10 Mouthwatering Lunch Destinations In Downtown Pittsburgh That Won’t Break The Bank

Most of us have probably been told or have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? But, let's face it. Lunch ranks pretty high up in importance. That mid-day break offers the opportunity to relax, to recharge, and to enjoy a tasty meal. If you happen to be in or near downtown, you'll definitely want to treat yourself to a delicious and an affordable lunch in Pittsburgh at one of these 10 restaurants.

1. Yovi’s – 477 Graeme Street Market Square Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Kick start your afternoon with a delectable lunch at Yovi's, famous for their Chicago-style hot dogs and their Italian beef sandwiches. Yovi's menu also features hot sausage, Italian hoagies, and freshly cut French fries. Stop by Yovi's, which serves lunch and dinner daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Bea Taco Town – 633 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Don't let the name fool you. Bea Taco Town serves far more than tacos. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine - tacos, enchiladas, and burritos - for lunch. Both meat and vegetarian options are available. Bea Taco Town welcomes diners Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. Mike & Tony’s Gyros – 927 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Satisfy your gyro craving at Mike & Tony's Gyros. Or, if you're not in the mood for a gyro, opt for one of the many other menu items, such as a burger, a cheeseburger, grilled cheese, chicken fingers, a steak burger, pierogies, and salads. Mike & Tony's Gyros in downtown Pittsburgh is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4. City Oven – 336 4th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Treat yourself to a lunchtime wood-fired pizza at City Oven. If you're not craving pizza, try one of the sandwiches or fresh salads on the menu. City Oven also offers lunch combos, such as the specialty pizza pick two (a piece of pizza plus soup or salad.) Tantalize your taste buds at City Oven Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5. Primanti Brothers – 2 S Market Square, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Dine indoors or outdoors at Primanti Brothers in Market Square. Opt for one of the famous sandwiches topped with fries and coleslaw - the Pitts-burgher or the Cheese Combo, for example - or order a salad, chili, or chicken wings with a side of fresh french fries. Primanti Brothers welcomes diners Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

6. Peppi’s – 12 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Peruse the mouthwatering menu at Peppi's, which boasts a plethora of sandwiches - the #7, the Wiz, the Big Nate, and the Pittsburgh all earn top billing in Peppi's Hall of Fame. Peppi's also offers hearty salads, fries, and spicy Cajun fries. Peppi's is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

7. Mamma Lucia’s Pizza – 433 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Indulge in a hearty meal of lasagna (made from scratch) or fresh pizza at Mamma Lucia's Pizzeria. The cozy pizzeria offers pizza by the pie and by the slice and features a plethora of authentic Italian dishes, including spaghetti and calzones. A special is featured daily. Eat at Mamma Lucia's Pizzeria Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8. Madonna’s Mediterranean Cuisine – 408 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Visit the cozy Madonna's Mediterranean Cuisine for a delicious lunch with what customers call "huge portions." Peruse the menu that features such items as kafta, lubieh, chicken shawarma, and falafel. Madonna's welcomes guests from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Friday.

9. Boulevard Deli – 309 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Boulevard Deli promises a traditional deli experience with a plethora of menu items ranging from sandwiches and salads to hot dogs and baked potatoes. Order a pre-made salad or make your own at the salad bar. Drop by Boulevard Deli Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

10. Franktuary – 115 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Sometimes there's nothing better for lunch than a hot dog with a side of fries. Franktuary's specialty may be hot dogs - both traditional hot dogs and vegan versions - but the menu also offers plenty of diversity, including BLT sandwiches, salads, baked potatoes, chili, and pierogies. Franktuary is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Who's craving lunch in Pittsburgh now? What other restaurants would you add to the list of the best places to enjoy a delicious, affordable lunch in Pittsburgh? If you're craving a more traditional lunch - say, peanut butter and jelly like mom used to make - you might want to try Peanut Butter Jelly Time in Bloomfield.