🍝 Must-try restaurants for 2026

PA Turnpike Tolls Increase

Drivers on the turnpike will pay a 4% higher troll rate this year. The most common toll for passenger vehicles increased from $1.86 to $1.94 for E-ZPass customers and from $3.72 to $3.88 for Toll By Plate customers. [PA Turnpike]

• EV chargers are now available for turnpike drivers. [Allegheny Front]

Helicopter Lands at Point State Park

Yinz see that? A chopper touched down in Point State Park Tuesday morning as part of a State Police training exercise for the 2026 NFL Draft this spring. [TribLive / 📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• The park’s $3.4 million renovation project is ahead of schedule. [PA]

O’Connor Issues First Executive Order

On his first full day in office, Mayor Corey O’Connor ordered a review of Pittsburgh's permitting delays, hoping to revamp the process and reduce wait times before developers can begin a build. [Public Source]

Carnegie Welcomes Youngest Mayor in PA

The borough’s new mayor, Sam Bigham, turns 24 next week — making him the youngest mayor to serve in Carnegie and the youngest currently in PA. [KDKA]

Homicides Are Down in Pittsburgh

In 2025, Pittsburgh recorded the fewest number of homicides in decades, mirroring a national trend. Plus, data shows that nonfatal shootings, aggravated assaults, and sex offenses all decreased last year. [TribLive]

We love to update yinz on the yummiest new places to grab a bite or bev in the Burgh!

Post-Gazette reporter Hal B. Klein joins us on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to share some of his favorite eats from the past year.

Tune in, then scroll for a second helping ⬇️

Cafe Samarkand

Enjoy a spread of Uzbek food at this Brookline eatery — juicy dumplings, smoky kebab, earthy borscht, and samsa, a flaky dough filled with savory ingredients like spiced lamb or pumpkin. Tip: It’s open until midnight!

Torogoz

This contemporary Latin restaurant in Sewickley takes inspiration from traditional Central and South American dishes. You can’t go wrong with the bright Peruvian ceviches or tamalitos made with stewed chicken and salsa roja. They both pair well with the rich flavors of Torogoz’s “Negroni Morada.”

Polska Laska

It’s all pierogi all the time at this charming Sharpsburg cafe. Look for classic flavors like potato with cheddar or sauerkraut, plus new favorites like chicken pop pie pierogi. Pair these heavenly dumplings with kielbasa or house-made soup.

Sea Monkey

The Strip District’s newest restaurant and nightlife lounge features a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Asian cuisine. Get cozy in a plush velvet booth, sip on a themed cocktail, and vibe out to DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights.