A blue bowl filled with pasta, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, leafy greens, and noodles sits on a dark textured surface, with a yellow background framing the image.
A plate from The Zenith's $12 buffet in the South Side. (Photo by Jasmine Cho/Pittsburgh's Public Source)

🍽️ Restaurant: The Zenith
📍 Location: 86 S. 26th St., Pittsburgh
⏱️ Hours: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs-Sat | 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sun | Closed Mon-Wed
🌐 Links: zenithpgh.com, Instagram, Facebook

❤️ Best $15ish meal(s): Sunday brunch is $12 and includes one entrée, the buffet and a beverage: coffee, iced black tea or the day’s featured hot tea. Entrées change weekly but typically include pancakes or French toast, along with savory options. All dishes are vegan except the scrambled eggs.

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Why go?

A yellow graphic with a faint city map background reads: “$15ish Meal Map. Explore the map,” with a right-pointing arrow.

The Zenith is a vegan restaurant and antique thrift shop rolled into one. The building’s rooms, walls, ceilings (and bathroom) brim with kitschy art, knickknacks and thrift apparel. There’s even a Steelers closet shrine. Their menu changes every week but regularly features $12ish vegan dishes like sweet and sour tofu, seitan gyros and veggie curries. The sight of it all is worth a visit beyond the food.

What to order 

Their $12 Sunday brunch buffet is the highlight of their menu with many folks returning specifically for the peanut noodles and the variety of Bundt cakes they offer in their salad bar. For non-vegan eaters, the brunch also features real scrambled eggs with real cheese.

A red plate with two slices of French toast, a small cup of syrup, and a serving of yellow rice.
The Zenith’s Cinnamon French toast with Maple Syrup. (Photo by Jasmine Cho/Pittsburgh’s Public Source)

Good to know before you go

The Zenith is a cash-only establishment with several ATM options within walking distance if you forget. They regularly post their menus on their Instagram page (@ZenithPGH) if you want to know your options before you visit. The dining rooms will feel like you’re invited into someone’s home with multiple large tables and chairs. If you go alone or with a small party, you will be sat with strangers aka new friends. When my partner and I visited, we sat at a table with three older customers, one who enthusiastically said, “You can’t get a better deal in the city!”

Blue plate with yellow scrambled eggs topped with grated cheese and a serving of rice mixed with tomatoes and onions, placed on a red tablecloth.
Scrambled actual eggs with Romano Cheese, part of The Zenith’s $12 buffet. (Photo by Jasmine Cho/Pittsburgh’s Public Source)

Know a Pittsburgh-area restaurant with a great meal around $15? Email us at social@publicsource.org.

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