A Culinary Journey Through Pittsburgh, Best Restaurants Features The Flavors of Papa J's and Las Velas
By Olivia Miller
At Best Restaurants, it is no exaggeration to say that you can get a taste of literally everything. From authentic Chinese dishes to new takes on American classics to Italian delicacies and Mexican delights, Best Restaurants offers variety unlike any other event in the city.
As if the offer of more food than you could even imagine isn’t tantalizing enough, the event features two of Downtown Pittsburgh’s go-to spots for authentic international fare: Las Velas and Papa J’s.
Las Velas
Located in Market Square, Las Velas has been offering Pittsburghers authentic Mexican cuisine for the last 14 years. The establishment was opened by Mexican native David Montanez who made it his mission to bring authentic Mexican food to the city of Pittsburgh. The restaurant just switched up its menu for the first time and offers flavorful variations of their classic taco and enchilada dishes.
Inspired by culinary traditions from all around Mexico, Las Velas offers dishes that are very different from the Velveeta queso and chimichangas many may be familiar with. Montanez prides himself on offering dishes steeped in history, like their velada dish that was a favorite of Mexican construction workers for decades. The dish is a spicy, meaty mixture of chicken, fish, shrimp and chorizo cooked alongside peppers and onions. Served best in a tortilla, the dish is accompanied by sour cream and their homemade pico de gallo and guacamole.
Papa J’s
After an illustrious history in Cranberry, owner Michael Troiani opened the establishment’s Strip District location in the Twin Plaza Building in 2022. Having grown up around the restaurant industry, Troiani is proud to offer patrons dishes like authentic Italian carbonara and homemade gelato alongside his hardworking team. The Italian specialties at Papa J’s are the products of not only culinary craftsmanship but also strategic partnerships with local businesses like Ricci’s Sausage and Pennsylvania Macaroni Company.
One of Papa J’s most famous dishes, and one of Troiani’s favorites, is their wedding soup, which is affectionately referred to as Italian penicillin. The soup is a product of a lengthy process- one that includes three pots of water-but turns out to be a flavorful mix of chicken, pasta shells, meatballs, carrots and spinach.
If your stomach rumbles just reading about their mouth-watering dishes, satisfy your cravings at Best Restaurants. There is just a little over TWO WEEKS before the event and tickets are flying off of the shelves. Make sure you get yours now at our Eventbrite here. Follow us on social media for exclusive giveaways and deals!
The event will take place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on November 2nd from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. With Downtown’s tastiest restaurants handing out samples of their best dishes, Best Restaurants is sure to be a night of food and community that you do not want to miss.
Stay tuned every Tuesday morning in your inbox for a sneak peek of the restaurants coming to Best Restaurants in your addition of The Downtowner. If you can’t wait until November to taste the offerings of Las Velas and Papa J’s, you can see their full menus and hours of operation on their website.
