The second Chengdu Gourmet location, coming soon to the North Hills since July 2021, looks set to open quite soon on McKnight Road. Paper is off the windows, the large bar and dining area is nearly complete, and "Now Open" signs are primed in the lobby. It will open at 4768 McKnight Road (map), in what was formerly Oriental Market (which moved up the street earlier in 2021).
In Pittsburgh Magazine last year, Hal B. Klein summarized some key differences between it and the Squirrel Hill location, which is routinely named among the best restaurants in the city:
There will be two significant distinctions [between the two restaurants]: Zhu plans to install tanks that will allow him to sell fresh-as-can-be fish and shellfish, and he’ll offer an expanded selection of Americanized-Chinese dishes (which were dialed-back in Squirrel Hill a few years ago) to better serve North Hills diners new to Sichuan cuisine.
The ample space will offer expanded seating, including two private dining rooms, a sushi counter and, as Zhu has acquired a liquor license for the new restaurant, a bar. “It’s going to be a much bigger restaurant. Everyone will be happy when they come here,” Zhu says.
