Best Dish: A Taste of Istanbul on 6th St - Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine ✨

Written by Zhenru Yan

-Photo by Zhenru Yan

Looking for a dining experience that transports you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean — no passport required? Let us point you toward a gem tucked right into Downtown’s Cultural District: Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine.

Family-owned and full of soul, Alihan’s blends Turkish tradition with Pittsburgh hospitality, serving up bold flavors, warm ambiance, and seriously craveable dishes. We recently stopped in for dinner and left full, happy, and already plotting our return.

Here’s what we had — and loved:

🥩 Beef Shish Kebab (Gluten-Free)
Let’s just say... wow. Perfectly chargrilled cubes of tender beef steak, marinated in Alihan’s signature spice blend. The meat was juicy with a satisfying smoky crust — every bite bursting with flavor, thanks to their time-tested techniques and quality cuts. Served with grilled veggies and rice, this dish is a masterclass in simplicity done very right.

🍮 Sütlaç (Rice Pudding) (Gluten-Free)
If you’re the type who “doesn’t usually like rice pudding,” prepare to be converted. Made in-house with local grass-fed whole milk and real vanilla, this creamy dessert is oven-baked to a golden top and delivers just the right amount of sweetness. Comforting, delicate, and unforgettable.

Whether you're popping in for a lunch break or planning a cozy dinner downtown, Alihan’s is a place where every meal feels like an occasion. The service is gracious, the setting is intimate, and the food? It speaks for itself.

📍 Located at 124 Sixth St, just steps from the theater scene — perfect for a pre-show dinner or a quiet night out.

Pro tip: Their menu is loaded with gluten-free options and vegetarian dishes too, so everyone at the table is bound to find something to love.