Capsule looks at recently reviewed restaurants

The Capital Grille's clubby atmosphere will make you want to wear a power suit and order your Scotch neat. Indulge yourself in well-executed classics, but beware the occasional over-attentive server. Avoid vegetables, they're not worth it, and reserve your appetite and your wallet for some stunning cuts of meat and an impressive but fairly expensive wine list.

Piatt Place, 301 Fifth Ave., Downtown, 412-338-9100, www.thecapitalgrille.com.

A prime spot for pre-theater dining, Trilogy offers sophisticated American food with global influences. Priced for special occasions, with an atmosphere to match.

620 Liberty Ave., Downtown, 412-697-2800.

This quirky neighborhood cafe serves straightforward Italian-American food in a slightly peculiar dining room. Enjoy abundant appetizers and pastas for reasonable prices, with friendly and competent service. On weeknights the restaurant can be quiet, but don't let that keep you away; even when you're the only patrons in the restaurant, this comfort food has the power to soothe.

4621 Liberty Ave., Bloomfield, 412-688-8070, mezzanottecafe.com.

The Passport Cafe brings an experienced Chef and Maitre d', and a devotion to local and seasonal foods to Pine and surrounding areas.

The Pine Tree Shoppes, 12087 Perry Highway, Pine,724-934-3663, www.passportcafepittsburgh.com

Sophisticated, sultry and smooth, Soba pleases the eye and the palate. Still the most popular gathering spot for Pittsburgh's wealthier young trendsetters, Soba promises good people watching any night of the week. Serious diners will want to seek out the restaurant's more unusual offerings on Chef Jamie Achmoody's pan-asian menu, such as braised beef short ribs with massaman curry and kafir lime gremolata.

5847 Ellsworth Ave., Shadyside, 412-362-5656, www.bigburrito.com/soba.

A good place to experience unrushed, pleasantly formal dining. At Tambellini's you're paying for atmosphere, attentive service, and generally crowd-pleasing food.

5701 Bryant Ave., Highland Park, 412-665-9000, www.josephtambell-ini.com.