Cuisine is a celebrated art at Café Allegro. We look at it as a communal performance with each individual contributing to the total experience. Café Allegro opened its doors in 1986 in a quaint turn-of-the-century building just off Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s historic South Side. We were one of the first restaurants in Pittsburgh with an open kitchen view that allowed our customers to become immersed in our process. Over the years Café Allegro has grown a loyal customer base that voted us Best Restaurant in Pittsburgh for 7 straight years.

The concept of “Allegro” (“light and lively”) is central to the way we serve our customers. We know you didn’t rush through your day, meeting deadlines, and dealing with clients, to eat mediocre food with marginal service. Café Allegro takes great pride in being that special place where our guests can abandon the work-a-day world for a little while and enjoy vibrant food, an up-tempo atmosphere, and the best service in the city. Our return guests also value Café Allegro for its versatility. Whether you’re coming in to catch a cocktail before going to see a play at the City Theater or you want the full Allegro experience from paté to flourless chocolate cake, Café Allegro’s improvisational spirit allows us to accommodate a wide variety of dining needs. The upstairs dining area can also be used for hosting parties, presentations, and special events.
Copyright, 2008 - Café Allegro

As residents and business owners, we have always felt the urge to contribute to the growth and rebirth of this urban community we call home. Over the past 18 years we have reached out to worthwhile causes and non-profit organizations to share with them our hope, our time, our food and our love. These efforts have been spearheaded under the leadership and vision of co-owner Antoinette Cardamone, a familiar host and family owner who has personally greeted and seated many of you.

Our Mission

Our mission at Café Allegro is simple…to provide you with:

“EXCELLENT EXPERIENCES”

That means that we strive to offer you the finest foods and wines, attentive and personalized service, and the highest quality dining value available anywhere on the planet. Period. Let us know how we’re doing.

Community Involvement

Over the years, Antoinette has led our community efforts with such events as:

Taste of The Nation
Annual participation with other leading Pittsburgh restaurateurs to raise funds and awareness toward the fight against hunger, benefiting local, state and national hunger relief efforts.

Mother’s Day Brunch
For over 15 years we have provided a private brunch for disadvantaged and abused women from Pittsburgh’s Sojourner House, Rainbow Kitchen and POWER (Pittsburgh Organization for Women Entering Recover).

Jobs for South Side VO-TECH Students
We have provided work opportunities for many students attending South Side’s Vocational technical training institute located nearby.

South Side Market House
Antoinette Cardamone has volunteered her time and talents as a teacher, instructing both young and old alike in theater and art classes at the South Side Market House community center across the street.

South Side Arts Organizations
We work closely with out cultural neighbors like City Theater and our sister organization Club Café, to generate interest and support for local arts. We encourage our patrons to attend the many cultural and funky arts offerings available on the South Side.

Highlights in our Past

May 13, 1986
A Riviera-styled fine dining restaurant…Café Allegro…opens on Pittsburgh’s historic South Side

1987
“BEST NEW” Restaurant Award, Pittsburgh Magazine’s Readers Poll

1989
New “Expresso Bar” Opened. Café Allegro purchases adjacent building, expands to double seating and kitchen capacity

1990
Customer Comment Card: “food is orgasmic!”
Celebrity Customers: Anthony “Fava Beans” Hopkins and Jodie Foster