Cenacolo Restaurant Menu

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  • Jenny L.

    Wow, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know that this wonderful restaurant is basically in my back yard. If I were fortunate enough to eat out 5 nights a week like my big city pals, I would definitely eat here a lot. A bit expensive, but the pea and leek pasta was well worth it. Left extremely satisfied, and at the same time, wanting more. Marscapone cheese dessert is going to work with me today as my lunch. Can't wait. Keep up the good work Cenacolo. I'll definitely be back.

    (5)
  • Chris B.

    I should have listened to the negative reviews on Yelp about Cenacolo. My party showed up last night with reservations for 12 at 7PM for New Year's Eve dinner and waited for our table for over 45 minutes. I also need to say at this point in my review that when the reservations were made over a month ago Cenacolo still had a BYOB and uncorking fee wine policy, which apparently changed prior to last night. While we were waiting we were approached by their extremely respectful and courteous wait staff and they offered to uncork our wine and give us glasses. I guess we assumed incorrectly this meant we could also open and consumer the beer, which was in no way hidden when we entered the restaurant. So if their policy referring to beer changed they could have let us know as soon as we entered the premises. While consuming our beverages a guy named Steve, who claimed to be the owner, approached us and very rudely informed us their policy changed. We apologized as we had no idea of the change in policy. He actually went as far as grabbing a tablet and show us with an attitude that showed he had something to prove as he clearly didn't want us patronizing his business. Fortunately we had the confirmation email pulled up to show him how we thought we were authorized to do this. This is where we asked him when will our table be ready and his reply as he turned towards the door was, "you're welcome to leave if you like."...who does that? As we were waiting 45 min we still desired to eat...but not so much at this location as we once did...we didn't leave and that's when we were informed if we wanted our table we were more than welcome to ask the party occupying it to leave. What kind of business does this? I get it you're busy and I anticipate a delay in getting our table especially on a holiday, but it's still YOUR job as the business to control the flow not your customers. A member of our party at this point approached Steve, told him, "thank you, but I don't think we will be dining here this evening. What's your name?" Steve replied with his name and added, "you can go ahead and write that in your review." To which I interjected, "wow, that was extremely disrespectful and rude." Steve replied, "your entire party has been nothing but rude and disrespectful since you walked in here." I looked perplexed so he tried and used one of his wait staff as a scapegoat to give an example. His request surprised the waiter and he looked just as confused as me. I am the supervisor of over 100 people and would NEVER do that to one of my employees. What kind of employer would treat his employees like that? At that point I called him out on it and told him he was jerk, but used a less family friendly word to describe him, his attitude, and his actions. We left at that point and took our business to Lucci's. Thank you Lucci's for saving our night and accepting our money because Cenacolo obviously didn't want it. I suggest everyone think twice about ever patronizing a business with such poor leadership as this. Do you honestly want your money going in to this jerk's pocket? I for one do not and will never return. -misspellings and grammatical errors courtesy of droid Swype.

    (1)
  • Steve K.

    This place certainly qualifies as a 'hidden' gem, emphasis on the hidden part--it's in a peculiar spot, with an inauspicious door in a large building complex on a quiet "main" street leading to their restaurant/pasta production area (they make pasta for a bunch of other restaurants too). Luckily, the food is worth the drive out to the area and the high price tag. Had three dishes, including a pasta with crabmeat, a pasta with shrimp, and a ravioli with corn. The crabmeat pasta stood out the most, with a light lemon sauce--I'd have added capers but it was ok as is. The shrimp had a nice pesto seasoning; I would've liked to have seen bigger shrimp bu the flavor was nice. The corn ravioli were quite tasty. Large serving sizes mean that unless you're a football player, you're probably taking home part of your meal.

    (4)
  • Tim S.

    The family and I were there again yesterday for the brunch. As always, the staff is very professional and attentive. The Short Ribs and Hash is out of this world and I would highly recommend. It's really nice to have a restaurant of this quality in the Irwin area! We look forward to our next visit.

    (5)
  • Matthew S.

    There is nothing bad to say about this place. Great atmosphere, great service, great food.

    (5)
  • John C.

    Excellent meal at this restaurant inside a pasta factory. We had lobster ravioli, 4-cheese ravioli, and seafood ravioli with the mussels (huge) and fried artichoke. The seafood folks won out over the cheese freaks. Portions are large. They could reduce the size and the price and do better IMHO. I'd definitely go again. Restaurant area was kind of cramped, but aside from that, it was great and we bought fresh pasta to cook later.

    (4)
  • Samira R.

    Despite the very seldom few bad reviews on here about this place & the owner,it is purely a gem, amazing, wonderful, and well worth dining experience. Unfortunately, if the owner was rude to customers in the past, he most likely did not loose very much money because my first time dining here on a gloomy Friday night the place was packed. It is always busy, because the food is to die for and when you have excellent food, people may over look an incident that happened mind you on one of the busiest dining days of the year for most restaurants(being I worked in one since age 16, & put myself thru college at Pitt working in one.) I went here for my birthday with my boyfriend. Our waitress was good, but the girl who seated us and whom I believe is partial owner was amazing to us. I am a very healthy person, and in order to avoid over eating foods such as creamy heavy pasta, I sometimes ask my boyfriend to share dishes with me. The waitress thought we were being cheap? But we left her over 20% and working in a restaurant I did not really appreciate that , but at this time the salad came it did not even matter. I did have to flag the bus boy to grab our waitress a few times which also bugged me, like she did not intentionally come over because she figured what was the point? Well $25 on an $80 check cash did not seem like a bad deal to me for her, and hoping we do not get her next time as our waitress. It did not even matter, and I WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK FOR MORE, hopefully with a different waitress, may be the host who seated us and cared to come over and ask us how everything was will next time. The girl who seated us was welcoming, inviting, refreshing, and made us feel very comfortable. Also there is a section of the restaurant where all the pasta is made FRESH, along with a glass case of Italian deli meats, cheeses, sauces, etc. you could purchase. My boyfriend who is obsessed with Italian foods and culture was like a little kid in a candy shop. I ordered the Bruco pasta with Sangria for a drink and it was by the far the best pasta dish in Westmoreland county I have ever had, and the best Sangria as well for the wine drinkers. My boyfriend ordered a red sauce seafood linguini pasta which was also to die for, he claimed it was to die for( did not try due to a shell fish allergy). We had cheese cake for dessert which was also to die for. This place is doing it the right way, great vibe, beautiful layout formerly an industrial park and converted their space to a restaurant . Purely amazing. Definitely a gem, and definitely for people who have class, and can appreciate true Italian food. If you are a fan of Olive Garden, this place is not for you. Sorry. Its byob one bottle of wine per table, plus corking fee. People should not complain about the price, good food is well worth paying for, and I am happy to support a local small business blowing all the corporate bs restaurant chains out the water any day.

    (5)
  • Christopher H.

    By far the best in Western PA! Great imported Italian cheese and meats. Steve is outstanding at pasta making. The gnocchi are light as a feather and remind me of my grandmother's. Everything is so good.

    (5)
  • Laura M.

    Located within the Fede pasta factory, Cenacolo serves some of the freshest pasta I've ever tasted. The pasta dishes I tried here are easily as good as those I've had at the best Italian restaurants I've visited to date, both in Pittsburgh and elsewhere. There really is nowhere else like Cenacolo anywhere--so if you're a fan of pasta, it's well worth the trip. Having said that, anyone who knows me well knows that I never go far out of my way to visit restaurants (even exceptional ones!); I always wait until I'm headed in a certain direction to justify the trip. Such an opportunity presented itself this Sat., when CM and I headed into the Laurel Highlands to visit some wineries. Knowing that Cenacolo was still BYOB (albeit with a $5 corking fee), and that wine and pasta naturally complement one another, we made a side excursion to Cenacolo for dinner on our way back to PGH, where we both live. It's difficult to describe the space, other than to say that the ambiance is more casual than your typical upscale Italian restaurant due to the pasta factory/market setting. The tables are quite spread out, and the walls are exposed brick, which does amplify acoustics, as others have mentioned, esp. given that there is no background music. At the time of our visit, however, about 2/3-3/4 of the tables were occupied, so I didn't find the acoustics totally overwhelming. The two top table at which we were seated was a high top, and the chairs weren't the most comfortable, but it didn't really bother us, per se. Service from our waitress, a middle aged woman, was impeccable, despite our being the youngest patrons at the time that we dined, and only ordering entrees and no alcohol. Because we had spent the entire afternoon munching on snacks to negate the effects of the wine that we'd consumed, we decided to forego appetizers, despite my curiosity about the fresh mozzarella. (That, of course, gives me an excellent excuse to return--along with buying pasta for my own use.) For my entree, I ordered the bruco ($20), which consisted of wavy pasta with wild mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, mascarpone cream, and truffle. It was obvious that the pasta, which was cooked perfectly al dente, was fresh, and the flavors of the other ingredients married together with depth and complexity. CM ordered the four cheese ravioli with meat sauce ($20), which I also sampled, despite my aversion to beef. Despite the seeming simplicity of this dish, again, the pasta was perfectly cooked, the filling was deliciously light and savory, and the red sauce was complex and mouthwateringly delicious in flavor. Before our entrees were served, we were provided with freshly baked bread and honey butter, as well as a salad with arugula, shaved parmesan, and cherry tomatoes dressed with a delicious sweet balsamic dressing that even CM, who isn't partial to sweet-savory mixtures, greatly enjoyed. At the end of our meal, we were provided with shots of limoncello and almond cookies with the check, which we thought was an especially nice touch. Needless to say, this was one of the most memorable meals that CM and I enjoyed together. Sadly, it also turned out to be our last, as our relationship has since come to a close. Thank you, Cenacolo, for providing such a delicious and enjoyable last supper for us, and a wonderful final memory of our time together.

    (5)
  • Nam P.

    Wow what a nice restaurant! When I read the reviews that they make their own pasta, I had to try this place! Even though I don't normally seek out Italian restaurants. Attached to the restaurant is the pasta production side called Fede, and it makes for an interesting/unique set up. The dining area is very nicely decorated and the production area has that "strip district" feel. My meal came with bread, olives, and a side arugula salad. This was the first time I went, so I didn't anticipate the portion sizes, which were huge! I ordered the short rib gnocchi which could easily feed a family of 4! Lol the gnocchi was tender and well cooked and the short rib in the sauce was amazing! I went here for lunch, but it would be a perfect place to go on a dinner/lunch date with a bottle of wine, but I think I would enjoy it most with a family style dining experience. If back in this area I would definitely come back to try the other fresh made pastas! Delicious!

    (5)
  • Molly H.

    Giving this place 4 stars. Food. Outstanding. I had the rabbit with square pasta. It was amazing. We had an appetizer of fried artichoke hearts and also a 5 choice of meats/cheeses. Both were great. Tasted the crab pasta and lobster/corn ravioli...yum. Great portion sizes according to price. Salad was fresh arugula with slices of parm and the dressing was a sweet basalmic. Leftovers to bring home on the pasta. Dessert of tiramisu. Not the best tiramisu I've ever had, but it was very good. Atmosphere. It's a little loud because everything is polished concrete. I think maybe if the added wall hangings that absorbed some of the noise, it would be more pleasant. Service. Our waitress was excellent and went through the menu offering suggestions and descriptions. BYOB. Awesome. No corking fee either. Table seating...this is where I would give it a 1 or a zero. They sat 5 of us in the lobby area...right in the middle of where everyone was standing to wait and worse RIGHT next to the bathrooms. Terrible. The bathroom doors didn't remain closed and we could smell the toilet drop ins. We had made a reservation two weeks before and asked if there was a different table stating we did have a reservation. Front of the house girl was pretty short and said basically this was it and deal with it. You are front of the house...pleasant attitude is expected and they obviously knew it was a screw up because they comped both appetizers. There was also no salt/pepper on table so I'm thinking this was not a regular seating place. Will I return? Most likely yes. However, if I have to sit in the bathroom again I will not go back. Suggestion...put a couple bar tables there so waiting guests can have a drink/appetizer while standing.

    (4)
  • Pamela L.

    Pretty impressive for the area, great pasta, will definitely return. The bad news: The lighting was horrible, so bright you didn't even notice there were candles on the table. The menu is also confusing and misleading in that the pasta dishes come with a salad, but how would you know? It doesn't say anything about it on the menu. And the portion sizes are big enough for two to share. Again, how would you know? Also weird that they don't provide knives to cut your salad with. Annoying. The bread was good, but some olive oil for dipping would have improved the experience. And the fried artichoke appetizer was so heavily breaded, it was like eating bricks. The arugala salad that comes with the pasta was good, but they serve it with a too-sweet balsamic dressing, which I personally didn't care for.

    (4)
  • Susan T.

    Wow. Seriously. First, the ambiance: It was unique, intimate and welcoming. Definitely a Tuscan feel, but not like "hey look! grape vines! Goooo Italy!" - more like a home-style come on in and get comfortable setting. We started with a cheese board. Wisconsin cheddar truffle, imported Asiago and spicy Sopresatta. Very nice. This was followed by the house salad which was arugula with a sweet balsamic dressing. Maltagliati (my new favorite word) is their Braised Rabbit served over square pasta with tomatoes. It was just fantastic - perfectly seasoned and packed with flavors that complemented one another. Hubs had the Rigatoni which was served with spicy Sicilian sausage and banana peppers and he was extremely pleased. For dessert we had a coconut peach concoction that while good, was not great - but perhaps we were just too full to give it the attention it deserved. To wrap, complimentary limoncello in frosted shot glasses - perfect. This is a BYOB, with no cork fee. Also, water is served in individual table carafes and as a water hound, this is always a plus for me. Service was A+! We were there on a Thursday night and it was pretty packed, reservations are a must, I feel. We will definitely go back, as I'm ashamed to admit that I have no idea what our friends ordered... we were engrossed in great food + the great conversation that comes so easy when everything clicks with a really terrific dining experience!

    (5)
  • Zachary O.

    It takes a good bit of confidence--and a lot of execution--to invoke biblical references for a meal. But Cenacolo, a restaurant whose name comes from the Latin term for the Last Supper, delivers on both counts. It's my favorite Italian restaurant in Western Pennsylvania, and a must-visit for people seeking authentic--and interesting--Italian food. Cenacolo is tucked in a business park just off Route 31. From the outside, it looks like any other no-frills office building; inside, the ambiance blends a Tuscan vibe with its warehouse setting. The restaurant is split into two seating areas, and in between is a market counter selling fresh pasta and sauces. Where Cenacolo excels, however, is its food. You'll find well-known pastas: linguine, ravioli, and the like. But most of the menu features specialty pasta paired with delicious sauces. I had a butternut squash gnocchi with a sage cream sauce, which made a perfect sweet/savory balance. I sampled a bit of strozzapreti from a fellow diner, and it was delicious as well. What makes the restaurant so excellent is its excellent management. Steve and Jen have worked in the industry for years, and they both are experts on Italian food (regional differences in Italian food, types of pasta, etc.). They've been very hospitable in my two visits, and their cooking courses are laid-back and informative. It extends to the rest of the staff--my waitress began our service by asking if anyone had food allergies or special needs. It may sound silly, but that attention to detail could be life-saving for someone with a severe allergy. It's been two weeks since my latest meal at Cenacolo, and I already look forward to returning. The restaurant is a real gem, and deserves every platitude it receives. Though it's named for the last supper, I can't imagine people not returning again and again.

    (5)
  • JBaby S.

    Extremely loud, echoing off the walls restaurant. It leaves your ears numb. Bitter greens and grease soaked bread. Im out Wasted toll fare to get here, what a waste

    (2)
  • Jonathan K.

    Made a reservation for a party of 12 for new year's eve. Rules were strict- no separate checks, 2 hour limit, cork fees on wine and beer if byob. Waited for over 40 minutes for table eventhough we had a reservation and there was a 2 hour limit. Manager Steve harrassed us for drinking beer while waiting for our table. We showed him the flyer that said byob beer is ok. He said that they changed the rules and that we didnt have to stay and accused us of being rude. It seemed like he wanted us to leave. He was extremely rude. The rest of the staff was very nice but this guy was a real jerk. Worst restaurant experience ever. All 12 of us walked out and went to Lucci's which was awesome. As we walked out the manager sarcastically said bye bye and waved. Huge jerk. We will never go back. We will tell everyone we know to never go there.

    (1)
  • Nick F.

    Wow! There is nothing else like this place in Westmoreland County. This is not the same as every other restaurant around but truly different and delicious. This restaurant could easily hold it's own in Shadyside or Squirrel Hill but instead it is in Irwin, Wow! All pasta is made on site along with sauces, and much more, cheeses and meats are imported. Dinners come with a basic salad that is not your standard iceberg fair. The dessing is homemade and wonderful and arugula, cheese, and ripe tomatoes are used. Before dinner we were given imported olives and after dinner a small cookie and a bit of limoncello. I will come back here every time I am back in town.

    (5)
  • Jaimie S.

    This is quite literally the best, most authentic Italian food I've ever had. And it's in a business complex next to my kids' dentist! Handmade pasta to die for. Try the fresh mozzarella for an appetizer!

    (5)
  • Matthew D.

    While I only rated this establishment a three-star, there is much good to say about the place. I thought that the wine pairing was interesting;a limited selection of well chosen wines. The wait staff was attentive and helpful. The food was four-star (the sauce on my pasta was a little overwhelming), Appetizers were tasty. The lemon cello at the end of the meal was nice. The bar area inside the door was fun (except that it also served as a waiting room for guest that just stood there looking awkward). But too many negatives for the price. I have stated before, that (for me) the price is too high (it was crowded, so the management knows their price point). But one can get the same quality food and service at a dozen nearby places for much less. The place doesn't live up to the hype. The entrance and parking are dismal. It is very loud (a constant echoing din that makes it impossible to have a conversation). No oil for the bread, The salad comes with a dressing that isn't great, but there are no other choices. The menu is uninspired and not very informative. I'm not sure even now what the wine policy is. There was a $5.00 ($3.00 should be the maximum) corkage fee on the menu, so I am assuming hat you can bring your own bottle.

    (3)
  • Jeremia F.

    I thought that this place was pretty good. I came with a large group with reservations on a Saturday night and the place was packed! I really liked what they had done with the design and layout of the place but I though that it could really use some sort of acoustic dampening as it was very loud and echoed quite a bit with all those people. Also on aside note there are a few religious references including in the name of this joint so if religious references irritate you that is a heads up. I'm cool with all religious stuff so whatever. The service was great and one of the highlights for me is no cork fees, whhhaaat??? That is a first for me . As far as the food went I'm not sure if it was anything was all that special. Our table tried just about every appetizer and those were by far the stand out dishes, they were nice portions and very flavorful. Now the main courses aren't for people avoiding carbs as the only options are the pasta dishes. I mean the place is in a pasta factory so what would you expect, right?? The pasta dish that I thought stood out among all the options was the rabbit dish it was very savory and recommend that to anybody who isn't adverse to chowing down on bugs bunny. all the other dishes were actually quite bland and was disappointed that there wasn't options as far as ordering a dish with a different style of pasta. Overall pretty good but not sure if I will make the trek all the way back out here any time soon. Also good luck finding this place even with a GPS, just keep in mind that it is in a factory type building.

    (4)
  • Morgan And Brian B.

    1st off I must say I didn't try the food... why?... We stopped on Valentines Day, we did not have a reservation, the staff was very nice an asked us to wait a bit since it was snowing they thought there were some cancelations, there were and she proceed to seat us... the place was pretty empty yet we were seated at a small 2 person table less then a foot from another 2 person table and the entire place was set up like that. It was terrible. Not to mention not one entrée was less than $20 bucks. If I am going to spend $20 - 30 bucks a plate I darn well better be comfortable. It was also a very small menu, and the location seems very strange. We ended just leaving.

    (2)
  • Sue N.

    Apparently there is an expiration time on your table at this restaurant. We ordered appetizers to dessert. Our entree took a while to b served, our bill sat on the table waiting to be processed but didn't complain. In hindsight we should have as were we very rudely asked to vacate our table. Good pasta can be found anywhere. Good service can not, don't look for it here!

    (2)
  • Jeremy C.

    This place is great - it ranks up there with my favorite Italian places in Chicago. I try to go every time I am back in Pittsburgh visiting family. I really like the Tagliolini (homemade pasta with crab meat, lemon, garlic, and parmesan) and the meatballs made with Prosciutto & Mortadella. The entree portions are huge, and the BYOW makes it all even better.

    (5)
  • Sarah M.

    Outstanding food. Although it's hidden, nice ambiance inside although a bit loud. Byo. Pasta Brucco is my fave. I've been here several times & had a wonderful experience each time.

    (5)
  • D C.

    My wife and I wanted to treat her Grandma to a nice lunch. We found Cenacola on yelp and decided to try them for the first time. The lunch was delicious, and the staff was exceedingly friendly. Our 2-yr-old baby was with us, and we were worried the place may not accommodate kids. The staff was inviting, and our baby had a great time. We all felt right at home. We ordered the meat-and-cheese plate appetizer, 3 pasta entrees, and the tiramisu for dessert. The food was excellent. The pasta is homemade; it tasted fresh and was cooked perfectly. All 3 pasta entrees tasted unique. We came for lunch on a weekday. The place was moderately busy, but not packed, and we were seated immediately. We sat in the market area, which was nice and open. Since it wasn't crowded, our baby could walk about and watch the pasta makers. The place is small, so it might get crowded at dinner time. The food is top quality, and I feel it is worth the price. This place is more expensive than an average family restaurant, but you are getting fresh made pasta, and it's a good value for the high quality of food. The staff was very friendly and warm. We definitely recommend Cenacola to anyone looking for a delicious Italian meal.

    (5)
  • Charles S.

    We were introduced to Cenacolo by our Pittsburgh-based son, and always try to dine there during our twice-a-year visits to Pittsburgh. In the words of a Michelin 3-star rating, it's worth the journey. The food, especially the pasta, is the closest I've experienced to dining in Italy itself. The main course portions are huge, so when in a group we have learned to order a variety of appetizers and then split the main course. I am surprised by the negative comments directed toward Steve, as I have always found him to be a wonderful host and his serving staff are friendly, efficient, and always willing to explain the menu. It is indeed something of an unusual "factory" decor because the business is based upon supplying pasta to Pittsburgh's upscale restaurants, but I find that charming and unpretentious. Give me great food and I am a happy camper. It's also hard to find, so have a good GPS or someone familiar with the neighborhood, especially after dark. If you see the postal trucks, you are close. Just proceed to the factory-like structure beyond the post office.

    (5)
  • Ana D.

    This is a very nice little BYOW in Irwin!! Yes we have a new worth to visit restaurant. They stated little and now they have this location. This place is in an industrial park but when you are in you have no idea of this. They did a good job on decorating the place and they sell the pastas and sauces that they make. If you are in the hood you should visit and support places like this one, because we need to have more of this close to home!!

    (5)
  • Kimberly K.

    My family and I will NEVER come back here. First of all it was so loud that you couldn't hear the person next to you. Second of all the service was slow and when we paid our bill the waitress brought us the wrong credit card back. We had to ask other workers just to get her back so we could get the card before someone left. The worst was a large group of people who sat in a small room with us. They were piss drunk and screaming while they were having a conversation. They loudly made in fun of the other guests at the restaurant, used curse words like C*nt, F*ggot, F*cker, and other completely inappropriate words. Multiple members of the staff had witnessed this group of people and said nothing. Completely offended, we asked to see a manager, to which none could be found. There was NO manager there on a saturday night. We told, who we think was the chef, about how offended we were by what had happened to which he said it's hard to control people. Well It's your restaurant and instead of asking a group of four people to quite down or leave, they let an entire room of people be ridiculed and bullied. Not only will we NEVER go back to the restaurant, but my family and I are telling everyone about our horrible experience. I have never been so offended in my life and I lived in NYC.

    (1)
  • Jane G.

    Great food, albeit a bit pricey. Be forewarned BYOB policy has changed! You are allowed to open ONE bottle only, and we were not told about this when our first bottle was opened !

    (4)
  • Gerald M.

    This is an Italian restaurant like no other in Western PA. Unique would be an understatement. The specifics that follow should make you run to your phone for a reservation... and since Cenacolo seats about 40, you will need a reservation. Cenacolo serves the best pasta you have ever eaten... made from scratch in a kitchen 15 feet away from the table you are sitting at. No veal. No chicken. No fish. No sauce from a restaurant supplier's 5 gallon bucket. This is about incredible, fresh artisan pasta. Fede pasta, made by Steve's passionate staff of experts. Why is that so? Steve Salvi, the owner, has worked in some of Pittsburgh's top restaurants. Disappointed by the lack of quality in restaurant purveyors' pasta offerings, Steve started to make his own pasta. In 2005 he created Fede Pasta, and now supplies many local and national restaurants around the country. Never one to walk away from cooking, Steve offered lunches three days a week at the Fede Pasta dining room. Incredible response from his patrons caused Steve to open the small, special restaurant for lunch, dinner and retail purchase of his hand-made pasta. The menu features Affettato... thinly shaved, cured Italian meats, and Formaggi... delicious cheeses among the appetizers. Oh, you were expecting a few thin, small pieces of meat or cheese on a plank for an outrageous amount of money. Not here! A satisfying amount for a fair price, and artistically presented. Where do these fresh goodies come from? The retail service area just a few steps from the restaurant. (Oh, yeah... Italy fits in this supply chain too.) More appetizers: my wife and I split three delicious meatballs served with a bit of sauce and some chunky Parmesan presented on a rustic slab of wood. Wow! Good! Not listed on the menu, but really good: arugula salad, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar. One of the best salads I have ever tasted. Sure, it is included. You're family, right? Lineamente: seasonal pasta offered at the appropriate times of the year. Traditional pasta served throughout the year. Classics, some with shrimp, some with salmon, some with jumbo lump crabmeat and some with short rib ragu. Yes, there are meat and seafood options, BUT the feature is always the pasta. And what pasta it is. In his years of designing pasta for great restaurants, Steve always works with the best chefs to come up with pasta that looks fabulous... and tastes even better. Sooooooo, what would be good to drink with this incredible pasta? Anything YOU want. Bring your own wine; there is no corkage fee. This is an Italian family restaurant. You are welcome to have your favorite wine; think about how much money you just saved! Artisan Pasta is the star at Cenacolo Restaurant, not inflated wine prices. Dessert? You think ordinary? Think again. A couple of traditional classics. Go for different. When I described our dining experience to my coworkers today, they told me they would visit just for the dessert alone... that good! SUMMARY: If you are here, you have read a long review. Cenacolo is a very small restaurant showcasing the talents of Steve Salvi and an incredible staff in the kitchen, in the retail product service area and servers who know the food well and really hustle to take care of their guests. It is a family undertaking. A special sharing of Steve's love for Italian food presented as artistically and delicious as you will find anywhere. This is not some slick, corporate, mass-production restaurant. Steve's family works in the Fede kitchen. I have been in the kitchen. There is a passion for perfection. Nice family that gives back to the community in many ways. You have to know Steve. He truly cares about people at all levels of their being. This is about helping and sharing. I have never met a man who cares as much as Steve does... whatever the undertaking. Visit his restaurant. Say "Hi" to him. Enjoy the experience. You will long remember it. Cenacolo truly is different. IMPORTANT NOTES: The location is in BANCO BUSINESS PARK, not the middle of Irwin. I would suggest that you drive out there during the day to find out exactly where it is. Signs indicate Fede Pasta. This is in a large building in an industrial park. You are not looking for a mall location or something you might find in South Side or on Butler Street. Fede Pasta is a manufacturing facility. Cenacolo Restaurant exists within that operation. YOU SHOULD MAKE A RESERVATION. REALLY! (Remember, this restaurant seats about 40 people. Scheduling is tricky.)

    (5)
  • I.E. C.

    Excellent pasta. I'm partial to the Bruco. The bruco pasta entree comes with mascarpone sauce, truffle oil, wild mushrooms. Great! The arugula salad is also quite tasty, however get the the sweet balsamic on the side, as they tend to put too much on it. Also, the fresh mozzarella is absolutely delicious! This is probably the best Italian Restaurant in the Pittsburgh area now.

    (5)
  • Natalie K.

    Cenacolo Restaurant: It Might Just Be Your Last Supper The last time we visited our friends in Erie, they took us to a charming Italian restaurant. As I savored each bite, from appetizer to dessert, I racked my foodie mind to think of a comparable eatery in Pittsburgh. Sure, we have Italian eats in the 'Burgh, but I was coming up short in thinking of the kind of spot that makes you ask the wait staff, " Hey, is the owner's Nonna the executive chef?" Since then, I've made it my mission in the passing months to find said place. That's right my foodie friends, I've suffered through mediocrity and Prego-inspired plates to find the best of the best. Here is my conclusion, although the city limits of Pittsburgh is still lacking overall, you can treat yourself to an Italian getaway in North Huntingdon (wait...where?) when you visit Cenacolo Restaurant. Finding Cenacolo, which refers to the Last Supper, the first time can be a bit challenging (we ended up in the Post Office parking lot more than once). It's not your typical restaurant locale and rightfully so. Fede Pasta, which has been making pasta for other restaurants since 2005, made the brilliant decision to open their own eatery this past October. Rather than moving Cenacolo elsewhere, they built a restaurant and retail shop right within their wholesale distribution warehouse. The retail shop is located in the center, offering a variety of pre-cooked pastas and house sauces for you to take home. You can also purchase a seemingly endless variety of artisanal cheeses and cured meats at their "deli" counter. On either side of the retail space, you'll find the dining areas...cozy spaces that remind me of tastefully decorated home dining rooms. The owners are very accommodating to parties of all sizes; our latest visit was a birthday celebration for eight. While we did have to wait more than a bit for our reserved table, the staff was attentive while we wandered around the retail shop. Our waiter even brought us wine glasses so we could imbibe, free of corkage fee, as we mused over the seasonally printed menu. Having time to consider the night's offerings, we were seated ready to order...or so thought. While providing an overview of the menu, our waiter threw a delicious dilemma into the mix. We could order individually as planned, or we could choose 3-4 items from the menu and be served larger, family style portions to share. This was an offer we couldn't refuse. (Ok...truth...I almost refused...because I'm stingy and I didn't know if could share the Ricotta Gnocchi with Short Rib Ragu.) We needed more time to agree on our selections, so we did what any hungry mob of eight would do; we ordered the large charcuterie plate. While you may opt to select your own... To read my full review and check out delicious food pics, please visit: fork2mouth.blogspot.com/…

    (5)
  • Nancy C.

    Food was excellent but we won't be back. Unique and interesting restaurant. Atmosphere was industrial chic with lots to look at while waiting for our table. Reservations are a must. We started with the Hot Sopresseta and Asiago cheese, which was hot and very tasty. Next came the salad, which had possibly the best salad dressing I have ever tasted. The rolls came with honey butter which was excellent in spite of the fact that I don't care for honey. For the main course, I had Pasta Alla Chitarra which was tasty and cooked to perfection. The guys each had spaghetti with shrimp and they left not a morsel on their plates. My friend had Tagliolini with crabmeat and said it was awesome. We loved the BYOB policy with no cork fee. We finished 3 bottles of wine and at the end of the meal our waiter brought us a shot of lemoncello, whch was delicious. Our reservation was for 7:30 and we were seated about 7:50, which was not a problem at all. At 9:25, Chef Steve asked that we leave in order to seat other later reservations. I don't know if the party of 8, who came in at the same time as we did, or another party of 4 in another room, who also got there when we did, were also asked to leave, but for this reason, I am giving this place 3 stars instead of 5. It was a very surprising and disappointing ending to an otherwise wonderful evening.

    (3)
  • Christopher H.

    Unreal!! Long overdue in this area. The gnocchi are superb and light as a feather. The sauces are incredible and the imported meats and cheeses are varied and each one better than the last. Steve combines ingredients like no one else within a 50 mile radius can. By far the ONLY choice in the greater Pittsburgh area to eat if you are craving Italian. The wait staff are attentive but now smothering. Just an excellent experience and we will be back....ALOT. Still BYOB but for me that just adds to the ambience.

    (5)
  • Kelly K.

    I had the pleasure of dining here again on New Year's Eve and last weekend. Both times the food and service were fantastic! I love introducing friends to Cenacolo. I'll be back soon...

    (5)
  • Katy D.

    This place needs no tips! Absolutely fantasic and delicious meal.

    (5)
  • Ed O.

    My wife and I have been wanting to try this out of the restaurant next to the Irwin Post Office ever since people began recommending it Tonight was our 32nd anniversary and what a nice place to spend it This BYOB place attached to the Fede pasta retail store and wholesaler was a truly wonderful experience It is a pasta restaurant that specializes in pasta and antipasta consisting of artisan meats and cheeses. Portions were large and quite tasty. The desert choices were adequate and we settled on a simple gelato because we were stuffed after eating only half our meals Ordering coffee with dessert turned out to be a welcome surprise which turned out to be a container of a French pressed liquid. The service was great and the atmosphere was intimate in the one room. The other area tables lined the perimeter of the retail space We went on a Tuesday and it wasn't crowded, however reservations are a good idea and weekends should be avoided.

    (5)
  • Jerry S.

    Four of us went to Cenacolo this past weekend and I have to say that I have been hesitant on writing a review because I don't want this place to become so popular that I can't get a reservation. This is by far the best restaurant in the area and perhaps in the entire Pittsburgh area. We started with a sample cheese plate that include all 5 cheeses they offered. If you don't like strong cheeses, such as Asiago, then you might not like this appetizer, but since I do, I really enjoyed them and they give you quite a lot of each type of cheese. The bread and butter (I believe it was a honey butter) was very good as well. The butter was sweet, but not over sweet. The salad that comes with the meal was a very good size and the sweet balsamic dressing was one of the best balsalmic dressings that I've had. We also tried the meatballs. The problem with the meatballs is that I could eat an entire plate of them myself and then not have any room for the entree. The meatballs were fantastic...possibly the best I ever had (sorry Mom). They weren't drowning in sauce, but the there was enough sauce on the plate to complement the meatballs perfectly. I could go back daily just for the meatballs! It was tough deciding on which main course to eat. I ended up having the Linguine with lump crabmeat. It was delicious and I even ate the whole thing. My wife had one of the specials...lobster ravioli. Fortunately for me, she couldn't finish them because of all the food we had already eaten and she was kind enough to share the leftovers the next day. My dinner was excellent, but her lobster ravioli were out of this world. We were too full for dessert, but they brought us out a plate of small almond cookies with a small shot of limoncello. That was such a perfect ending to such a delicious meal and it really hit the spot. Usually there is a down side to a meal, such as the service was slow or one part of the meal wasn't up to standard, but I have to say that each and every part of this meal exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was on top of everything. Our food came out timely and we never felt rushed through our meal. Our water glasses were always being filled. Although you can BYOB, we chose not to this dinner, but the next time, I can see me having a nice bottle of Chianti with me to make my meal even more perfect...if that is even possible.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:30 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch, Dinner
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : Yes

Categories

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

Cenacolo Restaurant

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