Alta Via: Fine Italian Food and Outdoor Dining in Market Square (Mon., 10/13/25)

In catching up with a friend who works downtown we chose to have lunch at Alta Via in the crystal palace (PPG Place, 2). For an appetizer we both shared the fritto misto (calamari, rock shrimp, lemon aioli). As an entree I chose the bucatini (cacio e pepe, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino Romano). It was rich and delicious with the two cheese blend and just the right amount of ground black pepper. Just enough to drive the dish, but not too much to make it unpleasant. The service was impeccable, with a change of silver for the dessert course. We split the olive oil cake. It was a denser cake, not overly sweet, with a subtle flavor combination of olive oil and sugar. Adding to its tastiness was marmellata and whipped mascarpone. Other offerings include: branzino, seafood arrabbiata, tuna tartare, roasted beet salad, and Grilled Veal Chop Marsala. On a recent visit I had the Steak Fiorentina (8 oz. filet mignon). It was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked to my desired doneness with fennel pollen, rosemary, nebbiolo demi-glace, horseradish crema, and grilled lemon. The menu changes occasionally. There’s covered outdoor seating on one side of the restaurant. Alta Via has two other locations: Fox Chapel and Bakery Square.

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