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| - This is without a doubt my FAVORITE (at least upscale) restaurant in Pittsburgh. One that I don't get to as much as I would like because it is on the pricey side, but if DH and I have some extra cash and want a nice date night this is the place we go.
We've eaten there three times and each time have received excellent food, quick and friendly service, and have left full and satisfied.
I've eaten at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, the Sundial Restaurant in Atlanta, and several other upscale steak places, and Cioppino makes my favorite. Normally we get the large steak and split it and several sides, but their steaks are good enough that I could probably gorge myself and eat a whole one myself!
As far as parking goes, I believe they offer free valet parking, but we can usually find a spot on the street close to the restaurant so we normally just park and walk. I could be wrong about the valet, so don't take my word on that one.
I've never been informed of a dress code, but it seems like people normally dress in business-type attire -- hubby normally wears slacks and a polo or button down shirt and I wear casual dresses or slacks and a blouse.
There is a cigar bar right next door but we have never been so I can't comment on the bar. I will mention that when they are having jazz nights next door the sound does sometimes travel into the restaurant a bit but it isn't excessively loud. The smell of cigars, etc, does NOT travel.
The decor is understated but upscale. Dark tables and comfortable chairs, candles on the tables, and low lighting. Definitely romantic.
The food. Ahhhhh, the food. I wish I could eat at this place for lunch and dinner at least twice a week. The food is so good!@
A breakdown of what we've tried:
Beef Carpaccio -- sooooooo good. We cleared the plate. The beef was sliced and seasoned perfectly and practically melted in our mouths.
Tuna Tartara -- this is the only thing I've eaten at Cioppino that I didn't love. Although I don't think it had anything to do with the way it was prepared -- I think I just don't really like tuna tartara.
Roasted Root Vegetables -- it looks like these aren't on the current menu. But oh.my.goodness. If you go and they are on the menu -- ORDER THEM! Roasted carrots, parsnips, and turnips so soft and sweet and a little bit salty. The flavors of all three are so different but complement each other perfectly. And that bitter flavor that turnips have? Totally gone when roasted.
Parmesan Risotto -- delicious. Some of the best risotto I've had -- I would postulate that they make this the "real" way by toasting the rice first and then laboriously adding broth ladle-by-ladle until the risotto is done. It's always creamy and soft (maybe slightly al-dente) and very flavorful. I've had risotto from a few restaurants that is just chewy and flavorless, but this stuff is AWESOME.
Macaroni and Cheese -- this isn't your typical Kraft-style mac and cheese, folks. The noodles are cooked perfectly and it's obvious they use high-quality cheese -- just a bit sharp, and the sauce is just the right consistency.
Steak -- we specifically get the 14 oz. strip and split it. The steaks are juicy, seasoned perfectly, and always come the way we order them (which by the way, is medium rare). I've never run into gristle or any other problems with the quality of the cuts they use.
Coffee and Donuts -- we went on a limb and tried this. It wasn't *quite* what I expected. When I read beignets, I imagined crisp "elephant ear" style pastry like is served in New Orleans. These are more like donuts holes, are are puffy and soft. Tossed in sugar and served with dipping sauce they were good, but didn't blow me away.
Creme Brulee -- when we went it wasn't the one that is currently on the menu, it was plain creme brulee. And it was the best I've ever had. Now, I'm no aficionado (I've had it maybe 5 times in my life) but this is what I imagine creme brulee is SUPPOSED to be. Crisp sugar on top so that when you hit it with your spoon it cracks, and creamy custard-y deliciousness underneath. I would order this dessert every time I went if I could.
Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant. Maybe for a nice business dinner and DEFINITELY for a date -- take someone you want to impress out for a nice dinner with a great atmosphere, great food, and great service.
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