By Aakanksha Agarwal
Sure, April brings May flowers or whatever, but it also brings Earth Day, which in recent years has bloomed into Earth Month — a necessary annual reminder that our planet is on the brink of destruction. Thankfully, for those feeling the inspo to be more environmentally-friendly consumers, there’s a growing wave of eco-conscious restaurants in Pittsburgh spearheading the charge towards a greener, tastier future. From fledgling establishments championing farm-to-table freshness to inventive kitchens pioneering zero-waste techniques, the city is merely scratching the surface of its sustainable gastronomic potential.
So, if you’re hungry, but want to leave as little trace as possible, here is a guide to the city’s blossoming eco-friendly restaurant scene. (Spoiler alert: You’ll find a brunch-heavy lineup ahead, but trust us, these are worth getting out of bed for.)
The Speckled Egg SSW
428 S 27th St., Downtown
With a commitment to eco-conscious practices, Speckled Egg Café serves up a menu as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds. From the moment you order, you’ll notice the biodegradable cups, recycled cardboard, paper straws, and thoughtful paper packaging — all chosen to minimize waste.
Of course, the real draw is the food. Picture this: eggs sourced from a local farm in Indiana, Pennsylvania, artisanal bread fresh from Mediterra, and vibrant juices from Pittsburgh Juice Co. — all of which bring plenty of local goodness. For a tropical-inspired treat to kickstart your morning, try the Aloha Puddin’, a coconut chia pudding topped with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of agave. And don’t miss out on their Quiche for a Cause — not only is it delicious, but a portion of the profits goes to support local charities.
As you dine amidst the lush greenery, take note of the plants adorning the dining room, contributing to a fresh atmosphere while echoing Speckled Egg’s commitment to sustainability. Plus, with their building boasting a Silver LEED accreditation, you can brunch knowing that your experience aligns with responsible practices.
Café Phipps
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Café Phipps, 1 Schenley Dr., Oakland
Café Phipps is a 3-star Green Restaurant Certified® eating establishment and they’re kind of a big deal. They’ve been featured by Food & Wine as one of the best museum restaurants in the U.S. The food is a celebration of organic, local, and sustainable goodness. Talk about farm-to-table freshness: think produce from Phipps’ own Edible Rooftop Garden and onsite hydroponic system. Since 2011, they’ve said goodbye to factory-farmed meats, opting instead for ethically-sourced options.
Plus, they’ve banished disposable service ware, opting for real service ware and China since 2006. They’ve gone all in with 100% compostable cups and paper products, recycling or composting a whopping 96% of their waste. Even their cleaning products are biodegradable and GreenSeal™ certified.
The menu offers plenty of global flavors with locally grown produce — mouthwatering options like the Chicken Bánh Mì, Roasted Beet and Jicama Panini, and Hawaiian Pulled Pork. And for the little ones, there’s a kids’ menu featuring wholesome choices like the Almond Butter and Berry Sandwich.
Pittsburgh’s top events: April 25-May 1
By CP Staff
Mrs. Soffel was a cougar who might still haunt The Shiloh Gastro, pining for her Biddle brothers boy toy
By Rachel Wilkinson
Sophie Masloff seldom talked about her childhood. Were seedy family ties the reason?
By David S. Rotenstein
The cassette-tape comeback has reached Pittsburgh’s record stores
By Ethan Beck
Dave and Andy’s says goodbye, Construction Junction turns 25 with wine, and more Pittsburgh food news
By Rachel Wilkinson
Bicycling with beer, pink Heinz “Barbiecue” sauce, and more Pittsburgh food news
By Rachel Wilkinson
These historic Pittsburgh cookbooks are a roadmap to our culinary roots
By Stacy Rounds
Lawrence Hall, Pittsburgh’s swanky new food hall, puts past and present on the plate
By Aakanksha Agarwal
By Mars Johnson
Dave and Andy’s says goodbye, Construction Junction turns 25 with wine, and more Pittsburgh food news
By Rachel Wilkinson
Lawrence Hall, Pittsburgh’s swanky new food hall, puts past and present on the plate
By Aakanksha Agarwal
These historic Pittsburgh cookbooks are a roadmap to our culinary roots
By Stacy Rounds
A handy guide to foraging, cleaning, and cooking with wild garlic
By Stacy Rounds