*Just Announced* Alihan's Mediterranean Cuisine and Istanbul Grille Bring a Taste of the Mediterranean to Best Restaurants
By: Olivia Miller
Foodies know that the Mediterranean Coast’s balmy climate and stunning, crystalline ocean views pale in comparison to its cuisine. Hailed as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world, the Mediterranean diet is based on fresh, clean and simple ingredients. Thanks to authentic restaurants like Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine and Istanbul Grille, Pittsburghers are able to indulge in delicious Mediterranean cuisine without leaving our chilly, cloudy city.
At Best Restaurants, you can taste free samples of the most popular dishes from two of the most well-known Turkish restaurants in the city: Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine and Istanbul Grille.
Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine
A Sixth Street staple, Alihan’s has been offering upscale Turkish dishes to those Downtown since its opening in 2013. Owners Martina and Alihan Hanoglu were inspired to open the establishment after noticing the lack of authentic Turkish restaurants in the city.
Alihan’s prides itself on using fresh, high quality ingredients and authentic Turkish spices in all of their homemade dishes. From the first bite, the difference in quality and freshness in their food is noticeable.
Starting off with their soft, flavorful, 3-ingredient homemade bread is always a good idea when dining at the restaurant. Then, dig into one of their sautes, which feature your choice of meat on top of a flavorful rice pilaf bed and doused in your choice of a red, lemon or cream sauce. The meal does not end there, though. Alihan’s has an extensive menu of desserts featuring Turkish classics like baklava and Turkish delight as well as other favorites like tiramisu and cannolis.
Istanbul Grille
Located in the US Steel Tower’s food court, Istanbul Grille is one of Downtown’s most popular spots for a filling, delicious lunch.
The spot is famous for their plates which firstly feature your choice of tasty bulgur wheat or white rice. You then can choose to top your base with seasoned chicken, gyro meat, or meatballs. They also offer meatball, chicken and gyro salads which feature a lightly dressed lettuce mix as a base. After choosing your entree, Istanbul Grille has numerous hot and cold sides like marinated cucumbers and olives as well as red cabbage salad. For a sweet ending to your meal and start to your afternoon, the establishment also offers Mediterranean sweets like baklava.
If your stomach rumbles just reading about the Mediterranean-inspired dishes, satisfy your cravings at Best Restaurants. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through Eventbrite here. 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 Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine and Istanbul Grille, you can see their menus and hours on their websites and social media pages.
