Pittsburgh’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of hearty comfort food and global flavors, offering budget-friendly dishes that are as satisfying as they are affordable. From the Strip District’s bustling markets to Lawrenceville’s trendy eateries, the city is packed with options for those looking to eat well without breaking the bank. Below, we’ve curated a list of 10 must-try dishes under $10, backed by customer reviews and local food guides. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these affordable eats will introduce you to the heart of Pittsburgh’s food culture.

1. Pierogies from Pierogies Plus

  • Restaurant: Pierogies Plus

  • Description: Three handmade pierogies filled with potato and cheese, served with sautéed onions.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Pierogies Plus in McKees Rocks is a Pittsburgh institution for authentic Polish dumplings. Yelp reviewers praise the “pillowy dough” and “creamy filling,” with one saying, “Three for $4.50 is a steal!” It’s a taste of Pittsburgh’s Eastern European heritage.

  • Price: $4.50 (for three)

  • Location: 342 Island Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

2. Arepa from Salem’s Market & Grill

  • Restaurant: Salem’s Market & Grill

  • Description: A Venezuelan arepa stuffed with shredded beef, lettuce, and tomato.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Salem’s in the Strip District is known for Middle Eastern and Latin American fare. Yelp reviewers call the arepa “crispy and hearty,” with one noting, “It’s filling for $9!” It’s a flavorful nod to Pittsburgh’s growing Latin American scene.

  • Price: $9

  • Location: 2923 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

3. Tacos from La Chaparrita

  • Restaurant: La Chaparrita

  • Description: Two tacos with carne asada, onions, and cilantro on corn tortillas.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This Little Village taqueria is a Pittsburgh gem for authentic Mexican tacos. Yelp reviewers love the “smoky, tender” carne asada, with one saying, “Two tacos for $6 is perfect!” It’s a budget-friendly taste of Mexico.

  • Price: $6 (for two)

  • Location: 2613 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

4. Jerk Chicken Plate from Island Spice

  • Restaurant: Island Spice

  • Description: A small portion of jerk chicken with rice and peas.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Island Spice in East Liberty brings authentic Jamaican flavors to Pittsburgh. Yelp reviewers rave about the “spicy, smoky” jerk chicken, with one noting, “The small plate for $8.50 is a great deal!” It’s a Caribbean delight.

  • Price: $8.50

  • Location: 5926 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

5. Breakfast Biscuit from Biscuit Boss

  • Restaurant: Biscuit Boss

  • Description: A buttermilk biscuit with egg and cheddar cheese.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Biscuit Boss in Lawrenceville is a favorite for Southern-style breakfasts. Yelp reviewers praise the “fluffy, buttery” biscuit, with one saying, “It’s only $7 and so satisfying!” It’s a classic Pittsburgh morning bite.

  • Price: $7

  • Location: 3601 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

6. Empanadas from Franchesca’s Empanadas

  • Restaurant: Franchesca’s Empanadas

  • Description: Two empanadas filled with beef or chicken, served with chimichurri sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Franchesca’s in Bloomfield is a go-to for Latin American comfort food. Yelp reviewers call the-empanadas “crispy and flavorful,” with one noting, “Two for $5.50 is a great snack!” It’s a budget-friendly delight.

  • Price: $5.50 (for two)

  • Location: 4601 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224

7. Grilled Cheese from Artifact Coffee

  • Restaurant: Artifact Coffee

  • Description: A grilled white cheddar sandwich on sourdough bread.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Artifact Coffee in Station North is known for its cozy vibe and quality comfort food. Yelp reviewers love the “melty, crispy” sandwich, with one saying, “It’s $9 and perfect for lunch!” It’s a simple, satisfying classic.

  • Price: $9

  • Location: 1927 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

8. Sushi Roll from Lawrence Fish Market

  • Restaurant: Lawrence Fish Market

  • Description: A basic tuna or salmon roll with rice and seaweed.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This Albany Park takeout spot offers affordable, quality sushi. Yelp reviewers praise the “fresh, simple” rolls, with one noting, “A roll for $5.50 is a steal!” It’s a surprising budget-friendly option in Pittsburgh.

  • Price: $5.50

  • Location: 5121 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

9. Beans and Greens from Enrico’s Café

  • Restaurant: Enrico’s Café

  • Description: A small plate of beans and greens cooked in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Enrico’s in the Strip District is a hidden gem for Italian comfort food. Yelp reviewers call it “hearty and flavorful,” with one saying, “It’s $8 and feels like home!” It’s a vegetarian-friendly steal.

  • Price: $8

  • Location: 2429 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

10. Pizza Slice from Pizza Friendly Pizza

  • Restaurant: Pizza Friendly Pizza

  • Description: A Sicilian-style cheese slice with zesty tomato sauce and gooey cheese.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: This Ukrainian Village spot is a Pittsburgh favorite for thick-crust pizza. Yelp reviewers love the “light, airy” crust, with one saying, “A slice for $5 is perfect!” It’s a classic Pittsburgh bite.

  • Price: $5

  • Location: 3410 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Pittsburgh’s food scene is a celebration of diversity and comfort, and these 10 dishes under $10 showcase the city’s culinary richness. From the iconic pierogies at Pierogies Plus to the fresh sushi rolls at Lawrence Fish Market, there’s something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re craving a hearty arepa or a simple grilled cheese, these affordable eats promise a delicious experience. Dive into Pittsburgh’s vibrant food culture and savor these must-try dishes!

Price Comparison Table

Dish Restaurant Price Location
Pierogies Pierogies Plus $4.50 (for three) 342 Island Ave, McKees Rocks, PA 15136
Arepa Salem’s Market & Grill $9 2923 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Tacos La Chaparrita $6 (for two) 2613 Freeport Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Jerk Chicken Plate Island Spice $8.50 5926 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Breakfast Biscuit Biscuit Boss $7 3601 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Empanadas Franchesca’s Empanadas $5.50 (for two) 4601 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Grilled Cheese Artifact Coffee $9 1927 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Sushi Roll Lawrence Fish Market $5.50 5121 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Beans and Greens Enrico’s Café $8 2429 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Pizza Slice Pizza Friendly Pizza $5 3410 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201