The Capital Grille (Downtown)

A few weeks ago, we were invited to sample the new Summer "Plates" lunch menu at The Capital Grille in downtown Pittsburgh.  The Capital Grille has been on my radar since the time I lived in the Washington DC area where my condo was literally one block from one of its locations, but alas, I never had the chance to dine there, so this was an opportunity I didn't want to miss.

Inside, The Capital Grille is elegant and posh, but comfortable.  It is very spacious, yet feels intimate.  The center of the menu is where the "Plates" selection can be found, and it features a soup or salad, and entree, and a side for $18.

The Capital Grille

Wine Cellar at The Capital Grille

The Summer "Plates" Menu

Both R. and I chose the Carrot and Ginger Soup as our appetizer.  This soup had just the right amount of sweetness and the ginger added a nice kick.

Carrot and Ginger Soup

For my entree, I chose the Seared Sea Scallops, a new item on the menu.  It is paired with sweet and sour tomatoes and served with an Israeli couscous.  This chef really hit the nail on the head with this concoction.  The scallops were cooked to perfection, and there was just a hint of the juices from the tomatoes that gave it a more complex flavor.

Seared Sea Scallops

R. got the Lobster Roll, which consisted of large chunks of lobster and lettuce in a bun.  The dressing is slightly sweet and worked exceptionally well with the lobster.

Lobster Roll

For our sides, we both ordered the Truffle Fries, which were absolutely delicious.  Amsterdam really raised my standards for fries, and these truffle fries rose to the challenge.

Truffle Fries

I didn't order a beverage, but R. had gotten a Mint Lemonade that was tasty and refreshing.

Mint Lemonade

The Capital Grille caters to the business lunch crowd, and can get you through your meal in 45 minutes without feeling rushed.  The service is attentive and professional, and it's clear they go out of their way to add that personal touch.  If I worked downtown, I would bring my clients here to impress them...but I don't work downtown.  While I won't be business lunching here much myself, I'm definitely adding The Capital Grille to my list of great downtown restaurants for the times I do find myself in the neighborhood.

As a matter of full disclosure, our meal was complimentary, but as per my rule, there was no promise of a positive review in exchange.

Restaurant info:
Capital Grille
301 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412)338-9100
On the web: http://www.thecapitalgrille.com/about/main.asp


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