Lidia's is not the Italian restaurant that most Pittsburghers would imagine. Her food is authentic Italian and comes in generous portion sizes. The only bad things I would point out is that it is somewhat loud for good conversation and the women in my party were all freezing. The wait staff was attentive but unrefined, I felt like everyone was fairly new. In the end they were all working hard and any true Pittsburgher can appreciate that! I ordered the grilled octopus as my starter and it was more tender than any I've ever had. I then moved on to their daily special of the pasta sampler. For sixteen dollars you get to sample three freshly made pastas and then continue for seconds or thirds of your favorite(s). My favorite was the three cheese pear ravioli which was sweet but not enough to overpower the cheeses. The polenta on the chicken liver entree is to die for! Finally a second steal is the dessert sampler! At 3.50 a person with a two person minimum it supplies you with 8 delectable desserts which included cannoli, tiramisu, almond cherry crostada and pineapple orange sorbet. Lidia's is not only an amazing meal and overall experience but also affordable. My party of four made it out the door for a little over one hundred dollars including tip. I will go back again for sure....possibly tomorrow!
Pros: Portion Size, Value, Great design
Cons: Sound level, Inexperienced Waitstaff
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