Alta Via Coming Soon to Market Square

By Clayton Smith

Over the past month, while we have been lost in early Steeler's season hopes, a change has been coming to Downtown. The iconic big Burrito Group restaurant, Alta Via, is adding a second location right in the heart of Market Square. 

The second Alta Via location will hopefully open on Oct. 26, according to Bill Fuller, President and Corporate Chef of big Burrito Group. 

It will keep the same menu as the highly successful Fox Chapel location but offer new opportunities to the restaurant and patrons alike.

"Alta Via in Fox Chapel is a small place: It's a small dining room, no outside area, no area for parties or special events," Fuller said.  

The larger, more central space is one of the things Alta Via Market Square is set to change for the brand. 

With a maximum indoor seating capacity of 155 people, over 90 outdoor seats and an 80-person party room, Alta Via Market Square "is going to do all the things we couldn't do at Fox Chapel because of the location," Fuller said. 

Alta Via Market Square is a much larger restaurant than the original; with this expanded space, the team is still determined to provide the excellent food and service the establishment is known for. 

The local eatery, like its sister establishment, will focus on seasonal vegetables and sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farmers and vendors. The menu combines aspects of Fuller's northern California roots and inspiration from Italian cuisine.

Fuller explained that while customers can still indulge in their favorite carnivorous meals, vegetables are a key part of the meals, and vegetable-focused dishes shine among other dishes highlighted on the menu.

 "One of the interesting things about Northern California is the huge influx of Portuguese and Italian people in the San Francisco Bay area,” he said. “The food has flavored the region and builds on the concept of ingredient-driven, seasonal and vegetable-driven cuisine." 

With these principles and traditional Italian dishes, Alta Via's menu creates something for almost everyone, with passion on every plate. The care is evident when discussing the menu with Fuller; each dish's ingredient is intentional and prepared with great thought.

All aspects of the dining experience, including the food, drinks and service are executed with diligence and skill, making the Market Square location an excellent spot for a date night or an important lunch meeting. 

The restaurant, opening before the end of the month, will begin by serving dinner between 4-9 p.m. on weekdays, 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4-8 p.m. Sundays. While Alta Via is focusing on dinner service to start, the eatery will add lunch service in the coming months.