The Menu Expands In Market Square

 Let's just say that these days even we need to work overtime to keep up with all the new restaurants opening in and around Market Square. And while most of us can count more than a few of the current eateries among our favorites, the latest entries on the Square offer an even more diverse set of dining options that include everything from fresh takeout sushi to American-style comfort food and regional Italian cuisine from Naples. So get ready to dig in as we introduce you to newest dining hot spots on the Square.

The New Diamond Market Bar & Grill

  











After a few visits, the New Diamond Market Bar & Grill will be the kind of place where everybody knows your name. Friendly, familiar and fun — that's exactly the atmosphere owners Nick Nicholas and Jim Patrinos —they run Primanti's, too — wanted for their newest restaurant on the Square. Outside, the neon signs light up memory lane while the interior decor delivers a contemporary take on the cozy confines of a 1930s tavern from the Square's rough and tumble past. But not worry, the crowd inside is a good looking mix of casual upscale customers dressed in everything from designer business suits during lunch to Sid "The Kid" Crosby jerseys after a Pens victory.  And with a menu that features everything from comfort food delights like mac and cheese to all-American, man-size, cooked-to-order Angus burgers, you won't leave hungry. And we almost forget to mention a beer lineup so diverse that every day is Oktoberfest.

Sinobi2Go













If you've gone fishing in the Square in the past to reel in some sushi, you probably come up with an empty line. Now, the catch of the day can be found wrapped, rolled and ready to eat at Sinobi2Go. Nicely tucked in on Market Street between the Prantl's/Mancini shop and New Diamond Market Bar & Grill, Sinobi2Go serves a big surprise on the traditional fish dish found in the Square with sushi rolls filled with turn, salmon, yellowfish and even brisket marinated in a spiced sweet Korean barbecue sauce. And for a Korean version of the good old American hotdog, order a Bulgogi Festival, a tasty combo of a wiener topped with Korean barbecue sauce, frank sausage and kimchi, a spicy, pickled slaw, which legend says slows the aging process. They also have a selection of tasty Asian beverages in a case by the check out. There is a small counter for dining in. But Sinobi2Go is aimed at the takeout crowd that wants to dine al fresco in the Square. Stop by on Monday October 17 for their Grand Opening Celebration, free samples of Sushi and Asia Dogs all day and you can register to win Sinobi prizes.


La Cucina Flegrea
 











Scheduled to up later this month, La Cucina Flegrea is a newcomer to the Square, but savvy city foodies know that chef/owner Anna Fevola delighted diners for nearly a decade at her Squirrel Hill spot next to Jerry's Records. Though Anna's changing her location, she won't tamper with the traditional Naples-flavored recipes that earned her a strong following. Anna promises a menu that is still big on whole fish entrees, veal, and pasta. Now, if you're wondering just where in the Square to find La Cucina Flegrea, you will need to look up at bit as the eatery rises above it all in a second floor space on Graeme Street. Once you go in the doorway next to Bella Sera, it's short walk up the steps to Anna's graceful, yet comfortable bar and lounge where the after-work crowd can unwind on sleek sofas with custom cocktails and find affordable Italian fare. So if you're looking for a "step up" in Italian dining, La Cucina Flegrea is worth the climb.

Of course, work moves on at Vallozzi's on Fifth Avenue, and you check back here for more details about the new restaurant opening in the former Ciao Baby location. Remember, whatever your appetite there's no better deal than a Square meal!