PITTSTON – The House Noir restaurant, which is categorized as a romantic Gothic steakhouse and craft-cocktail restaurant, opened its doors in June 2026 and has already been established as a downtown Pittston destination.
The newest restaurant located at 73 S. Main St., directly across from the Pittston Tomato Festival lot, combines fine dining, dramatic presentation and a romantic Gothic atmosphere designed to make a meal an experience rather than simply another night out.
The House Noir was created by partners Josh Balz and Zach Neil and opened in June 2026. The two entrepreneurs bring very different backgrounds to the venture, but share a passion for creating memorable experiences.
Balz, the former keyboardist for the internationally successful metalcore band Motionless in White, returned to NEPA after spending more than a decade touring.
Since then, he has become involved in a variety of local ventures, including Parlor Root Beer and the Ritz Theater in Scranton.
Neil is an accomplished chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur who has opened 37 restaurants since 2004. He is also the founder of Hallow Global and has been credited with helping popularize themed pop-up restaurants and bars.
For The House Noir, Neil returned to the executive-chef role to develop a menu that matches the restaurant’s unusual surroundings.
The connection between the two men and Pittston goes back more than two decades. Neil has said that Pittston is where he and Balz first met approximately 22 years ago, making the restaurant something of a homecoming.
Balz also credits Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo and the city’s ongoing revitalization as reasons he chose to invest in downtown.
Inside The House Noir, guests encounter a world of Gothic architecture, candlelight, greenery, fountains and antique architectural pieces sourced from old churches and cathedrals. The owners describe the concept as a romantic Gothic experience that is part Victorian garden and part Gothic castle.
The restaurant’s philosophy is summed up in its tagline: “Romance is Not Dead.”
The menu combines American, French and Italian influences, with premium steaks, seafood, handmade pasta, creative appetizers and reimagined comfort food. One of the signature presentations is the “Flesh & Fire,” a 36-ounce ribeye for two that is brought to the table, raised on a metal hook and finished with a torch before being carved.
The experience extends to the bar, where craft cocktails receive the same theatrical treatment as the food. The restaurant also offers an extensive zero-proof menu for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol.
Neil and Balz envision The House Noir as a destination for first dates, anniversaries, engagements, birthdays and other celebrations. Their goal is to restore some of the romance and personal attention they believe has disappeared from modern restaurant dining.
For Balz, however, the restaurant represents something larger than another business venture. He has said that he wants to invest in the region that raised him and help create places that give people a reason to stay and give visitors a reason to come to NEPA.
With its unusual combination of food, atmosphere, entertainment and local history, The House Noir is hoping to make Pittston a destination for a dinner people won’t soon forget.
To make a reservation at The House Noir, call 570-432-9998. Restaurant hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.