Welcome 3 New Restaurants to East Carson Street Business District
Published on March 20, 2026
Mayor O'Connor and South Side Chamber of Commerce Welcome 3 New Restaurants to East Carson Street Business District
Pittsburgh, PA – Mayor Corey O’Connor joined the South Side Chamber of Commerce and Councilperson Bob Charland this evening to welcome three new restaurants to the East Carson Street business district: La Dolce Vita, Teocalli and Bedford House.
“I am glad to join the South Side Chamber on the welcome wagon for these three new small businesses in the East Carson business district,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “East Carson offers such a diverse number of businesses. I’d like to thank each of these restaurants for investing in this historic district and adding new vibrancy to one of our City's great main streets.”
The three restaurants bring their own distinct flavors to the neighborhood and attract diverse audiences to the historic business district. Each restaurant was visited today for a ribbon cutting with Mayor O’Connor, Councilperson Charland, State Representative Jessica Benham, East Carson Business District Manager Susan Anderson and a “Red Ribbon Welcome” basket from the South Side Chamber of Commerce.
"Each new business that opens its doors adds energy and character to our neighborhood. These Red Ribbon Welcomes highlight new business openings as a powerful sign of economic momentum in the South Side, and the Chamber is excited to officially welcome them to our tight-knit community," said Rebecca Kasavich, Executive Committee Board Member, South Side Chamber of Commerce.
La Dolce Vita, 2104 East Carson Street
Owned by Tony DiDonato, La Dolce Vita serves traditional homemade Italian food. DiDonato invested not only in opening the restaurant but also purchased the building on East Carson. La Dolce Vita’s fresh ingredients and traditional cooking deliver bold, comforting flavors paired with their selection of small-batch Italian wines.
“We chose the South Side because we believe in its momentum,” said DiDonato. “We wanted to bring affordable, scratch-made Italian food to a growing community. We are proud to invest in the South Side by purchasing this building.”
La Dolce Vita is open daily from 4:00 – 9:00 PM.
Teocalli, 1831 East Carson Street
Teocalli is a family-owned restaurant serving time-honored recipes with a modern approach that highlights the richness and diversity of Mexican cuisine. The menu celebrates fresh ingredients and traditional flavors, alongside a full bar offering hand-crafted cocktails, to deliver the warmth and authenticity of Mexican culture to every table.
“We wanted to bring good music and authentic Latino food to the South Side,” said partner Gilberto Castano. “Our guests love the food, decorations, service and prices! We invite everyone to come visit.”
Teocalli is open from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Fridays and Saturdays.
Bedford House, 51 South 12th Street
Located in an historic 19th century building on Bedford Square, Bedford House offers a welcoming gathering place for dining and cocktails with relaxed sophistication for locals and visitors. The menu focuses on familiar yet refined seasonal dishes with seafood, fresh vegetables, comforting bistro classics and shareable plates. Open in the evenings, Bedford House has a curated wine list featuring small-batch selections, classic cocktails and aperitifs.
“I moved to the South Side in 2010 when I was in Culinary School,” said owner Charles Nikoula. “I love the lively atmosphere and the neighbors, who are nice and really care about the South Side. I am excited to now serve this community by opening Beford House – a great place to gather and enjoy good.”
Bedford House is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov