From the glow of the neon sign outside the restaurant, the Mediterranean Grill doesn't catch the eye right away, but this Squirrel Hill eatery is a true diamond in the rough. Inside the Mediterranean Grill you'll be greeted by an intimate downstairs dining room classically decorated with mirrors, iron wall art and plants. The menu is made up predominately of Lebanese fare and features a variety of options such as hummus, shish kabob, falafel wraps, filet mignon and baklava. Along with the wide menu selections and prices, the Mediterranean Grill is inviting for patrons of all budgets and tastes. - Corinne Kenna

Eleven is by far one of Pittsburgh's most innovative and trendy offerings. Step into this stylish restaurant with curved lounge sofas and cozy round tables for a fine evening. Order by the bar or eat a sumptuous meal, which offers options such as Grilled Veal Paillard, gnocchi, salmon and the ever-favorite Eleven Burger with apple wood-smoked bacon, beef and veal. There's also a Chef's tasting menu, which is a convenient way to explore the restaurant's 'return' potential! - though by the time you're done with the dessert (Local Peach Pie, Banana Cream Pie and The Coconut), you would have come to your own conclusions. Eleven bakes its own bread and even makes its own chocolate, so pick up some on your way out.

City Grill offers large hamburgers cooked over a hardwood grill. The grill enables the chef to cook the meat so it is crispy on the outside and rare on the inside, if that is the way you like them. Another favorite is the grilled chicken sandwich. The menu also includes steaks, shrimp, and a variety of appetizers, salads and desserts. There is a full service bar, although the bar is not equipped with stools. The focus here is eating, not drinking.

The Olive Press sports a modern decor amidst the bustle of the Pittsburgh International Airport. Located in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, the restaurant attracts diners from throughout the region, even those who don't intend on flying anywhere. The menu features Mediterranean and American fare with presentations that leave diners in awe. One specialty is the red snapper which is served whole and skewered so that it appears to jump right off your plate.

The Taj Mahal Restaurant offers one of the biggest selections of traditional Indian cuisine that you can find in the Pittsburgh area. Located in the North Hills, the restaurant gets quite busy, especially at lunchtime. The menu includes several new dishes, such as tikka tandoori, which is cheese cooked in a Punjabi style clay oven. The best part of the menu is thali, a combination dinner that provides diners with a selection of dishes to sample- a great way to try many dishes in one meal.

Franco's Trattoria is the newest addition to the D'Amico family legacy, providing delicious Italian food to the masses. Patrons can choose from a variety of pasta, fish and chicken dishes and specialties like osso bucco, fettucine Alfredo and braciola. The dessert selection includes locally made tiramisu, cheesecakes and sorbets. Patrons will also want to try the cannoli and the chocolate souffle; both are legendary in Pittsburgh.

Duranti's Park Plaza Restaurant brings a touch of Pittsburgh history to its beautiful facade. The building was built in 1959; one wall was created from brick from Pittsburgh's original civic arena, The Duquesne Gardens. The rich woods, sparkling chandeliers and murals create a soft atmosphere for dining and the Duranti's make every diner feel like part of the family. The menu is large and includes seafood, veal, poultry and pasta selections. There are rooms for private parties and receptions.

Vivo is definitely a family restaurant. The Brothers DiBattista own the restaurant and are the head chefs. The rotating "verbal menu" is small (usually seven starters and seven entrees), but the restaurant's take on Italian cuisine is exquisite. Many patrons prefer the veal dishes, but seafood, poultry and pasta are also good choices. Tossed salads are served after the main course, as per family custom and the sorbets and gelatos are homemade. The restaurant only seats 36 and is nonsmoking. Bring your own wine, and note the incredibly reasonable $3 per bottle corkage fee. See website for mailing list, private dining options, and more on the Vivo story.

Patrons don't mind making the trip to Blawnox if the evening ends at Moondog's. Live music is the heart and soul of the place. The music ranges from jazz and blues to rock and pop. The bar is famous for bringing national acts to the stage on weekends. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are open stage nights where anything goes. The menu features American dishes. See the website for the events calendar and more.

This unassuming Squirrel Hill eatery serves low-priced comfort food in a subtly modern environment. Salads here are robust, topped with anything from salmon to chicken or even steak. The sandwich menu is extensive (featuring everything from a veggie wrap to a barbecued beef brisket hoagie). When you order one of their gourmet burgers, you get to spice it up with items from a long list of toppings (including smoked gouda, portabella mushrooms, and hot banana peppers). Other belly-warming comfort foods on offer include crab cakes, a penne sausage bake, and home-style pot roast. Steaks here are aged and hickory grilled. Sunday Brunch sees the menu augmented with omelettes, "Hobo Hash," and even a breakfast Reuben. It may be unassuming, but anyone who says there's nothing fancy about this place is off their rocker. See website for menu and calendar.