8 Chefs and Resturants Leading the Way in Pittsburgh’s Culinary Excellence

BY TABLE MAGAZINE STAFF

JULY 17, 2025

There’s no end to the investment of toil and genius that goes into creating and maintaining a successful restaurant. Because the hardest work is usually done behind the scenes, it is often undervalued. Because there is frequently a team involved, it sometimes even goes unmentioned. In this year’s How to Pittsburgh issue, we wanted to take a moment to salute a few of the culinary magic-makers in our area. We are grateful for them, and appreciative of their commitment to excellence. They inspire us!

Chad Houser, Café Momentum Pittsburgh

268 Forbes Avenue, Downtown

Chad Houser, Founder and CEO of Café Momentum, has been named the 2025 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year. This honor from the James Beard Foundation recognizes exceptional selflessness and dedication to improving society and the lives of others. We have seen (and tasted) firsthand how the work of Café Momentum changes lives. Under Houser’s decade of leadership, Café Momentum combines culinary excellence with holistic support for justice-involved youth, equipping them with life skills, education, and employment opportunities to achieve their full potential. With locations in Dallas, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Denver, and more to come, Café Momentum is a game changer for so many.

“It has been the honor of my life to work alongside more than 1,200 justice-involved youth who have transformed their lives with the support of Café Momentum,” Houser says. “This award reflects the power and potential of every young person when we believe in them. When we provide the tools, resources, and opportunities they deserve, they rise every single time. Together, we are proving that every young person deserves a seat at the table.

To read the full article: https://pittsburgh.tablemagazine.com/blog/8-chefs-and-resturants-leading-the-way-in-pittsburghs-culinary-excellence/