Meal time is often considered a special family time, but we don't always have the time necessary to spend in the kitchen preparing a family meal. Fortunately, we live in a city with an eclectic dining scene. Create your own family tradition while dining at one of the family owned restaurants in Pittsburgh that promise a delicious meal in a relaxing setting.

1. Joseph Tambellini – 5701 Bryant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Dish up authentic Italian dishes at Joseph Tambellini, a familiar name in the Pittsburgh area for decades. Peruse the generous menu that features such entrees as English-style broiled flounder, grilled filet mignon, handmade cheese ravioli, and eggplant parmesan. Visit Joseph Tambellini Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

2. Mercurio’s – 5523 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Breathe in the intoxicating aroma of pizza cooking over a fire when you walk into Mercurio's, a charming family owned restaurant. The authentic Italian restaurant boasts a full range of pizzas, including primavera, bianca, and margherita. Mercurio's welcomes guests Sunday and Monday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

3. Central Diner and Grille – 6408 Steubenville Pike, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Order traditional American or Greek dishes when you dine at the family-owned Central Diner and Grille. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night, the charming restaurant offers an eclectic menu of omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, wraps, paninis, burgers, pasta, and steak. Stop by Central Diner and Grille Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

4. Zarra’s A Taste of Southern Italy, 3887 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Journey to Southern Italy without leaving Pittsburgh when you eat at Zarra's Restaurant. The authentic Italian restaurant features such scrumptious dishes as stuffed banana peppers, pasta marinara, lasagna di Zarra, and Judy's Homemade Ricotta Noodles. Zarra's Restaurant welcomes diners Monday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

5. Girasole Restaurant – 733 Copeland Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Enjoy a traditional Italian meal at Girasole Restaurant. The quaint restaurant features a different menu for each season with the spring menu boasting such dishes as polenta, potato gnocchi, and penne with marinara sauce. Girasole Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

6. La Tavola Italiana – 1 Boggs Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Bring Your Own Beer (BYOB) to La Tavola Italiana, a cozy Italian restaurant that boasts such pizzas as Sicilian, white, and margherita. Or, if you're not in the mood for pizza, order a pasta, chicken, or fish entree. La Tavola Italiana is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

7. J&J’s Family Restaurant – 300 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Satisfy that breakfast craving any time of the day at J&J's Family Restaurant, which serves old-fashioned breakfasts all day long. Or, order such favorites as the bacon cheeseburger, the mushroom Swiss burger, or homemade soup.

J&J's Family Restaurant is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Celebrate good food when you dine at one of these family owned restaurants in Pittsburgh, including the quaint Our Place Homemade in Wilmerding.