When Chef Dave Anoia and his wife Aimee DiAndrea opened their doors in Pittsburgh’s Strip District back in November 2016, they brought a dream to life that fused authentic Italian traditions with warm neighborhood hospitality. 🍝
This family-owned Italian restaurant quickly transformed from a modest eatery into one of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations, earning national recognition and multiple local awards for its commitment to excellence.
How DiAnoia’s won Pittsburgh’s hearts
DiAnoia’s captured Pittsburgh’s affection through an unwavering commitment to authentic homemade everything — from hand-rolled pasta to freshly baked bread and house-made pastries that reminded locals of genuine Italian kitchens.
The husband-and-wife team’s dedication to quality earned them consecutive Best Italian Restaurant awards from PGH City Paper in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, along with being named 2018 Best Restaurant in Pittsburgh by The Manual.
Their formula was simple yet powerful: treat every guest like family while serving dishes that transported diners straight to the Italian countryside.
By specializing in scratch-made preparations and maintaining consistency across breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, they built a loyal following that continues to grow.
The restaurant’s recognition in national rankings in 2021 and continuous appearances in Pittsburgh Magazine’s Best Restaurants lists through 2023 cemented its status as a must-visit Pittsburgh institution. 🏆
Food Highlights
-
Cacio E Pepe: This classic Roman pasta dish features house-made spaghetti tossed with Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and black pepper — a customer favorite that guests call the best version they’ve had outside of Milan.
-
Gnocchi Sorrentina Bread Bowl: An Instagram-worthy creation featuring gnocchi baked with mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and basil served inside a house-made bread bowl that guests describe as absolutely unforgettable.
-
Gnocchi Pumpkin Bowl: A seasonal showstopper with house-made gnocchi, pumpkin cream, mozzarella, and basil served in an actual roasted pumpkin shell that adds visual drama to the dining experience. 🎃
- Gnocchi & Meatballs: Pillowy house-made potato gnocchi paired with Mama’s meatballs in marinara sauce and Pecorino Romano delivers comfort food at its finest, consistently earning rave reviews for its soft texture and rich flavor.
- Manzo Marsala: Casarecce pasta with Marsala-braised beef, roasted butternut squash, and black peppercorn cream sauce delivers sophisticated flavors that showcase the kitchen’s versatility.
- Mushroom Bolognese: A vegetarian triumph featuring tagliatelle with mushroom duxelle, tomatoes, caramelized onion puree, and carrot romesco that proves meat-free options can be extraordinary.
-
Branzino: Mediterranean sea bass stuffed with fennel, garlic, and lemon, served with roasted potatoes and tomatoes, makes a regular appearance in customer photos and has become a popular choice for seafood lovers.
-
Chicken & Sage Brown Butter: Creste di Gallo pasta bathed in sage and brown butter sauce with roasted chicken, oyster mushrooms, garlic, onion, Parmesan, and fried sage offers rich, aromatic comfort that defines Pittsburgh Italian dining. 🌿
-
Orecchiette con Salsiccia: Ear-shaped pasta tossed with mild Italian sausage, rapini, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and Parmesan creates a harmonious blend of flavors that epitomizes rustic Italian cooking.
- Porchetta: This traditional Italian pork roast combines pork loin and pork belly seasoned with fennel, rosemary, and garlic, then shaved and served with focaccia and drippings — a show-stopping centerpiece that’s become a signature item.
-
Calabrian Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A vegetable dish that surprises diners with its Calabrian chili and maple glaze, balanced with squash puree, pancetta, and Parmesan — proof that even the sides deserve attention.
- Tiramisu: The classic espresso-soaked dessert features sponge cake layered with whipped mascarpone and dusted with cocoa powder, regularly praised as one of the best versions in Pittsburgh.
-
Steak Florentine: A short loin cut drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, with a 1.5 lb minimum that arrives perfectly cooked for those seeking a premium protein experience.
Atmosphere
The restaurant perfectly balances its dual identity as an Italian deli and café by day and a full-service ristorante by night.
The bustling energy of this trattoria-style space features locally crafted art adorning the walls, including a vibrant mural by artist Diego Byrnes that adds character to the dining room.
Guests can choose between the marble bar seating — a treat at any hour — or the lively dining room that buzzes with conversation and laughter.
The Strip District location at the corner of Penn Avenue and 26th Street combines the warmth of a neighborhood gathering spot with the authenticity of an Italian vacation destination. 🇮🇹
Bottom Line
Visit for the award-winning homemade pasta and bread that earned national recognition, the authentic family recipes passed down through generations, the warm hospitality that makes every guest feel like family, the diverse menu spanning breakfast through dinner, and the genuine Italian experience right in Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District. 💫
Address:
2549 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
📞 (412) 918-1875
🕔 Open Tues-Thurs 8 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 8 AM–10 PM, Sun 3 PM–8 PM (dinner only; kitchen closes 3 PM daily, reopens 5 PM Tues-Fri, 4 PM Sat)