More than a place to enjoy a hearty plate of pasta, the newly transformed Michael A’s in Oakmont is a testament to Pittsburgh’s love for Italian-American cuisine. Since Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to Pittsburgh more than a century ago, the food culture has evolved. Over time, home style neighborhood eateries have adapted to local ingredients and American dining trends. Today, spots like Michael A’s blend traditional and modern interpretations of Italian-American dining.
Sit Down to an Italian Dinner at Michael A’s in Oakmont
Established in 1991 by Michael Angelo Sciulli, for whom the restaurant is named, Michael A’s was purchased in 2022 by John Keefe, adding to his portfolio of Oakmont establishments. “This restaurant, the smallest to date, brings a fresh take on traditional Italian and unique pizza in a cozy space,” Keefe says.
The owner renovated the restaurant, which reopened in late November, to create an upscale casual vibe while maintaining the warmth customers loved.
“The décor is fresh and welcoming with a palette of earthy tones and fun accents — think pale pink booths and dramatic chandeliers,” says Jen San Rocco, the restaurant group’s chief operating officer Russtic stone and Italian artwork adorn the walls of the cozy dining room that surrounds the downstairs bar. Upstairs, another dining space features a large picture window overlooking Oakmont’s main drag.
Keefe felt it was important to keep the beloved restaurant’s name as well as some of the recipes. “Michael A’s had a loyal following for many years, so we wanted to keep that nostalgia in place,” San Rocco says. “I love that they kept the house salad and wedding soup,” says longtime customer Victoria Covelli, a food blogger from Verona. “If you know, you know!”
What’s to Eat?
Classic starters like fried zucchini and stuffed banana peppers are joined by trendy shareables like whipped ricotta with honey and chili oil, or house-made Italian bread dumplings. And along with Michael A’s traditional pasta dishes are entrees like Tuscan garlic scallops, wild mushroom risotto, and a whopping 22-ounce ribeye dripping with red-wine compound butter and roasted garlic. Perhaps the most noticeable addition is a wood-fired Marra Forni pizza oven.
“The sight and sound of crackling wood completed the vibe we were striving for,” San Rocco says. And what comes out of the oven is a hit: The prosciutto and arugula pie has emerged as a favorite, along with the Neapolitan, quattro formaggio, and fungi featuring caramelized onions and wild mushrooms.
Oakmont resident Becca Adams appreciates the fresh take on Italian food that still feels classic. “It doesn’t leave you feeling heavy or like you just ate all that you did,” she laughs. “The prices aren’t bad either — and I always have leftovers.” She pops into Michael A’s a few times a month, and not just for the food: “Their La Prima espresso martini is just absolute fire.”
Beyond the Bites
The cocktails are indeed a big draw, including other inventive martinis like the tomato & olive oil (vodka, tomato water, white balsamic, celery bitters, olive oil). In the approachable list of wines, most are from Italy; six house wines are on tap. In Italian tradition, spritzes are well-represented.
Jim Dockey, who works in Oakmont, favors the Lambrusco spritz, made with sparkling red wine, Campari, grapefruit, and soda. “I frequent John’s other restaurants and it’s nice to have one more great choice to bring clients for drinks or an upscale dinner,” he says.
Keefe’s Oakmont eateries run the gamut from fine dining to sports bars. The Lot at Edgewater is a modern chophouse and drinkery, and Hoffstot’s Café Monaco is another Oakmont staple serving classic Italian fare. Carnivores is an easygoing sports bar with as many beer selections as there are televisions, and The Pub at 333 serves up pub fare in a casual space with a large beer selection and late-night hours. Vinnie’s Tavern, Oakmont’s “original watering hole,” offers comfort food, cocktails, and even dancing.
Bring the Whole Family
As for Michael A’s, it’s the kind of place that attracts all kinds, from families and friends to business clients and couples. “We like to have something for everyone and for every guest to feel comfortable and accommodated,” San Rocco says.
At lunch, the standard menu is complemented by four hearty Italian-inspired sandwiches. For the late-night week end crowd, there’s a compact menu of pizza and small bites. At the other end of the time zone, “The Early Bird” runs daily from 2 to 5 p.m.: a classic plate of pasta in red sauce, with house salad and breads, for $15. Pittsburgh diners do get attached to “the way things used to be” at favorite haunts. The new team at Michael A’s is confident that their approach — maintaining traditions and serving fresh ingredients in a modern interior — is a winning combination.
Covelli, a Michael A’s customer since she was a child, provides proof of concept. “The original owners are longtime family friends, so I miss seeing them,” she says. “But I know they’d be happy to see the restaurant flourishing in its new glory.”
Story by Sarah Tuthill
Photo From Michael A’s