Add half a star for a 3.5 experience! This place is not for the budget conscious folk - they belong at The Olive Garden. And other Italian places in Pittsburgh are pricier than this one. Mia Madre Trattoria is a family owned operation with deep roots in the Pittsburgh food industry. Food is unpretencious, reminiscent of traditional Bronx/Brooklyn/NorthEnd joint. This is not a New-Age creative chef 'foodie' place but rather an old style solid nostalgic Italian trattoria, not a ristorante. Don't let the white tablecloths fool you! In fact expect service to be relaxed, not overly trained, but friendly and competent. And the food is well done, made by a kitchen clearly influenced by a grandmother's style of cooking. Average before alcohol per person is $25 for a meat-based entre, pasta side, and salad. Complimentary Breadstick twists lean toward a firm pizza dough. Veal is the house specialty but you won't go wrong with the cod or salmon either.