If you are trying to find a place to go to for an unforgettable and amazing food experience in the larger Pittsburgh area go no further. This is it. This is the place.
A fusion of traditional southern smoked meat menu with the finest European design and service is found here. The interior is thoughtfully created to evoke the feeling of class, dignity and prestige, while the service and general atmosphere are such, that in the several times I've been here, I've always felt welcome and cared for.
Obviously, the food is the crowning pearl, a true and mastered craft. I've got to try many things here:
Pork Ribs. The tenderness of the smoked ribs stood out to me as well as colorful presentation and a great choice of a light, yet tasteful side of grilled veggies.
Smoked sausage. The juiciest sausages, bursting with flavor, while the plating is simpler than most other courses, this seems to be a conscious choice, since the fluffy pillow of mashed potatoes and aromatic onion cider gravy pair so incredibly well with the sausages.
Smoked salmon. Plainly, I'm a fan of fish and this salmon managed to surprise me with the intricacy of both the taste and the plating: the fish rested on a bed of incredibly aromatic rice under a beautiful coral-looking decoration which was also edible!
Honey Cake. A true, tried and tested European classic dessert of many layers and unrivaled creaminess. I've gotten it several times in the end because it's wonderful texture and taste had me charmed from the first try.
And some more, that I would love to write about as I generally love to talk about food, but this review might just turn into a novel then, so I'll just list my other fantastic experiences here: Wagyu Brisket (nutty, explosion of powerful taste, great to share with friends), BBQ Brisket Soup (hearty, unique, lovely), Buratta appetizer (a firework in your mouth, the perfect appetizer), Sandwiches (there are currently 4, but all of them are mouth-watering and very handsome) and the homemade lemonade (Basil lemonade is definitely a surprisingly fresh experience).
Additionally I'd like to add how much I love the way families and kids are treated here, making the "Owl's Nest" a true "family restaurant": music is non-explicit, kids are always given a coloring sheet and crayons to draw and take home and even if certain things are not in the menu, I've seen the staff accommodate the families with things needed, such as non-sugar sweeteners, milk, a high chair for toddlers and other things, including a birthday I got to witness one time.
Overall, I give this place 10/10 for the overall performance, the staff, the interior, the choice of music, the beautiful views and most importantly, the smoky and meticulously perfected food.
P.S. I don't drink much, so bar was not of much importance to me, but they apparently have BYOB until their bar opens. read more