A Taste of the Mediterranean: Avva

By: Marisa Vaccaro 

This month, while still exploring restaurants in the North Pittsburgh area, we ventured away from the usual Italian trend and moved more into Mediterranean cuisine. Tucked away on the side streets of a quaint Fox Chapel neighborhood, Avva is a cute little restaurant with a great patio that sets the vibe for a casual, relaxing evening. 

The patio was the highlight for me. I love a great outdoor seating area, and Avva is a wonderful spot when the weather is nice to enjoy a glass of wine, a few Mediterranean dips, and good company. We started with the hummus and baba ganoush, both of which were enjoyable and made for a nice start to the meal. Another pleasant surprise was the wine selection. We ordered a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that was very reasonably priced for a restaurant and, more importantly, was actually enjoyable. Finding a good bottle of wine at a restaurant without the hefty markup is always a win. 

For our entrées, we went with some of the more traditional kabob dishes. I appreciated that each came with a salad and a choice of rice or bulgur, creating a nice balance of protein, vegetables, and grains. From a presentation and portion standpoint, the meals offered a well-rounded plate. However, this is where the meal fell a little short for me. I tend to gravitate toward authentic, bold, fresh flavors, and I would have liked more robust flavors. 

Another member of our group ordered the shrimp salad, which came with cucumber, tomato, and chilled shrimp.

It was a lighter and refreshing choice, especially for anyone

looking for something less hearty than a kabob dish.

Dessert was a pleasant surprise and easily one of the highlights of the evening. We were told the house specialty was cheesecake, which happens to be one of my favorite desserts— when it’s homemade. It did not disappoint. The cheesecake was flavorful, surprisingly light, and gluten-free, with a beautifully caramelized top that reminded us of crème brûlée. It was definitely a sweet ending to the meal and one of the dishes I would remember from the visit. 

Overall, Avva is a charming neighborhood restaurant with a beautiful patio and a relaxed atmosphere. The hummus, baba ganoush, wine, and cheesecake were the highlights of the meal for me. The main dishes didn't leave a lasting impression on me, but others were happy with their choices. The atmosphere and setting created the perfect ambiance for sharing a meal with friends and family.