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    Apteka

    4.4 (527 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Apteka Photos

    APTEKA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Loud
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Apteka

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    Olivia S.

    An amazing restaurant. We went at 8 on Friday and had a 20 minute wait for two people. You order at the counter and then the food is brought to your table. This was incredible polish food and all vegan. Ambiance was cozy moody yet light.

    Rye cake
    Elizabeth X.

    Innovative and delicious vegan food. The fried pierogies and spaetzle were my favorite, but the schnitzel was also very good. The bean soup was also good. I thought the potato dumplings were okay--the dumplings didn't really absorb the sauce and just tasted kinda like bland mochi or gnocchi. The desserts (carrot tart and rye cake) were not that good--I recognize that it's probably quite difficult to make those desserts without butter or milk. I also got the gin cocktail, which was fantastic--the puree really made it delicious. We had a reservation for Saturday 6 PM but the restaurant was accommodating when we called day of to push it back 30 minutes. Interesting format where they seat you, but you have to go up to the bar to order and "close out" your tab, but we didn't mind and were able to order quickly. The food also came out really quick. There's a cute outdoor space/garden in the back too, with some candles.

    Sujal M.

    Bloomfield area of Pittsburgh was not one I explored much when I lived there many years ago. But there was one place I went to there that I had to return to when I returned for a visit. Apteka. This was perfect for my wife, who is vegan. An all vegan Eastern-European eatery. Great weather added to the ambience. Plenty of plants in the background. We had a foursome with my friend and his husband. Apteka offers a service where you place your orders at the bar, and they come bring the food to you when it's ready. We started off with Hungarian fried bread (Langos) and then followed it with Salatka ziemniaczana. Potato salad with greens. Entree we had the pierogis. I mean, we Had to, back in Pittsburgh. Only thing missing was the cookie table but the dessert was great as well. Everything was comforting and filling. Plenty for us two. They had a special collab beer with 2 Frays, a brewery that is really solid. Was just starting off when I was leaving Pittsburgh 5 years ago and now has been pretty popular in Bloomfield. Overall, Apteka offers fine dining, inspired dishes with a vegan twist, and is a must. Reservations are a must as dining is limited to the weekend.

    Tammy L.

    Apteka is one of the more unique restaurants in Pittsburgh because everything is vegan and made with uncommon ingredients. The cuisine is eastern European and they source a lot of their ingredients locally/regionally. You order upon walking in and get seated afterwards. Such a great vibe when you walk in and it's definitely a place you need to lineup for in advance or make a reservation. I've never had the same thing twice (except for Crapteka!) because they rotate their menu so often and have such unique offerings. Probably my favorite time of the year is when they have flowers in stock to make a variety of fun dishes, like sunflower, ice cream, or grilled sunflower head. Their most popular dishes include their pierogies, which they are very well known for. All of their salads are incredible and the flavors are just unreal. They have amazing cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks made in house. Also a super family friendly restaurant which I love and they have an outdoor space in the warmer months that is just gorgeous and blooming with flowers in the spring/summer.

    Kotlet Selerowy
    Della S.

    On a short visit to Pittsburgh my friend insisted that we come here at least once. Even though there are still so many other restaurants I want to try in the city, I plan to come back every time I find myself in Pittsburgh again. I was so impressed by how delicious everything was (and trust me-- we ordered a lot), even as a non-vegan! The menu changes seasonally and I visited in mid-November, so I'm not sure how many of these items will still be around. We started with the Barszcz Ukrainski ($9)/borscht, which was smoky, savory, and comforting at the same time. Admittedly I haven't had a lot of borscht in my life, but I hope that every bowl I have in the future will be this good. We also got the Smazona Dynia w Ciescie ($11)/battered fried squash. This was a massive portion and the batter was so delicious that I did not miss having meat at all! I loved the nutty, almost bitter flavor that the charred pumpkin seeds added to the dish, and it balanced so nicely with the sweet plum sauce. Even though we had other dishes coming, I couldn't stop snacking on this dish (and probably ate too much). I couldn't come here without getting an order of their pierogi, so we went for the fried Smazone Pierogi ($20). The filling was so delicious and I also loved the slaw that came on the side. The vegan double fat added a lot of creaminess! The final dish we ordered was the Kotlet Selerowy ($22)/celeriac schnitzel. Again, I was super impressed! Every slaw it came with had a separate flavor profile and the celeriac was fried to the perfect crisp. The slaw added a lot of freshness to the overall dish so that it did not feel too heavy even though I was eating a fried dish. We chased the dishes with a pot of their wild tea ($6). I can't remember which one we picked (not the black tea), but honestly it just tasted like green tea to me. It kept us warm since we sat in the outdoor covered patio, but definitely did not stand out to me the way the rest of the dishes did! I hope it's clear that I really enjoyed my experience here. The wait is totally worth it, and I highly recommend anybody to check this place out!

    Kebab sandwich - yuba kebab with garlic yogurt, tahini cabbage + thyme salad, fresh cucumber, shaved jalapeño
    Karen H.

    We caught the last weekend of Apteka's annual vegan junk food pop up, Crapteka, this past weekend and it's something I look forward to every year! People line up ahead of time but it moves quickly and they give you a time to come back so you don't have to wait in line the whole time. The inside has a bar area, some smaller tables in the front section, and some larger tables in the back section. They do take Apple Pay. The fries with the fantasy mayo were a must, the burgers were so flavorful, and I dream about their sunflower seed milk shakes. The cocktails were perfectly balanced and delightful and I expected nothing less. Their burnt almond torte is my new favorite in Pittsburgh!

    Vinnie R.

    Apteka was such an interesting and enjoyable experience. One of my girlfriends invited me to dinner and I am so glad she did. It is a Central and Eastern European restaurant that serves all vegetarian food, which made it even more fun to try something different. When you first walk in, the ambience immediately stands out. It almost smells like wood burning or pinecones, which sounds random but was actually really cool and added to the whole vibe of the place. Once we sat down, it took us a little while to go through the menu and really understand everything, but after that we went up to the front and ordered multiple plates to share. I honestly think that is the best way to do it here so you can try a variety of dishes. Everything we ordered was really good and it made for such a fun group experience. Our servers were super sweet and kind. They answered all our questions and even took pictures of us so we could have memories from the night, which was really thoughtful. We were seated toward the back near the door and it got a little stuffy, so we asked if we could crack the door for some air. Our waiter was totally understanding and agreed it was warm back there, which we really appreciated. Overall, we had a great time and I definitely plan on coming back. It was a unique dining experience and we already talked about returning together as a group.

    Kluski Slaskie, Smazone Pierogi
    Brenda Y.

    This is my first time having this kind of European cuisine and it was definitely a great experience! I have never tried any dishes that were like these and it is crazy that it is all vegan. It is definitely worth trying out and getting a bunch of dishes to share and sample with friends or family. There's also a great indoor and outdoor seating area with great decor. The kitchen works very fast and the food almost came instantly.

    Line at 5:30
    Theresa W.

    We had an amazing meal at Apteka, in celebration of Mother's Day. The food is worth 5 stars but the unnecessarily long wait gets 4 stars. I don't see why one of the many online check in or reservation systems couldn't be used. Our wait totaled 2.5 hours. That said, the food is pretty amazing. We were seated outdoors in a candlelight tent which was pretty cool. Staff were friendly and the food came quickly. I'd go back but only if I can lineup before everyone else ;)

    Kotlet Selerowy
    Katie H.

    Love a good vegan spot and Apteka did not disappoint! There was a pretty long wait for four of us on a Saturday evening but they take your phone number and text when a table is ready. You order at the counter and then are seated and food is brought out to you. The entire menu is vegan, and they make sodas and drinks in house too! I had a hard time deciding what to order (everything sounded so good and unique). We eventually settled on the borscht, potato pancake, kotlet selerowy, and mushroom dumplings. The borscht and mushroom dumplings were the standouts...I would definitely order those again. The potato pancake was good but I wasn't a fan of the kotlet (a little too fried for my liking). We also tried a few of the house made sodas (pumpkin, black pepper, and poppyseed) as well as the sparkling apple and mint kompot beverage. The black pepper soda was excellent, just the right amount of spice on the back. The apple and mint drink was great too, a nice apple flavor with a hint of mint. The pumpkin soda was good but didn't really taste like pumpkin, and the poppyseed soda tasted a bit like drinking a bagel...not a big fan of that one. All in all a good experience though and I would definitely go back to try more things. Dziękuję, Apteka!

    Austin G.

    Apteka is worth the wait and there's usually a wait because it's that good. Growing up in Eastern Europe, I was intrigued by a vegan Eastern European restaurant, but Apteka nailed it. Walking up on a Saturday in May around 5:15pm, there was a line, but we only waited for 20-25 minutes before snagging a table for three. Here's our experience. 1) Experience: Their system is a little different than other restaurants. Once you get to the front of the line, you'll order at the register. You can either close out right away or start a tab. You're given a table number and escorted to an open table inside or on their back patio. Whenever you want to add to your tab, you go up to the register again. 2) Food: The menu changes and is written on a massive parchment paper as you walk into the restaurant. Everything is vegan and inspired by Eastern European cuisine. Once seated, the food comes out as it's ready. To feed three of us, we ordered the potato and sunflower dumplings in carrot and sunchoke sauces, potato salad, potato dumplings with creamy mushrooms, stuffed cabbage, and chocolate cake. Every single dish was full of flavor and executed well. Dishes we'll crave are the potato salad, dumplings in carrot and sunchoke sauces, and the chocolate cake. The only dish we didn't love was the cabbage roll, but it was still executed well. 3) Drinks: Don't sleep on their wine list. They also have drinks like kompot and housemade sodas with unique flavors like poppyseed and black pepper. 4) Space: It's a simple restaurant with appealing design. The tables are the right size. The bar seating is also recommended. 5) Service: Everyone was helpful and attentive.

    Beet soup
    Madi N.

    We loved adventuring to Apteka! The menu was unique, exquisite, and the taste was unlike anything I've tried before. Staff at the bar was incredibly helpful with explaining each item and giving recommendations. Cocktails were exceptional--particularly the apple one currently on menu. Ambiance is quaint and homey, it's special in that you order at the bar and staff serves you according to a number on your table. Will be back!

    Tyler P.

    Eastern European vegan cuisine with everything tasting like it was just plucked out of the garden. Lovely takes on classic dishes. For those non-vegans or vegetarians, frequent visits could make you a convert. You've never had salad like this. I'm taking a few friends here and more than once I heard the cocktails were the best they'd ever had, and I have to agree. Arrive early to lineup for one of the most amazing and unique dining experiences Pittsburgh has to offer.

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    1 year ago

    Food was excellent. Staff was informative and patient. The ambiance was relaxed and intimate. Can't wait to return.

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    1 year ago

    Don't go on a Saturday night. Too busy. Must like vegetables. Very eclectic and European!

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    Apteka Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Apteka

    Do they have gluten free pereogies?

    I'm not sure, but they do have GF options. Also, on their website, it says they can make some items GF if requested. Its an awesome place! They're very proud of the food they serve (and should be), and I'm sure that would trickle over to… 

    Fernet scotch & apple cider? Sounds awesome! Feedback pls? TIA.

    I had this as a post-dinner drink and it was truly awesome! I love Fernet, but I'm not much of a one for Scotch but this was delicious, very well balanced. Highly recommend.

    View All 3 Questions

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    Senti Restaurant

    Senti Restaurant

    4.0
    (188 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$

    I was in Pittsburgh over the weekend and we discovered this restaurant from our Food tour so we…read moremade reservations that night to eat there!!! It was amazing!! it started with the bread...oh my, so fresh, with a sprinkle of salt on top, delicous flavor and served with fresh olive oil. what a fantastic way to start! I ordered the melon and prosciutto as an appetizer to share with my friend. It was incredible. the melon was so fresh and ripe and the prosciutto was wonderful. we both ordered the lasagna for dinner. the 7 layer freshly made pasta is thin, delicious and one of the best lasagnas I have ever eaten! We had the bread and lasagna leftover and it was just as delicious the next night! You need to try this place!

    Senti absolutely delivered one of the best meals we've had in Pittsburgh…read more We started with an Aperol Spritz and a glass of Prosecco before diving into the mushroom arancini, which were perfectly crisp on the outside with a rich, creamy center. The standout of the evening was the compressed watermelon salad. Served over a bed of creamy Gorgonzola with strawberry reduction, basil oil, pepitas, and microgreens, it was honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten. Every bite was incredibly fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced. I could happily eat this every day for the rest of my life. For entrées, we shared the veal saltimbocca, which was fork-tender with a beautifully rich sauce, and a light zucchini, corn, and shrimp pasta that tasted like summer on a plate. Fresh vegetables, sweet corn, and a delicate sauce let every ingredient shine without feeling heavy. Excellent service!!! We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Senti Restaurant
    Senti Restaurant
    Bruschetta con Funghi  Photo credit: Lauren G. on Yelp

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    Bruschetta con Funghi Photo credit: Lauren G. on Yelp
    Park Bruges

    Park Bruges

    4.2
    (371 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    It's getting chillier out which means it's the perfect time to visit Park Bruges!…read more We stopped by for dinner last week for some French inspired fare and they have the most cozy, comforting, and fall-coded food! I adore their flavorful classic flatbread and their version of French onion soup. Their fries are twice cooked to perfection so they're crispy and some of my favorite fries in Pittsburgh! What we got in order of appearance: Classic flatbread with gruyere, Parma rosemary ham, crème fraiche, and caramelized onions Bruges frites, twice cooked and served with garlic aioli Honey Bucket cocktail with Arbikie nadar gin, matcha, raw honey, and lemon Philly herb roasted pork sandwich with garlic rapini, provolone, roasted red pepper jam, and ciabatta Classic poutine with Bruges frites, mushroom gravy, cheese curds, and green onions Hamburger with lettuce, onion, and pickle, served with a side salad Flemish four onion soup simmered with Rodenbach Red Ale, fennel, caramelized apples, croutons, and gruyere

    I went here for an early dinner the other night after visiting the zoo. The service was excellent,…read moreand the ambience of the small restaurant was nice. If you have children in your group when dining here, be prepared as there is no children's menu. The best bet is to order them an adult burger. The macaroni and cheese is pre-prepared with a spicy cheese that was not appreciated by the child at my table. There is a decent beer list and you can't go wrong with some of these Belgian classics. The real draw to this locale is the mussles and french fries, apparently. They come with crusty bread and plenty of broth for dipping.

    Photos
    Park Bruges
    Tarte and House Salad
    Tarte and House Salad
    Huge dinner!

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    Huge dinner!
    Mansions on Fifth

    Mansions on Fifth

    3.3
    (87 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    A gorgeous hotel. Walking in it felt warm and inviting while also looking fancy…read more When we arrived, we first drove past the entrance because we weren't sure if it was the correct address, plus there was a van pulling out, blocking any cars from getting in. We were a little early for check-in and everyone was so welcoming while we waited. We stayed in a standard queen bed room, which had a fireplace and large closet and bathroom. The bed was very comfortable and everything was clean. We were there for a wedding and the venue coordinator, Zach, did a great job with making sure everything was set up. There was another party going on the evening we stayed the night and you could hear it clearly from our room. Thin walls and floors is the downside of staying in a historical building.

    Gorgeous hotel you would never expect to see driving down this Pittsburgh street! The lobby was…read morebeautifully decorated for Christmas, which made me feel like I was in a Hallmark movie. I stayed in one of the king bed rooms the night before a wedding and it was a wonderful experience. The room got a little cold at night, so we decided to sleep with the fireplace on. The fireplace in the hotel room was a nice, cozy touch. If you are handicapped, or have trouble with stairs, definitely let the hotel staff know. There is one elevator in the building that only goes to level 2. The venue coordinator for the wedding was also fantastic to work with!

    Photos
    Our standard room
    Our standard room
    Staircase with podium for a wedding
    Staircase with podium for a wedding
    Meeting room

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    Meeting room
    Cafe Moulin

    Cafe Moulin

    4.2
    (530 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Cafe Moulin is without a doubt my absolute breakfast/brunch/lunch place in the area. The food is…read moreexcellent (their avocado toast w/ eggs is so good I practically lick the plate when I'm done) and the atmosphere immaculate (bright and friendly without being kitschy), but the real standout is the staff. I've been a regular there since I moved in nearby, and from the start it was obvious that the people who work there sincerely care about making the experience nice. I've always been greeted with a smile, even during hectic weekend hours when the whole place is packed with a line out the door-- and even on the most full-house days, I've never been made to feel rushed. More than that, I always get the same thing there (I'm just a creature of habit-- every bite I've ever stolen from a friend's plate has also been delectable). The staff have picked up on this and will offer to get me "my usual" when I visit; it makes me feel valued and noticed, and they'll often use the time I would've spent ordering making conversation, asking about my day or the book I'm reading. I've never been to a place with such genuinely friendly staff, and I feel so lucky to live so close! Summed up: I never leave Cafe Moulin without a full stomach and a smile.

    I love cafe Moulin! It is my go to breakfast spot in Pittsburgh. This was my 3rd visit in about a…read moreyear and half and the food did not disappoint. The crepes and side salad are awesome. But the star of the show for me is the Shakshouka. I have gotten it the last 2 times I went. You also have to try their Dirty Chai. My only critique is the hostess at the front. She appeared overwhelmed by her role and was not warm. We were actually told by the waiters that "she is serious about her list". Which would be great if she managed it effectively. When I brought concerns that we had been pushed down the list 3 times for other parties. She responded "well, how do you know that" to which I responded "we watched you take their names down after ours and sit them before us". Her response was to shoo me off and tell me to go find a table myself; to which I did. But what a poor way to manage your stress, responsibility, and consumers. On the bright side my waiter/waitress was awesome per usual.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Ottawa
    Ottawa
    Ottawa

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    Ottawa

    Apteka - vegan - Updated August 2026

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