The Carlton

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matilda1

Joined 5 years ago

upscale but unpretentious. I can't believe that no one has reviewed this restaurant for so long. We eat here a few times each year before going to the show. Bar layout is a bit awkward but everyone is pleasant and shifts spaces so you can get through. Seems to be alot of regulars but bartender treats everyone like a close friend. Lots of friendly conversation and advise for visitors to the city. Seems like there is always someone there who was referred by a city hotel. Always order fish except when pork dishes are on the menu. Pork isn't a regular item but you can tell the chef likes it because of the care in preparation. The crusted grouper with lobster pierogies is wonderful. Ditto the lobster risotto. Seems like the servers have been there for a while - we recognize quite a few of them. Always good, professional service. Very knowledgeable about the menu and willing to ask if they can't answer a question.

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drletven

Joined 6 years ago

Perfection. Excellent Dining experience. Wine list was lovely. Service impeccable. Ambiance and meal were divine. Party of six was accomidated immediately.

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duqalum

Joined 6 years ago

Great for lunch.. I have been here several times for lunch. Always pleased. Favorites include a sauted salmon dish and the ahi tuna wrap. The menu is adventurous without being daunting. I have never been here for dinner but wish to try it soon. I have also never had the tollhouse cookie dessert which I hear is also very good.

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anntodd

Joined 7 years ago

Great restaurant especially before a show. This is my favorite restaurant downtown. It has fabulous foods - steak (prime-rib especially), seafood and even chicken and salads. Thye have an extensive wine list that is not over priced for the value. The ambience is elegant. The service is outstanding.The nestle toll house pie is a must for dessert especially for chocolate lovers. It is wonderful to eat dinner at the Carlton before a show and get the free limo service to and from a show.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A first-rate feast for city-dwellers.. The Scene
The restaurant is fairly large, with a long dining room; the setting is elegant and clubby, with dark wood and brass all around and large sprays of fresh flowers. The restaurant is always busy at lunch, with local businessmen and attorneys, all of whom seem relaxed, as if it's their private club. But strangers are made to feel welcome, too.

The Food
The lunch menu is not fixed, changing at least once during the week. There's an excellent hamburger, plus pasta, seafood dishes and large, creative salads. Dinner changes every night, depending on what's fresh at the market. The prime rib, served on weekends, is a perennial favorite, but there are many more up-to-date options. The lamb is excellent, as are the beef dishes. Seafood seems especially fresh and perfectly cooked. Among the best is fish steamed with wine and ginger.

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mabek

Joined 11 years ago

Use your entertainment card. Let me start by saying the food was good, that was a big plus. The prices are very high, so if you go, take your entertainment card. They try to be a romantic restaurant, but the way you're crammed in there, it's not very romantic.

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docherf

Joined 8 years ago

Nice Upscale Restaurant. We enjoyed this restaurant. The service was a little spotty at times - nothing terrible, but not the best. The food was outstanding, however. The stuffed artichoke appetizer was wonderful and unique. The crusted sea bass was amazing. We had a cookie / ice cream dessert which was good (how much can you do with that?). Our coffee was generic in flavor. The wine list was extensive and well priced - though by the time they told me they were out of the bottle I'd ordered, it was too late to get another for us. The atmosphere was pleasant. I don't care for the location inside a bland office building - but once inside, I guess it doesn't matter. Overall I'd recommend it.

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dono0538

Joined 10 years ago

The Best in Pittsburgh. I have been to many fine restaurants in Pittsburgh and The Carlton rates as the finest. They have one of the largest wine lists in Pittsburgh and their food is fantastic. I have been satisfied with every meal I have ordered. The service is also fantastic and the wait staff is very knowledgeable in matching the correct wine for your meal selection. I was also informed by our waiter, if you would like something not on the menu if you request a day or so in advance they will make it for you.

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eatguy

Joined 11 years ago

A wonderful throwback. to times when going to a restaurant was an event. Great food, service that is very good, and a feeling that this is how restaurants used to be.

The Carlton Salad, the Veal Chop, and most fish dishes are very good. Sometimes the Carlton gets ahead of itself by trying a little too hard but don't fault it for that. Best of all, a wine list that is extensive and wonderfully priced (what a terrific concept). Skip Mt Washington and over priced steakhouses...the Carlton has what you want and need.

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narib99

Joined 11 years ago

Less than romantic. Hoping for a romatic dining experience, my partner and I were disappointed to be seated at a very small table within arms reach of two other couples on each side. Most McDonalds have more intimate seating available for a couple. I was also disappointed with the entrees which I found to average. However, the service was very good and the deserts excellent. We do not plan on returning unless as group of 4 or more which would allow us to have a table of our own.