There are parts of Pittsburgh that are slowly declining and the Southside is one of them. What once was bustling with bars and restaurants is now empty and filled with violence. Nonetheless, smacked dab in the emptiness of the Southside lies a hidden gem called Cafe du Jour! With a brightly lit outside, this little restaurant is nestled in between 2 vacant buildings, but that doesn't take away from its charm. Inside, the restaurant is very small and only has about 10 to 15 tables. The kitchen is small and right up front. There is an outside patio with a beautiful wall waterfall, which was obviously closed for the winter. I got a sneak peek, however. Its just so charming inside. Apparently, the menu changes seasonally and most likely even more frequently than that, which is just one of the many reasons to keep coming back for more! Here's what my friend and I tried: [Goat Cheese Fritter]: The flavors in this appetizer were phenomenal. The goat cheese fritter was the star of the show, but it so easily paired well with purple cabbaged beets and roasted pepper fondue. All the flavors meshed perfectly together. [Focaccia]: There was a tomato focaccia with a Bourbon black garlic spread that was so delicious. The focaccia was soft yet crisp and the spread gave a well rounded dynamic to the dish. [Mushrooms]: I don't like mushrooms but these were amazingly seasoned and seared. I loved the burrata and baguette which accompanied the dish. [Stuffed Chicken]: I can't say enough good things about this chicken. It was perfectly cooked and stuffed with goat cheese, roasted red peppers, and a mushroom duxelles. All the flavors were exquisite and had me eating the entire dish. The butternut squash puree and smashed potato were delicious beyond belief. [Short Rib]: You could cut this rib with a fork. It just fell off the bone. The orzo that came with the dish was deliciously seasoned. [Flourless Chocolate Torte]: I don't normally like a lot of chocolate so this wasn't my favorite. There was also an almond whip cream on top that I didn't care for. [Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake]: This was so so so good. It was sweet but in the best way. The praline added a saltiness to the dessert. It was just all around amazing! I must say that this place was one of the best restaurants I tried this year. I cannot wait to come back and see what Chef Paul comes up with! read more

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Amazing menu selections exceeded only by the flavors! First time in Pittsburg and I have eaten amazing food from all over. This is right up there with all of them. My only regret is that I could not eat everything on the menu. Had: meatballs and stuffed chicken breast for mains. The spinach/pecorino and crepe with spinach and onion jam for sides. Thanks Paul and staff! read more

Amazing hidden gem in Pittsburg!!! The restaurant is quaint, with a home kitchen vibe. Staff were friendly too. Each course was equally impressive. We started with the rosemary focaccia and mushroom consommé- both delicious, hot, and fresh. The focaccia is a must order. For mains we ordered the eggplant rolls and braised short rib. 10/10. Lastly the flourless chocolate torte was phenomenal. We left still thinking about the food... read more

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The food is downright amazingly delicious every time. Service is always very good. The outside patio is very cozy and the little pond is delightful read more

Cafe Du Jour - Tartlet with eggplant, fig, ricotta - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh so far. The ambience is very clean and quaint with very friendly service. If I wanted to relax with a cup of wine and good food it would be here. All the food is delicious. The soup of the day was really good, the mushroom soup was a very clear broth. The best was the braised beef. The orzo and tomatoe sauce and the extremely well flavored soft beef. read more

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This is just one of the best restaurants in pittsburgh. Came here again after a show at city theater. It's a small restaurant. We got lucky with nice weather so were able to sit outside. They are byob, so brought a couple of bottles of wine. The wait staff are already super friendly. The soup continues to be excellent. We also got salads, the focaccia (after seeing it as we walked in) and roasted mushrooms with burrato and crostini and tomatoes! Super yummy! For entrees, the four of us got short ribs, meatballs (a mainstay here), lamb pot pie, and cauliflower steak! Each dish was made impeccably. We left with a lot of leftovers, but that's because we wanted to try so much! Don't come in a hurry. We enjoyed our meal over two hours on the patio! read more

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Enjoyable healthy meal with great service! We had the mushroom soup to start with bacon wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo. For our entrees rolled eggplant and lamb pot pie. Flavorful, creative! Kudos to the chef! read more

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This place is a hidden gem in the Southside! One of the few places we like to bring out of town guests and friends! Brought my in-laws here and the meal did not disappoint!! Started with the famous meatballs as an appetizer. In my opinion, they're the best in the burgh! Pictured: the salmon, pork chop, and lamp pot pie. They're BYOB which is even nicer. Staff is also lovely and highly attentive. Will always be a staple of ours! Highly recommend read more

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One of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. Creative cuisine deliciously crafted, beautiful garden, amazing service and a great intimate and friendly vibe. An awesome culinary experience. read more

Fabulous outstanding food! Great service! Love that it is BYOB. HOWEVER, the music selection and volume will drive us out. Will definitely come again when, weather permitting, we could sit outside. read more

The food was seriously delicious! Such a charming place! We had many small plates. The salmon was perfect!

This is easily the best meal I've had this entire year. I know it's a high accolade but it was everything I wanted- Small, intimate, fresh ingredients and passionate service. We walked into some amazing aromas and you're lucky they don't charge for the good smells. The kitchen is right by the front door and I'm already intrigued. We got the chicken thigh confit and lamb pot pie to share. For small plates we got the meatballs and mushroom soup. The chicken was fall off the bones juicy and tenders and the lamb pot pie felt so home made and full of flavor. It was incredibly tender. The veggies were just right and the meat was also just right and tender in the potpie. Very harmonious dish topped with puff pastry on top. I couldn't have asked for a tastier meal but we needed to have dessert to seal the deal. We all have an extra stomach for dessert of course. The pistachio cake blew my mind. Usually they use too much artificial flavoring fe almonds or other nuts and sweeteners so you lose the taste of pistachio which should be more delicate. I LOVED the light and fluffy pistachio cake to end my night. Thank you so much for this fabulous and memorable meal. I will definitely be coming back again read more

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The flavors in North African smoked pork chop were outstanding and it was enough for a second meal. The flourless chocolate cake was intense and rich. The southwestern (?) soup was so good that I took an order home. Even though the weather was too chilly to sit outside, there were enough tables inside - some empty at 5:00 when we arrived but full when we left around 6:30 The server was attentive and fun. A great night out read more

Excellent service, venue and food. Now have outdoor heaters that create a cozy outdoor experience. First class and creative dishes.

Such a cozy space in the Southside for a delicious meal. You feel like you're walking into a friend's home when you step into cafe du jour. Service is excellent. There are only a few tables and the kitchen is up front out in the open. Other reviewers are right that it can be a bit smoky but I'd describe it as minimal. We weren't too bothered. The food was not only fabulous but beautifully presented, too. We tried the focaccia, chile salmon, the chicken thigh confit and orzo risotto. Everything was full of flavor and fresh. They live up to the French/European-style description. Keep in mind the restaurant is BYOB (with no corking fee) as well as cash or Venmo/paypal only. The prices were honestly very reasonable for the quality of food. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the patio once it's warm outside and bringing guests to enjoy it with us next time. read more

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Dinner from appetizers to dessert was beautifully prepared and professionally served. We will return.

Food was amazing, so much thought went into the preparation and presentation of the dishes. Service was awesome too, felt like you were greeted by old friends! I ordered the Chicken Thigh Confit. It's BYOB, and cash only (or Venmo). Cozy chic vibes, but don't wear anything you don't want to smell like cooking smoke/grease. Poor ventilation and everything you wear smells like cooking oil. Don't let this deter you from going, just dress accordingly! read more

Cafe Du Jour - Chicken Thigh Confit - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We came to Cafe Du Jour after far too long and had a FANTASTIC experience, as always. I was reminded why this is one of my favorite places in the city. The focaccia starter was unbelievable, the salmon perfectly cooked and we had the best rolled eggplant ever. Both the pecan pie and bread pudding were out of this world! The cozy, friendly ambiance makes it such a unique experience. We loved it and will be back soon!! read more

Where do I begin? I've been coming here for about five years now, and it's one of the few places in Pittsburgh that I'll visit over and over again. The food is that good. Chef Paul, Chris, Joey, and the rest of the team do a fantastic job. I feel like I'm home. The food is at times indescribable it's so good! Paul is a master with flavor and texture combinations. Every bite is savory, sweet, maybe a little spicy, crunchy, soft, just everything you'd ever want. I've never seen creativity and tasted flavors like this before. In the summertime you can go sit out back in the patio. They have greenery and a pond with fish, and I think a turtle still! It transports you to somewhere beautiful and peaceful. If I could eat here every day, I would. read more

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This is the real deal. Food Is traditional French with a little twist but not fusion. Taste is spot on. Highly recommended. A little gem we are glad we found during our short stay in Pittsburgh. read more

Awesome spot in the South Side. We tried the focaccia, spinach dip, mushroom consommé, broccoli side, pork tenderloin crostini, and lamb pot pie- all were absolutely divine and prepared perfectly with amazing flavors. No need for salt and pepper which is unusual for me! I thoroughly enjoyed eating here and our server was also very kind and attentive. 10/10 recommend and don't forget to BYOB and pay with cash if you can. read more

Lamb pot pie was served hot, to encourage slower dining, with a rich sauce and veggies cooked to perfection. Triple chocolate mousse cake accompanied by whipped cream and strawberry slices filled 2 of us. Will repeat later this year. read more

Hidden Gem! Cozy. Spectacular cooking and plating of French flavors and offering a delicious variety of Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten Free Options. Daily specials and some menu staples. One of my most favorites is the Wild Mushroom Consommé. Oh my! During the warm months behind the indoor space is this beautiful little garden patio - an escape from the busy East Carson St. When you visit, be hungry. The ELT is my favorite and my husband's is the Braised Short Rib - he gets this look that tells you he is having a minute! So delicious! The Head Chef and Owner m, Paul is another Pittsburgh gem! read more

We got take out from cafe du jour and it was absolutely delicious - I had the pork chop and my friend had the salmon which were both cooked to perfection with mashed potatoes as our side! Compared to other restaurants with the same caliber food (ie: places like eleven, meat and potatoes etc) this ranked far above those in quality. Highly recommend. read more

Food was amazing and loved the cozy, friendly atmosphere. Can't go wrong with anything you get! read more

Cafe Du Jour - Spinach & Pecorino Romano Dip - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Lovely food and service! The terrace is wonderful! This place never disappoints. It's one of the best and most consistent (tiny) restaurants in Pittsburgh! read more

One of the top restaurants in all of Pittsburgh....if you like amazing food, great people, and an authentic experience. Can't say enough amazing things about Chef Paul and his team. read more

The banana blackberry bread pudding topped the meal. Didn't have far to go as the Korean ribs and pork chop were excellent as well. This is the go-to place on the South Side but being small you do have to plan ahead if you want seating. Friendly folks just make it all the better. Nice outside also patio available with heat for the soon to fall temperatures. read more

One of these Pittsburgh places that we often take for granted. At least I do. This is a great restaurant that is awesome for taking out-of-town guests. It's kind of off the beaten path even though it isn't, if that makes sense. Items I strongly suggest ordering here are: spiced braised beef watermelon salad eggplant rolls roasted/smashed potatoes You'll be glad you tried any of the above. read more

I was recently there for a private party. It was positively, absolutely fantastic!!! Three guys covered the entire event. The food came in so many courses I lost count, one man served, one chef cooked the entire meal and one guy held it altogether by washing and drying maybe thousands of cutlery and plates. If you need to hold a stupendous function make your reservation!!! read more

This place is so good. It's a quaint restaurant on Carson St. that I had never heard of as I'm relatively new to Pittsburgh, but so glad my in-laws suggested it. The soup du jour was excellent. We all split the spinach and pecorini dip. - wow was that good. My wife and I had the chicken thigh confit and my in-laws had the daily special pork crustini small plate and rosemary garlic New York strip steak. All of our meals were delicious with every plate practically clean afterwards. We had to add dessert since e erything else was so good so we had the highly recommended croissant bread pudding and warm pecan pie. Also, BYOB. They were happy to open our wine and Champagne for us and provided wine glasses. Our server Joey was tentative and knowledgeable of the menu as well, offering us recommendations. Thanks for a great experience. read more

Cafe Du Jour - Chicken Thigh Confit With greens, lemon aioli, berry compote, crumbled goat cheese, char-roasted broccoli, + smashed potato. - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Got the pork belly entree which was being substituted by pork shoulder. This was probably the best execution of pork shoulder I've ever had. The meat was perfectly fall apart. The fat was deeply flavorful. The dish was slightly sweet. The kale and carrots in the dish were excellent in execution. I thought there were too many flavors in the dish. The beans were slightly undercooked. The olives were an odd note of saltiness. Because the meat was so well executed, I will ascribe my highest score. The chef here knows what they're doing. read more

Cafe Du Jour - Pork Shoulder Main Course - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Eggplant Rolls were so yummy! I love pesto and cheese. My friend got the pork sandwich and said it was one of the best! Very small place but the cooks were so friendly. You need a reservation- we will be back! Only 4/5 stars because it was very smoky from the chefs cooking and our eyes were ear-itated (hahah kinda a pun). read more

I've been meaning to eat at Cafe Du Jour for years. Finally, in September, I came here for dinner to celebrate an anniversary. It was worth the wait. We made a reservation in advance, so we could be seated in the adorable back patio. We were seated directly next to the little pond in the back, which was very picturesque and adorable. One thing to note about Cafe Du Jour is they are BYOB- they charge for glasses, so just ensure to tell your server how many in your party will be drinking. We brought a bottle of wine, which only I enjoyed, but it was really nice to be able to bring one from home. For food, we started off with their spinach dip. It was served piping hot with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a french baguette. It was absolutely incredible. Easily the best spinach dip I have ever had. The small portion was perfect for 2 people and was only $8. For dinner, I went with the roasted eggplant rolls with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and onion jam. It was $20 and was served with pesto cream, roasted smashed potatoes, char-roasted broccoli and romesco. It was DIVINE. I loved each and every bite. The flavors went well together perfectly and the eggplant was cooked to perfection. Brendan ordered the porcini dusted new york strip steak ($33) which was served with gorgonzola compound butter, roasted smashed potato, char-roasted broccoli and romesco as well. He loved it and was in flavor heaven. The server we had was fantastic as well. I loved it here and cannot wait to go back! read more

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Great service! Excellent food and unmatched scenery and atmosphere! Beautiful escape from the city life! Chef Paul created a wonderful experience! read more

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Sat outside at this small but cute byob and cash only restaurant. Joey was our server and paced us perfectly. Creative menu and all the dishes are excellent. 3 of us had 2 appetizers, a shared salad and soup. One small meatball plate, a chicken thigh dinner which was delicious, a Trout special, ciabatta bread and everything was delicious. Call ahead for reservations. Highly recommended. read more

We ordered the soup du jour, which was roasted carrot, apple salad, spinach dip small plate, and lamb pot pie. Plenty for two to share. Everything was delicious and the environment is like no other. Definitely recommend for a cozy, romantic dinner. read more

One of the best meals I've had in a long while! The ambience was great and the waiter was tremendous.

This place is super cute! During the nice summer days, my fiance and I were looking for a nice place to catch a bite on the patio and after doing a search on Yelp, Cafe Du Jour came up as one of our options. We read about it being cash only, went to the ATM and made a reservation. We arrive and the seating area is tiny as others have pointed out. It was also really hot and didn't seem to have A/C and we found most people on the patio. Entering the patio, we saw what everyone was raving out. It was gorgeous! It had a flower baskets, garden and a fountain. Inside the fountain, I spotted a little turtle! It was a majestic place to soak in the atmosphere, fine food...and we saw pretty much every table bring a bottle of wine as well (BYOB!). I ordered the Salmon with Wild Rice, while my fiance ordered the Eggplant dish which was served with some potatoes and a creamy flavorful sauce. Our food was delicious, the service great. Our bill came to around $50 for two people (we had an appetizer as well, but I forget what we ordered..). Lovely place for a nice date. read more

Cafe Du Jour - Salmon dish with wild rice - French Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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The service was adequate and ambience was bare minimum with uncomfortable chairs. The food was not good. The lamb pot pie serving was very small. The shell of the pot pie was less than one third filled and had a small amount of the advertised ingredients. The pork tender small plate was tough. We had a disappointing experience. read more