If you walk down Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh during the lunch rush, you’ll see it. A line snaking out of a modest storefront with bright orange and neon green walls. That’s Madonna's Mediterranean Cuisine Pittsburgh PA, and honestly, it’s one of those places that defines the "if you know, you know" food scene in the city.
It's weird.
For years, this spot was actually a Mexican joint called Madonna’s Mexican Food. Then, around 2013 or 2014, the owner, Mario Moussa, pivoted hard. He switched the menu from tacos to Syrian-style Mediterranean food. You’d think that would confuse people, but it didn't. Most regulars just kept coming because they liked Mario and his wife, Mahassen.
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Mario Moussa is originally from Syria, though he spent a lot of time in Bulgaria too. When he first opened Madonna's (named after his daughter, by the way), he leaned into Mexican cuisine because it was what people wanted at the time. But after a few building moves and some lease drama, he decided to cook what he actually knew from home.
The name stayed. The vibe stayed. The food just got way more interesting.
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You’ve probably seen the "Palmyra" sign at some point. For a minute, he tried to call it Palmyra Mediterranean Cuisine. The problem? His brother owned another Middle Eastern spot a few blocks away with a similar name. It got confusing. Plus, the old "Madonna's" crowd couldn't find him. He switched the sign back to Madonna’s, and the lunch rush returned almost overnight.
What to Actually Order (The Non-Corporate Review)
Don't expect fine dining. You’re getting your food in a Styrofoam container with that classic cafeteria "flop." But the taste? It's better than the $30 plates you get in the Strip District.
The Chicken Shawarma is the big seller. Sometimes, if they’re slammed, it can be a tiny bit dry, but usually, it's juicy and packed with spice. If you want the real pro tip: get the potatoes. I don’t know what they do to those things—they’re roasted, salty, and basically addictive.
- The Mixed Platter: This is for when you’re starving. You get chicken shawarma, lamb gyro meat, rice, and green beans.
- Lamb Gyro: Most places use that frozen "meat cone" stuff. Mario’s lamb is different. It’s tender, often still a little pink in the middle, and it actually tastes like meat instead of a salt lick.
- Vegetarian Options: If you don't eat meat, the falafel is legit. It’s crunchy on the outside and doesn’t feel like a hockey puck. The Loobyeh (green beans in oil and tomato sauce) is a sleeper hit.
Why Locals Obsess Over It
It’s the family.
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Mario is usually at the register, and he treats everyone like a long-lost cousin. You’ll see him chatting with suit-and-tie lawyers and construction workers in the same breath. It’s one of the few places in downtown Pittsburgh that feels like a real neighborhood spot rather than a corporate chain.
There's a basement dining area too. Most people don't even realize it's there because they’re just grabbing takeout to go back to the office. But if you have 20 minutes, go downstairs. It’s a rare quiet spot in the middle of the city chaos.
The Realities of Eating Here
Okay, let's be real for a second.
- Hours: They are strictly a 9-to-5 (well, more like 10 AM to 3 PM) operation. If you’re looking for dinner at 7:00 PM on a Tuesday, you’re out of luck. They are closed on weekends.
- Payment: They take cards, but there’s often a fee or a minimum. Bring cash. It’s just easier and the staff appreciates it.
- The Crowd: Between noon and 1:30 PM, it is a madhouse. If you hate noise and rubbing elbows with strangers, go at 10:30 AM.
Madonna's Mediterranean Cuisine Pittsburgh PA: A Survival Story
It’s kind of a miracle this place is still here. Between the pandemic clearing out downtown offices and the constant construction on Smithfield, a lot of smaller shops folded. Madonna's survived because the community actually cares about them.
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There's even a children's book, Wellness Wally's Delicious Journey, written by Mario’s other daughter, Karina Moussa. It’s inspired by the family restaurant and the food they serve. That’s the kind of legacy you don’t get at a Chipotle.
If you’re visiting Pittsburgh or you just started a new job downtown, make this your first stop. Skip the overpriced salad chains. Go see Mario, get the chicken and rice with those legendary potatoes, and sit by the window to watch the city go by.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the time: They close early (usually 3:00 PM), so don't wait for a late-afternoon snack.
- Bring a ten-dollar bill: While prices have crept up like everywhere else, cash still makes the line move faster.
- Ask for extra white sauce: Their cucumber/tahini sauce is the glue that holds the meal together.
- Look for the green beans: Even if you aren't a "veggie person," the Loobyeh is worth the side-dish swap.