At NEXT, we love sharing all kinds of Pittsburgh stories with our readers. But if we had to pick a favorite topic, it would be covering new restaurants. Can you blame us?
The regional food scene shows no signs of slowing down: There were so many openings this year we couldn’t possibly visit them all. Our favorites of the year include dishes from India and Poland to Brooklyn and Korea. Some of them are tucked away in tiny boroughs and some are in busy city neighborhoods, but they’re all deliciously unique. If you haven’t tried these places yet, put these eateries on your list now.
Tatva
12009 Perry Highway, Wexford
Tatva’s curries or biryanis are stellar, but they play second fiddle to all the small plates and sides that you can’t help but order droves of. Its Punjabi samosas are about the size of your palm and dusted lightly with spice so you can devour them before any sauces hit the table and still get a flavorful bite. The pastry is flaky yet doesn’t crumble to dust between bites, and the filling is just the right texture — you’re never left fighting through a large chunk of potato to reach those rich spices or sweet peas. If you were raised a carnivore — like myself — and have an innate disinterest in vegetarian cooking, you need to try the Hara Bara Kabab off Tatva’s Tandoori menu. The spinach and pea patties are creamy, spicy and have an uncannily crisp crust that makes them irresistible. I’ve shamelessly ordered two portions in one sitting, and they’ve been my gateway drug to other vegetarian and vegan entrees.
Polska Laska
1100 N. Canal St., Sharpsburg…