I'd like to recommend Carino's restaurant in Vandergrift, which is about 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. My family lives in New Kensington, Lower Burrell, and Leechburg, and we always have at least one dinner at Carino's when we're visiting. The pasta dishes are excellent. One member of our party had steak with a crab stuffing that she described as wonderful. Salad is served family style. There is a nice assortment of desserts that changes regularly. Entrees range from about $8-10 to $18-20. We generally go on a week-night and don't need reservations. We needed a reservation the one time we went on Saturday. I've never driven from Pittsburgh to Vandergrift, so I can't offer a best route. It takes about 20 minutes to drive there from Lower Burrell. Once you get to Vandergrift, Carino's is easy to find, because the town is very small. It is located on the main street through the business area. If you want directions from the Lower Burrell/New Kensington area, e-mail me at [email removed] (the address that I am posting from will be changing soon). Cindy Severna Park, Maryland
Pennsylvania