Dinette first timer!!

[Augie6]

If everything goes according to plan I will be going to Dinnette for my first time this weekend. There is some logistical issues with people joining me that could move it to another weekend , but the info would be still be helpful.

Should I make reservations , if they are possible?

Is Parking a issue?

Are the pizza more personalized or for sharing?

Any recs to making this a great time, let me know.

[Augie6]

I will start off saying that I really enjoyed DInnett!! Fresh ingrediants seems to be a understatment when talking about thier food. I end up getting the Prosciutto pizza and was shocked how much flavor few simple ingreidants manifest into somethign great... So for the record I will be back to try them again , in the near future..

However, I had some not so pleasant features (not Dinnetts fault perse) THe group I was with did not want to share, (it was a work meeting) .. Also, the bill added up really really quickly... I do not think the prices are over the top, but paying 100+ for pizza (wich was great!) can leave a sour taste to people. The service, while very quick and effiecent, was not informative. She did not give any background , suggestions, or real emotions.

In the end, Dinnette was right up my alley. I really cannot wait to go back with some better people to enjoy this place.

[Rodzilla]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for the compliments!

I agree, Dinette is best shared with a friend or two where you can each get a pie and mix/match. The salads and frito misto are never slouches either.

[MonMauler]

I am definitely a fan of Dinette. I think they have interesting and tasty thin pizzas that focus on a few simple, high-quality ingredients.

That said, I have had mixed reactions from friends I've taken there, and I will explain that in a minute. First, your questions:

Reservations: No, they aren't possible. And you can't call ahead. You must enter your name on the list in person. On the weekend you can expect to wait a decent amount of time depending on the size of your group. I would expect a wait of at least 30-45 minutes, and probably longer, if you go any time near the prime Pittsburgh weekend dining time.

Parking: I've never had an issue, even when they've been busy. They have a fairly large parking lot right there off of South Highland.

Pizza: They are 12" thin, almost crackery style crusted pizzas that are suitable for personalization or sharing with another. Usually, when I go with just one other person we'll order a couple and take some of each others. With groups, it's usually about the same. For a group of 4, for example, 3 pizzas was just about perfect with only a little left over. I have no problem putting away one of these pizzas by myself, though, and have on more than one occasion.

Like I said, I really like Dinette. My favorites are the Basil, Prosciutto and Anchovy pizzas. Their salumi appetizer is also very good.

But, my friends have made a few complaints. First, Dinette is fairly expensive. You are going to drop around $15 per pizza. Wine is also fairly expensive. With alcohol and apps it is very easy to top $100 for a meal for 4, which my groups have done several times. The second complaint I've gotten most often was concerning the wait. My friends have made me go elsewhere when we've gotten there and been faced with a significant wait. A few friends have also bristled at the space, which is kind of bright and maybe a little sterile seeming. Finally, they do not allow substitutions or changes to the preparation of their pizzas, which has turned some of my friends off.

Please don't let these grumblings distract you from trying it out, though. Some of the people I've gone there with don't really appreciate food the way I do. Several others I've taken rave about it. If you are looking for very good pizza made in a simple preparation with very high-quality ingredients, this is definitely on the must-try list in Pittsburgh. Just don't go expecting your run-of-the-mill pizza parlor.

[Augie6]

Exactly what i was looking , many many thanks!!! Ironically your favorites where at the top of my list to order for the table. It always helps to know what to expect rather than the blind approach

[Panini Guy]

It's easy to eat an entire pizza on your own. So I wouldn't consider sharing if you're only getting one pizza unless you also split a couple of apps.

I think they do a great job coming up with innovative toppings. Last time I was there was with a couple of chefs from Baltimore and some other friends. We ordered five pizzas and shared between us. One topping was rosemary fingerling potatoes - which sounds fairly boring, but it was my favorite of the evening.

While the space is pretty bright, I haven't found it distractingly so. The wine list is representative of the food quality. It's not cheap, but I didn't find it outrageous either. It's well thought out given the menu.

Hope you enjoy it.

As to Mon's post, gotta say, I'm really getting tired of hearing about people complaining about no substitutions. While there are hundreds of places to eat in Pgh, there are only mere dozens with truly competent chefs. Please let those chefs do their thing and enjoy the creativity without the fussy entitlement bullbleep.

[Augie6]

Thank you ... One of my concerns was the size of pizza ... the people I am taking are big eaters, for the most part. I woiuld of never tried the potatoe one, but will now. I typically rely on the servers for recomendations and protion size, however I have struck out on thier advice as of late..

Hate to say this, but I am notorious for subsitutions on menus. Not so much as of late, and would never do it in a proper place.