For more than 15 years, Girasole in Shadyside has been recognized as one of the very best Italian restaurants in the Burgh. The restaurant’s seasonally inspired menus showcase the kitchen’s innovation, with appetizers, salads, and entrees that feature much more than pasta with red sauce (though of course this place makes a mean marinara, too). Seafood is a particular specialty of the house (try the linguine with littleneck clams), and locals note that the restaurant’s take-out service is impressive, with curbside pickup to ensure that you can get your meal and head home efficiently. 

Planning an event, or just looking for meal that will include plenty of leftovers? If so, check out the "family style" catering menu, which includes trays of antipasta, baked lasagna, meatballs by the dozen, and quarts of house-made soup. Make sure to check out the specials on the website, too–you can get a free dessert with every order picked up between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.