There are a handful of places in Pittsburgh that make you feel anywhere but the city: the gorgeous courtyard enclosed by Pusadee’s Garden, the red, deeply-lit and pleasantly loud dining room of Umami, the downstairs climb to delicious eats at Jian’s Kitchen.

This weekend, we’re in the mood for a destination. We’re on the hunt for places that take us out of the city for a minute, seducing with museum-like artwork, fresh, enticing flavors, and of course, fabulous food. 

Hyeholde Restaurant

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A castle awaits diners at Hyeholde which, if Chef Chris O'Brien didn’t make such fantastic food, could function as a museum. The massive space – the first half built originally in 1931 – goes on forever, boasting ornate dining rooms full of artwork and furnishings fit for royalty. A massive garden wraps around the backyard, covered neatly in towering trees.

O’Brien is full of flavor, filling the menu with American-inspired, French-educated eats. Seasonality plays a big part in the bill of dishes; currently, find a juicy, earthy rack of lamb and a rich elk loin as stars of the menu. 

COBRA

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Though unimpressive from the outside, the inside of COBRA – if it wasn’t clear from the slithering snake door handles – is a completely different world. Futuristic, neon lights stud the karaoke dance floor, leading to a darkly-lit bar and their Korean barbecue-fitted dining room, a long line of booths fit with their own grill.

Perfectly-fatty cuts of short rib and thin, rich strips of zabuton are some of the many choices to barbeque, partnered by a series of delicious banchan. If grilling isn’t your style, find fusion snacks – burgers, kimchi carbonara, and more – on the bar menu. 

Café du Jour

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I’ll never forget my first trip to Café du Jour. The dining room (without including their blooming courtyard) extended the length of a row house, with tables crammed neatly in any space that would hold them. Looking at the kitchen, I wasn’t expecting much; it seemed too small to crank out their long menu of Euro-style eats. 

The two chefs quickly proved any of my reservations wrong, delighting with a pecorino and artichoke dip and a sweet finish, the blueberry-spiked, syrup-drenched croissant bread pudding. 

Spirits & Tales

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There’s got to be at least one view on this list, and Spirits & Tales doesn’t disappoint. Their top-floor spot in Oakland puts the neighborhood on display with giant, ceiling-to-floor windows. Though brilliant in the day, I favor Spirits & Tales at night; the windows, paired with their modern vibe, bring a cozy, urban feel to the university zone.

In my eyes, formal dining service takes a backseat to the restaurant’s casual-cool bar seating, fit with a wine list to match every need. Order snack after snack and drink through their top-notch cocktail list.

Khalil’s II

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History is the heartbeat of Khalil’s. The Middle Eastern eatery, founded in 1972, is now run by children of the original owner. On their walls, find family pictures; on their shelves, find gorgeous gold wares and ornate decorations; on their menu, find family recipes and flavors that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

Their signature mazza, a spread of hummus, smoky baba ganough, fresh-tasting medumas, and savory-sweet, red-bell-pepper-based mahamarra, is not to be missed. Follow your smorgasbord starter with their falafel or earthy, rich lamb kebab stacked on rice pilaf. 

STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF SWENSEN