STATION SQUARE. Locals warn that you should call Buca di Beppo several days in advance for reservations ­ this fun Italian eatery is that popular. This is a great place to go with the family or a group of festive pals. Meals are served family style, so be prepared to dig in for your share of their signature chicken cacciatore, traditional baked ravioli or savory seafood pasta. Don't miss the garlic bread or the prosciutto and Gorgonzola salad, and of course, save room for Pittsburgh's best cannoli.

BETHEL PARK. A modest gray house provides the backdrop for this family-run neighborhood bistro, where elegant French-inspired fare is the main attraction. Signature flatbreads come with several topping combinations such as boursin cheese and sundried tomato tapenade, or crab, mozzarella and pesto sauce. Zesty pastas, from the unusual Pasta Stack (boursin-stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon) to the Pasta Foody (sausage, sundried tomato, garlic and banana peppers in red wine sauce), are available as both mains and sides. Other flavorful dinner options include lamb chop, osso bucco and yellowfin tuna. Come from 5-6pm for $13 blue plates specials, which include a featured main dish, bread, salad, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage.

SHADYSIDE. With a menu featuring a seductive blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties, Casbah rocks well into the evening. The wide-open space sparkles with ornate paintings and furniture, and lattice window covers dignify the interior with a feeling of exclusivity and separation from the outside bustle. Couscous and lentils with shrimp tease out a surprisingly full flavor without the heaviness of beef or lamb tainting palate and wallet.

OAKLAND. Dave & Andy's Homemade Ice cream is universally accepted as the best ice cream in Pittsburgh ­ the Pittsburgh City Paper formalized this distinction in 2000 when they listed Dave & Andy's on their "best of" list. Though the most popular flavor is chocolate chip cookie dough, more adventuresome tasters can try pumpkin ice cream or real cream ice cream (no additional flavorings are added.) And there's a little surprise at the bottom of each homemade waffle cone! ATM onsite.

DOWNTOWN. Movers and shakers in Pittsburgh eat at Seventh Street Grille. On a typical day, you'll see businesspeople grabbing a quick burger for lunch, young and trendy folks enjoying happy hour, and pre-theater diners sampling a wide variety of traditional American favorites like seafood, pastas, and steaks. The beer selection wins particular praise from those "in the know."