How This BELOVED Pizza Spot Won Locals Hearts in Pittsburgh, PA

Severina Restaurant & Bar in West View has quietly become Pittsburgh’s worst-kept secret since opening in March 2021. 🍕

The Bagnato family transforms fresh ingredients into authentic Italian fare that has locals driving across town for their fix.

Their wood-fired pizzas and homemade everything approach creates an experience that feels more like visiting family than dining out.

How they won Pittsburgh’s hearts

The Bagnato family didn’t just open a restaurant – they created a neighborhood institution.

Rich Bagnato helms the kitchen while his sons Jonathan and Domenic handle baking and pizza-making duties respectively. 🔥

Mom Kelly arranges fresh flowers and sometimes surprises guests with off-menu treats like goose liver pate. This family affair approach makes every visit feel personal, with multiple generations working together to create something special.

What really won over locals was their commitment to daily-changing menus based on fresh, available ingredients.

During warmer months, they grow herbs right on their front patio. The aroma of roasted garlic wafts so strongly from the kitchen that neighbors claim they can smell it from blocks away. ✨

Mike

Customers consistently describe Severina as a “hidden gem” and praise the authentic Italian experience that transports them straight to a family dinner in Sicily.

Food Highlights

  • White Pizza: Their signature garlicky creation features a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside crust that has customers raving about its perfect texture and bold garlic flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
  • Cheese Pizza: A classic preparation that showcases their house-made dough and fresh mozzarella, proving that sometimes simple ingredients executed perfectly create the most memorable experiences.
  • Margherita Pizza: Traditional tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil come together in this timeless combination that highlights their commitment to authentic Italian pizza-making techniques.
Brandywyne
  • Half Pepperoni, Half Sausage: Perfect for sharing, this customizable option features their house-made sausage alongside quality pepperoni, allowing diners to experience multiple flavors in one perfectly executed pie.
pepperoni and sausage pizza at severina in Pittsburgh pennsylvania
Joey
  • 8-Cut White Pizza: Their popular white pizza portioned into eight manageable slices, making it ideal for sharing while ensuring everyone gets the perfect ratio of crispy crust to creamy toppings.

Atmosphere

Severina’s intimate 40-seat dining room buzzes with the energy of spirited conversations and clinking wine glasses.

Alan Spectaular pastries and desserts on offer as well.

The cozy space feels more like a family gathering than a restaurant, where solo diners at the full-service bar inevitably make new friends. 🍷

Joey

During warmer months, outdoor seating provides a charming patio experience. The space can get lively and loud, but that energy adds to the authentic Italian cafe experience that keeps locals coming back.

Bottom Line

Severina delivers an authentic Italian experience that combines exceptional wood-fired pizza with genuine family hospitality.

Their commitment to fresh, daily-changing ingredients and house-made everything approach creates food worth the inevitable wait.

Make reservations – this hidden gem fills up fast. 🎯

Address: 1330 Center Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15229
📞 (412) 939-3610
🕔 Open Tue-Sat, 7:00 AM–9:00 PM (closed Sun-Mon)