Now Open: Eclectic BOhem is First European-Style Bistro North of Pittsburgh

On jaunts to California and trips across the Atlantic, Markay Harlan was so inspired by the restaurants she found there that she decided to open her own little slice of Europe right in the Cranberry area. 

The result is BOhem, the area’s first European-style bistro north of Pittsburgh. 

Located on Route 228 in Seven Fields next to SiBA Tuscan Grill and Wine Bar, which Harlan also owns, BOhem had its soft opening in late May.

On the menu are succulent bites designed specifically for sharing, as well as an extensive drink selection featuring more than 100 wines and cocktails.

Executive Chef Scott DeLuca, who spent time as head chef at Truth Lounge on Pittsburgh’s South Side before coming to BOhem, said dinner portions are not referred to as entrees at BOhem, but as “Bistro Classics.” 

“They’re meant to be shared,” he said. “It’s something that could take people some getting used to.” 

Spreads include roasted red pepper, olive and caper tapenade and smoked salmon and chive with crème fraiche. 

On the appetizer menu is everything from escargot and steak carpaccio to a charcuterie board. 

Some of the Bistro Classics include crispy skin duck confit, pancetta-wrapped meatloaf, boeuf bourguignon and Mac ‘n Cheese. 

When it came to developing the menu, DeLuca said he had a very simple method for choosing the items. 

“It was all food I wanted to eat,” he said. 

General manager Lori DeMaria said one of the uncontested favorites so far with diners are the Brussels sprouts—yes, Brussels sprouts. 

To be fair, these are no ordinary Brussels spouts. These vegetables are served crispy and enhanced with pancetta, Parmesan and a balsamic glaze. 

“The response to the food has been overwhelming,” DeMaria said. 

The restaurant’s elegant and rustic décor was selected with the same amount of care as the menu. 

Just about everything in the bistro, from the reclaimed barn wood paneling on the walls to the chandelier made out of wine decanters, has been recycled or repurposed in some way. 

DeMaria said the cushions on the dining room chairs and booths were fashioned from burlap feed sacks. The tables and chairs themselves were once rubber tires. Leaning against one wall is a wooden ladder from a farm Harlan’s grandfather owned in Evans City. 

“The ambiance is beautiful,” DeMaria said. 

In Paris, the Pont des Arts Bridge, otherwise known as the “love lock bridge” is famous for couples affixing padlocks to the edifice and throwing away the key as a symbol of their eternal love. 

At BOhem, the bistro has its own version of the love locks. 

For $19.99, DeMaria said romantic diners may purchase a padlock and place it on a decorative iron gate. The keys go into large glass vase for safekeeping. A portion of the proceeds from the lock sales benefits the nonprofit Pittsburgh Project, DeMaria said.  

BOhem is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There is live entertainment on the patio during weekends. The bistro is closed on Sunday. 

DeLuca said the restaurant also would be open for lunch in the near future.

Have you tried BOhem yet? What did you think? Tell us in the comment section below.