Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight - Las Velas: Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Downtown Pittsburgh

By Briana Bindus

Since 2010, Las Velas Mexican restaurant has been serving downtown Pittsburgh’s community with food that goes beyond our city’s borders: authentic Mexican cuisine. David Montanez, owner and chef of Las Velas Mexican restaurant, was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico before moving to the Riviera Maya and, eventually, making his way to Pittsburgh. 

Using his flavorful knowledge of Mexican culture, Montanez curated Las Velas’s menu. The restaurant offers lunch items, including classic enchiladas, mahi-mahi tacos, huarache, a Las Velas lunch combo featuring a mix of dishes, and more. 

But the fun doesn’t stop at lunchtime; Las Velas’s dinner menu features a range of items including three soup options, ceviche, numerous tacos and burritos, and a list of specials. Then, once you think you’ve had your fill, there’s a dessert menu including sopapillas (sweet fried tortillas topped with ice cream), churro bites, flan and more. 

The star of the show might just be the “Mar y Tierra” dish, which features steak and shrimp skewers that are seasoned in Montanez’s mother’s recipe. The dish comes out hot, with the sauce poured right in front of you and served over a bed of rice with vegetables. 

Not a fan of skewers? That’s okay – try their “Velada,” which features chicken, chorizo, fish, steak, shrimp, grilled peppers, onions and cilantro all held in half a shell of fresh pineapple. The dish is served with melted cheese, tortillas, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo for your convenience, to eat either fajita style or right out the pineapple. 

If you’re looking to wash your meal down with a refreshing drink, Las Velas has you covered with options between classic and modern margaritas, mules and 20+ beer options. Can’t decide? Try one of their three flights, which feature either samples of sangria or different liquors. 

Montanez proudly owns Las Velas, which is located in Market Square. He spread his culinary excellence with his second restaurant, Madero Cantina, which has three locations – one which is right in Shadyside! 

If you’re looking forward to trying authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of Pittsburgh, make reservations here. Las Velas Mexican restaurant is open seven days a week for your enjoyment.