Chengdu Gourmet（Squirrel Hill)
Authentic Sichuan cuisine by James Beard semifinalist Wei Zhu, with generous portions and a dual menu of traditional and American Chinese dishes.
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Chengdu Gourmet（Squirrel Hill)
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Sichuan cuisine by James Beard semifinalist Wei Zhu, with generous portions and a dual menu of traditional and American Chinese dishes.
"This unassuming-looking spot might be one of the best meals you've ever had, especially if you like a serious hit of spice."
Explore the Authentic Menu
Ask servers for recommendations from the Authentic Menu for unique Sichuan dishes.
Spice Level Customization
Don't hesitate to request extra spice for dishes like Mapo Tofu or Spicy Beef Stew.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sichuan Chinese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Sichuan Flavors
Experience authentic Sichuan cuisine crafted by James Beard award semifinalist Wei Zhu, with dishes packing a spicy punch.
Generous & Flavorful Portions
Savor large servings of delicious dishes like Chengdu Pork Belly and Spicy Beef Noodle Soup.
Dual Menu Variety
Explore traditional Sichuan delicacies alongside familiar American Chinese options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Authentic Menu
Ask servers for recommendations from the Authentic Menu for unique Sichuan dishes.
Spice Level Customization
Don't hesitate to request extra spice for dishes like Mapo Tofu or Spicy Beef Stew.
Off-Peak Dining
Visit during non-peak hours for potentially quicker service and fewer crowds.
Recommended Dishes
Try the Double Cooked Pork Belly or Spicy Beef Noodle Soup based on popular reviews.
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Authentic Menu
Ask servers for recommendations from the Authentic Menu for unique Sichuan dishes.
Spice Level Customization
Don't hesitate to request extra spice for dishes like Mapo Tofu or Spicy Beef Stew.
Off-Peak Dining
Visit during non-peak hours for potentially quicker service and fewer crowds.
Recommended Dishes
Try the Double Cooked Pork Belly or Spicy Beef Noodle Soup based on popular reviews.
Order Directly
Avoid third-party apps for takeout to save money and ensure your order is received.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chengdu Gourmet is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan flavors and generous portions, offering a true taste of the region. While many praise the delicious and flavorful dishes, some find the restaurant's decor dated and seating arrangements awkward. The dual menus provide options for both adventurous eaters and those seeking more familiar American Chinese fare.
"Delicious Chinese Sichuan food! I love this place, it feels like I’m having meals at a family’s home. Ingredients are quality and their spices kick azz. Food can be hot 🥵 in a delightful way. Service and ambient are chill and friendly. Some of my faves are cumin lamb, mapo tofu, sichuan pepper prawn, cold jelly & cukes w green sauce."
Mahdiyati Syukri
"This place was unfortunately quite disappointing to me. It’s possible that I just don’t really have the palate for authentic Chinese food, but something about this spot just didn’t click with me. I got to try out their steamed dumplings, pumpkin pancakes, chicken egg roll, and mango milk tea.
The steamed dumplings were decent. Not great, not bad. Okay portion for price. The dough was pretty thin, meat was fine, but the sauce was more acidic than I’d usually like.
The egg roll was a bit strange. It had a pretty strong peanut butter-like taste to it. Seemed decently fresh and they did provide some sauces on the side for it. They had mustard and duck sauce, but strangely, no soy sauce for some reason.
The pumpkin pancakes came in a pretty small portion (3 little ones). They were pretty solid but not the most flavorful. A little crispy on the outside and a nice chewiness to them. I liked them but didn’t love them.
Finally, the milk tea was decent. The tea itself was quite tasty, milky, well made. But the boba they included on the bottom was definitely some of the worst pearls I’ve encountered in Pittsburgh. No chewiness left, just slimy and hard.
All in all, I probably won’t come back. I tried both this location and the one in the North Hills, and neither really hit the spot for me. Small portions and higher than average prices, but they do serve some unique dishes."
Ulyana K
"Supposedly a Squirrel Hill institution. Egg rolls were still cold in the center. The General Tso's chicken did NOT hit the spot. Way too saucy. Eggplant dish was decent. The scallop and beef dish was ok."
Atman Dave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is led by James Beard award semifinalist Wei Zhu, who prepares authentic Sichuan dishes known for their bold flavors and spice.
Yes, they offer both a Traditional Chinese Menu and an American-style Chinese Menu, with the latter catering to less spicy palates.
Patrons often rave about the Double Cooked Pork Belly, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup, and Mapo Tofu.
While not always required, visiting during off-peak hours can help avoid crowds and ensure quicker service.
Yes, many reviewers mention that the portions are quite generous and suitable for sharing.
Yes, takeout is available. It's recommended to order directly from the restaurant rather than through third-party apps to save money.
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Featured in these publications
Best Restaurants in Pittsburgh: Coolest, Hottest, Newest Places to Eat
The gist: A Sichuan spot known for both traditional and American-style Chinese dishes, led by James Beard Award semifinalist chef/owner Wei Zhu.The food: Offering both an ‘American-style Chinese Menu’ and a ‘Traditional Chinese Menu,’ with Zhu’s specialities, like shredded duck with baby ginger and pork blood tofu, Chengdu Gourmet also has dozens of options for fans of heat, including spicy cold noodles and a fish filet in broth, served Chongqing-style. The cost: Appetizers range from $1.99-8.99, most entrees are between $10.99-22. How to order: Order online or call 412-521-2088.
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What is it: There are a million places to get Chinese food in Pennsylvania, but getting this kind of authentic, award-nominated Sichuan food is rare in any US city. Tucked away in a tiny hole in the wall, chef-owner Wei Zhu’s food tastes like it’s straight out of the Chengdu Province, but without showing off. Why go: This unassuming-looking spot might be one of the best meals you’ve ever had, especially if you like a serious hit of spice.
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You’ll find six-time James Beard award semifinalist Wei Zhu’s Sichuan restaurant Chengdu Gourmet, Shaanxi cuisine from Northern China such as dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and pork-stuffed pancakes at Amazing Dumplings, and Taiwanese cooking at Everyday Noodles and Cafe 33.
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Not just because it’s good — though it is incredibly good — but because it’s the kind of place that rewards curiosity. When James Beard-nominated chef Wei Zhu opened his Squirrel Hill location in 2014, it took time to catch on. But under his careful leadership, the kitchen started turning out magic, with deeply flavorful, beautifully balanced Sichuan cooking that made Chengdu Gourmet a destination.
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Four Pittsburgh restaurants received James Beard nominations this year, and for good reason. Pusadee’s Garden, in Lawrenceville, offers elegant, wood-fired Thai food with garden seating. In Squirrel Hill, order plate after plate of authentic Sichuan dishes at Chengdu Gourmet and dream of having something like it in Sarasota.
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I make it a habit of putting every James Beard-nominated chef in my must-visit list. Wei Zhu of Chengdu Gourmet has now been nominated as a semifinalist five times, making their North Hills and original Squirrel Hill locations popular stops. Zhu's classic Sichuan cuisine is authentic as it gets here in Pittsburgh.
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Chengdu Gourmet is another Pittsburgh eatery recognized by the James Beard Awards. Chef Wei Zhu made it to the semi-finals of the regional “best chef” category. Located in Squirrel Hill, this family-style dining experience serves American-Chinese dishes as well as traditional Sichuan dishes.
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For more awesome restaurants in Squirrel Hill, check out Chengdu Gourmet, Nu Bistro, Taiwanese Bistro Cafe 33, Hidden Harbor, or Smallman Street Deli!. Or, for more reviews of Pittsburgh restaurants, click the previous link to be taken to our directory of every review on Discover the Burgh!
The 10 Best Chinese Food Restaurants in Pittsburgh
Chengdu Gourmet is one of the best Chinese food restaurants in Pittsburgh, popular for its Sichuan food. The authentic eatery in Squirrel Hill offers an extensive sushi menu, in addition to lots of other Chinese dishes. You can order anything from the iconic hot pot to a small plate.
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Food is consistently good with menu variety of traditional, sushi, and dimsum....quick Doordash delivery.". "Was very bad. General P39.General Tsos Chicken White Meatwas very dry. The other P16.Chicken Lettuce Wrappedwas gamy. The Fried Fish Belly was inedible. Regret ordering.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (41 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Chinese, Asian- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 5840 Forward Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217-2321- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Chengdu Gourmet is another must-do when it comes to Pittsburgh restaurants. Chef and owner Wei Zhu has been nominated for James Beard awards, and it shows in the incredible dishes made here.
13 Chinese Restaurants in Pittsburgh You Need to Visit on Your Next Night Out
5840 Forward Ave. | Squirrel Hill | chengdugourmetpittsburgh.com. Chengdu Gourmet is home to authentic Chinese cuisine. They offer a Szechuan menu as well as an American-Chinese menu.
20 Restaurants In Pittsburgh You Should Know, According To A PA Local
You'll be welcomed into Chengdu Gourmet with an enormous American-Chinese menu and a traditional Sichuan one. A little rusty on your Mandarin?. Don't worry, you're in good hands.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit