Beyond churches, Western Pa. restaurants are reeling in diners with fish frenzy

The Lenten season ushers in a dining fish sandwich frenzy at many restaurants in Western Pennsylvania.

Whether it’s fried, broiled or baked, fish Lenten specials are popping up on most menus, offering an tasty and easy way to enjoy fish — and keep your kitchen clean.

Turn Fridays into Fry-days noshing on fish at these Pittsburgh-area eateries.

Costa’s Italian Market

2240 Freeport Road, New Kensington

Calvin Affinito, head cook, shows the fish sandwich at Costa's Italian Market in New Kensington on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Kristina Serafini | TribLive)

Costa’s Italian Market owner Bill Mauroni is continuing the Lenten fish sandwich tradition that began more than 45 years ago in New Kensington.

The Fried Cod Sandwich ($14) there is hand-breaded, fried in vegetable oil and served plain. But customers can trick out their sandwich with their preferred condiments plus lettuce, onion and tomato. Most customers go for the sandwich on a Mancini’s bun.

For Mauroni, the Lenten fish fry schedule keeps him hopping.

“We’re on our second generation of fish lovers here and Fridays are our busiest days,” Mauroni said. “I eat them once a week and we sell about 160 sandwiches on Fridays. On Fridays I fry for about seven hours. It keeps us busy.”

Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar

412 Freeport Road, Aspinwall

Lenten fish sandwiches at Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar in Aspinwall. (Courtesy of Cornerstone)

Fried fish between a buttered Brioche bun is happening every Friday during Lent at Cornerstone Bar & Grill in Aspinwall.

Owner Erin Connolly celebrates 17 years in business this year. The bar and restaurant is located just seconds from the Highland Park Bridge in Aspinwall.

The Fish Sandwich ($19) is served with coleslaw and fries. General manager Nick Navarro said the staff dives into the fish scene on Fridays.

“They eat them for lunch, and it’s so big they have leftovers for dinner,” Navarro said.

Allegheny Mariner Grill

1301 N. Water St., Kittanning

The fish sandwich is a staple at the Allegheny Mariner Restaurant located along the banks of the Allegheny River in Kittanning. (Joyce Hanz | TribLive)

It’s dining with an up close view of the Allegheny River serves as the backdrop for this longstanding riverside seafood staple in Kittanning.

The Fried Fish Sandwich ($17.99) is hearty and heaping, served with housemade tartar sauce and house-made fries.

Have a boat? Dock for free and and get your fish dish at the bar, at a riverside table on the seasonal outdoor patio or inside along the floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping river views.

DeBlaze at 131

131 E. Main St.

Carnegie

The FAMOUS Fish Sandwich at DeBlaze at 131 in Carnegia. (Courtesy of DeBlaze at 131)

The Lenten menu at DeBlaze at 131 features lots of seafood but the FAMOUS Fish Sandwich ($19) is the headliner and features a large, piled-high piece of fish served with fries and slaw.

David’s Diner

2800 Freeport Road, Springdale Township

The Big Fish Sandwich ($15) at David's Diner in Springdale. (Joyce Hanz | TribLive)

David’s Diner server Christy Schulte loves to serve fish on a dish during Lent.

“It’s popular and good,” Schulte said.

The Big Fish Sandwich ($15) is sold by the dozens on Fridays during Lent. Schulte said customers love the fried cod served on a super-fresh bun alongside house fries and housemade coleslaw.

David’s owner Pam Morrow-Wolfe said it’s a “no brainer” having fish on the menu during Lent.

“It helps to keep us going during the slower winter months, too,” Wolfe said. “We serve what the customers are looking for.”

Persichetti’s Restaurant and Bar

101 3rd St., Jeannette

Persichetti's Restaurant and Bar employees l-r; Daisy Luhovey, owner Dan Howell, Jasmine Williams and Lyndsay Drabant with a fish sandwich at the eatery located in Jeannette. (Courtesy of Persichetti's)

Persichetti’s owner Dan Howell doesn’t mince quality when it comes to Lenten fish sandwiches at the popular Jeanette bar and eatery.

The Fish Sandwich ($12) uses Icelandic cod and is known for its flaky, mild and fresh flavor.

“We hand-bread everything and make our own breadcrumbs. We don’t mess around,” Howell said. “Customers love the quality of the fish. It’s an actual filet of fish.”

Customers can add homemade hot onion sauce to zest-up the fish or choose from traditional add-ons like tartar and cocktail sauce.

Carl’s Tavern

3386 William Penn Highway, WilkinsTownship

The Fish Sandwich ($15.99) at Carl’s Tavern in Wilkins. (Courtesy of Carl’s Tavern)

Fish is the driving force behind Carl’s Tavern, in business since 1953 on the border of Wilkins and Monroe­ville.

Brock Harrison is a third-generation grandson of the late Carl Osterholm. He holds the top-secret fish breading recipe under keeps and uses top-notch ingredients for the hundreds of fish sandwiches served on Lenten Fridays.

“I’m trying to keep my late grandfather’s legacy going, and I care about out product,” Harrison said.

The Fish Sandwich ($15.99) is a 12-15 ounce filet of Atlantic cod. For $2 more, customers can add french fries and coleslaw.