Simone's Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch

Walking into Simone's Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch feels like stepping into the kind of neighborhood diner that Pittsburgh does especially well-warm, familiar, and genuinely welcoming. Located at 665 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15228, United States, this spot has become a regular stop for locals who care less about trends and more about food that actually tastes like something. I first came here on a cold weekday morning after a recommendation from a longtime Dormont resident, and it quickly became clear why this place earns steady praise in reviews.

The menu leans into comfort food but doesn’t feel dated. Breakfast classics like fluffy pancakes, omelets packed with fresh vegetables, and eggs cooked exactly the way you ask for them anchor the experience. According to data from the National Restaurant Association, nearly 70% of diners prioritize breakfast foods made with fresh ingredients, and that philosophy shows up here in a very practical way. You can taste the difference in the potatoes, which are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and in the eggs, which are never rubbery or overdone. One server explained that the kitchen preps ingredients daily rather than relying on frozen shortcuts, which aligns with best practices recommended by culinary institutes for maintaining flavor and texture.

Brunch at this diner tends to draw a mixed crowd-families, retirees, and younger couples who appreciate generous portions without inflated prices. During one weekend visit, I noticed how efficiently the staff handled a full dining room without rushing anyone out. That balance is harder to pull off than it looks. Studies from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration often highlight service pacing as a key factor in positive restaurant experiences, and Simone’s seems to have figured that out through repetition and local knowledge rather than formal training manuals.

Lunch offerings expand beyond breakfast staples but keep the same down-to-earth approach. Sandwiches arrive stacked, soups taste homemade, and daily specials rotate based on what works rather than what photographs well. A grilled turkey sandwich I ordered once came with fresh bread and a side of fries that were clearly cut in-house. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t try to impress but ends up doing exactly that. Regulars often mention in reviews that consistency is the real standout, and consistency is something food service experts regularly cite as a core driver of trust in dining establishments.

What also stands out is how the location fits into the surrounding community. Sitting right along Washington Road, it’s easy to access whether you’re walking, driving, or stopping in between errands. The diner doesn’t rely on flashy marketing; instead, word-of-mouth does most of the work. That’s backed by consumer behavior research from Nielsen, which shows that over 80% of people trust recommendations from friends and family more than advertising when choosing where to eat.

There are limitations worth noting. This isn’t the place for experimental cuisine or plant-based menus with extensive customization. If you’re looking for gluten-free variety or vegan-only options, choices may feel limited. That said, the staff is upfront about what can and can’t be modified, which adds to the sense of honesty that keeps people coming back.

Overall, the appeal comes down to reliability, fair pricing, and food that feels familiar in the best possible way. In a city full of dining options, this diner holds its ground by doing the basics exceptionally well, serving the same menu day after day with care, and earning its reputation one satisfied customer at a time.