Legends

by Chris Fennimore

Food fads and fashions come and go, but food legends - like most legends in this world - never die. Pittsburgh is fortunate to have so many legendary restaurants where diners can count on the same wonderful dining experience year after year. If you haven't been to these restaurants for a while, that's OK. They'll be happy to see you again.

Left: Caribbean-style Chilean sea bass from Monterey Bay Fish Grotto is rubbed with jerk spices and served with pineapple, red peppers and green onion.

The Carlton
Legendary Characteristic: Professionalism
The Carlton still puts the power in lunch for many of the Pittsburgh region's movers and shakers. But as the evening scene grows in the downtown area, more people will find they can count on fine dining and sophisticated service along with one of the most diverse wine cellars in the area. Here's hoping this legend becomes a neighborhood restaurant.

KIKU Japanese Restaurant
Legendary Characteristic: Serenity
Walk through the doors of Kiku to another time and place. This is as authentic a representation of the Japanese dining experience as you are likely to have on this side of the Pacific. Forget about time, schedules and stress and give yourself over to this land of quiet indulgence.

LeMont
Legendary Characteristic: Class
Some people wait for a special occasion to make the trip up Mount Washington to this legendary restaurant. But the food, service and view mean that any time you dine at LeMont it will be a special occasion.

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
Legendary Characteristic: Freshness
A trip up to Monterey Bay is the shortest distance between Pittsburghers and the seashore. The incredibly fresh selection of seafood, simply and perfectly prepared, will have you looking out the window for waves crashing against the pier. But all you'll see are the waves from a tow barge plying one of the three rivers.

Primanti Bros.
Legendary Characteristic: Audaciousness
Just for fun, ask your server what the most popular seller is at Primanti Bros. Depending on the time of day or night you ask, the answers will amaze and amuse you with their creativity. I've never heard the same answer twice. My favorite is still the capicola with cheese and a fried egg.

Wooden Angel
Legendary Characteristic: All-American
From an award-winning wine list to the freshest in regional cuisine, Wooden Angel offers memorable dining. Owner Alex Sebastian goes all-American to create unforgettable culinary experiences in this Beaver County hideaway. Fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere - I love this country.

Hyeholde
Legendary Characteristic: Romance
The Hyeholde Castle began as a labor of love in 1931. Since then, hundreds of lovers have used the setting to launch or celebrate their own relationships. And chef Chris O'Brien prepares every dish with a loving touch. Fairy tales do come true.

D'Imperio's
Legendary Characteristic: Graciousness
If you want to know what it's like to have a relative in the restaurant business, stop by Anthony D'Imperio's place on Business 22 in Wilkins Township. Tony treats everyone like family. He wanders from table to table to share his good nature, a glass of wine and good wishes. Come to think of it, he's nicer than most of my family and he serves better wine! The family feeling is extended because so many people use the restaurant to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, christenings and holidays.

Common Plea
Legendary Characteristic: Comfort
From the moment you walk through the door of this "Pittsburgh Legend" for fine dining, the experience is all about you. The Common Plea serves high-quality meals with a fine wine selection; however, owners John and Donna Barsotti are true restaurant professionals who understand that a great dinner is even more about how you feel than what you eat. So settle in for a power lunch or for a leisurely dinner and let them spoil you.

Grand Concourse
Legendary Characteristic: Grandness
Dining at the Grand Concourse is like taking a step back into time to a golden age - when people took luxury for granted, and passenger trains pulled into stations as elegant as any European palace. Stained glass, polished wood and brass are everywhere. The scale of these massive rooms with vaulted ceilings and a majestic staircase makes you feel like a character in The Great Gatsby.