Welcome to Zarra's Restaurant
Zarra's Restaurant, nestled in Pittsburgh's vibrant culinary scene, embodies the essence of traditional Italian family dining. With its charming decor reminiscent of a cozy grandmother's home, it offers an inviting atmosphere that captivates from the moment you enter. Renowned for authentic dishes like Judy's Homemade Ricotta Noodles and the must-try Baked Alaska, Zarra's focuses on quality and craftsmanship. The passionate service, often provided by family members, enhances the dining experience, making guests feel like part of the family. Whether they’re savoring hand-made pasta or delightful desserts, patrons leave with full bellies and hearts, eager to return to this hidden gem.
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3887 Bigelow Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States Hotline: +1 412-682-8296
Welcome to Zarra's Restaurant, a delightful culinary oasis nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh at 3887 Bigelow Blvd. Here, tradition meets authenticity in a space that exudes warmth and character. From the moment you step inside, the enchanting old Italian family dining atmosphere captures your senses, making you feel as though you've been transported to a beloved grandmother's home.
As you savor the experience, it's hard not to notice the captivating decor that tells a story of its own—an old punk club transformed into a charming haven for hearty Southern Italian fare. Every corner whispers tales of shared meals and laughter, allowing patrons to enjoy not just a meal, but a slice of history. This ambiance sets the perfect backdrop for a genuine Italian feast.
At Zarra's, the menu is filled with dishes that evoke nostalgia and warmth, such as Judy’s Homemade Ricotta Noodles. Customers rave about these heavenly pillows of pasta, complemented by light and fluffy meatballs or rich, comforting sauces. The love for authentic Italian cuisine resonates throughout every dish. Whether you opt for the delicious greens and beans or one of the savory seafood offerings, like the tilapia, each plate is crafted with care and dedication to traditional recipes.
Don’t overlook the dessert menu, where the Baked Alaska makes a grand appearance, prepared right at your table for that extra touch of drama and excitement. Sharing this enormous treat with loved ones is a must, as it perfectly captures the spirit of togetherness that Zarra's embodies.
What truly makes Zarra's stand out is not just the food but the heartfelt service from the family members who run the establishment. With a passionate staff that includes the owner’s granddaughter and even the owners themselves, guests are treated to an experience that prioritizes connection and warmth. Each interaction feels personal, making you feel as if you are truly part of their family.
In summary, Zarra's Restaurant is not just a dining destination; it is a celebration of Italian heritage, family bonds, and culinary artistry. As you leave, you’ll find yourself not only satiated but yearning to return. For anyone in Pittsburgh seeking an authentic Italian dining experience radiating with love and history, Zarra’s is indeed a treasure waiting to be discovered.
From the moment you walk in, you are instantly immersed into an old Italian family dining atmosphere. It's unique, and your eyes gravitate to the surroundings. We had a fantastic experience at Zarra's, and it's been on my wish list for a while now. The service was great! I absolutely loved Judy's Homemade Ricotta Noodles as my meal. You could tell it was authentic Italian. My family shared the Baked Alaska, which is something not on the menu, so you need to ask for it. It's huge, so it's definitely shareable. Will be back for sure!
Such a cute place!! The food and atmosphere feels like your grandma’s home. 3 The greens and beans which were excellent! Our waitress was the granddaughter of the owners and she was super sweet and helpful :)
A hidden gem that needs to be less hidden! This place is outstanding. From start to finish this meal was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. I was in town for business and this came recommended by a coworker. Nothing disappointed, the service was top notch, the owners son gave us a full background on this history, if you are a punk rock fan then this is your place. An old punk club turned southern Italian restaurant. These walls definitely have stories. I ordered the ricotta noodles with a meatball and hands down amazing! I will come back every time I visit Pittsburgh.
Wonderful place. It was my first time there and the owner, Johnny, treated me like I’d been coming there for years. I feel so blessed that a place with so much history (and good food!) is right next door. Delicious bread, salad, and pasta dishes. My partner got the tilapia (a non-pasta dish) and he loved it. Also many dessert options. Go for the baked Alaska—they torch it right at your table! I’m definitely gonna be a regular. Anyone who loves Italian food must try it out. It’s a PGH treasure.
What a great place. Visiting town and man oh man we are so glad we found this gem. Told to us by our waitress Judy still makes the pasta by hand with her daughter in law. The food was outstanding. I had the ricotta pasta with sausage. Sausage so good!! The stuffed mushrooms were amazing, meatballs were light and fluffy. Tiramisu was excellent. Service was really good. Nothing was rushed and we enjoyed every second of it. Hand leftovers and was super happy to feel like I was having a second amazing meal today for lunch!
My mom has been wanting to take me to this restaurant for the past year, and today we finally made it happen—and I am so glad we did!! Like some other reviews mention, this place is truly a hidden gem that should be more widely recognized. It perfectly replicates a traditional Italian Sunday dinner from start to finish, making customers feel at home and welcomed as soon as they walk through the door. The food, might I add, was delicious. I got a special that they were trying out: gnocchi with vodka sauce and burrata. It was incredible!!! What separates this place from other restaurants is the HEART of it all. This is a family owned business with a LOT of history(just ask the owner). Everyone that works for Zarra’s truly cares about the business as well as making the customer’s experience exceptional. We will be back very soon and will be recommending it to friends and family in the meantime!!
The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere you've ever been. I'd go back even if the food wasn't excellent. The ricotta noodles were lovely pillows of cheese!
I don’t typically write restaurant reviews, but this experience was exceptional and well worth sharing. This is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The building itself is rich with history, and the thoughtfully curated decor adds to the charm, making it a destination in its own right. The service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful with both recommendations and details about the specials. From the appetizers to the main courses, every dish was outstanding in both flavor and presentation. To complete the experience, the Baked Alaska for dessert is an absolute must. I highly recommend spending an evening at this remarkable establishment. It’s truly a memorable dining experience.