake was very delicious.
The seating was backless which wasn't as comfortable as we had hoped. They have a practice of taking the entire food order at once, and they say that's to ensure the timing works out. But it definitely feels like they are worried you won't order entrees or something and it's off putting to have that policy be the main point upon welcoming you in. It seems they're more interested in efficiently turning tables than ensuring a nice experience for diners. Too loud to hear one another. Steak served cold.
Such a special restaurant. Every dish is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Started with the perfectly shucked oysters, then the perfectly dressed Caesar, and the steak frites as the main. Just exquisite from start to finish.
Outstanding cocktails in a very grown up atmosphere, terrific bar tender. We chose to sit at the bar, enjoy cocktails and shared 2 appetizers - both excellent! We decided to split the duck breast entree which was delicious and certainly enough for us. All around a good place.
Sarah took such great care of us and was great with recommendations & educating us about the food/drinks. I think she took our experience to the next level and made it so much more fun!! My friend and I shared everything, but our favorites were the oysters and the hanger steak. We both got Pornstar Martinis that not only were so beautiful, they were also delicious. Definitely get dessert!
The chef/owners came up with a tasting menu for us- Everything was prepared with skill and care, tasted amazing and presented beautifully- The service was impeccable- warm and inviting and extremely accommodating The atmosphere was conducive for the conversation/ celebration we had.Great Job!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great meal as always! I had the new Buccatini with lobster and prawns with a light tomato sauce with Calabrian Chilis Outstanding dish, warming, but not too spicy. My wife had the Duck breast with Calvados sauce and loved it. Great service and good wines.
bad service, cold food… this place used to be excellent, now it’s a sad scene…
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Great service. Food is conceptually creative and very well-executed. Modern/hip vibes. Great spot for a fancy dinner date or a few small plates and a drink on a night out. Massive asset to the Lawrenceville neighborhood.
This is a must visit in Pittsburgh. We were visiting from Canada for the weekend. The service was exceptional as was the atmosphere. And the food was truly top shelf. Some of the best things we have ever eaten in our lives. And the drinks were spectacular. We got the stuffed olives, pate eclair, prawn lobster pasta and hanger steak frites. Our personal faves were the olives and the steak. Truly some of the best ever. My husband had a couple Old fashions and I had the Ol Smokey Cocktail and both were incredible. The owner went out of his way and our server was excellent. HIGHLY recommend. Such a hidden gem.
We didn't know what to expect coming into the restaurant but were pleasantly surprised by the simple ambiance and quality of the food. The waiter was personable and pleasant, making it a pleasant experience. We will be back.