Willow Restaurant, Pittsburgh,PA

Willow restaurant describes itself as a restaurant that serves “contemporary American” cuisine. While I’m not sure exactly what that means, I do know one thing–It’s darned tasty.

With nine different dining rooms, you can have a different visual experience each time you visit. On my most recent lunch visit, I was seated with my family of four in a room surrounded by comfy looking couches and a fireplace. With only two other groups of diners in the same area, it felt like we were lounging in a swanky lodge, après skiing.

Our waiter was fast out of the gate, even paying close attention to the unusual culinary requests of my toddler. And though I thought I’d settled on the old Pittsburgh standby of crab cakes, he won me over with a shrimp gnocchi and spinach special that definitely lived up to the hype.

My fellow adult diner chose the Spicy Shrimp, prepared with banana peppers, scallions, and asparagus. The dish was just spicy enough and the asparagus were nicely crisp.

There is no printed kids’ menu, but Willow offers standard kid fare, including burgers, pasta, and French fries. My budding culinary artist decided upon buttered noodles and ate them up with reckless abandon. She also noshed on shrimp from my lunch and had three pieces of the fresh bread dunked in spiced olive oil.

Sandwiches at Willow are huge and artfully presented, drawing oohs and aahs as they pass by on their way to the intended recipient. The Turkey Pretzel sandwich, in particular, received numerous compliments as it was presented to a customer, who, despite her greatest efforts, was only able to eat half of the tasty monstrosity.

Then there’s dessert. I’m usually a chocolate girl, but today I decided to live large and try the Key Lime Parfait, a subconscious decision likely influenced by the Donkey in Shrek, who notably (and correctly) stated, “Who doesn’t like parfait? You know what else everybody likes? Parfaits.”

Donkey is a smart beast. The tangy key lime mixed perfectly with graham cracker crust and vanilla whipped cream. The only small disappointment of the meal was the coffee–which in past visits came with a sugar-encrusted stirrer that was exquisite. No special stirrer this time, which made the coffee just taste like, well, good coffee. But good coffee without a sugar-encrusted stirrer.

With our bill coming in near $50 for two adult meals, one kid’s meal, two coffees, and dessert, Willow is a bit pricey but worth it for the occasional splurge. Willow often has coupons for $5 off, so watch for those and score a deal on a restaurant that’s proven its commitment to gracious service, artistic presentation, and delicious contemporary American dining.

Lunch: Monday – Saturday (11-4)

Dinner: Monday – Thursday (4-10)

Friday – Saturday (4-11)

Sunday (4-9)

Willow Restaurant

634 Camp Horne Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-847-1007

willowpgh.com

Written by:  Rachel Handel