Located in the heart of the Strip District, Argentine cocina Balvanera delivers fun fusion flavors of South America in a laid-back, social atmosphere. Originating in New York City’s Lower East Side in the 2010s, head chef Fernando Navas and co-founder/partner Meredith Boyle brought Balvanera to Pittsburgh in 2023. Sitting at 1660 Smallman St., across from The Terminal, the restaurant offers Argentine dishes with a taste of Navas’ Mediterranean influences.

At City of Asylum on the North Shore, artistry is everywhere from the exiled artists’ art they promote to the books lining their shelves to the dishes at 40 North, the adjoining restaurant. As an artist herself, Chef Beth Zozula is the mastermind behind the creative fusion dishes at 40 North.

When speaking to Chef Chad Rapp, his passion for cooking is evident in his eagerness to share the lessons he has learned in the kitchen and the great detail he describes his culinary masterpieces with. His affection for cheffing is on display at Market Street Grocery and the adjoining Emerson’s, where he has served as the executive chef for the last eight years combined.

While browsing Social House 7’s menu of fantastically crafted fusion dishes like their chee fried sprouts and fiery firecracker shrimp, it is hard to believe that their creator’s original career path was not in the restaurant industry.

One Pittsburgh restaurant has made it a priority to promote the principles of the Mediterranean diet through their dishes.

Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast is a cozy, quaint restaurant located on 6th Street serving up breakfast and lunch dishes with a Turkish flair. The restaurant was opened by Martina and Alihan Hanoglu, who also own Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, in September 2022.