Tracey Whitcomb Balowski
+5
My husband and I with our friend Ron had been looking forward to visiting Zarra's on our trip to Pittsburgh and it did not disappoint. It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter and the best Italian food I've ever had.
We ordered the Calamari antipasto and Rolentini di Melenzane for appetizers. It was the best calamari any of us had ever had. Both dishes were amazing. The crusty bread and salads were also very good.
I ordered the Linguini di Contasta and the guys both got the Zarra's Sampler. I can't rave enough about the freshness and perfection of preparation of the seafood. Simply out of this world!
We we're staying at the hotel across the street from the restaurant and just happened to stumble in for dinner. We were immediately greeted and welcomed by the owner Johnny who was so kind, especially to my little son. The food was amazing. Everything was homemade and delicious. My son, who at times is a very picky eater, devoured his spaghetti and the bread. He even ate some of his salad which is very rare. Our waiter was so polite and was great with our little guy as he tried to explore the entire restaurant. At the end of our meal Johnny came to see that everything was to our liking, which it was (especially my canoli) and he gave my son a bag of suckers to take home. I'm so glad we stopped in. It was a wonderful meal and experience. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.
We just left five minutes ago but my family and I all agree this was possibly one of the best meals we have had. Food was delicious, decor was lovely, and our waitress, Sarah, was the best waitress we have ever had. We will make this our first stop whenever we are back in Pittsburgh :)
We have never been to Pittsburgh and really enjoyed our meal at Zarra’s! The eggplant and ricotta noodles were delicious!
We were in town for the Tool concert last night, and stayed in the hotel across from Zarra's...the hotel didn't have a bar, so we walked over for a few beers. The friendly staff engaged us in conversation about music, and showed us all the history surrounding the old Electric Bananna punk club that used to reside there, even showing us the closet where bands like Henry Rollins used to put their stickers on the wall! Wish we would have had time to try the food, but what a great staff & great ambiance!
I went for the first time two weeks ago. I can't understand why I hadn't been here before. I totally loved it and will be a regular there in the future. I had the sampler that was wonderful the lasagna was the best totally different from what I have ever had. If this place was in New York City there would be lines out the door. Save room for the Tirami-Suzy!
Go here, NOW!! Excellent!! Don't waste your time and money going to any other Italian restaurant in town. Superb food, friendly ownership and staff. It's amazing to say the least!
This place is just like Grandma's house. The dining room could have been hers...And the cooking, Oh My God. Just like my grandmother's. Donnie Zarra is a great host. Bring your appetite. Ciao.
Clarissa Figueira-Smith
+5
Fabulous staff & atmosphere personable, inviting & friendly!!!! Would highly recommend!!!!
My wife and I come to Pittsburg, from Cleveland, to go to Zarra’s for our anniversary dinner. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is perfect.
Thanks Again for the Wonderful time we had at Zarra's. Lauren & Donny really made it special for us. Food was amazing . A hidden Gem for Pittsburgh.
Closest thing to Grammas kitchen there is! Great atmosphere and amazing food with even better people. True gem in Pittsburghs Italian cuisine.
Great place, food, and owners. Didn’t know this was the electric banana before. So awesome to know the history.
Gorgeous place to eat. Absolutely fantastic rack of lamb. Will make any Aussie / Kiwi homesick for home. Beautiful family and so welcome to a lone traveller.
This place is a unique Pittsburgh gem. My now-husband took me here for our first date (surprising me with a rare PGH restaurant I hadn't been to). The fun decor, home-y atmosphere, and delicious food made it a perfect place. He then surprised me by taking me there the night we got engaged --so of COURSE, we had to have our rehearsal dinner there! SO sweet, accommodating, fun. Can't recommend this place enough. It is unique --if you're looking for a stuffy "foodie" establishment, don't come here. If you want delicious food and authentic, family-owned business --support this Pittsburgh treasure!
This was a GREAT FIND AND AWESOME Italian food. I felt like I was eating at my grandmas house. I loved the place and suggest eating here if you have the time. CHEERS!!!
I have eaten steaks around the world and the steak I had at Zarras was the best piece of meat that has ever touched my mouth. Although it is pricey it is worth every penny!!! I promise you will not be disappointed.
Great food great place will return and highly recommended best food in the burgh
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Authentic Italian. My friend and I stopped at Zarra's on a whitewater paddling trip a couple of weeks ago. Please be warned... this is not your neighborhood (american) Italian restaurant. If they did have any pizza or calzones I must have missed it because I was distracted by the extensive menu of authentic italian dishes. The hardest part of my experience was choosing what to eat. This is one of those places where you're not going to be choosing something you think you'll like, you're going to be deciding between dishes you know you'll love. The decision is made easier by Zarra's excellent family of staff.
We sat outside near the outdoor fireplace fueled by a real wood fire. The scene, smell of the kitchen mixed with the wood fire, and excellent company set the stage for a perfect evening.
I enjoyed a regional craft brew that was delicious, an appetizer sampler, and a seafood entree with a spicy red sauce over a seafood medley with pasta. The shrimp and scallop were huge and perfectly cooked. The scallop was especially savory.
We stayed for a couple hours eating, drinking, and taking in the city through this small neighborhood gem. When you do go inside take a look at the pictures on the walls and notice they are all family of the owners. If you're lucky John will tell you the history of the establishment, how he met his wife there, and came to own it so many years ago. When you go to Zarra's you'll feel like part of their italian family for sure. We liked it so much we went back for dinner the next night while we were still in town. After all, how can you say no to an authentic italian family dinner?
Great Food. Zarra's is by far the best Italian restaurant I have ever eaten at. Not the same old boring menu as most Italian restaurants have, but a unique menu with fresh ingredients. If the weather is nice, eat outside next to the fireplace and enjoy the best Italian food on the east coast. They have a good selection of beer, and a friendly atmosphere. This is a real family restaurant and the food is the best. You can tell the owners love to cook and take the time to make your meal with only the best ingredients.
Yum!. Went to Zarra's for dinner last night for the first time. Everything was absolutely delicious. I had cavatelli with spinach and garlic, and my mom had a filet. My food was super! Not only was the filet delicious, it was also huge. The entrees included salads were really good, too. Not too much stuff on them and really good dressing. We saved enough room to split dessert, a riccotta cake. It was kind of like cheesecake, but lighter and less sweet. It was great!!
We'll definately be returning soon!!
Wonder Italian cuisine with an equal atmosphere! We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the view. Thanks Don!
Zarra's is awesome!!!!!!!. My gf and I travel for a living and are constantly looking for great local family restaurants of all ethnic cuisine. Zarra's absolutely is one we recommend if you like southern Italian food. The service was great, the ambiance was definitely authentic and most important...the food was absolutely delicious!!! Everything is made to order and the portions are enough to share (if you must). A definite must if driving through Pittsburgh! Thanks for a great home cooked meal Zarra,s!!!!
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Best Date Ever. I took someone to Zarra's for our first date and all I could say was Wow! Beginning with what's most important, the food was fantastic! I had a pasta dish called the Claudia and I'm still thinking about it days later. My date's dish was also fantastic along with the perfectly spicy banana peppers we had as an appetizer. As if this wasn't enough, the tiramisu and complementary after dinner drink capped off the evening wonderfully.
As for the atmosphere and service, Zarra's has it all. We sat out on their beautiful patio with a great view of Bloomfield and a roaring fire that warms and romanticizes the environment. Our server was on the ball and went the extra mile to make sure we had a great evening. I had the opportunity to chat with the owner and I told him I would be sure to be coming back as soon as possible!
I am surprised to see such negative reviews of what seems to me to be Pittsburgh's best kept secret. I am very glad I didn't see them before I went so they could not sway me from having the one of the best dates ever. Highly recommended!
The Ricotta Noodles are AMAZING!. I wandered into Zarra's for no reason other than the fact that it was across the street from my hotel, but I am definitely glad I did. The people there were down to earth and friendly. I'll take real people acting normal and kind over fake niceties and flattery any day. The food was outstanding. I had the Ricotta Noodles which was completely home made from noodles to sauce and it was absolutely delicious. I'd definitely recommend Zarra's to anyone looking for home made quality Italian cuisine.
AMAZING!!!!. This place is GREAT!!! I went my first week of school at Pitt and it was the most delicious meal ever! The place is truly authentic italian and the food was unbelievable!
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Best Italian in Pittsburgh. We first ate at Zarra's about 5 years ago, and we were immediately impressed by the food. My husband is Italian and his mother is an incredible cook, so we have high standards when it comes to Italian food. I had the Cavatelli con Polo Primavera di Judith and it was fantastic. That dish remains one of my favorites followed by the Linguine di Contosta with the spicy "palmieri" tomato sauce. I love red sauce, and can't believe how many different types of red sauce they make here, each more flavorful than the next. My husband has worked his way through most of the menu, and his favorites include the Polenta Calabrese, Pasta e Fagoli and Cavatelli e Verdure di Rena. There are so many good dishes it's hard to pick a few to recommend! We may have started to go there because of the food but we remain loyal customers because of the people. Each time you dine at the restaurant it is as if you are being welcomed into the home of the Zarra family, and it's a place you don't want to leave anytime soon. Johnny, Judy, Donny and Jamie, as well as their entire staff make you feel welcomed and it's truly the best place to relax after a long work week (or work day!). We grew to love Zarra's so much, we even had our rehearsal dinner there, and our family is still talking about that night. We feel like Zarra's is one of the best kept secrets in the city, and want everyone to know what a phenomenal restaurant they are missing!
Best Italian in Pittsburgh! Marinara to die for, awesome balsamic dressing and homemade pasta, will definitely go back.
Best italian food****ever!!!. Zarra's restaurant. is the best! not only the atmosphere great...the food and people is awesome too. when u go there...go there hungry. i love to eat outside in the summer time. their patio w/ the outdoor fireplace is unbelievable.fantastic view of the city as well as very romantic. check it out...you will absolutely love the place and food!!!!!
OUR FIRST BUT NOT LAST VISIT. Our first visit to Zarra's was on June 17,2008 after an 8 hour drive from the Philadelphia area. Our daughter was touring the University of Pittsburgh and our hotel recommended Zarras for our dinner. Boy are we glad we went , what an awesome meal, we were greeted by the most warm and outgoing owner who only wanted us to have a wonderful dining experience. The decor is very unique with odd antiques scattered everywhere - you must look in all the nooks and crannies to appreciate the collection .
We had Brushetta bread and stuffed/rolled eggplant for appetizers . The salad was crisp, cold and the dressing was really tasty. For dinner we had homemade spaghetti and meatballs, spaghetti with olive oil and garlic, manacotti, and spaghetti and mushrooms - all of our dinners were wonderful reminded us of grandmom's. Zarras will be a regular stop for us over the next 4 years - Don't hesitate to go!
From the moment you walk in, you are instantly immersed into an old Italian family dining atmosphere. It's unique, and your eyes gravitate to the surroundings.
We had a fantastic experience at Zarra's, and it's been on my wish list for a while now. The service was great! I absolutely loved Judy's Homemade Ricotta Noodles as my meal. You could tell it was authentic Italian. My family shared the Baked Alaska, which is something not on the menu, so you need to ask for it. It's huge, so it's definitely shareable. Will be back for sure!
It felt like a friend had invited me for dinner at her mom or grandmother’s house. The woman who took my order was also the famous “Judy” on the menu who made the pasta I ate (and was also the owner). It was all really delicious and just a very unique restaurant in regards to aesthetic. Definitely check it out and support this local and authentic Italian establishment!
Our dinner was amazing authentic Italian food. Family owned for 52 years. The price was more than reasonable. I live in Ohio and I will be back!!! Melanie our waitress made us feel like family!
The food was delicious. The whole atmosphere was warm and cozy. We really enjoyed our waitress Kelly this was our first visit to Zarra’s and Kelly was very patient in explaining the menu, she also gave us a brief explanation on the place and was attentive and accommodating.
Absolutely everything about this place is amazing, from it's history, to the owners, to the present day wonderful menu. What a great place to visit, can't wait to go back!
Really excellent and friendly service. Wonderful appetizers to pass around and share:. stuffed banana peppers, calamari antipasto, rollatini melenzane. House salads with balsamic vinegar, chick peas, and optional anchovies was mighty tasty. Great entree portions to also share:. Calamari di Julia, sampler platter (really good lasagna), Linguine di Contosta, Judy's homemade pasta noodles. One of the best meatballs we've had. Red sauce was really good.
Had a wonderful evening and dining experience! The food was delicious, the atmosphere relaxed and the owner was gracious and welcoming! Homemade lemoncello ended the meal with a smile! Will definately return soon!
Best Italian food I've ever had. The Italian sausage was phenomenal. Very spicy, but I loved it. I had the Zarra's sampler plate and I can hardly pick my favorite food because they were all so good. Also had the Cannolis for dessert and they did not disappoint.
The dining room looks like a museum with a full suit of armor, medieval weapons, antiques, and interesting paraphernalia all around.
The host Donny was very cool. Friendly and accommodating. I'll be back for sure whenever I am in town.
Had a fantastic experience here. Excellent atmosphere, very friendly owners, and incredible good. We started with the dumpling soup, which was gooey and warm, and hit all the right spots in our stomachs. Then we moved on to the entrees and I ordered the Pollo Romero. Fantastic pasta and breaded chicken. Enjoyed every bite. Felt like we were at home here.
This place is a hidden gem. It should be packed, the food and atmosphere are Italian to the core. Even the Italian mom cooking upstairs. It feels like I'm at home. Love it!
Lovely experience. I was worried that my Italian husband would not like it because he is used to homemade food from his mom. He loved it. Fun decor and kind staff. Definitely a hidden gem!!!
Had dinner with my father here, really nice place! Solid food and service, couldn't ask for any more.
Our kids took us to Zarras for dinner last night. A unique place! We wanted to eat outside. Nice little area to do that since the weather was beautiful. Afterwards, we moved inside and glad we did. Good music playing and the decor was something to be seen!! Their menu was extensive and described each item in detail very well.. We had good salads, meals and cannoli for dessert. Great service. Delicious manicotti!!! Good sausage too! Very different...we would go back! It would be great if they had a strolling accordion player!!
It was easy to find and the interior is worth a look at least once. The staff were friendly and the food is good. I wasn't overly impressed but I would return again.
The food is homestyle southern Italian American and delicious. The atmosphere is eclectic and more like immersive theater. Baked Alaska is not on the menu anymore...but you can ask to see if it is available. The Ricotta Noodles are my personal favorite.
Looks nice, owner and servers are nice. Very helpful and take care of you while there like you are family. Food is expensive. Go to enjoy a slow relaxed evening. Not a rushed evening at a restaurant. As an example $10 for mushrooms. The food was great but expensive for everything. Buddy paid $50 just for 2 drinks.
Upon approaching the door I noticed a NRA sticker! I was very happy to see the business is owned by a freedom loving owner! Besides the fact the food is excellent and service is outstanding I will gladly eat here knowing I'm supporting a patriot and real American business not woke leftists! I highly recommend trying this place! And thank you for supporting my rights!
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