a great romanitc restaurant?

 Marguerita Y. wrote:
 > Alright, enough about football tickets!! (How'd they get there anyhow?)
 >
 > I would like some feedback on good-food, intimate/romantic restaurants
 > in the Pittsburgh area.  I tried the tin angel and it was o.k., but you
 > paid for ambiance and not necessarily the food (chicken was *supposed*
 > to be stuffed with crab), and if one is to pay $100/couple plus tip, one
 > wants as close to a slice of heaven one can get, n'est-ce pas?  I am
 >  a bit disenchanted with the Mt. Washington row restaurants as a result of
 > the Tin (palate) Angel, so I rely on you the tastebud-sensitive and
 > elegantly suave diners of the group.  Please?
 >
 > Thanks

 A few suggestions for a romantic spot:

 Nina, in Highland Park on Bryant St.  You'll pay just as much but get better,
 more imaginative food.

 Seventeenth Street Cafe, South Side.  Small and cozy, friendly service.  Even
 simple dishes like fettucine alfredo are prepared well.  Dinner with wine would
 probably run you around $70.  I believe they don't take reservations.

 Cafe Allegro, also on South Side.  Pricier, and gets crowded at peak times, but
 wonderful food.  Side order of mixed vegetables is worth the price.  Desserts
 are also tasty.

 Years ago I enjoyed The Hyeholde, near Pgh. Airport.  It's in a rambling old
 mansion, so for romantic atmosphere, it's got them all beat.  I fondly remember
 the rack of lamb.

 Cafe Giorgio, South Hills--A little crowded and "close," but good hearty food
 with wonderful sauces. About $80 for two with wine.  In Entertainment book (17th
 street is, too).

 La Filipiana, Butler Ave., Lawrenceville.  Quaint family-run Phillipine
 restaurant.  Get full dinner to sample appetizers and desserts.  BYOB.  Will run
 $40-50 for 2, and that's eating a lot.  Hostess/restaurant owner/chef makes
 special effort to welcome everyone.  Reservations required.

 That's all I can think of for now.  Happy dining!

 Sue Russell

 Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has a dearth of fine restaurants. Neither of
 the following suggestions
 is world class, but both are far superior to
 anything you'll find on Mt. Washington.

 If you care more about food than the romantic part,
 try Nina's.

 If you care more about the romantic atmosphere than
 than the food, try Davio's.

 Reservations a must.

 Cheers,
 Tony

These places are not in Pittsburh, but if you don't mind driving, try Mountain View Inn past Greensburg and (my wife and my favorite) Green Gables in Jennerstown (that's about 20 minutes past Ligonier).  Both are very romantic and have very good food (IMHO). My wife and I visited Green Gables on a Sunday evening in early December and we were the only guests.  We had the seat right next to the large fireplace and it was great. pal

 I second the recommendation for Cafe Allegro. The food is excellent, and
 the atmosphere is not too pompous, but with a mediterranean cafe feel. (I
 also really like 17th St. Cafe, but I don't think it scores too highly on
 the romantic side.)

 The Stone Mansion is a toss up. The atmosphere is quite nice (with dark
 wood, stained glass, fireplaces, etc), and the food can be excellent. But
 I still haven't forgiven them for substituting button mushrooms and fresh
 tomatoes in a pasta dish that advertised porcini mushrooms and sundried
 tomatoes.

 Victoria Cafe (on the North Side) is very romantic. I had a very nice meal
 there a year or so ago, but have read other not quite as nice reviews here
 since that time.

 My parents used to go regularly to Clarks out near the old airport. I've
 been there once and it qualifies as "romantic." But there is a new chef
 there, so I can't comment on the food quality.

 And ever since I saw Flashdance, I've always thought that the Grand Concourse
 must be pretty damn romantic :-).

 Beth Mazur ------------------------ http://www.maya.com/Local/mazur

 "Jobs ... will go to people who can get along with others. Now, how
 do you avoid developing those skills? By standing at a keyboard and
 staring off into cyberspace for hours."           -- Clifford Stoll

 here's a couple of my favorites:

 The Common Plea, downtown.  you can dress fairly casually (i.e., don't
 *have* to wear jacket and tie), the food is good, the service excellent,
 and the atmosphere is romantic.  be prepared to eat for hours!  it is
 fairly expensive.  valet parking.

 Lombardozzi's, Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield.  nice atmosphere, especially
 if you go on an "off night".  great food and plenty of it--you get 2
 complimentary appetizers with your dinner.  less "atmospheric" than the
 Common Plea, but less pricey as well.

 enjoy!

 --diva