A Taste of Argentina

Nestled in Pittsburgh’s ever-emerging Strip District, BALVANERA brings the vibrant energy of Buenos Aires to the Steel City.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Meredith Boyle boomeranged back to the Steel City with her partner in business and life, Chef Fernando Navas, to open BALVANERA in the city’s Strip District.

Since opening its doors in November 2023, the Argentine-style restaurant has become a bustling destination for food lovers seeking a unique dining experience infused with the soulful flavors of Argentina. As BALVANERA approaches its one-year anniversary, it’s clear that the restaurant is more than just a place to eat—it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and community.

Born in Punta Alta, Argentina, Chef Fernando Navas grew up inspired by the rich culinary traditions of his family. With a culinary degree from the Escuela de Gastronomia in Mar del Plata, Fernando’s journey took him across the globe, from Spain’s renowned elBulli to Nobu in Miami, and internationally acclaimed SUSHISAMBA. His experiences at these prestigious kitchens helped shape his culinary philosophy, blending traditional Argentine fare with influences from around the world. In 2014, Fernando opened BALVANERA in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, and nearly a decade later, he has, along with his wife Meredith Boyle, brought his vision to Pittsburgh.

For Meredith, returning to Pittsburgh after two decades in New York City was more than a homecoming—it was an opportunity to bring a piece of Argentina to her hometown. With over 16 years of experience in hospitality and brand development, Meredith’s expertise has been instrumental in shaping BALVANERA’s presence in Pittsburgh. Her career spans corporate roles with Orange Brands Management and Sugar Duck Brands, working with globally recognized restaurant brands like SUSHISAMBA, Duck & Waffle, and James Beard-nominated SUGARCANE raw bar grill.

Meredith’s deep connection to Pittsburgh and her passion for hospitality have driven her efforts to make BALVANERA a standout in the city’s growing culinary scene. Through creative communications, guest relations, and community engagement, she’s built a space where diners can experience not just the food but the vibrant culture of Argentina.

Where Tradition Meets Innovation

This dedication to tradition is echoed in Chef Fernando Navas’ words as he describes the menu at BALVANERA: “It showcases traditional Argentine fare: housemade empanadas and sausages, imported pasture-raised meats with signature sauces, milanesas, and mollejas (sweetbreads). But there are also flavors from my time in Spain like pulpo de playa (octopus)  and gildas, and fresh, elegant raw dishes like Beef Carpaccio and Yellowtail Crudo that celebrate Japanese ingredients and techniques that I learned while working at Nobu and SUSHISAMBA.”

Sustainability and authenticity are at the heart of BALVANERA’s approach. The restaurant supports local farms whenever possible, sourcing ingredients from nearby favorites like Coldco Farm, Footprints Farm, and Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy, to name a few. This commitment not only enhances the quality of the dishes but also connects BALVANERA to the Pittsburgh community.

BALVANERA’s beverage program is a carefully curated celebration of South American wines and spirits, designed to complement the bold, flavorful dishes on the menu. According to Meredith, “We’re proud to showcase an extensive number of Argentine, Chilean and Spanish wines, as well as small Argentine spirit producers, including Principe de los Apostoles Maté Gin and Rosa de Mosqueta and El Profeta Dry Gin, and La Fuerza vermouth. Many of our cocktails are designed with a nod to South American spirits: Pisco, cachaca and tequila are all featured.” 

Another  standout aspect of the program is the impressive collection of over 100 labels of amaro, which provide the perfect pairing with BALVANERA’s desserts. 

Forging Connections: How the Balvanera Team & Guests Shape Its Success

Expanding from New York to Pittsburgh presented its own set of challenges, with one of the most significant being the task of building a strong and dedicated team. For Meredith and Fernando, success in the restaurant industry is deeply rooted in the people who make the operation run smoothly every day. BALVANERA has been fortunate to attract a group of talented, passionate individuals who share the owners’ vision and commitment to excellence. 

Reflecting on their first year in business, Meredith and Fernando are most proud of the connections they’ve made with their guests. “We’ve been so touched by the people who took the time to get to know us, and our team personally through wonderful conversation—or who go out of their way at the end of the meal to say thank you to the kitchen team through the open window. When you start to recognize guests because they want to come back to dine regularly—that’s the beginning of community, and in our minds—that’s success.”

As BALVANERA approaches its one-year anniversary, Meredith and Fernando are excited about the future. Among their most ambitious initiatives is “BALVANERA Presents,” a collaborative series designed to showcase Argentina’s vibrant culinary talent, products, wines, and spirits. Looking ahead to 2025, this series will further evolve to include dynamic chefs and hospitality friends from across the U.S. and around the world, creating one-night-only events that bring something truly special to the city.

These collaborations are more than just events; they are an extension of BALVANERA’s philosophy of bringing people together through food, drink, and shared experiences. For Meredith and Fernando, it’s an exciting way to keep the restaurant’s offerings fresh and dynamic while fostering a sense of adventure and community among their guests and team alike.

For more information, and to sign up for BALVANERA’s newsletter, visit balvanerarestaurants.com Follow on Instagram @balvanerapgh. BALVANERA is located at 1660 Smallman Street.

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