Titusz, the eagerly anticipated Austrian and Hungarian-inspired restaurant helmed by Chef Csilla Thackray, has set an opening date of April 2. The 49-seat restaurant will open in Lawrenceville in the former Merchant Oyster Co. space.
A news release describes Titusz as a “deeply personal project” for Thackray, its owner and executive chef. Thackray brings a decade of experience in Pittsburgh kitchens, including at The Vandal, Churchview Farm and the former Legume Bistro in Oakland. She also helped to launch Bloomfield’s Fet-Fisk, which has since received national acclaim, including being named a James Beard Award Finalist.
Titusz — named for Thackray’s great-grandfather — will feature a “refined yet heartfelt” à la carte menu that brings “modern flair” to Austrian and Hungarian culinary traditions. Signature dishes include langos (a Hungarian deep-fried flatbread), kaspressknödel (cheese dumplings), chicken paprikas, tafelspitz (slow-simmered beef), and walleye, in addition to topfen cheesecake and “Titusz Torte” desserts.
A beverage program led by Allegheny Wine Mixer’s Sean Rosenkrans features a selection of Central European wines and cocktails designed to complement the kitchen. Robert Chaffin, who worked in leadership roles at Legume, Smoke BBQ Taqueria and Commonplace Coffee, also joins as Titusz’s general manager.
Reservations for Titusz are now available via Toast Tables, with dinner service offered Thursday through Monday.