
"An Oasis Off Walnut."
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
PIZZUTTI"S Restaurant
709 Bellefonte Street
Shadyside
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
United States
ph: 412-687-1022
pizzutti
Social Media has made it's mark in our world today. Following are some comments I found on social media sites. Not everything you find on the web is real, but I can tell from the comments that these people actually ate at PIZZUTTI'S and enjoyed the food, service and ambiance we proudly offer! Thank you for being our guest and for your kind words. We look forward to serving you soon!
I had spaghetti and meatballs (one meatball, actually--the thing was enormous!). The spaghetti was delicious (fresh and homemade) and the meatball was okay--a bit more like sausage than a traditional meatball, but not bad.
The lighting got dimmer throughout the evening, eventually getting slightly too dim to be able to see food and menus well.
The service was very attentive when we got there, though different servers repeated each other. It slowed noticeably as more people arrived, but that's to be expected--it's a relatively small family operation with only maybe 3 or 4 servers.
The atmosphere and neighborhood are both nice. It's somewhat quiet, and wasn't all that busy when I got there but was about 90% full after I finished my entrée.
I had a three-layer chocolate cake for dessert, which was fantastic. There was raspberry sauce and chocolate sauce on top, and it was moist and delicious.
They had free or BYOB wine available, though I didn't have any.
Contrary to what some other reviews said, they *do* take credit cards.
Review from Jessica B.
Five Star Rating
Fools Rush In sung by an Italian man plays softly over the speakers. A statue of David (maybe?) stands directly behind me and appears to be sprouting from my head, according to my dining partner. David wears a diaper. This is also, without doubt, the quietest restaurant I have ever been in.
I am absolutely a sucker for restaurants tucked secretly into residential areas. Pizzutti's is enough off of Walnut St to feel hidden away. This may explain why I am kicking myself for not going sooner. Thank goodnes Girasole was closed because I have found my new heaven.
Perfect Italian food. Perfect. Beautifully tender ravioli, excessive and overwhelming heaps of bruschetta, pappardelle pasta in cream with sweet sausage. Lovely, all. Everyone should go. I order everyone in Pittsburgh to go! (Although it may be a BYOB, not sure about that.)
The only slight negative is that our server did not seem thrilled to be there. A very unsmiling man.
Owner Comment. I know who you mean. He's no longer with us. but I wish him well!
Five Star Rating
What a fantastic find! Tiny Italian restaurant family owned nestled on a side street in very yuppified shadyside walnut street area. Look out for small yelpy dogs on the sidewalk.
Food is fantastic. Noodles home made, sauces are beautiful and the atmosphere is authentic. I feel like i am having dinner in my aunt Gilda's dining room.
BYO except they offer complimentary Chianti and pinot grigio. I had 3 glasses!
Love it! Enjoy.
Review from Sharon W.
Five Star Rating
San Francisco, CA
My boyfriend took me to Pizzutti's for our first date and I was really impressed! It's a bit hidden away on Bellefonte, but that only adds to the charm. It's somewhat dressy... I probably wouldn't wear jeans, but you don't need to break out the jacket or anything.
The food is great, though expensive. Dinner for two will easily run you $50-60 without any wine. You'll probably have leftovers, though, so it's all good. Stay for dessert (mmm, canoli) or head over to the gelato place on Copeland.
Get some cash from your bank's ATM before you come here, because they don't accept cards. They do have their own ATM, but why pay the fees?
Agree with another reviewer that the restaurant is quiet. Service was good. Every waiter I've had here seemed... a bit flamboyant and effeminate. I don't care either way, but it seemed amusing at the time. I should go back to see if anything's changed around there.
Owner Comment: Now accepting credit cards and thanks for your comments.
HUNTINGDON VY, PA
Five Star RatingThe food was so great! I had the hand-made ravioli and it was amazing. The prices were great for the giant portions. The atmosphere is very nice in this small restaurant and there is good outdoor seating.
My only complaint is they don't take credit cards. They do have an ATM but its cash only. Overall a fantastic restaurant though!
Owner Note: We are now accepting credit cards!
Went looking for a new place to eat and based on the reviews on Yelp, decided to give it a try. Everything about this place was great. The decor, our waiter, and the food. Will definitely go back!!!!
Pittsburgh, PA
Andrea Bocelli has always been a favorite of mine, so when I heard his flawless ballads streaming from the speakers at Pizutti's, I got excited. Still in search of some good Italian food in Pittsburgh, we decided on the small Italian Restaurant in Shadyside.
The first time I walked by Pizuttti's, I thought it may be a pizza, or small sub shop. Walk in the front door, and you'll be surprised to see a dining room beyond a small foyer. The dining area is warm and inviting, with warm colors on the walls, and all of the appropriate Italian décor.
Nate, our waiter, came by and introduced himself. He went on to tell us that Pizutti's was a BYOB establishment, but if we didn't have any wine, he would be happy to pour us a glass of complimentary Chianti of Pinot Grigio. Wait, did you say complimentary, as in free? Why yes he did! Since Pizutti's doesn't have a liquor license they're permitted to serve, but not charge for alcohol.
As we looked over the menu, Nate asked if we wanted any appetizers. I asked for a Caesar salad, and a bowl of their house-vegetable soup was also ordered. The salad came with large homemade croutons, extra anchovies, and creamy Caesar dressing. The salad was excellent- the greens were fresh, and cut into small bite-size pieces, with crunch croutons on top. The soup was steaming hot when it arrived, and was full of hearty summer vegetables. The broth was flavorful, and perfectly seasoned- so far so good. The salad and soup was served with fresh Italian bread, and spicy dipping oil
Entrees were next; we ordered: Penne a la PIZZUTTI'S, Imported Penne with Sautéed Chicken, Mushrooms, Goat Cheese and Chives in a White Wine Cream Sauce- $ 12.99, Gnocchi with Prosciutto di Parma and Peas, Potato Gnocchi with Prosciutto di Parma and Green Peas, Garlic and Herbs,Topped with Parmigianno-Reggiano- $11.99, and PIZZUTTI'S Spaghetti with Meat Balls, Homemade Spaghetti with a 'PIZZUTTI Sized Meatball' in Own Tomato Sauce- $11.99. We also ordered a side Spinach Salad -$7.99.
Nate told us that the pasta at Pizutti's was all homemade- impressive.
The Spinach Salad arrived first; the leaves were dark green and fresh. Also on the salad were large strips of sweet red peppers, walnuts, gorgonzola, homemade raspberry vinaigrette, and poached, sweet pears- the salad was scrumptious.
The pasta dishes were served, and we were immediately impressed with the large portions. The Penne a la Pizutti had thick, grilled skinless-boneless strips of seasoned chicken atop of penne with mushrooms in a white sauce. I tasted the chicken first- it was juicy and flavorful, not overcooked in the least, and the penne pasta was cooked properly. The white wine sauce was average, lacking any white wine taste, and I could also taste the flour that was used in making the béchamel sauce. Overall, the dish was good. The Pizuttti spaghetti with Meat Balls was next. The meatball was the size of a baseball, and fresh strands of homemade spaghetti surrounded the plate. The red sauce was tart and fresh (finally a red sauce made by someone with knowledge of Italian cooking) and the meatball was tender and mouthwatering.
Gnocchi is a fickle dish- it's always difficult to find the right combination between the flour and potato mixture... you don't want the delicate taste of the potato to be overwhelmed by anything else in the dish. I'm not sure if the gnocchi at Pizutti's are homemade, but they were excellent. The texture of the potato dumplings weren't over starchy, and the small gnocchi were cooked just right. The bright green peas, prosciutto, garlic and herbs, and cheese were also a nice combination.
Besides having great food, here are a few other things that in my opinion, make Pizutti's a good restaurant:
Excellent service. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. He was focused on our needs, and courteous. He also offered cracked black pepper for all of our dishes, as well as fresh parmesan cheese.
Good red sauce. I've had some really bad red sauce at Italian restaurants lately. A good red sauce is simply prepared, fresh, and seasoned.
Complimentary wine. If you didn't bring any wine, or forgot your bottle, the staff at Pizutti's will provide you with some good quality, complimentary Vino!
Combine all of these attributes, and you have a good restaurant. Finally, authentic Italian food at a reasonable price... who knew!
Happy Cooking!
Chef Chuck Kerber
Fantastic pasta. (One of the few alfredo dishes I've had that doesn't make me sick.) Great waiters. BYOB option. Lovely atmosphere where you'll probably fit in wearing jeans or evening wear. AMAZING almond torte!
About This Business
PIZZUTTI'S, located in the heart of Shadyside's popular shopping district, serves fresh Northern Italian Cuisine. Featuring homemade pasta and daily seafood specials.
In the News:
"PIZZUTTI'S Restaurant knows what there is to know about Italian Cuisine." (WHIRL Magazine)
"From the minute you step inside PIZZUTTI'S you know it's going to be good." (Pittsburgh Magazine)
"Homemade pasta meets savory sauces at PIZZUTTI'S. Outstanding." (Tribpm)
"AN OASIS OFF WALNUT." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
"If you are looking for a quiet and intimate little spot that serves great ... homemade pastas in a romantic setting ... look no further." (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
A charming European ambiance awaits you. Please join us on our sidewalk cafe!
Established in 2005
Thank you to our cherished guests for your loyalty and support.
Sincerely,
Susan Pizzutti
Susan Pizzutti, awarded "Restaurateur of the Year" by Pittsburgh Magazine, is dedicated to providing authentic Northern Italian Cuisine in the heart of Shadyside. She is grateful to her guests and the press and for their kind words and support.

PIZZUTTI"S Restaurant
709 Bellefonte Street
Shadyside
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
United States
ph: 412-687-1022
pizzutti