Update: Best Steak in Pittsburgh

About a month ago, I blogged about my favorite Pittsburgh steak restaurants. Well, I need to make some adjustments to that list. Two weekends ago, a bunch of us went to Ibiza to celebrate my birthday. I ordered the filet. I had this entree at least three other times and always loved it. In fact, every time I’ve ever been to Ibiza, I’ve loved it.

Except this time.

There have been warning signs that the restaurant was on a downward spiral. Gabby and her husband had a bad experience several weeks ago. And, it’s been increasingly easy to get a good reservation. But, like I said, I’ve always had great food and even better wine, so I chose it as my birthday celebration starting point.

I ordered my filet “extra rare. Cold in the center rare.” I don’t know how else to explain how I like it cooked. The waitress seemed to get it, and since I’ve had perfectly cooked (or undercooked) steak there before, I wasn’t that worried. My filet arrived – along with everyone else’s appetizers (I know it’s a tapas bar, but plan a little better, please! I sat there for a good two hours while everyone else finished their meals. Thank goodness there was good wine.) I cut into the center of the steak and was immediately disappointed. It looked almost medium. Not even medium rare. I forced myself to eat most of it though…and then started picking away at the table’s olive, cheese and meat platter.

Sometimes I will send back food when it’s not prepared correctly…but I feel really bad doing it. I shouldn’t…I’m the customer and should get what I ask for. But, our waitress seemed quite frazzled by our table – she could barely keep up with all of our various drink orders as it was.

So, I suffered in silence. And still had a great time anyway.

On a side note, Gabby’s pasta was mushy, and Brad’s meat platter was nothing special…very dry and bland. We won’t be going back there any time soon…unless it’s just for drinks because they do have fabulous wines.

My new and improved list of the favorite steak restaurants in Pittsburgh:

1. The Capital Grille – I had to send my first filet back because it came out more like medium well, but once they got it right, it was so worth the wait.
2. Mortons – Almost as good as the Capital Grille.
3. Mallorca – Even better when it’s with their Sangria.
4. Tie – Bruschetta’s and McCormick and Schmick’s
5. Mantini’s Wood-Fired Grill – I’ve only had it once, but they cooked it right, and their sides are amazing.