Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — One of Pittsburgh’s most recognizable restaurant families is beginning a new chapter after opening a fresh dining concept in the city’s Brookline neighborhood.
The launch of Tambellini & Co. marks the latest evolution of a family restaurant legacy that stretches back nearly a century and has become deeply woven into Pittsburgh’s culinary history.
New Generation Revives Iconic Family Name
The Tambellini family first established itself in Pittsburgh’s restaurant scene in 1935, opening a location on East Carson Street.
Over the decades, cousins, brothers and other family members expanded the brand across the city, operating multiple restaurants under the Tambellini name.
At one point, there were reportedly seven different Tambellini restaurants throughout Pittsburgh.
Although the family’s fine dining locations gradually closed over the years, the newest generation believes the story is far from over.
On May 8, Michael Tambellini and his fiancée, Trista Fulton, officially opened Tambellini & Co. on Brookline Boulevard.
Family Heritage Still Drives the Business
For Michael Tambellini, opening the restaurant is about more than serving food—it’s about continuing a family tradition that began generations ago.
“I make the joke, I got marinara and meatballs in my veins,” says Michael Tambellini.
He reflected on how his grandfather and relatives immigrated from Italy and brought their culinary knowledge to Pittsburgh.
“My grandfather came over from Italy. Italians like to have big families. So he came over with about eight other siblings and cousins. When we came over from Italy, they knew how to do two things really well. They knew how to farm, and they knew how to cook. There’s not a lot of farm land in Pittsburgh, so everyone opened their own restaurants.”
That family history continues to influence the new restaurant’s identity today.
A Different Approach Than Past Tambellini Restaurants
While previous Tambellini restaurants were known for traditional Italian fine dining, the new concept takes a different direction.
Tambellini & Co. focuses on artisan Italian sandwiches, paninis, antipasto, sides and house-made desserts.
Fulton says the restaurant is intentionally designed to be more casual while still honoring the family’s culinary roots.
“The thing that is going to be different is that we’re not doing fine dining,” says Fulton. “So, we’re starting a new generation of Tambellini’s, and I hope that we’re going to be just as good.”
Menu items include specialty paninis priced between $12 and $16, while the signature Tambellini Meatball sandwich is available for $7 before tax, topped with hot-honey ricotta and parmesan.
Partnership Combines Tradition and Innovation
The restaurant’s website highlights the partnership between Michael Tambellini and Fulton as a blend of heritage and modern creativity.
“While I bring the legacy, Trista brings the fire,” the website states.
Fulton brings more than a decade of restaurant experience to the business and has worked with a variety of cuisines beyond traditional Italian cooking.
According to the restaurant, her background includes experience with Latin American and Asian cuisine as well as brewing custom beer while working as a chef for Brewdog.
Honoring the Past While Looking Ahead
The owners say their goal is not simply to recreate what previous generations built but to introduce the Tambellini name to a new audience.
The restaurant’s mission reflects that balance between preserving tradition and embracing change.
“At Tambellini & Co., we are rooted in tradition but not stuck in it,” the restaurant’s website states. “We are building a space in Brookline that honors the Italian Sunday dinners of the past while embracing the diverse, vibrant flavors of today.”
As Pittsburgh’s food scene continues to evolve, the Tambellini family hopes its newest venture will help carry a nearly 90-year legacy into the future.
Have you ever visited a Tambellini restaurant or plan to try the new Brookline location? Share your thoughts and favorite Italian dishes in the comments below.
