Ethnic Eateries in Pittsburgh

For those who know Pittsburgh, I'm looking for your top three or four ethnic eateries in the city--places that have some longevity and "local color."  This is likely not for an article but for an upcoming pleasure trip to a city I don't know at all from firsthand experience, but one I've heard a lot of great things about.  Many thanks!
 
Fred Sauceman
Johnson City, Tennessee

Fred, I like your approach to this.  You don't specify which ethnicities you are targeting, but here are some suggestions:
 
Polish-Pierogies Plus (which is reviewed on this site) or Bloomfield Bridge Tavern.

German-Kleiner Deutschmann in Springdale  http://www.thekleinerdeutschmann.com/
 
Vietnamese-Tram's Kitchen

Thai-Thai Cuisine or Thai Place (but go to the original in Shadyside)  http://www.thaiplacepgh.com/

Chinese-Chinatown Inn  This isn't the most authentic or the best Chinese in the city, but it has great atmosphere (the last remaining place from Pittsburgh's old Chinatown), rare free parking downtown and has been in the same family since the 1940's. If you know Chinese-American actress Ming Na, from ER or The Joy Luck Club, this is her family's place.   http://www.chinatowninn.net/

Italian-I have already extolled the virtues of Lo Bello's Spaghetti House in Coraopolis many times on Roadfood.  Eating here is a great experience.  http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/LoBellos-Spaghetti-HouseCoraopolis-Pa-m228069.aspx

If there are other ethnic foods not covered that you are interested in, please let me know.

You missed one, BB!!!

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=456130&high=hungarian

GeoNit, Good job digging that one up.  That has to be one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever seen.  And one of the best reports.
 
 

Are any of the Middle Eastern places that used to fill up Oakland still there? Khalil's?

The only Middle Eastern place you need to go is Salem's in Bouquet St.!

And I second Tram's as another must stop.

GeoNit


You missed one, BB!!!

http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/tm.aspx?m=456130&high=hungarian

How could I forget?  Thanks for the reminder.
 
Another place I like is Spice Island Tea House in Oakland.  This pan-Asian restaurant is family owned (I believe they are from Malaysia) and has been there for years.  http://www.spiceislandteahouse.com/Homepage.html
 
Here is a recent article from the Trib about SITH, which tells about some of the family background.
 
 http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/lifestyles/fooddrink/s_629321.html
 
As an added bonus, it just a few short blocks away from Dave & Andy's, the best ice cream in the city.  For me, these two go hand-in-hand!

Here's a Cantonese restaurant that's got a more authentic selection than most Chinese restaurants in the Pittsburgh area:

http://www.campusfood.com/restaurant.asp?campusid=33&mlid=6034