Kaya

This rarely ever happens, but one of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants has been open for more than 20 years — and still finds ways to surprise diners and stay fresh. Kaya has always had a slim line of outdoor tables on its tight Strip District sidewalk but has found creative ways to expand the outdoor space on 20th Street, too. The secret sauce at Kaya has always been the broad swath of Caribbean and South American cuisine, from a Steak Cuban Sandwich or a Jerk Chicken Torta to Chile Relleno or Tropical Paella.

Pair your crazy cool, refreshing frozen mojito with one of Kaya's signature fish, beignets or ox tail dishes and prepare for a delicious night in Pittsburgh's shimmering and bustling Strip District. Cool vibes from this Caribbean-themed lounge are sure to satisfy everyone in your party; be sure to snag a table on Kaya's outside patio while you sip your frozen delicacy - the Strip is certainly a people watcher's paradise. Kaya, out of all of the selections on this list, is the priciest, so buyer beware.

If you’ve been in Pittsburgh long enough, chances are you’re familiar with the Big Burrito restaurants – ranging from casual tex mex restaurant Mad Mex to upscale Mediterranean dining at Casbah, the restaurant group is responsible for some of the ‘Burgh’s favorite eateries, and Kaya is no exception. Sunday brunch at Kaya includes all your favorite brunchtime cocktails – bloody marys, mimosas, and bellinis – plus a selection of tasty sandwiches and egg dishes. Chicken and waffles?

As one of Pittsburgh’s longtime favorite restaurants, Kaya is famous for quite a few things. In addition to their fabulous happy hour, and their KayaFest street party every spring, Kaya also serves up a legendary fried chicken sandwich. Every Thursday Kaya has “Fried Chicken Night,” where guests are served “all the good parts” from one half of a buttermilk-marinated fried chicken.

Marla Beamon became the first woman promoted to executive chef in a big Burrito kitchen when she took the helm at Kaya in the Strip District in 1997. Brandy Stewart later ran the same kitchen from 2005-07 and Soba in Shadyside from 2007-09; Danielle Cain followed Stewart as executive chef of both of those restaurants and now is the company’s director of catering.

Even if Pittsburgh weather is overcast, you can give your parents a sunny Caribbean feel by taking them to Kaya. Watch the hustle and bustle of the always-busy Strip District from Kaya’s outdoor seating while enjoying the restaurant’s signature pineapple mango tomatillo salsa. Maybe your trip to Kaya will help convince your parents to fund your spring break.

With dramatic lighting and unique menu items, Kaya is an eclectic restaurant to eat at in Pittsburgh. Delicious items on the menu include jerk chicken, conch fritters, fried chicken, jerked pork and plantain nachos, and Caribbean flank steak stir fry. It’s a good Jamaican restaurant for dates or when you want to relax and take your time eating.

We also had an excellent lunch at Kaya in the Strip District, and the friendly staff at the Gateway Grill in Monroeville allowed me to watch the Cowboys game on Sunday when every other televison was showing the Steelers. We’ll be back again. If you’ve enjoyed fine dining in Pittsburgh share some of your favorite places via a comment.

2000 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222Phone: 412-261-6565 Visit Website. Tired of going to a restaurant specializing in only one international style?. If so, Kaya has your answer for the best diverse dishes with the freshest herbs and spices, boldest flavors, and enhanced preparation.

The Kaya cocktail menu places its immediate focus on the tropical refreshers list. From mojitos and sangrias to margaritas, the menu is filled with fresh ideas and unique twists. The Grapefruit Basil Margarita is a particular favorite of many restaurants patrons.

You can find tasty Italian food, wood-fired pizza and a BYOB policy at Piccolo Forno, South American-Caribbean fusion dishes at Kaya, Thai food in a fun atmosphere at Pusadee's Garden and an impressive all-American breakfast or brunch at Pamela's Diner.

Kaya is a Caribbean restaurant that serves dishes inspired by both the sea and the sun. Using fresh ingrediants for over twenty years, Kaya attempts to incorporate culinary customs from the Caribbean islands, South America, The Pacific and beyond.

The Strip District's Caribbean-inspired restaurant, Kaya, is known for having some pretty incredible drinks. Their happy hour currently runs from 4pm to 6pm on weeknights and features half off mojitos, grapefruit basil margaritas, and draft beer.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (466 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Caribbean, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 2000 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4428- Read more on Tripadvisor

Kaya is a Caribbean BBQ restaurant inspired by the sea and sun. Fresh ingredients with bold flavors, Kaya offers exotic food that will make you feel alive. The slow grilling and sizzling taste are enough for a second serving.

Kaya’s Carribean-influenced food is just what you need during a cold winter snap. Their menu, inspired by the sea and sun, is like a mini-vacation to paradise. Pick up some jerked chicken, fish tacos, or a Cuban sandwich.

Kaya: Culinary customs of the Caribbean Islands, South America, the Pacific and beyond, using fresh herbs and spices combined with the excitement of a sizzling grill to create food that is exotic and lively.

Splurge: Kaya has a vegetarian Prix Fixe menu every month Kaya * Island Cuisine in The Strip District It's $39 and was very good when we tried it.