Pittsburgh prides itself on its ethnic diversity, reflected in the menus found in restaurants throughout the city. Sample Mexican, French, Chinese or Spanish fare at restaurants nestled on the South Side among art galleries and shops. Opportunities abound for experimenting with Indian, Thai, Portuguese, Russian and Jewish cuisines in the neighborhoods of Shadyside, Oakland and Squirrel Hill. At Station Square, a restored train station houses a diverse collection of restaurants. And Mt. Washington, high above Station Square, is one of the loveliest settings for formal dining—several restaurants there offer superb menus along with breathtaking views. Dress is typically on the casual side except at the finest restaurants.

Below is a sampling of restaurants in town. Expect to pay within the following guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$25; $$$ = US$26-$50; and $$$$ = more than US$50.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

Cafe Allegro—Selected by Pittsburgh Magazine as Best Overall Restaurant every year since 1993, Cafe Allegro serves foods from the French Riviera and Italy. House specialty: pasta del sole. Daily 5-10 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$. Most major credit cards. 51 S. 12th St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-481-7788.

Carlton—An extensive wine list with more than 200 selections has earned this masculine-looking, dark-paneled restaurant the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The fine menu is ever changing, but the standout remains their prime rib. Complimentary limousine service brings you to downtown theaters. There's free parking in the One Mellon garage. Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm. Dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$. Most major credit cards. One Mellon Bank Center, 500 Grant St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-391-4099.

Kaya—The Caribbean food and decor in this casual Strip District restaurant attract a noisy, younger crowd. Hot and cold tropas (like Spanish tapas), great beer selection. In summer sit outside and watch the party people pass by. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-midnight, Sunday 11:30 am-9 pm. Bar hours differ, often remaining open until 2 am. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2000 Smallman St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-362-5656.

Monterey Bay Fish Grotto—Far from a bay or grotto, this appealing restaurant atop Mt. Washington offers a spectacular view of the land below. The view is also spectacular from the lower lounge where before- or after-dinner drinks are served. Good service, abundant fresh-fish menu (most popular: ahi tuna) and a fine wine list. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 am-3 pm. Dinner Monday-Thursday 5-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-9 pm. Reservations suggested. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1411 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-481-4414.

Soba Lounge—A hip, many-layered hot spot, Soba Lounge serves Pan-Asian food in the funky part of Shadyside. Sunday-Thursday 5-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11 pm. Bar hours differ, often remaining open to 2 am. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 5847 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-362-5656.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

China Palace—This place is a favorite with locals, possibly as much for the sophisticated atmosphere and cordial service as for the specialty Hunan, Sichuan and Mandarin dishes. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30-11 pm, Sunday 2-9 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 5440 Walnut St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-687-7423.

Mallorca—This popular South Side eatery dishes up Spanish cuisine, with tapas, seafood and some Portuguese dishes. It's very hip and always crowded. Large servings, extensive wine list. There's even a smoke-free garden room. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am-11:30 pm, Sunday noon-10 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2228 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-488-1818.

Mineo's Pizza House—This simple neighborhood pizza place is a Pittsburgh tradition. Bring your own beer. Sunday-Thursday 11 am-1 am, Friday and Saturday 11 am-2 am. $. No credit cards. 2128 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-521-9864.

Penn Brewery—This German beer hall and outdoor beer garden serve up German specialties and quality beers. Authentic German entertainment performs on weekends. Monday-Saturday 11 am-midnight. $$. Most major credit cards. Troy Hill Road and Vinial Street, Pittsburgh. Phone 412-237-9402.

BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH

Ritter's Diner—This all-American diner serves hearty breakfasts and such comfort foods as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy. Daily 24 hours. $. No credit cards. 5221 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-682-4852.

CONTINENTAL

Cafe Zinho—This garage-turned-bistro features tasty Continental cuisine from an a la carte menu that changes seasonally. Pasta del mar and cassoulet are standouts. Funky decor plus outdoor dining (when the weather permits) has made this an instant hit with fashionable East-Enders. Bring your own wine. Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30-11 pm. $$-$$$. No credit cards. 238 Spahr St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-363-1500.

FRENCH

Le Pommier—Country French cuisine is served in a quaint setting. Extensive, respected wine list. Monday-Thursday 5:30-9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 5:30-10:30 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$. Most major credit cards. 2104 E. Carson, Pittsburgh. Phone 412-431-1901.

ITALIAN (INCLUDING PIZZERIAS)

Davio—Because this small Italian restaurant (30 seats) is extremely popular, reservations are crucial. The double-cut veal chop and choice fish entrees are highly regarded. There's a US$3 corkage fee if you bring your own wine. Monday-Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 4-11 pm. Reservations required. $$-$$$. No credit cards. 2100 Broadway, Pittsburgh. Phone 412-531-7422.

LATE NIGHT

Primanti Brothers Restaurant—For the adventuresome sandwich lover: The french fries and cole slaw go inside the sandwich. Super casual. Expect colorful characters—it's a Pittsburgh late-late-night tradition. Sunday-Thursday 11 am-2 am, Friday and Saturday 11 am-3 am. $. No credit cards. 1832 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-381-2583. Also at 46 18th St. (open 24 hours). Phone 412-381-2583.

SEAFOOD

Common Plea Restaurant—This perennial favorite is appropriately located behind the Common Plea Courthouse. The bouillabaisse is almost as popular as the broiled seafood platter. Lunch Monday-Friday 11 am-2:30 pm, dinner Monday-Saturday 5-10 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 310 Ross St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-281-5140.

STEAK HOUSES

Ruth's Chris Steak House—The best steak in town, according to Pittsburgh Magazine readers. Large portions, with sides extra. For nonbeef eaters, there's chicken and fresh fish. It's busy during business lunches. Monday-Friday 11:30 am-3 pm and 5-10 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-9 pm. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 6 PPG Place, Pittsburgh. Phone 412-391-4800.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES

Bellini—The newest and one of the most popular spots in the East End, Bellini specializes in contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Menu offerings have included poached sea bass in a champagne, cream and pureed peach sauce and filet mignon crusted with toasted hazelnuts. Hanging Venetian-glass lamps light the cozy interior. The back garden beckons in summer. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 5-11 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 5884 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-363-2022.

Casbah—Feast on French, Italian and Spanish offerings with influences from the Middle East and North Africa. More than 20 wines by the glass. Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-2 pm. Dinner Sunday-Tuesday 5-10 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 5-11 pm. Reservations suggested. $$$. Most major credit cards. 119 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-661-5656.

Grand Concourse—The former P&LE Railroad Station is now a national historic landmark and restaurant, where you dine surrounded by near-regal architecture. The restaurant concentrates on seafood, steaks and homemade pastas. The River Room's view of the city on the water is worth the wait. Sunday brunch is all-you-can-eat. Monday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm and 4:30-10 pm, Saturday 4:30-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-2:30 pm and 4:30-9 pm. Reservations suggested. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 1 Station Square, Pittsburgh. Phone 412-261-1717.

La Feria—This casual, tiny Peruvian restaurant is on the second floor, above Pamela's, a busy breakfast eatery in yuppified Shadyside. It's a pleasant respite while browsing the shops on Walnut Street. Authentic food draws hosts of vegetarians. Usually there are only two spicy entrees—meat or vegetarian—together with rice and salad. A single table for smokers is on the balcony. You can bring your own beer or wine. Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 5527 Walnut St., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-682-4501.

Le Mont—At this elegant eatery atop Mt. Washington, dazzling views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline are paired with a Continental menu. Monday-Thursday 5-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 5-10 pm, Sunday 4-9 pm. Reservations required on weekends. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1114 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-431-3100.

Morton's of Chicago—Fans swear by this downtown steak house, with its huge portions of prime aged steak and an atmosphere resembling a private club. Extensive, pricey wine list. Monday-Saturday 5:30-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 625 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh. Phone 412-261-7141.