For many of us at Pitt, these are our first years living in a city. As such, it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing a restaurant (there are so many!!). While I’m hesitant to label myself as a foodie (I have a long way to go in expanding my palate all the way), exploring all the different eats in South Oakland has been one of the most exciting parts of my freshman year so far. With the help of a few friends here at Pitt, I’ve crafted a starting guide to some of the best spots to check out when you’re ready to skip the dining halls.
- Roots
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Starting off the list strong is one of my absolutely favorite places to eat in Oakland. Roots on Forbes is a chain specializing in healthy bowls and salads. For a vegetarian like myself, it’s the easiest place to grab a quick bite that satisfies me all the way. I’m a massive fan of their kale mix and BBQ tofu, though you can’t go wrong with anything on their extensive menu.
- Prince of India
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When it comes to the best Indian food in the area, according to my friends, Prince of India is in a league of its own. Not only does it boast a massive menu with tons of specials, the restaurant also has an all-you-can-eat buffet for when your Indian food craving can’t be satisfied with just one entree. I personally haven’t checked them out yet, but I’m beyond excited to in the near future.
- Noodles & Company
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Everyone loves pasta, and if you want something cheap and delicious, Noodles & Company is the place to be! The menu consists of Asian-style noodles, Italian noodles, stuffed noodles, cheesy noodles … anything you could imagine. I’m personally a fan of their zucchini noodles for when I’m looking for a healthier option, and a side order of their delicious garlic bread for when I’m not!
- Melt’d
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There’s nothing better than devouring a perfectly grilled grilled cheese sandwich after a long day, and Melt’d has the market cornered. Melt’d, sitting next to The Pitt Shop on Forbes, specializes in grilled cheeses, but also has quesadillas, milkshakes, and salads for whatever you’re craving. Plus, any place that takes dining dollars is one I find myself coming back to again and again.
- The Porch
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For a nicer dining experience, there’s no better place to hit than The Porch on Schenley Drive, just across the street from campus. With its outdoor seating area looking directly into Schenley Plaza, it provides not only an amazing menu of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, but also a great vibe for when you’re in the mood for something a hair fancier than Forbes or Fifth.
And there you have it – mine and my friends’ roster from our corner of Pittsburgh! There are hundreds of amazing options to check out in South Oakland, but the ones above give you a solid starting point to begin your culinary journey. Bon appetit!