Great pizza and they usually have a BOGO special. Fungi pizza is pretty special. A few times that i have picked up my pick-up order i witnessed the owner being very harsh with his staff. I don't think it counts for the review of the restaurant but something that made me feel uncomfortable for not being able to say anything about it.
(5)
Bob N.
Have been here several times. The food is just okay. The last time, I went with a relative whose is a nationally recognized expert in wine grapes and wine product. She had some wine that was, obviously, corked. When the waiter told the owner, he mumbled loud enough for me to hear, "Corked, my butt" only used a different word. I will never return. Such disrespect for a customer is inexcusable.
(1)
Max W.
Had lunch there today. Service was incredibly slow. Althpugh it was crowded when we arrived, the crowd thinned out really quickly and there was plenty of staff. Nonetheless we waited ten minutes before our server even arrived to take our drink order. The salads arrived another 15 minutes later. (the mango dressing was especially good). I have no idea who thinks the dipping sauce they serve (balsamic vinegar, olive oil and some other things) with the bread is a good idea, but it is not at all appealing in texture, appearance or flavor. It didn't matter anyway, as the supposedly fresh baked bread we were served was stale. The iced tea I ordered to drink was also cloudy and old tasting. I ordered the "all you can eat" pasta lunch (the special on Wednesday). When it finally arrived (50 minutes after our arrival) the pasta was literally swimming in a mediocre garlicy "meat" sauce that was nearly devoid of meat. Despite the mediocrity of the dish, I had hoped to order a little more. However our server literally vanished after serving our entee. Several other servers raced past our table but there was no teamwork and they showed no interest in my obvious attempts to get their attention. When our server finally returned to the table, 30 minutes after serving our entrees, I was so disgusted I just asked for the check. She smiled and promised to "take that up for you as soon as you are ready." I told my lunch mate that I doubted that. Sure enough, it was another ten minutes before he returned for he check. Altogether, more han an hour and a half for lunch and we ordered the lunch special. It would perhaps have been understandable if the place had been full (it was nearly empty by half way through our meal) or if the food had been worth the wait (it wasn't). Ii give them two stars because the people were nice, the ambiance is nice, aand they do seem to have some decent dishes. But I will definitely noy be back. Much better Italian options all over town. Frescos, Amelias, and Napolitanoes are all better choices.
(2)
anna b.
they have it all over napolitanos, frescos on the ceiling, food is delicious, owners are accessible. they use real garlic and real extra virgin olive oil whoooohoooo the bread is homemade, the restaurant ts clean.
(5)
Jennifer N.
I've eaten here a couple times and had a delicious meal, then one time I went and found a piece of metal in my food (maybe from a scouring pad in the kitchen?). The waiter was apologetic, but the manager was rude about it. He didn't comp me the dish, not that he had to, but he made me feel like an idiot for even saying anything. It was a little unnecessary. I also got take-out from them once, and despite the fact that I had ordered and paid, they decided they were closing the kitchen and basically threw together a completely random dish that wasn't even close to what I ordered. The same night, while I was waiting for my order, a soldier in uniform went in and tried to order and was denied food completely. It seems like they could make their service a lot better with just a little bit of effort. The food is certainly not good enough to make it worth the trip.
(2)
Christine V.
A real Italian restaurant with subtle combination of ingredients that blend into a very satisfying dinning experience. This is by far the best place for a nice bowl of soup. Their soup of the day is different every time I go and they are so delicious that I keep coming back to try others. I've especially enjoyed the butternut squash, the mushroom, the Italian wedding, and chicken soups. I also really enjoy the shrimp and chicken carbonara. The sweet caramelized onions, and salty bacon bits give this Alfredo sauce the most delicious flavor. It is what I imagine real Italian food to be. And you can't beat the high class service, the soft romantic music and the picturesque murals. Their outdoor dining area is v
(5)
James T.
I had a previously bad experience with pomodoro cafe, on a delivery order and wanted to check them out in person. The issue was definitely with delivery because I went here for a bite and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. My waitress Paige did a great job and was very attentive. The kitchen was clean and it was cool to watch the food being prepared. The FOH manager checked in to ask how I was doing and knew many customers by name. Enjoyed everything
(4)
Ric C.
Nice decor and pleasant, prompt service. The pollo agridolce was a very tasty and healthy option for lunch. Will come back next time I'm in town for sure. Only reason for not 5-star is the chicken breast, while tasty, was a bit thin and probably contributed to slightly over-cooking. The grilled watermelon salsa made up for it though.
(4)
Vero P.
Best experience and food was amazing. $7 all you can eat salad, bread, and soup. I was not expecting this place to be as wonderful as it is being in a strip mall. Such a relief due to all the other crappy restaurants in the area. Fancy desserts too.
(5)
Dennis F.
We tried this place again but it's still pretty inconsistent. The first time the service was really slow and the food was just mediocre. This time the service was a bit better, but the food had slipped to cold and tasteless. At least when one compares it to the other pizzerias and Italian restaurants in Gainesville. Ordered the Parmigiano Favor (arrived as cold meat and a clump of pasta) Veal Piccata (tasteless) and the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo (gooey). Our deserts then arrived in "to go" containers with no offer of coffee or tea -- and we figured it was time to leave.... They seem to do their best and try hard, but with the high noise level and the inconsistent quality, we'll stick to our favorites on the other side of town.
(2)
Aiden A.
I'm a fan. Aged balsamic and fresh bread when you sit down. Reasonably priced. Good service. Nice patio area. All the items I've ordered taste of high quality ingredients. My go to (non-downtown) spot in gainesville. Great lunch specials too.
(5)
Raghav P.
Excellent service and good food. Saved 17 dollars with their couples deal (2 entrees, appetizer, and desert). We started with the seafood choppino. I ordered the mixed grill and it was spectacular and my gfs chicken was also very tasty. Planning on coming back.
(5)
Jim S.
Pomodoro is a bit of paradox. Read the reviews and you'll find a number of them mentioning lackluster food and service. That has been our experience when dining in, also. I've had several really good meals there and several not so good. But where they REALLY shine is their pizza. It is superb. And they offer buy-one-get-one on carry out. I believe that you can mix and match pizza and calzone. We live about 20 miles away but my wife works in Gainesville. So it is fairly convenient for her to stop off on her way home from work - usually on Friday - and bring home two large pizzas for right around twenty bucks. I'm a big eater and, between the mrs and me, we can polish off most of a large pizza in one sitting. That leaves the second one for lunch on Saturday. But it is fabulous pizza with lots of cheese and plentiful toppings. A couple of tips: Meatball, sausage, and onion is our favorite combination of toppings. When it comes to reheating...use a toaster oven set at 225-250 degrees. Warm for about ten minutes. That temperature won't overcook the crust (I like light crust) but it will get it hot. Then put the slice in the microwave on med-hi for about 45 seconds. It'll taste like it just came out of THEIR oven. I'm going with four stars overall - three for dine-in; five all the way for the pizza.
(4)
Chad Z.
This place is a hidden Gainesville Pizza Secret... They have some of the best huge pizza's in town and do buy one get one free carry out. So you can get two MASSIVE Specialty Pizzas for less than $20. I'm not sure if they have the best Pizza in town but it's in the top 3 and definitely the best deal.
(4)
Dr Yolanda C Leon L.
Excellent Cuisine, outstanding service by wonderful staff, lovely Decor, and my new favorite place!..... Thank You Jake, Joe, Paige, and Tyler!.... Simone.......Grazie per le classe di Italiano! Paul Magnifico! Dottoressa Yolanda C Leon
I accidentally found this place as I was college hunting for my kids. To make a long story short, I have been making it a must stop for the past 6 years. My Son is now at UF, and this has become one of my favorite places to eat when I'm in Gainesville. I love the pizza, and I absolutely have to have their Fried Calamari every time I go. I have had this dish in many places, but never like theirs. It's not only perfectly fried, I love the sporadically added, small fried shrimp and zucchini. This mix is delicious, and I have never seen that anywhere else. The service is friendly, and I truly get a kick out of talking to the owner in Italian. He's quite a friendly character. I'm so happy I found this place, soon I will need more excuses to find myself in Gainesville.
(4)
Darnell R.
2nd trip there in the last 8 months or so. I only went a 2nd time to let them try to redeem themselves for the 1st time. This time my wife and I both tried the shrimp and chicken carbonara and unfortunately it was awful. Zero flavor and extremely dry chicken killed this dish. Simply salting the pasta water would have given this 10x's the flavor. I wasn't a fan of the bacon fat shreds either. After having their carbonara and Olive Garden's... It's no contest. Olive Garden wins hands down on taste, presentation and price! Will not be eating here again.
(1)
J H.
We live in the area and go out to dinner several times a week. Pomodoros is ALWAYS on our weekly trek! Over the years we have tried just about everything on the menu and have always been very happy with our selections. The food is VERY fresh and carefully prepared... down to the crispy salad and hot soups. The bread is awsome...they have a great bread dip - however, I prefer simple olive oil and freshed crushed pepper which they always happily prepare for me. Servers are super - we have our regulars, Solei and Brittany. When we are seated they visit our table with our bread, wine, and water without asking... so nice to be regulars! Even when we have a new server they are efficient and thoughful throughout our meal... no rush! Someone had a problem with the booths being tight.. that is ONE booth for some reason. All the others are just fine. The outside seating is very comfortable with fans in warm weather and tall heaters in cool weather - very nice. This is a CLEAN CLEAN restaurant (and bathrooms). Notice the staff cleaning tables, they wipe the top and sides of tables, and the chairs as well! Everyone is very attentive. There has been a change with the new chef, but it has been all good in our opinion! These are "real" Italians - the Owner and Chef! Makes a difference! NO "American" pizza here - this is the real thing! ENJOY! And say hello to the owner "Paul". He is running an appreciated tight ship!
(5)
Travis L.
This is a great hidden Italian place in Gainesville. They have great carry out specials but we always love eating inside. We went for the first time to lunch and they have great lunch specials. The bread they hand out before the meal is amazing and they'll keep it coming until the meals come. The pizza is the only thing keeping this place from five stars. They could use a little more ump in the pizza but the calzones are on point. If you are on the north side of town certainly swing by this little gem.
(4)
AnnMarie C.
The service was terrible! We had to wait a notcible time for the waitress to greet us after we were seated, then wait again for her to take our drink order. It was a good thing that we receive our menus when we were seat or we would still be waiting. We ordered at the same time we ordered our drinks and still we were there at least 40 min from the time we were seated to the time we were served our food. Then even though my grandchilden's drinks were filled, and my husbands drink was filled on the second request I had to get up to take my glass to the counter and ask for a third time. Then the waitress came to apologize she tried to tell me it was not her fault. If all of this is not enough, my husband's french dip sandwich was more of a watery pork gravey than beef broth. He said he has never had a sandwich this bad. And my grandsons chicken strips were fried so hard even I could not chew it.
(1)
Wendi M.
Don't mess with the Don of Pomodoro's my mom whispered to me after I refused to hand over the one page specials menu. I needed it after all. The dining room was warm and made even warmer still due to lack of space; if you dine in a booth with a party larger than 2 be ready to get close and personal. The food at Pomodoro's is excellent; from the pizza to the more extravagant pasta dishes. You will not be disappointed. You may have to undo the button on your pants, but it'll be worth it. Tonight I had the cheese ravioli dish that came with a soup or salad. I chose the marinara sauce for the ravioli. Totally terrific! This was mom's first visit. She got the lasagna and side side salad. She completely recommends the lasagna. The husband got spaghetti bolangnaise (sp?) And minestrone soup. That soup is to die for, even on a hot and humid Florida night. He loves the spaghetti too. Our server, Brittany, was very nice and friendly. That's always important. Good servers are like good wine, they bring out the best in a meal. I have gone places where the food was good but the service was awful. Since we constantly had to wait for refills, extra napkins, more butter, whatever, we had less time to enjoy our meal. This wasn't the case tonight. Brittany was on the ball anticipating our dining needs and making sure we had a great visit. We purposely left about half our meals alone so we could have Pomodoro's fab desserts. Oh my! I love their cannoli cake, but my slice was HUGE! Too big for one person. Mom got the same only half the size and that was almost too big. The husband got tiramisu and loved it but also could not finish. Needless to say we will have an excellent luncheon tomorrow. I give 5 stars to Poms for the food. You won't get better anywhere else in town. We had a great server tonight but we've had slow servers in the past. 5 stars for Brittany, but 3 for past experiences. Also the host, the aforementioned Don, seems to be somewhat of a cold fish unless he knows you personally. Getting seated can take some time but only because the place is always packed. However, seating is bad. To maximize space, there is little room in the booths. If its just me and the husb we have no problem except that the table is shoved right up against our guts. But with 3 or more at the table, hubs and I were really uncomfortable sitting side by side. 3 stars for seating. There is an extensive outdoor seating area, larger than the main room, but its too hot to eat outside right now. Go for the food and say hi to the Don. Suck in your gut if you are seated at a booth and realize getting out of it after you eat is, while worth it, near impossible.
(3)
Greg J.
A great example of how a local restaurant can be successful even in the midst of cookie cutter chains! Never had a poor experience here in the 5 years my wife and I have been dining there. Owner is usually there - be sure to say hi - the pizza is wonderful and authentic. Daily specials are also not to be missed.
(5)
Selmy B.
Make you own pizza or pick a gourmet pizza for a better deal. Median is excellent for leftovers. This is a family spot.
(4)
Hutson R.
I don't normally leave reviews, however this restaurant was so horrible that I feel morally obligated to warn would be restaurant goers. The grouper was so far from fresh that the fish had become gelatinous. The tuna was just as old and disgusting. The waitress was visibly pained by what she was serving us as evidenced by her grimace and apologetic behavior. The third dish our party ordered was the cheese ravioli and by comparison it was great because it was edible. This place would be perfect for an episode of Kitchen Nightmares.
(1)
B P.
I have enjoyed Pomadora's in the past but it has been several months since my last visit. Unfortunately this visit started off wrong and just seemed to get worse as the evening went along. First off the hostess sat us at a table even though I requested a booth. Claimed she couldn't double seat the servers but in less than two minutes ended up sitting both booths. Waiter brought drinks and didn't even bother to put down beverage napkins and Eben reached across the two of us as we were sitting there. Really? I ordered the Balsamic Crusted Grouper and is was so disgusting I couldn't even finish it. About four bites worth was all I could take. I couldn't figure out if it was frozen or just over cooked but it was rubbery and tasteless. The waiter even asked me about it and even after I told him he didn't offer to replace it or take it off my bill. Not wanting to make a scene I paid my bill and posted this. Make other plans. Pamadoro had seen better days. RIP!
(1)
Nolan R.
This place is in a strip mall in Gainesville...there's almost always no wait and it pumps out some great food. First off their bread is wonderful and the dinner salads that come with their meals are gigantic. The bread also keeps coming throughout the meal. Their pizza tastes like REAL ITALIAN pizza...as Brad K. noted the 2-4-1 on pizzas is an awesome deal. I've only ever eaten in the restaurant. The first time I ate there the temp in the restaurant was around 85 degrees....not inductive for eating that's for sure. I also ate here with a groupon and they didn't treat me like I was a 3rd class citizen - nice touch. I can't believe some restaurants make comments when people use groupons. Hey, it puts mouths at tables...right? Bravo Pomodoro...I shall return!
(5)
Michele L.
I come here all the time. The food is always excellent and the service is just as good. The minestrone soup is so good....sometimes i come here just for the soup. My other favorite dish is the capellini francesca. I actually have never ordered anything i didn't like from here. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive also. The restaurant is always clean and I enjoy the music they play and the way it is decorated. I highly recommend coming here for their great lunch specials too.
(5)
Matt H.
I kind of stumbled upon this place. Wanted a non chain Italian restaurant on a random Monday evening with my girlfriend and somehow ended up here after the gps got us lost going to another Italian restaurant in the area. But it was the best mistake the gps ever made! We were in at like 5:00 so they had some really good early bird specials. I had a fillet of grouper over angel hair pasta with a lemon/caper/garlic/butter sauce....it was amazzzziiinngggg and it was only $10.00 and came with a salad. My girlfriend had some sort of seafood and pasta plate and it was good but I was so excited my my plate I hardly noticed what she ate. The sauce on her dish was particularly tasty though I can't remember what style it was. The interior was very very well done and you can tell the person that owns it has been in the restaurant biz. Walking up you kind of expect a cheesy Italian restaurant with lots of green/red/white. This place is anything but that with its granite counter tops, dark woods, vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. Definitely had a good interior designer. My only gripe isn't even really a gripe. The server was very nice but sometimes disappeared for long periods of time without checking in. But you're gonna have that occasionally wherever you go so no biggie. That is the only thing holding me back from 5 stars. Next time if the service is a little better I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)
Old S.
Very good local restaurant at a fair price. I always like to get the ribeye. Very tasty.
(4)
Michael M.
To compare this restaurant to a chain is like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes. When will guests understand the difference???
(4)
Mike W.
Unlike some reviewers here, I've not had a truly bad or irksome experience here at Pomodoro, but I've not found them to be exceptional, either. However this place is normally packed on weekends, probably in great part due to the fact that it is one of a scant few decent restaurants on this side of town near the Interstate, and there's a lot of subdivisions out here. My parents do like this restaurant and my ex-boyfriend Jon and his mom and brother for some reason drove all the way across town (he lived south of the UF campus) to eat here once . . . so it's safe to say Pomodoro has earned its fans. I cannot complain about anything here, per se, but it's just never been exceptional, either. I would like for them to have more pasta choices on the menu and perhaps a really good antipasta . . . I just feel most of their dishes are a little too Americanized and if I wanted that I would go to the Olive Garden. I also do not like how they serve their bread with olive oil AND balsamic vinegar: it's much better just with the olive oil and yet they think they're sooooo smart to have the balsamic vinegar! The service has always been prompt though and the atmosphere is nice, however, I cannot help from thinking that a little more care, especially within the kitchen itself, could make the whole experience much better. Most of the specials seem too run-of-the-mill and I just rarely have found anything exciting here. There's a nearly endless bounty of pasta dishes out there . . . just look at Marcella Hazan's recipes, and yet most Italian places you find around here stick pretty close to the safe ones we've all already had.
(3)
Vicki M.
Seems like this place has went down hill....Haven't been happy here with the food nor have I been back and it sad because was one of my favorite places to go to. Place is clean and staff is very friendly. The bread n bread dip is really good. Just not the food lately.
(2)
Kristina H.
GREAT pasta. Best tasting pasta i have had in a long time. Sauces taste homemade and not from a jar. Pizza here is amazing. Great specials too. Will come here again!
(5)
H W.
Classy casual atmosphere. Wonderful Italian food! I must say I LOVE the house salad dressing! Mmmm, must get it! For lunch I like to get the soup and salad - decent price and delicious meal! Service can be a tad slow sometimes, but never unreasonable. Friendly staff. Dynamite food. Nice atmosphere. A must-go! So much better than Olive Garden!! The food is real here!
(5)
William P.
My bride and I like this place. Michele is half Italian and approves of most of the meals we've had. Not spectacular mind you...just good solid Italian. Service is normally very good and attentive.
(4)
Dianna O.
i've eaten here twice before and it was great but then a few years later i order some food one night to be delivered. this is my exact order 05/17/2013 that i ordered for my friend and i. pomodoro cafe the cafe sampler (1) $9.95 consisting of eggplant rollatini, calamari, 2 chic strips-very hard, chic dry, i didn't even know they were chic bcuz they tasted like fish & a very empty fried mozz triangle & 2 boot, no sauces were given for chic, friend mozz or calamari. the eggplant was the only thing that was half way edible in this dish. vitello or pollo marsala (1) $12.95---chic was very dry, mash pot were lacking any flavor, no garlic, no salt, pepper or even a butter taste to them. the only good thing was the fact that i "think" they were real potatoes. the marsala sauce was also lacking flavor plus they don't give you enough of it even though i had asked for extra. the salad looked nice, very green & crispy looking, salad dressing tasted very good but by the time i got to it, my friend & i were so disgusted in the meal that we both lost our appetite. two timing cheesecake (1) $5.95----this cheesecake was good but didn't notice the two timing cake part of it & had to put it in the fridge til the next day bcuz it was too soft to eat for ny cheesecake---not worth the price caramel apple crumble (1) $5.95---this was the worst item of the night--besides having melted white stuff all over the box, which i assumed was whip cream, it looked as though someone ate some of it & literally threw the rest in the box! there were 5 tiny baked apple slices & some stuff that was supposed to be a cake substance i guess, there was :no" so called crumble to go with this caramel apple crumble as well as hardly any taste of caramel...i wouldn't have pd .95 much less $5.95 for it!! dd - sprite - can (1) $1.25 hot soda from delivery place, not good at all for $1.25, i want cold soda! $44.72 delivery----all on all this was the worst $45 i have ever spent in all my 50 yrs. and to top it all, i had no phone so i emailed the manager on facebook as well as on their website but to this day------"no reply whatsoever! i will never order from here again for sure!! i have had better marsala & calamari at carrabba's & better desserts at chili's & olive garden
(1)
Peter F.
NEW REVIEW: I have been a fan of Pomodoro's for a long time (~5 years) but they have been losing their edge lately. Their portions are not what they used to be when Marco was the head-chef and their prices are increasing. This is why I have decided to drop them from a 5 Star to a 3 Star. I think the owner, Paolo, still cares deeply for his business and his clients but the guys in the kitchen are now being led by someone related to the Soup Nazi..... No soup fo' U!!! I have left my old review here (see below) because at one point I was a raving fan... Now I go whenever other options are not available. OLD REVIEW: This place absolutely rocks! The food is excellent, the servers are great, the owner and head-chef take time to walk to your table and say hello. We have visited Pomodoro's Cafe at least once a month for the better part of two years.. It is that good! We've had just about every plate on their Menu.... I can't say I was disappointed by any of them. Their Flan (custard) and Chocolate Cake is out-of-sight.... Anyway, my family loves this place.
(3)
Tom M.
Service was poor..nice guy but a waiter not. And without a doubt, the WORST chicken marsala I have ever experienced! Chicken texture was like it was boiled, and I swear the sauce was tomato soup right out of the can! I would have ben more impressed with spaghettios!
(1)
Jake D.
I live near this resteraunt and have been several times. I made it my mission to eat somthing different everytime I went. I have yet to find a meal that I wasnt satistfied with. The owner is a riot..... little Italian guy that walks around strutting like he owns the place (wait a tick he does).... The first time I had ever eaten there he came to our table and I told him that it was my first time.... he said " heyyy watchhuuu talkin about..... whassa matta wit you...... IMMA take you out back and beat you up heyy"... ... The funniest thing id ever heard from a resteraunt owner. there deserts are sinfull... I try to steer away but somtimes its not so easy..
(4)
Debra B.
We just had another visit to Pomodora and it was very good. My husband had the seafood special & I had chicken with capers and lemon. Salad was good; great house dressing; good warm bread. Friendly service. Just as good as I remembered!
(4)
Richard B.
The food is good on par with Olive Garden so not Ma's Italian. But its a way better deal and the fresh baked rolls and salad are better and come with every meal.
(4)
Jacque R.
Great food, service, prices, service and Cuban coffee!
(5)
Linda W.
My husband and I have eaten here roughly twice a month for more than a year. We like the atmosphere; the crew is friendly and well trained; the food is good and well priced. Pomodoro is just what we like for an inexpensive neighborhood eatery.
(5)
JD L.
Great place, especially the pizza and calzones.
(4)
Tessa M.
My husband and I love eating here. The prices are prefect. The food is great and they are clean and colorful. Did I say the service is awesome. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Gator R.
Terrible service. We went for lunch and were told (after we were seated) that we could not order off the dinner menu, and that they don't sell pizza by the slice unless you get it to go or sit at the bar. They made an exception to the no-slice rule (we weren't rude or insistent about it either), but then proceeded to lecture us several times after they brought the food about how we're not ever allowed to order slices again.. I added broccoli to my fettuccine alfredo, because it was one of the few vegetarian options on the lunch menu (and remember, no ordering off the dinner menu allowed!) and they charged me $2.25 for it--which would've been fine if it wasn't 5 florets of FROZEN broccoli. Their carry out pizza specials are great though, and the funghi pizza is awesome. The italian wedding cake is amazing. If I were rating them just on that, I'd give them 5 stars, but the service was SO BAD, they don't even deserve 3. I don't want to be treated like a second class citizen while patronizing a restaurant.
(2)
April O.
Pomodoro is a bit of a mixed bag for me. They're owned by the same folks who run Nero's on 34th (they also used to own Rigatelli's in the mall, but that place closed and was replaced by Romano's Macaroni Grille. Score. The very last time I ate there, Rigatelli's was on the deathbed for sure), but they're clearly supposed to be the "higher-end" of the pair. And they would be if their food was consistent, but it's not. Sometimes it's delicious--the chicken-breast pizza comes immediately to mind, and their prime rib is a good dish--and sometimes it's really not, as is the case with the calamari. No matter what dish it's in, it's consistently bland, rubbery and flavorless. I totally understand and appreciate that calamari is a tricky food to cook, but surely it's not supposed to be transformed into rubber bands. The sauce is too flavorless for the kitchen staff to slop it all over the veal/chicken parmesans the way they do. Maybe traditional Italian cooking relies on the flavor of the tomatoes, but when you're not in Italy and primarily working with the canned stuff, someone needs to have the common sense to add spices. Geez. If you have a weak stomach, this restaurant may give it a nice swift kick. My husband ordered a cedar plank salmon special stuffed with cream cheese and capers that left him prone in the booth within seconds of his first bite and sent him trotting to the restroom two minutes later (he didn't return for some time). Ha, so THAT'S why it was special. It was on its last gasp. Strangely enough, he still eats here willingly. Should you try it? Maybe if you're in the area staying at the Best Western, or you live on 39th and don't want to trek out to Romano's in the mall or Carrabba's on 34th. Would I recommend making a trip here? No. Three stars because I have had some truly good experiences here. Fortunately they were on someone else's nickel.
(3)
Jean-israel J.
The food was really goodd!!! Me and my GF enjoyed the moment we had there.. The bread is soo tasty mhmhmhmh.. And their food is top class
(4)
Diana O.
Ok I have driven by this place a million times but never thought to try it. The outside is unassuming and it's located in the publix plaza. I walked in and instantly left Gainesville. I was transported to a charming family owned authentic Italian restaurant in upstate NY. They had so many items to choose from I had a hard time deciding on a first timer dish. We were served fresh baked foccia bread with herbs and sundried tomato baked in and a yummy balsamic dressing with a little spicy kick and a hint of rasberry I think. Next we had salads with homemade dressing. I chose the ginger carrot dressing and it was awesome. We had their special 2 two course meals for 25.00. Off this menu I ordered the Valentino. It was shrimp and scallops in a white wine sauce with capers, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. My friend had the parmigano I tasted a bite of her sausage and it was beyond amazing. Next time I go I will order something with sausage it was seriously that good. I love the atmosphere. Murals all over the walls add to it's uniqueness. I am a picky person and this place passed with flying colors.
(5)
Peter M.
This place is just ok if you are in the area, but I would not go out of my way. The pizza was pretty good and I also had the Fettuccine Alfredo which they claimed was the creamiest around, but far from it and the chicken in it had no real flavor. The employees were quite nice though and the service was quick.
(3)
Tu-van L.
This place was alright - the fact that there's not much around there is its saving grace. Tasty casual Italian fare - nothing worth writing home about. I remember their pasta dishes containing too much pasta and not enough meat.
(2)
Lizard C.
I tend to eat here often as it is convenient to work. The service tends to be slow during lunch. I try to ask for the check when the food is served and still can't seem to always get out of there in an hour. The food is tasty. I truly love the pizza and pick one up on my way home as a special treat every now and then. The steak salad is amazing. Some of the other dishes I have tried have been a bit too heavy on the garlic (and I really love garlic). The pasta is well made and fresh.
(4)
Derek T.
Best Chicken Alfredo that I've had that wasn't in Little Italy. I will definitely try to come back if I'm ever in Gainesville again.
(5)
Scott T.
My first visit with a groupon. It's pasta and pizza. The place was packed at 6PM, mainly retired folks and some families. My friend had pasta with clams -- could have done it at home $14.00 with 7 clams. and a cup of soup. I chose to stay away from the carbs and had the antipasto - large size. I was disappointed as it was nothing more than lettuce with maybe 4 ouces meat and cheese. And $12.00. They do give you bread. It comes with what I would consider and AWEFUL honey/balsamic dip -- way too sweet! Service was fast, and not pushy. So, with the $25.00 groupon = $12.50 spend ... it was STILL OK. Basically we got $6.00 of food and I really could have done this all at home. I do not think I will revisit, but they were busy and had a full restaurant. The desserts looked good, but were all purchased - the CANNOLI's looked like they were made to order. They do have outdoor seating. Buon appetito!!
(3)
Nikki R.
I came here with a very large party (over 20 people) and while there was only one server for our table she did a very good job. The food was pretty good (I had Eggplant Parmesan) but not spectacular. The salad and bread were decent, nothing special. Still I appreciated that our large party was handled so well.
(4)
Elisabeth M.
The food is always delicious. Service is almost always super attentive. Prices are great and so are portion sizes. Happy hour is generous as well.
(5)
Cindy M.
Not happy about having to wait 30 min with tables open. .. maybe we weren't dressed well enough... passing through. Food was good, service adequate, price reasonable.
(3)
Luis A.
I've probably eaten here a handful of times over the years and always had mixed feelings about the place. On more recent visits I've come to appreciate pomodoro's for what it is rather than what I guess I expected it to be. Since the restaurant has an Italian name and menu filled with Italian pasta dishes, I always ordered Italian pasta fare on my first few sporadic visits and always came away somewhat disappointed. I'd still frequent the place occasionally simply due to its convenient proximity to me and for the BOGO pizza specials (they do have good quality pizza with a fresh, fluffy crust). More recently I visited here a couple of times out of pure necessity for some quick takeout or a brief sit-down meal close to home and I avoided the typical Italian pasta dishes and opted for a more standard American protien + 2 sides type of dinner. I've come to the conclusion that Pomodoro executes Italian pasta dishes and sauces average at best. That's not to say a lot of people wouldn't like those dishes here, some folks enjoy average Italian food but I'm just not one of them. I have found on these recent trips that they really do a nice job with fish, steaks, and veggies. Until I figured this out this restaurant really served no use for me. If you're looking for a healthy dose of protein and veggies for a good price, this is actually a great place to stop in. Now that I know this I'll usually order a skirt steak or sirloin or fish filet with roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe for somewhere around 11-12 bucks and it comes with fresh baked roasted pepper bread and either a salad or soup. Their fried seafood platter is also surprisingly really well done and in all it's tough to beat those deals. It would actually be challenging to go to publix next door and try to create those same meals at home for less money. In any case I give it three stars because it took a couple of years to figure this out and depending on what a first timer orders here they may end up with a 2 star dinner or a 4 star dinner. So from now on I'm sticking to BOGO pizza take-out and non-pasta dishes and I think me and Pomodoro should get along just fine in the future.
(3)
Kirsten V.
Stopped in a bit after lunch. Got some amazing food and fast service. I got the cheese ravioli and it seriously looked and tasted homemade, including the marinara sauce! Delicious! My mom got a chicken sandwich with fries which she assured me was just as yummy! The bread and oil/vinegar sauce they serve is amazing, with just a bit of a kick! We each got soup which was to die for! Amazing! We'll be coming back next time we pass through the area. This place is at the end of the publix shopping center.
(5)
Colt S.
Great pizza and consistent service. Everything you expect from a pizzeria and Italian restaurant the place has a nice feel to it also
(5)
Adam H.
Are lunch here today and had the chicken Alfredo... The Alfredo sauce was excellent and the portion was very generous. Service was excellent as well. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a delicious Italian meal! I know I will definitely be back!
(5)
Kerri L.
We ate here today, for the first time. We really liked the atmosphere. The staff was friendly. I ordered a delicious meal with sausage, a meatball, chicken parm, and pasta. The food came quickly, and was really tasty. It came with soup or salad and a dessert. At the end of the meal, I did not like that the waitress brought 2 desserts-chocolate mouse and lemon cake. My friend got the chocolate and I wanted it too, but the waitress said it was the last one. She basically told me I could only get the lemon cake when there was clearly more dessert in the dessert cooler. Why did I get to pick my appetizer, choose my meal, but my dessert was chosen for me?! Didn't like that! The cheesecake, in the cooler, looked delicious, by the way.
(3)
David C.
This is just awesome Italian food executed splendidly . There are Daily BOGO specials for calzones 2 for 10$ last I checked. They use fresh cheeses and meats home made pizzas and breads. And the owner is vibrant and full of life a true joy when he greets you in the front!
(3)
Richard N.
We had a nice experience here at dinner last night with extended family. Service was very good, with our server checking in often and quick & pleasant. Food was very good. Bread was average-done nicely with garlic but bread itself not very fresh/flavorful. Small thing though. We'd go back anytime.
(4)
Nino R.
I love Italian food, genuine Italian food, non-region specific. I'm a lover of it all. But this ain't Italian food. It's kinda similar but it's still pretty far away. I'm spoiled. I live in an area of the country where I can find nearly 1000 Italian restaurants in a 10 mile radius (and I'm slowly trying to eat at each place). Suffice it to say, I know bad, good, and great Italian fare. I've had the Chicken Parm, Pasta Fagioli, and the Lasagna here. I can and have made much better at home. The key to Italian cooking, well, with all cooking, is the amount of love and care you put in creating a dish. People will know if you use canned tomato sauce or un-pounded chicken. The Pasta Fagioli tasted like pork & beans to me. I realize this review seems harsh, but I have to be honest. Full disclosure; I worked in a high-end Italian restaurant for several years, so I know exactly what it takes to make a spectacular dish. Pomodoro charges at the mid-level, but their food quality is on par with pizzerias. Demand better...
(2)
Shane B.
Met some friends from out of state here yesterday. The food was a delicious as ever and the service was top notch. My friends were also impressed. The dipping oil/dip for the bread is so addictive! I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)
Brad K.
BOGO on the speciality pizzas deserves 3 stars Mon to Fri BOGO on specialty 18" pizza's..you can't beat that..I'd spend that at five star or dominos..and I get gourmet pizza for $18..wow quality of the pizza makes it a strong 4 very very good zaa here
(4)
Jennifer N.
I've eaten here a couple times and had a delicious meal, then one time I went and found a piece of metal in my food (maybe from a scouring pad in the kitchen?). The waiter was apologetic, but the manager was rude about it. He didn't comp me the dish, not that he had to, but he made me feel like an idiot for even saying anything. It was a little unnecessary. I also got take-out from them once, and despite the fact that I had ordered and paid, they decided they were closing the kitchen and basically threw together a completely random dish that wasn't even close to what I ordered. The same night, while I was waiting for my order, a soldier in uniform went in and tried to order and was denied food completely. It seems like they could make their service a lot better with just a little bit of effort. The food is certainly not good enough to make it worth the trip.
(2)
Chad Z.
This place is a hidden Gainesville Pizza Secret... They have some of the best huge pizza's in town and do buy one get one free carry out. So you can get two MASSIVE Specialty Pizzas for less than $20. I'm not sure if they have the best Pizza in town but it's in the top 3 and definitely the best deal.
(4)
Jim S.
Pomodoro is a bit of paradox. Read the reviews and you'll find a number of them mentioning lackluster food and service. That has been our experience when dining in, also. I've had several really good meals there and several not so good. But where they REALLY shine is their pizza. It is superb. And they offer buy-one-get-one on carry out. I believe that you can mix and match pizza and calzone. We live about 20 miles away but my wife works in Gainesville. So it is fairly convenient for her to stop off on her way home from work - usually on Friday - and bring home two large pizzas for right around twenty bucks. I'm a big eater and, between the mrs and me, we can polish off most of a large pizza in one sitting. That leaves the second one for lunch on Saturday. But it is fabulous pizza with lots of cheese and plentiful toppings. A couple of tips: Meatball, sausage, and onion is our favorite combination of toppings. When it comes to reheating...use a toaster oven set at 225-250 degrees. Warm for about ten minutes. That temperature won't overcook the crust (I like light crust) but it will get it hot. Then put the slice in the microwave on med-hi for about 45 seconds. It'll taste like it just came out of THEIR oven. I'm going with four stars overall - three for dine-in; five all the way for the pizza.
(4)
Dr Yolanda C Leon L.
Excellent Cuisine, outstanding service by wonderful staff, lovely Decor, and my new favorite place!..... Thank You Jake, Joe, Paige, and Tyler!.... Simone.......Grazie per le classe di Italiano! Paul Magnifico! Dottoressa Yolanda C Leon
(5)
Christine V.
A real Italian restaurant with subtle combination of ingredients that blend into a very satisfying dinning experience. This is by far the best place for a nice bowl of soup. Their soup of the day is different every time I go and they are so delicious that I keep coming back to try others. I've especially enjoyed the butternut squash, the mushroom, the Italian wedding, and chicken soups. I also really enjoy the shrimp and chicken carbonara. The sweet caramelized onions, and salty bacon bits give this Alfredo sauce the most delicious flavor. It is what I imagine real Italian food to be. And you can't beat the high class service, the soft romantic music and the picturesque murals. Their outdoor dining area is v
(5)
James T.
I had a previously bad experience with pomodoro cafe, on a delivery order and wanted to check them out in person. The issue was definitely with delivery because I went here for a bite and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. My waitress Paige did a great job and was very attentive. The kitchen was clean and it was cool to watch the food being prepared. The FOH manager checked in to ask how I was doing and knew many customers by name. Enjoyed everything
(4)
Ric C.
Nice decor and pleasant, prompt service. The pollo agridolce was a very tasty and healthy option for lunch. Will come back next time I'm in town for sure. Only reason for not 5-star is the chicken breast, while tasty, was a bit thin and probably contributed to slightly over-cooking. The grilled watermelon salsa made up for it though.
(4)
Vero P.
Best experience and food was amazing. $7 all you can eat salad, bread, and soup. I was not expecting this place to be as wonderful as it is being in a strip mall. Such a relief due to all the other crappy restaurants in the area. Fancy desserts too.
(5)
Dennis F.
We tried this place again but it's still pretty inconsistent. The first time the service was really slow and the food was just mediocre. This time the service was a bit better, but the food had slipped to cold and tasteless. At least when one compares it to the other pizzerias and Italian restaurants in Gainesville. Ordered the Parmigiano Favor (arrived as cold meat and a clump of pasta) Veal Piccata (tasteless) and the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo (gooey). Our deserts then arrived in "to go" containers with no offer of coffee or tea -- and we figured it was time to leave.... They seem to do their best and try hard, but with the high noise level and the inconsistent quality, we'll stick to our favorites on the other side of town.
(2)
Aiden A.
I'm a fan. Aged balsamic and fresh bread when you sit down. Reasonably priced. Good service. Nice patio area. All the items I've ordered taste of high quality ingredients. My go to (non-downtown) spot in gainesville. Great lunch specials too.
(5)
Raghav P.
Excellent service and good food. Saved 17 dollars with their couples deal (2 entrees, appetizer, and desert). We started with the seafood choppino. I ordered the mixed grill and it was spectacular and my gfs chicken was also very tasty. Planning on coming back.
(5)
Scott T.
My first visit with a groupon. It's pasta and pizza. The place was packed at 6PM, mainly retired folks and some families. My friend had pasta with clams -- could have done it at home $14.00 with 7 clams. and a cup of soup. I chose to stay away from the carbs and had the antipasto - large size. I was disappointed as it was nothing more than lettuce with maybe 4 ouces meat and cheese. And $12.00. They do give you bread. It comes with what I would consider and AWEFUL honey/balsamic dip -- way too sweet! Service was fast, and not pushy. So, with the $25.00 groupon = $12.50 spend ... it was STILL OK. Basically we got $6.00 of food and I really could have done this all at home. I do not think I will revisit, but they were busy and had a full restaurant. The desserts looked good, but were all purchased - the CANNOLI's looked like they were made to order. They do have outdoor seating. Buon appetito!!
(3)
Nikki R.
I came here with a very large party (over 20 people) and while there was only one server for our table she did a very good job. The food was pretty good (I had Eggplant Parmesan) but not spectacular. The salad and bread were decent, nothing special. Still I appreciated that our large party was handled so well.
(4)
Elisabeth M.
The food is always delicious. Service is almost always super attentive. Prices are great and so are portion sizes. Happy hour is generous as well.
(5)
Cindy M.
Not happy about having to wait 30 min with tables open. .. maybe we weren't dressed well enough... passing through. Food was good, service adequate, price reasonable.
(3)
William P.
My bride and I like this place. Michele is half Italian and approves of most of the meals we've had. Not spectacular mind you...just good solid Italian. Service is normally very good and attentive.
(4)
Jake D.
I live near this resteraunt and have been several times. I made it my mission to eat somthing different everytime I went. I have yet to find a meal that I wasnt satistfied with. The owner is a riot..... little Italian guy that walks around strutting like he owns the place (wait a tick he does).... The first time I had ever eaten there he came to our table and I told him that it was my first time.... he said " heyyy watchhuuu talkin about..... whassa matta wit you...... IMMA take you out back and beat you up heyy"... ... The funniest thing id ever heard from a resteraunt owner. there deserts are sinfull... I try to steer away but somtimes its not so easy..
(4)
Debra B.
We just had another visit to Pomodora and it was very good. My husband had the seafood special & I had chicken with capers and lemon. Salad was good; great house dressing; good warm bread. Friendly service. Just as good as I remembered!
(4)
Richard B.
The food is good on par with Olive Garden so not Ma's Italian. But its a way better deal and the fresh baked rolls and salad are better and come with every meal.
(4)
Jacque R.
Great food, service, prices, service and Cuban coffee!
(5)
Linda W.
My husband and I have eaten here roughly twice a month for more than a year. We like the atmosphere; the crew is friendly and well trained; the food is good and well priced. Pomodoro is just what we like for an inexpensive neighborhood eatery.
(5)
JD L.
Great place, especially the pizza and calzones.
(4)
Tessa M.
My husband and I love eating here. The prices are prefect. The food is great and they are clean and colorful. Did I say the service is awesome. I can't wait to go back.
(4)
Kerri L.
We ate here today, for the first time. We really liked the atmosphere. The staff was friendly. I ordered a delicious meal with sausage, a meatball, chicken parm, and pasta. The food came quickly, and was really tasty. It came with soup or salad and a dessert. At the end of the meal, I did not like that the waitress brought 2 desserts-chocolate mouse and lemon cake. My friend got the chocolate and I wanted it too, but the waitress said it was the last one. She basically told me I could only get the lemon cake when there was clearly more dessert in the dessert cooler. Why did I get to pick my appetizer, choose my meal, but my dessert was chosen for me?! Didn't like that! The cheesecake, in the cooler, looked delicious, by the way.
(3)
David C.
This is just awesome Italian food executed splendidly . There are Daily BOGO specials for calzones 2 for 10$ last I checked. They use fresh cheeses and meats home made pizzas and breads. And the owner is vibrant and full of life a true joy when he greets you in the front!
(3)
Richard N.
We had a nice experience here at dinner last night with extended family. Service was very good, with our server checking in often and quick & pleasant. Food was very good. Bread was average-done nicely with garlic but bread itself not very fresh/flavorful. Small thing though. We'd go back anytime.
(4)
Nino R.
I love Italian food, genuine Italian food, non-region specific. I'm a lover of it all. But this ain't Italian food. It's kinda similar but it's still pretty far away. I'm spoiled. I live in an area of the country where I can find nearly 1000 Italian restaurants in a 10 mile radius (and I'm slowly trying to eat at each place). Suffice it to say, I know bad, good, and great Italian fare. I've had the Chicken Parm, Pasta Fagioli, and the Lasagna here. I can and have made much better at home. The key to Italian cooking, well, with all cooking, is the amount of love and care you put in creating a dish. People will know if you use canned tomato sauce or un-pounded chicken. The Pasta Fagioli tasted like pork & beans to me. I realize this review seems harsh, but I have to be honest. Full disclosure; I worked in a high-end Italian restaurant for several years, so I know exactly what it takes to make a spectacular dish. Pomodoro charges at the mid-level, but their food quality is on par with pizzerias. Demand better...
(2)
Shane B.
Met some friends from out of state here yesterday. The food was a delicious as ever and the service was top notch. My friends were also impressed. The dipping oil/dip for the bread is so addictive! I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)
Brad K.
BOGO on the speciality pizzas deserves 3 stars Mon to Fri BOGO on specialty 18" pizza's..you can't beat that..I'd spend that at five star or dominos..and I get gourmet pizza for $18..wow quality of the pizza makes it a strong 4 very very good zaa here
(4)
Derek T.
Best Chicken Alfredo that I've had that wasn't in Little Italy. I will definitely try to come back if I'm ever in Gainesville again.
(5)
Dominick B.
I accidentally found this place as I was college hunting for my kids. To make a long story short, I have been making it a must stop for the past 6 years. My Son is now at UF, and this has become one of my favorite places to eat when I'm in Gainesville. I love the pizza, and I absolutely have to have their Fried Calamari every time I go. I have had this dish in many places, but never like theirs. It's not only perfectly fried, I love the sporadically added, small fried shrimp and zucchini. This mix is delicious, and I have never seen that anywhere else. The service is friendly, and I truly get a kick out of talking to the owner in Italian. He's quite a friendly character. I'm so happy I found this place, soon I will need more excuses to find myself in Gainesville.
(4)
Darnell R.
2nd trip there in the last 8 months or so. I only went a 2nd time to let them try to redeem themselves for the 1st time. This time my wife and I both tried the shrimp and chicken carbonara and unfortunately it was awful. Zero flavor and extremely dry chicken killed this dish. Simply salting the pasta water would have given this 10x's the flavor. I wasn't a fan of the bacon fat shreds either. After having their carbonara and Olive Garden's... It's no contest. Olive Garden wins hands down on taste, presentation and price! Will not be eating here again.
(1)
Bob N.
Have been here several times. The food is just okay. The last time, I went with a relative whose is a nationally recognized expert in wine grapes and wine product. She had some wine that was, obviously, corked. When the waiter told the owner, he mumbled loud enough for me to hear, "Corked, my butt" only used a different word. I will never return. Such disrespect for a customer is inexcusable.
(1)
Brent C.
Great pizza and they usually have a BOGO special. Fungi pizza is pretty special. A few times that i have picked up my pick-up order i witnessed the owner being very harsh with his staff. I don't think it counts for the review of the restaurant but something that made me feel uncomfortable for not being able to say anything about it.
This is a great hidden Italian place in Gainesville. They have great carry out specials but we always love eating inside. We went for the first time to lunch and they have great lunch specials. The bread they hand out before the meal is amazing and they'll keep it coming until the meals come. The pizza is the only thing keeping this place from five stars. They could use a little more ump in the pizza but the calzones are on point. If you are on the north side of town certainly swing by this little gem.
(4)
J H.
We live in the area and go out to dinner several times a week. Pomodoros is ALWAYS on our weekly trek! Over the years we have tried just about everything on the menu and have always been very happy with our selections. The food is VERY fresh and carefully prepared... down to the crispy salad and hot soups. The bread is awsome...they have a great bread dip - however, I prefer simple olive oil and freshed crushed pepper which they always happily prepare for me. Servers are super - we have our regulars, Solei and Brittany. When we are seated they visit our table with our bread, wine, and water without asking... so nice to be regulars! Even when we have a new server they are efficient and thoughful throughout our meal... no rush! Someone had a problem with the booths being tight.. that is ONE booth for some reason. All the others are just fine. The outside seating is very comfortable with fans in warm weather and tall heaters in cool weather - very nice. This is a CLEAN CLEAN restaurant (and bathrooms). Notice the staff cleaning tables, they wipe the top and sides of tables, and the chairs as well! Everyone is very attentive. There has been a change with the new chef, but it has been all good in our opinion! These are "real" Italians - the Owner and Chef! Makes a difference! NO "American" pizza here - this is the real thing! ENJOY! And say hello to the owner "Paul". He is running an appreciated tight ship!
(5)
AnnMarie C.
The service was terrible! We had to wait a notcible time for the waitress to greet us after we were seated, then wait again for her to take our drink order. It was a good thing that we receive our menus when we were seat or we would still be waiting. We ordered at the same time we ordered our drinks and still we were there at least 40 min from the time we were seated to the time we were served our food. Then even though my grandchilden's drinks were filled, and my husbands drink was filled on the second request I had to get up to take my glass to the counter and ask for a third time. Then the waitress came to apologize she tried to tell me it was not her fault. If all of this is not enough, my husband's french dip sandwich was more of a watery pork gravey than beef broth. He said he has never had a sandwich this bad. And my grandsons chicken strips were fried so hard even I could not chew it.
(1)
Hutson R.
I don't normally leave reviews, however this restaurant was so horrible that I feel morally obligated to warn would be restaurant goers. The grouper was so far from fresh that the fish had become gelatinous. The tuna was just as old and disgusting. The waitress was visibly pained by what she was serving us as evidenced by her grimace and apologetic behavior. The third dish our party ordered was the cheese ravioli and by comparison it was great because it was edible. This place would be perfect for an episode of Kitchen Nightmares.
(1)
Wendi M.
Don't mess with the Don of Pomodoro's my mom whispered to me after I refused to hand over the one page specials menu. I needed it after all. The dining room was warm and made even warmer still due to lack of space; if you dine in a booth with a party larger than 2 be ready to get close and personal. The food at Pomodoro's is excellent; from the pizza to the more extravagant pasta dishes. You will not be disappointed. You may have to undo the button on your pants, but it'll be worth it. Tonight I had the cheese ravioli dish that came with a soup or salad. I chose the marinara sauce for the ravioli. Totally terrific! This was mom's first visit. She got the lasagna and side side salad. She completely recommends the lasagna. The husband got spaghetti bolangnaise (sp?) And minestrone soup. That soup is to die for, even on a hot and humid Florida night. He loves the spaghetti too. Our server, Brittany, was very nice and friendly. That's always important. Good servers are like good wine, they bring out the best in a meal. I have gone places where the food was good but the service was awful. Since we constantly had to wait for refills, extra napkins, more butter, whatever, we had less time to enjoy our meal. This wasn't the case tonight. Brittany was on the ball anticipating our dining needs and making sure we had a great visit. We purposely left about half our meals alone so we could have Pomodoro's fab desserts. Oh my! I love their cannoli cake, but my slice was HUGE! Too big for one person. Mom got the same only half the size and that was almost too big. The husband got tiramisu and loved it but also could not finish. Needless to say we will have an excellent luncheon tomorrow. I give 5 stars to Poms for the food. You won't get better anywhere else in town. We had a great server tonight but we've had slow servers in the past. 5 stars for Brittany, but 3 for past experiences. Also the host, the aforementioned Don, seems to be somewhat of a cold fish unless he knows you personally. Getting seated can take some time but only because the place is always packed. However, seating is bad. To maximize space, there is little room in the booths. If its just me and the husb we have no problem except that the table is shoved right up against our guts. But with 3 or more at the table, hubs and I were really uncomfortable sitting side by side. 3 stars for seating. There is an extensive outdoor seating area, larger than the main room, but its too hot to eat outside right now. Go for the food and say hi to the Don. Suck in your gut if you are seated at a booth and realize getting out of it after you eat is, while worth it, near impossible.
(3)
Greg J.
A great example of how a local restaurant can be successful even in the midst of cookie cutter chains! Never had a poor experience here in the 5 years my wife and I have been dining there. Owner is usually there - be sure to say hi - the pizza is wonderful and authentic. Daily specials are also not to be missed.
(5)
Selmy B.
Make you own pizza or pick a gourmet pizza for a better deal. Median is excellent for leftovers. This is a family spot.
(4)
B P.
I have enjoyed Pomadora's in the past but it has been several months since my last visit. Unfortunately this visit started off wrong and just seemed to get worse as the evening went along. First off the hostess sat us at a table even though I requested a booth. Claimed she couldn't double seat the servers but in less than two minutes ended up sitting both booths. Waiter brought drinks and didn't even bother to put down beverage napkins and Eben reached across the two of us as we were sitting there. Really? I ordered the Balsamic Crusted Grouper and is was so disgusting I couldn't even finish it. About four bites worth was all I could take. I couldn't figure out if it was frozen or just over cooked but it was rubbery and tasteless. The waiter even asked me about it and even after I told him he didn't offer to replace it or take it off my bill. Not wanting to make a scene I paid my bill and posted this. Make other plans. Pamadoro had seen better days. RIP!
(1)
Nolan R.
This place is in a strip mall in Gainesville...there's almost always no wait and it pumps out some great food. First off their bread is wonderful and the dinner salads that come with their meals are gigantic. The bread also keeps coming throughout the meal. Their pizza tastes like REAL ITALIAN pizza...as Brad K. noted the 2-4-1 on pizzas is an awesome deal. I've only ever eaten in the restaurant. The first time I ate there the temp in the restaurant was around 85 degrees....not inductive for eating that's for sure. I also ate here with a groupon and they didn't treat me like I was a 3rd class citizen - nice touch. I can't believe some restaurants make comments when people use groupons. Hey, it puts mouths at tables...right? Bravo Pomodoro...I shall return!
(5)
Michele L.
I come here all the time. The food is always excellent and the service is just as good. The minestrone soup is so good....sometimes i come here just for the soup. My other favorite dish is the capellini francesca. I actually have never ordered anything i didn't like from here. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive also. The restaurant is always clean and I enjoy the music they play and the way it is decorated. I highly recommend coming here for their great lunch specials too.
(5)
Vicki M.
Seems like this place has went down hill....Haven't been happy here with the food nor have I been back and it sad because was one of my favorite places to go to. Place is clean and staff is very friendly. The bread n bread dip is really good. Just not the food lately.
(2)
Kristina H.
GREAT pasta. Best tasting pasta i have had in a long time. Sauces taste homemade and not from a jar. Pizza here is amazing. Great specials too. Will come here again!
(5)
H W.
Classy casual atmosphere. Wonderful Italian food! I must say I LOVE the house salad dressing! Mmmm, must get it! For lunch I like to get the soup and salad - decent price and delicious meal! Service can be a tad slow sometimes, but never unreasonable. Friendly staff. Dynamite food. Nice atmosphere. A must-go! So much better than Olive Garden!! The food is real here!
(5)
Matt H.
I kind of stumbled upon this place. Wanted a non chain Italian restaurant on a random Monday evening with my girlfriend and somehow ended up here after the gps got us lost going to another Italian restaurant in the area. But it was the best mistake the gps ever made! We were in at like 5:00 so they had some really good early bird specials. I had a fillet of grouper over angel hair pasta with a lemon/caper/garlic/butter sauce....it was amazzzziiinngggg and it was only $10.00 and came with a salad. My girlfriend had some sort of seafood and pasta plate and it was good but I was so excited my my plate I hardly noticed what she ate. The sauce on her dish was particularly tasty though I can't remember what style it was. The interior was very very well done and you can tell the person that owns it has been in the restaurant biz. Walking up you kind of expect a cheesy Italian restaurant with lots of green/red/white. This place is anything but that with its granite counter tops, dark woods, vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. Definitely had a good interior designer. My only gripe isn't even really a gripe. The server was very nice but sometimes disappeared for long periods of time without checking in. But you're gonna have that occasionally wherever you go so no biggie. That is the only thing holding me back from 5 stars. Next time if the service is a little better I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)
Old S.
Very good local restaurant at a fair price. I always like to get the ribeye. Very tasty.
(4)
Michael M.
To compare this restaurant to a chain is like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes. When will guests understand the difference???
(4)
Mike W.
Unlike some reviewers here, I've not had a truly bad or irksome experience here at Pomodoro, but I've not found them to be exceptional, either. However this place is normally packed on weekends, probably in great part due to the fact that it is one of a scant few decent restaurants on this side of town near the Interstate, and there's a lot of subdivisions out here. My parents do like this restaurant and my ex-boyfriend Jon and his mom and brother for some reason drove all the way across town (he lived south of the UF campus) to eat here once . . . so it's safe to say Pomodoro has earned its fans. I cannot complain about anything here, per se, but it's just never been exceptional, either. I would like for them to have more pasta choices on the menu and perhaps a really good antipasta . . . I just feel most of their dishes are a little too Americanized and if I wanted that I would go to the Olive Garden. I also do not like how they serve their bread with olive oil AND balsamic vinegar: it's much better just with the olive oil and yet they think they're sooooo smart to have the balsamic vinegar! The service has always been prompt though and the atmosphere is nice, however, I cannot help from thinking that a little more care, especially within the kitchen itself, could make the whole experience much better. Most of the specials seem too run-of-the-mill and I just rarely have found anything exciting here. There's a nearly endless bounty of pasta dishes out there . . . just look at Marcella Hazan's recipes, and yet most Italian places you find around here stick pretty close to the safe ones we've all already had.
(3)
Luis A.
I've probably eaten here a handful of times over the years and always had mixed feelings about the place. On more recent visits I've come to appreciate pomodoro's for what it is rather than what I guess I expected it to be. Since the restaurant has an Italian name and menu filled with Italian pasta dishes, I always ordered Italian pasta fare on my first few sporadic visits and always came away somewhat disappointed. I'd still frequent the place occasionally simply due to its convenient proximity to me and for the BOGO pizza specials (they do have good quality pizza with a fresh, fluffy crust). More recently I visited here a couple of times out of pure necessity for some quick takeout or a brief sit-down meal close to home and I avoided the typical Italian pasta dishes and opted for a more standard American protien + 2 sides type of dinner. I've come to the conclusion that Pomodoro executes Italian pasta dishes and sauces average at best. That's not to say a lot of people wouldn't like those dishes here, some folks enjoy average Italian food but I'm just not one of them. I have found on these recent trips that they really do a nice job with fish, steaks, and veggies. Until I figured this out this restaurant really served no use for me. If you're looking for a healthy dose of protein and veggies for a good price, this is actually a great place to stop in. Now that I know this I'll usually order a skirt steak or sirloin or fish filet with roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe for somewhere around 11-12 bucks and it comes with fresh baked roasted pepper bread and either a salad or soup. Their fried seafood platter is also surprisingly really well done and in all it's tough to beat those deals. It would actually be challenging to go to publix next door and try to create those same meals at home for less money. In any case I give it three stars because it took a couple of years to figure this out and depending on what a first timer orders here they may end up with a 2 star dinner or a 4 star dinner. So from now on I'm sticking to BOGO pizza take-out and non-pasta dishes and I think me and Pomodoro should get along just fine in the future.
(3)
Kirsten V.
Stopped in a bit after lunch. Got some amazing food and fast service. I got the cheese ravioli and it seriously looked and tasted homemade, including the marinara sauce! Delicious! My mom got a chicken sandwich with fries which she assured me was just as yummy! The bread and oil/vinegar sauce they serve is amazing, with just a bit of a kick! We each got soup which was to die for! Amazing! We'll be coming back next time we pass through the area. This place is at the end of the publix shopping center.
(5)
Colt S.
Great pizza and consistent service. Everything you expect from a pizzeria and Italian restaurant the place has a nice feel to it also
(5)
Adam H.
Are lunch here today and had the chicken Alfredo... The Alfredo sauce was excellent and the portion was very generous. Service was excellent as well. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a delicious Italian meal! I know I will definitely be back!
(5)
Dianna O.
i've eaten here twice before and it was great but then a few years later i order some food one night to be delivered. this is my exact order 05/17/2013 that i ordered for my friend and i. pomodoro cafe the cafe sampler (1) $9.95 consisting of eggplant rollatini, calamari, 2 chic strips-very hard, chic dry, i didn't even know they were chic bcuz they tasted like fish & a very empty fried mozz triangle & 2 boot, no sauces were given for chic, friend mozz or calamari. the eggplant was the only thing that was half way edible in this dish. vitello or pollo marsala (1) $12.95---chic was very dry, mash pot were lacking any flavor, no garlic, no salt, pepper or even a butter taste to them. the only good thing was the fact that i "think" they were real potatoes. the marsala sauce was also lacking flavor plus they don't give you enough of it even though i had asked for extra. the salad looked nice, very green & crispy looking, salad dressing tasted very good but by the time i got to it, my friend & i were so disgusted in the meal that we both lost our appetite. two timing cheesecake (1) $5.95----this cheesecake was good but didn't notice the two timing cake part of it & had to put it in the fridge til the next day bcuz it was too soft to eat for ny cheesecake---not worth the price caramel apple crumble (1) $5.95---this was the worst item of the night--besides having melted white stuff all over the box, which i assumed was whip cream, it looked as though someone ate some of it & literally threw the rest in the box! there were 5 tiny baked apple slices & some stuff that was supposed to be a cake substance i guess, there was :no" so called crumble to go with this caramel apple crumble as well as hardly any taste of caramel...i wouldn't have pd .95 much less $5.95 for it!! dd - sprite - can (1) $1.25 hot soda from delivery place, not good at all for $1.25, i want cold soda! $44.72 delivery----all on all this was the worst $45 i have ever spent in all my 50 yrs. and to top it all, i had no phone so i emailed the manager on facebook as well as on their website but to this day------"no reply whatsoever! i will never order from here again for sure!! i have had better marsala & calamari at carrabba's & better desserts at chili's & olive garden
(1)
Peter F.
NEW REVIEW: I have been a fan of Pomodoro's for a long time (~5 years) but they have been losing their edge lately. Their portions are not what they used to be when Marco was the head-chef and their prices are increasing. This is why I have decided to drop them from a 5 Star to a 3 Star. I think the owner, Paolo, still cares deeply for his business and his clients but the guys in the kitchen are now being led by someone related to the Soup Nazi..... No soup fo' U!!! I have left my old review here (see below) because at one point I was a raving fan... Now I go whenever other options are not available. OLD REVIEW: This place absolutely rocks! The food is excellent, the servers are great, the owner and head-chef take time to walk to your table and say hello. We have visited Pomodoro's Cafe at least once a month for the better part of two years.. It is that good! We've had just about every plate on their Menu.... I can't say I was disappointed by any of them. Their Flan (custard) and Chocolate Cake is out-of-sight.... Anyway, my family loves this place.
(3)
Tom M.
Service was poor..nice guy but a waiter not. And without a doubt, the WORST chicken marsala I have ever experienced! Chicken texture was like it was boiled, and I swear the sauce was tomato soup right out of the can! I would have ben more impressed with spaghettios!
(1)
Gator R.
Terrible service. We went for lunch and were told (after we were seated) that we could not order off the dinner menu, and that they don't sell pizza by the slice unless you get it to go or sit at the bar. They made an exception to the no-slice rule (we weren't rude or insistent about it either), but then proceeded to lecture us several times after they brought the food about how we're not ever allowed to order slices again.. I added broccoli to my fettuccine alfredo, because it was one of the few vegetarian options on the lunch menu (and remember, no ordering off the dinner menu allowed!) and they charged me $2.25 for it--which would've been fine if it wasn't 5 florets of FROZEN broccoli. Their carry out pizza specials are great though, and the funghi pizza is awesome. The italian wedding cake is amazing. If I were rating them just on that, I'd give them 5 stars, but the service was SO BAD, they don't even deserve 3. I don't want to be treated like a second class citizen while patronizing a restaurant.
(2)
April O.
Pomodoro is a bit of a mixed bag for me. They're owned by the same folks who run Nero's on 34th (they also used to own Rigatelli's in the mall, but that place closed and was replaced by Romano's Macaroni Grille. Score. The very last time I ate there, Rigatelli's was on the deathbed for sure), but they're clearly supposed to be the "higher-end" of the pair. And they would be if their food was consistent, but it's not. Sometimes it's delicious--the chicken-breast pizza comes immediately to mind, and their prime rib is a good dish--and sometimes it's really not, as is the case with the calamari. No matter what dish it's in, it's consistently bland, rubbery and flavorless. I totally understand and appreciate that calamari is a tricky food to cook, but surely it's not supposed to be transformed into rubber bands. The sauce is too flavorless for the kitchen staff to slop it all over the veal/chicken parmesans the way they do. Maybe traditional Italian cooking relies on the flavor of the tomatoes, but when you're not in Italy and primarily working with the canned stuff, someone needs to have the common sense to add spices. Geez. If you have a weak stomach, this restaurant may give it a nice swift kick. My husband ordered a cedar plank salmon special stuffed with cream cheese and capers that left him prone in the booth within seconds of his first bite and sent him trotting to the restroom two minutes later (he didn't return for some time). Ha, so THAT'S why it was special. It was on its last gasp. Strangely enough, he still eats here willingly. Should you try it? Maybe if you're in the area staying at the Best Western, or you live on 39th and don't want to trek out to Romano's in the mall or Carrabba's on 34th. Would I recommend making a trip here? No. Three stars because I have had some truly good experiences here. Fortunately they were on someone else's nickel.
(3)
Jean-israel J.
The food was really goodd!!! Me and my GF enjoyed the moment we had there.. The bread is soo tasty mhmhmhmh.. And their food is top class
(4)
Diana O.
Ok I have driven by this place a million times but never thought to try it. The outside is unassuming and it's located in the publix plaza. I walked in and instantly left Gainesville. I was transported to a charming family owned authentic Italian restaurant in upstate NY. They had so many items to choose from I had a hard time deciding on a first timer dish. We were served fresh baked foccia bread with herbs and sundried tomato baked in and a yummy balsamic dressing with a little spicy kick and a hint of rasberry I think. Next we had salads with homemade dressing. I chose the ginger carrot dressing and it was awesome. We had their special 2 two course meals for 25.00. Off this menu I ordered the Valentino. It was shrimp and scallops in a white wine sauce with capers, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. My friend had the parmigano I tasted a bite of her sausage and it was beyond amazing. Next time I go I will order something with sausage it was seriously that good. I love the atmosphere. Murals all over the walls add to it's uniqueness. I am a picky person and this place passed with flying colors.
(5)
Peter M.
This place is just ok if you are in the area, but I would not go out of my way. The pizza was pretty good and I also had the Fettuccine Alfredo which they claimed was the creamiest around, but far from it and the chicken in it had no real flavor. The employees were quite nice though and the service was quick.
(3)
Tu-van L.
This place was alright - the fact that there's not much around there is its saving grace. Tasty casual Italian fare - nothing worth writing home about. I remember their pasta dishes containing too much pasta and not enough meat.
(2)
Lizard C.
I tend to eat here often as it is convenient to work. The service tends to be slow during lunch. I try to ask for the check when the food is served and still can't seem to always get out of there in an hour. The food is tasty. I truly love the pizza and pick one up on my way home as a special treat every now and then. The steak salad is amazing. Some of the other dishes I have tried have been a bit too heavy on the garlic (and I really love garlic). The pasta is well made and fresh.
(4)
Max W.
Had lunch there today. Service was incredibly slow. Althpugh it was crowded when we arrived, the crowd thinned out really quickly and there was plenty of staff. Nonetheless we waited ten minutes before our server even arrived to take our drink order. The salads arrived another 15 minutes later. (the mango dressing was especially good). I have no idea who thinks the dipping sauce they serve (balsamic vinegar, olive oil and some other things) with the bread is a good idea, but it is not at all appealing in texture, appearance or flavor. It didn't matter anyway, as the supposedly fresh baked bread we were served was stale. The iced tea I ordered to drink was also cloudy and old tasting. I ordered the "all you can eat" pasta lunch (the special on Wednesday). When it finally arrived (50 minutes after our arrival) the pasta was literally swimming in a mediocre garlicy "meat" sauce that was nearly devoid of meat. Despite the mediocrity of the dish, I had hoped to order a little more. However our server literally vanished after serving our entee. Several other servers raced past our table but there was no teamwork and they showed no interest in my obvious attempts to get their attention. When our server finally returned to the table, 30 minutes after serving our entrees, I was so disgusted I just asked for the check. She smiled and promised to "take that up for you as soon as you are ready." I told my lunch mate that I doubted that. Sure enough, it was another ten minutes before he returned for he check. Altogether, more han an hour and a half for lunch and we ordered the lunch special. It would perhaps have been understandable if the place had been full (it was nearly empty by half way through our meal) or if the food had been worth the wait (it wasn't). Ii give them two stars because the people were nice, the ambiance is nice, aand they do seem to have some decent dishes. But I will definitely noy be back. Much better Italian options all over town. Frescos, Amelias, and Napolitanoes are all better choices.
(2)
anna b.
they have it all over napolitanos, frescos on the ceiling, food is delicious, owners are accessible. they use real garlic and real extra virgin olive oil whoooohoooo the bread is homemade, the restaurant ts clean.
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
JD L.
Great place, especially the pizza and calzones.
(4)Brent C.
Great pizza and they usually have a BOGO special. Fungi pizza is pretty special. A few times that i have picked up my pick-up order i witnessed the owner being very harsh with his staff. I don't think it counts for the review of the restaurant but something that made me feel uncomfortable for not being able to say anything about it.
(5)Bob N.
Have been here several times. The food is just okay. The last time, I went with a relative whose is a nationally recognized expert in wine grapes and wine product. She had some wine that was, obviously, corked. When the waiter told the owner, he mumbled loud enough for me to hear, "Corked, my butt" only used a different word. I will never return. Such disrespect for a customer is inexcusable.
(1)Max W.
Had lunch there today. Service was incredibly slow. Althpugh it was crowded when we arrived, the crowd thinned out really quickly and there was plenty of staff. Nonetheless we waited ten minutes before our server even arrived to take our drink order. The salads arrived another 15 minutes later. (the mango dressing was especially good). I have no idea who thinks the dipping sauce they serve (balsamic vinegar, olive oil and some other things) with the bread is a good idea, but it is not at all appealing in texture, appearance or flavor. It didn't matter anyway, as the supposedly fresh baked bread we were served was stale. The iced tea I ordered to drink was also cloudy and old tasting. I ordered the "all you can eat" pasta lunch (the special on Wednesday). When it finally arrived (50 minutes after our arrival) the pasta was literally swimming in a mediocre garlicy "meat" sauce that was nearly devoid of meat. Despite the mediocrity of the dish, I had hoped to order a little more. However our server literally vanished after serving our entee. Several other servers raced past our table but there was no teamwork and they showed no interest in my obvious attempts to get their attention. When our server finally returned to the table, 30 minutes after serving our entrees, I was so disgusted I just asked for the check. She smiled and promised to "take that up for you as soon as you are ready." I told my lunch mate that I doubted that. Sure enough, it was another ten minutes before he returned for he check. Altogether, more han an hour and a half for lunch and we ordered the lunch special. It would perhaps have been understandable if the place had been full (it was nearly empty by half way through our meal) or if the food had been worth the wait (it wasn't). Ii give them two stars because the people were nice, the ambiance is nice, aand they do seem to have some decent dishes. But I will definitely noy be back. Much better Italian options all over town. Frescos, Amelias, and Napolitanoes are all better choices.
(2)anna b.
they have it all over napolitanos, frescos on the ceiling, food is delicious, owners are accessible. they use real garlic and real extra virgin olive oil whoooohoooo the bread is homemade, the restaurant ts clean.
(5)Jennifer N.
I've eaten here a couple times and had a delicious meal, then one time I went and found a piece of metal in my food (maybe from a scouring pad in the kitchen?). The waiter was apologetic, but the manager was rude about it. He didn't comp me the dish, not that he had to, but he made me feel like an idiot for even saying anything. It was a little unnecessary. I also got take-out from them once, and despite the fact that I had ordered and paid, they decided they were closing the kitchen and basically threw together a completely random dish that wasn't even close to what I ordered. The same night, while I was waiting for my order, a soldier in uniform went in and tried to order and was denied food completely. It seems like they could make their service a lot better with just a little bit of effort. The food is certainly not good enough to make it worth the trip.
(2)Christine V.
A real Italian restaurant with subtle combination of ingredients that blend into a very satisfying dinning experience. This is by far the best place for a nice bowl of soup. Their soup of the day is different every time I go and they are so delicious that I keep coming back to try others. I've especially enjoyed the butternut squash, the mushroom, the Italian wedding, and chicken soups. I also really enjoy the shrimp and chicken carbonara. The sweet caramelized onions, and salty bacon bits give this Alfredo sauce the most delicious flavor. It is what I imagine real Italian food to be. And you can't beat the high class service, the soft romantic music and the picturesque murals. Their outdoor dining area is v
(5)James T.
I had a previously bad experience with pomodoro cafe, on a delivery order and wanted to check them out in person. The issue was definitely with delivery because I went here for a bite and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. My waitress Paige did a great job and was very attentive. The kitchen was clean and it was cool to watch the food being prepared. The FOH manager checked in to ask how I was doing and knew many customers by name. Enjoyed everything
(4)Ric C.
Nice decor and pleasant, prompt service. The pollo agridolce was a very tasty and healthy option for lunch. Will come back next time I'm in town for sure. Only reason for not 5-star is the chicken breast, while tasty, was a bit thin and probably contributed to slightly over-cooking. The grilled watermelon salsa made up for it though.
(4)Vero P.
Best experience and food was amazing. $7 all you can eat salad, bread, and soup. I was not expecting this place to be as wonderful as it is being in a strip mall. Such a relief due to all the other crappy restaurants in the area. Fancy desserts too.
(5)Dennis F.
We tried this place again but it's still pretty inconsistent. The first time the service was really slow and the food was just mediocre. This time the service was a bit better, but the food had slipped to cold and tasteless. At least when one compares it to the other pizzerias and Italian restaurants in Gainesville. Ordered the Parmigiano Favor (arrived as cold meat and a clump of pasta) Veal Piccata (tasteless) and the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo (gooey). Our deserts then arrived in "to go" containers with no offer of coffee or tea -- and we figured it was time to leave.... They seem to do their best and try hard, but with the high noise level and the inconsistent quality, we'll stick to our favorites on the other side of town.
(2)Aiden A.
I'm a fan. Aged balsamic and fresh bread when you sit down. Reasonably priced. Good service. Nice patio area. All the items I've ordered taste of high quality ingredients. My go to (non-downtown) spot in gainesville. Great lunch specials too.
(5)Raghav P.
Excellent service and good food. Saved 17 dollars with their couples deal (2 entrees, appetizer, and desert). We started with the seafood choppino. I ordered the mixed grill and it was spectacular and my gfs chicken was also very tasty. Planning on coming back.
(5)Jim S.
Pomodoro is a bit of paradox. Read the reviews and you'll find a number of them mentioning lackluster food and service. That has been our experience when dining in, also. I've had several really good meals there and several not so good. But where they REALLY shine is their pizza. It is superb. And they offer buy-one-get-one on carry out. I believe that you can mix and match pizza and calzone. We live about 20 miles away but my wife works in Gainesville. So it is fairly convenient for her to stop off on her way home from work - usually on Friday - and bring home two large pizzas for right around twenty bucks. I'm a big eater and, between the mrs and me, we can polish off most of a large pizza in one sitting. That leaves the second one for lunch on Saturday. But it is fabulous pizza with lots of cheese and plentiful toppings. A couple of tips: Meatball, sausage, and onion is our favorite combination of toppings. When it comes to reheating...use a toaster oven set at 225-250 degrees. Warm for about ten minutes. That temperature won't overcook the crust (I like light crust) but it will get it hot. Then put the slice in the microwave on med-hi for about 45 seconds. It'll taste like it just came out of THEIR oven. I'm going with four stars overall - three for dine-in; five all the way for the pizza.
(4)Chad Z.
This place is a hidden Gainesville Pizza Secret... They have some of the best huge pizza's in town and do buy one get one free carry out. So you can get two MASSIVE Specialty Pizzas for less than $20. I'm not sure if they have the best Pizza in town but it's in the top 3 and definitely the best deal.
(4)Dr Yolanda C Leon L.
Excellent Cuisine, outstanding service by wonderful staff, lovely Decor, and my new favorite place!..... Thank You Jake, Joe, Paige, and Tyler!.... Simone.......Grazie per le classe di Italiano! Paul Magnifico! Dottoressa Yolanda C Leon
(5)Jose O.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere sitting outside but the food was somewhat lacking. The entrée was delicious (I had shrimp linguine) but the salad I was served with it was pitiful. It was all iceberg lettuce with one cherry tomato and one slice if cucumber. For a $15 meal I expected much more.
(3)Dominick B.
I accidentally found this place as I was college hunting for my kids. To make a long story short, I have been making it a must stop for the past 6 years. My Son is now at UF, and this has become one of my favorite places to eat when I'm in Gainesville. I love the pizza, and I absolutely have to have their Fried Calamari every time I go. I have had this dish in many places, but never like theirs. It's not only perfectly fried, I love the sporadically added, small fried shrimp and zucchini. This mix is delicious, and I have never seen that anywhere else. The service is friendly, and I truly get a kick out of talking to the owner in Italian. He's quite a friendly character. I'm so happy I found this place, soon I will need more excuses to find myself in Gainesville.
(4)Darnell R.
2nd trip there in the last 8 months or so. I only went a 2nd time to let them try to redeem themselves for the 1st time. This time my wife and I both tried the shrimp and chicken carbonara and unfortunately it was awful. Zero flavor and extremely dry chicken killed this dish. Simply salting the pasta water would have given this 10x's the flavor. I wasn't a fan of the bacon fat shreds either. After having their carbonara and Olive Garden's... It's no contest. Olive Garden wins hands down on taste, presentation and price! Will not be eating here again.
(1)J H.
We live in the area and go out to dinner several times a week. Pomodoros is ALWAYS on our weekly trek! Over the years we have tried just about everything on the menu and have always been very happy with our selections. The food is VERY fresh and carefully prepared... down to the crispy salad and hot soups. The bread is awsome...they have a great bread dip - however, I prefer simple olive oil and freshed crushed pepper which they always happily prepare for me. Servers are super - we have our regulars, Solei and Brittany. When we are seated they visit our table with our bread, wine, and water without asking... so nice to be regulars! Even when we have a new server they are efficient and thoughful throughout our meal... no rush! Someone had a problem with the booths being tight.. that is ONE booth for some reason. All the others are just fine. The outside seating is very comfortable with fans in warm weather and tall heaters in cool weather - very nice. This is a CLEAN CLEAN restaurant (and bathrooms). Notice the staff cleaning tables, they wipe the top and sides of tables, and the chairs as well! Everyone is very attentive. There has been a change with the new chef, but it has been all good in our opinion! These are "real" Italians - the Owner and Chef! Makes a difference! NO "American" pizza here - this is the real thing! ENJOY! And say hello to the owner "Paul". He is running an appreciated tight ship!
(5)Travis L.
This is a great hidden Italian place in Gainesville. They have great carry out specials but we always love eating inside. We went for the first time to lunch and they have great lunch specials. The bread they hand out before the meal is amazing and they'll keep it coming until the meals come. The pizza is the only thing keeping this place from five stars. They could use a little more ump in the pizza but the calzones are on point. If you are on the north side of town certainly swing by this little gem.
(4)AnnMarie C.
The service was terrible! We had to wait a notcible time for the waitress to greet us after we were seated, then wait again for her to take our drink order. It was a good thing that we receive our menus when we were seat or we would still be waiting. We ordered at the same time we ordered our drinks and still we were there at least 40 min from the time we were seated to the time we were served our food. Then even though my grandchilden's drinks were filled, and my husbands drink was filled on the second request I had to get up to take my glass to the counter and ask for a third time. Then the waitress came to apologize she tried to tell me it was not her fault. If all of this is not enough, my husband's french dip sandwich was more of a watery pork gravey than beef broth. He said he has never had a sandwich this bad. And my grandsons chicken strips were fried so hard even I could not chew it.
(1)Wendi M.
Don't mess with the Don of Pomodoro's my mom whispered to me after I refused to hand over the one page specials menu. I needed it after all. The dining room was warm and made even warmer still due to lack of space; if you dine in a booth with a party larger than 2 be ready to get close and personal. The food at Pomodoro's is excellent; from the pizza to the more extravagant pasta dishes. You will not be disappointed. You may have to undo the button on your pants, but it'll be worth it. Tonight I had the cheese ravioli dish that came with a soup or salad. I chose the marinara sauce for the ravioli. Totally terrific! This was mom's first visit. She got the lasagna and side side salad. She completely recommends the lasagna. The husband got spaghetti bolangnaise (sp?) And minestrone soup. That soup is to die for, even on a hot and humid Florida night. He loves the spaghetti too. Our server, Brittany, was very nice and friendly. That's always important. Good servers are like good wine, they bring out the best in a meal. I have gone places where the food was good but the service was awful. Since we constantly had to wait for refills, extra napkins, more butter, whatever, we had less time to enjoy our meal. This wasn't the case tonight. Brittany was on the ball anticipating our dining needs and making sure we had a great visit. We purposely left about half our meals alone so we could have Pomodoro's fab desserts. Oh my! I love their cannoli cake, but my slice was HUGE! Too big for one person. Mom got the same only half the size and that was almost too big. The husband got tiramisu and loved it but also could not finish. Needless to say we will have an excellent luncheon tomorrow. I give 5 stars to Poms for the food. You won't get better anywhere else in town. We had a great server tonight but we've had slow servers in the past. 5 stars for Brittany, but 3 for past experiences. Also the host, the aforementioned Don, seems to be somewhat of a cold fish unless he knows you personally. Getting seated can take some time but only because the place is always packed. However, seating is bad. To maximize space, there is little room in the booths. If its just me and the husb we have no problem except that the table is shoved right up against our guts. But with 3 or more at the table, hubs and I were really uncomfortable sitting side by side. 3 stars for seating. There is an extensive outdoor seating area, larger than the main room, but its too hot to eat outside right now. Go for the food and say hi to the Don. Suck in your gut if you are seated at a booth and realize getting out of it after you eat is, while worth it, near impossible.
(3)Greg J.
A great example of how a local restaurant can be successful even in the midst of cookie cutter chains! Never had a poor experience here in the 5 years my wife and I have been dining there. Owner is usually there - be sure to say hi - the pizza is wonderful and authentic. Daily specials are also not to be missed.
(5)Selmy B.
Make you own pizza or pick a gourmet pizza for a better deal. Median is excellent for leftovers. This is a family spot.
(4)Hutson R.
I don't normally leave reviews, however this restaurant was so horrible that I feel morally obligated to warn would be restaurant goers. The grouper was so far from fresh that the fish had become gelatinous. The tuna was just as old and disgusting. The waitress was visibly pained by what she was serving us as evidenced by her grimace and apologetic behavior. The third dish our party ordered was the cheese ravioli and by comparison it was great because it was edible. This place would be perfect for an episode of Kitchen Nightmares.
(1)B P.
I have enjoyed Pomadora's in the past but it has been several months since my last visit. Unfortunately this visit started off wrong and just seemed to get worse as the evening went along. First off the hostess sat us at a table even though I requested a booth. Claimed she couldn't double seat the servers but in less than two minutes ended up sitting both booths. Waiter brought drinks and didn't even bother to put down beverage napkins and Eben reached across the two of us as we were sitting there. Really? I ordered the Balsamic Crusted Grouper and is was so disgusting I couldn't even finish it. About four bites worth was all I could take. I couldn't figure out if it was frozen or just over cooked but it was rubbery and tasteless. The waiter even asked me about it and even after I told him he didn't offer to replace it or take it off my bill. Not wanting to make a scene I paid my bill and posted this. Make other plans. Pamadoro had seen better days. RIP!
(1)Nolan R.
This place is in a strip mall in Gainesville...there's almost always no wait and it pumps out some great food. First off their bread is wonderful and the dinner salads that come with their meals are gigantic. The bread also keeps coming throughout the meal. Their pizza tastes like REAL ITALIAN pizza...as Brad K. noted the 2-4-1 on pizzas is an awesome deal. I've only ever eaten in the restaurant. The first time I ate there the temp in the restaurant was around 85 degrees....not inductive for eating that's for sure. I also ate here with a groupon and they didn't treat me like I was a 3rd class citizen - nice touch. I can't believe some restaurants make comments when people use groupons. Hey, it puts mouths at tables...right? Bravo Pomodoro...I shall return!
(5)Michele L.
I come here all the time. The food is always excellent and the service is just as good. The minestrone soup is so good....sometimes i come here just for the soup. My other favorite dish is the capellini francesca. I actually have never ordered anything i didn't like from here. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive also. The restaurant is always clean and I enjoy the music they play and the way it is decorated. I highly recommend coming here for their great lunch specials too.
(5)Matt H.
I kind of stumbled upon this place. Wanted a non chain Italian restaurant on a random Monday evening with my girlfriend and somehow ended up here after the gps got us lost going to another Italian restaurant in the area. But it was the best mistake the gps ever made! We were in at like 5:00 so they had some really good early bird specials. I had a fillet of grouper over angel hair pasta with a lemon/caper/garlic/butter sauce....it was amazzzziiinngggg and it was only $10.00 and came with a salad. My girlfriend had some sort of seafood and pasta plate and it was good but I was so excited my my plate I hardly noticed what she ate. The sauce on her dish was particularly tasty though I can't remember what style it was. The interior was very very well done and you can tell the person that owns it has been in the restaurant biz. Walking up you kind of expect a cheesy Italian restaurant with lots of green/red/white. This place is anything but that with its granite counter tops, dark woods, vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. Definitely had a good interior designer. My only gripe isn't even really a gripe. The server was very nice but sometimes disappeared for long periods of time without checking in. But you're gonna have that occasionally wherever you go so no biggie. That is the only thing holding me back from 5 stars. Next time if the service is a little better I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)Old S.
Very good local restaurant at a fair price. I always like to get the ribeye. Very tasty.
(4)Michael M.
To compare this restaurant to a chain is like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes. When will guests understand the difference???
(4)Mike W.
Unlike some reviewers here, I've not had a truly bad or irksome experience here at Pomodoro, but I've not found them to be exceptional, either. However this place is normally packed on weekends, probably in great part due to the fact that it is one of a scant few decent restaurants on this side of town near the Interstate, and there's a lot of subdivisions out here. My parents do like this restaurant and my ex-boyfriend Jon and his mom and brother for some reason drove all the way across town (he lived south of the UF campus) to eat here once . . . so it's safe to say Pomodoro has earned its fans. I cannot complain about anything here, per se, but it's just never been exceptional, either. I would like for them to have more pasta choices on the menu and perhaps a really good antipasta . . . I just feel most of their dishes are a little too Americanized and if I wanted that I would go to the Olive Garden. I also do not like how they serve their bread with olive oil AND balsamic vinegar: it's much better just with the olive oil and yet they think they're sooooo smart to have the balsamic vinegar! The service has always been prompt though and the atmosphere is nice, however, I cannot help from thinking that a little more care, especially within the kitchen itself, could make the whole experience much better. Most of the specials seem too run-of-the-mill and I just rarely have found anything exciting here. There's a nearly endless bounty of pasta dishes out there . . . just look at Marcella Hazan's recipes, and yet most Italian places you find around here stick pretty close to the safe ones we've all already had.
(3)Vicki M.
Seems like this place has went down hill....Haven't been happy here with the food nor have I been back and it sad because was one of my favorite places to go to. Place is clean and staff is very friendly. The bread n bread dip is really good. Just not the food lately.
(2)Kristina H.
GREAT pasta. Best tasting pasta i have had in a long time. Sauces taste homemade and not from a jar. Pizza here is amazing. Great specials too. Will come here again!
(5)H W.
Classy casual atmosphere. Wonderful Italian food! I must say I LOVE the house salad dressing! Mmmm, must get it! For lunch I like to get the soup and salad - decent price and delicious meal! Service can be a tad slow sometimes, but never unreasonable. Friendly staff. Dynamite food. Nice atmosphere. A must-go! So much better than Olive Garden!! The food is real here!
(5)William P.
My bride and I like this place. Michele is half Italian and approves of most of the meals we've had. Not spectacular mind you...just good solid Italian. Service is normally very good and attentive.
(4)Dianna O.
i've eaten here twice before and it was great but then a few years later i order some food one night to be delivered. this is my exact order 05/17/2013 that i ordered for my friend and i. pomodoro cafe the cafe sampler (1) $9.95 consisting of eggplant rollatini, calamari, 2 chic strips-very hard, chic dry, i didn't even know they were chic bcuz they tasted like fish & a very empty fried mozz triangle & 2 boot, no sauces were given for chic, friend mozz or calamari. the eggplant was the only thing that was half way edible in this dish. vitello or pollo marsala (1) $12.95---chic was very dry, mash pot were lacking any flavor, no garlic, no salt, pepper or even a butter taste to them. the only good thing was the fact that i "think" they were real potatoes. the marsala sauce was also lacking flavor plus they don't give you enough of it even though i had asked for extra. the salad looked nice, very green & crispy looking, salad dressing tasted very good but by the time i got to it, my friend & i were so disgusted in the meal that we both lost our appetite. two timing cheesecake (1) $5.95----this cheesecake was good but didn't notice the two timing cake part of it & had to put it in the fridge til the next day bcuz it was too soft to eat for ny cheesecake---not worth the price caramel apple crumble (1) $5.95---this was the worst item of the night--besides having melted white stuff all over the box, which i assumed was whip cream, it looked as though someone ate some of it & literally threw the rest in the box! there were 5 tiny baked apple slices & some stuff that was supposed to be a cake substance i guess, there was :no" so called crumble to go with this caramel apple crumble as well as hardly any taste of caramel...i wouldn't have pd .95 much less $5.95 for it!! dd - sprite - can (1) $1.25 hot soda from delivery place, not good at all for $1.25, i want cold soda! $44.72 delivery----all on all this was the worst $45 i have ever spent in all my 50 yrs. and to top it all, i had no phone so i emailed the manager on facebook as well as on their website but to this day------"no reply whatsoever! i will never order from here again for sure!! i have had better marsala & calamari at carrabba's & better desserts at chili's & olive garden
(1)Peter F.
NEW REVIEW: I have been a fan of Pomodoro's for a long time (~5 years) but they have been losing their edge lately. Their portions are not what they used to be when Marco was the head-chef and their prices are increasing. This is why I have decided to drop them from a 5 Star to a 3 Star. I think the owner, Paolo, still cares deeply for his business and his clients but the guys in the kitchen are now being led by someone related to the Soup Nazi..... No soup fo' U!!! I have left my old review here (see below) because at one point I was a raving fan... Now I go whenever other options are not available. OLD REVIEW: This place absolutely rocks! The food is excellent, the servers are great, the owner and head-chef take time to walk to your table and say hello. We have visited Pomodoro's Cafe at least once a month for the better part of two years.. It is that good! We've had just about every plate on their Menu.... I can't say I was disappointed by any of them. Their Flan (custard) and Chocolate Cake is out-of-sight.... Anyway, my family loves this place.
(3)Tom M.
Service was poor..nice guy but a waiter not. And without a doubt, the WORST chicken marsala I have ever experienced! Chicken texture was like it was boiled, and I swear the sauce was tomato soup right out of the can! I would have ben more impressed with spaghettios!
(1)Jake D.
I live near this resteraunt and have been several times. I made it my mission to eat somthing different everytime I went. I have yet to find a meal that I wasnt satistfied with. The owner is a riot..... little Italian guy that walks around strutting like he owns the place (wait a tick he does).... The first time I had ever eaten there he came to our table and I told him that it was my first time.... he said " heyyy watchhuuu talkin about..... whassa matta wit you...... IMMA take you out back and beat you up heyy"... ... The funniest thing id ever heard from a resteraunt owner. there deserts are sinfull... I try to steer away but somtimes its not so easy..
(4)Debra B.
We just had another visit to Pomodora and it was very good. My husband had the seafood special & I had chicken with capers and lemon. Salad was good; great house dressing; good warm bread. Friendly service. Just as good as I remembered!
(4)Richard B.
The food is good on par with Olive Garden so not Ma's Italian. But its a way better deal and the fresh baked rolls and salad are better and come with every meal.
(4)Jacque R.
Great food, service, prices, service and Cuban coffee!
(5)Linda W.
My husband and I have eaten here roughly twice a month for more than a year. We like the atmosphere; the crew is friendly and well trained; the food is good and well priced. Pomodoro is just what we like for an inexpensive neighborhood eatery.
(5)JD L.
Great place, especially the pizza and calzones.
(4)Tessa M.
My husband and I love eating here. The prices are prefect. The food is great and they are clean and colorful. Did I say the service is awesome. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Gator R.
Terrible service. We went for lunch and were told (after we were seated) that we could not order off the dinner menu, and that they don't sell pizza by the slice unless you get it to go or sit at the bar. They made an exception to the no-slice rule (we weren't rude or insistent about it either), but then proceeded to lecture us several times after they brought the food about how we're not ever allowed to order slices again.. I added broccoli to my fettuccine alfredo, because it was one of the few vegetarian options on the lunch menu (and remember, no ordering off the dinner menu allowed!) and they charged me $2.25 for it--which would've been fine if it wasn't 5 florets of FROZEN broccoli. Their carry out pizza specials are great though, and the funghi pizza is awesome. The italian wedding cake is amazing. If I were rating them just on that, I'd give them 5 stars, but the service was SO BAD, they don't even deserve 3. I don't want to be treated like a second class citizen while patronizing a restaurant.
(2)April O.
Pomodoro is a bit of a mixed bag for me. They're owned by the same folks who run Nero's on 34th (they also used to own Rigatelli's in the mall, but that place closed and was replaced by Romano's Macaroni Grille. Score. The very last time I ate there, Rigatelli's was on the deathbed for sure), but they're clearly supposed to be the "higher-end" of the pair. And they would be if their food was consistent, but it's not. Sometimes it's delicious--the chicken-breast pizza comes immediately to mind, and their prime rib is a good dish--and sometimes it's really not, as is the case with the calamari. No matter what dish it's in, it's consistently bland, rubbery and flavorless. I totally understand and appreciate that calamari is a tricky food to cook, but surely it's not supposed to be transformed into rubber bands. The sauce is too flavorless for the kitchen staff to slop it all over the veal/chicken parmesans the way they do. Maybe traditional Italian cooking relies on the flavor of the tomatoes, but when you're not in Italy and primarily working with the canned stuff, someone needs to have the common sense to add spices. Geez. If you have a weak stomach, this restaurant may give it a nice swift kick. My husband ordered a cedar plank salmon special stuffed with cream cheese and capers that left him prone in the booth within seconds of his first bite and sent him trotting to the restroom two minutes later (he didn't return for some time). Ha, so THAT'S why it was special. It was on its last gasp. Strangely enough, he still eats here willingly. Should you try it? Maybe if you're in the area staying at the Best Western, or you live on 39th and don't want to trek out to Romano's in the mall or Carrabba's on 34th. Would I recommend making a trip here? No. Three stars because I have had some truly good experiences here. Fortunately they were on someone else's nickel.
(3)Jean-israel J.
The food was really goodd!!! Me and my GF enjoyed the moment we had there.. The bread is soo tasty mhmhmhmh.. And their food is top class
(4)Diana O.
Ok I have driven by this place a million times but never thought to try it. The outside is unassuming and it's located in the publix plaza. I walked in and instantly left Gainesville. I was transported to a charming family owned authentic Italian restaurant in upstate NY. They had so many items to choose from I had a hard time deciding on a first timer dish. We were served fresh baked foccia bread with herbs and sundried tomato baked in and a yummy balsamic dressing with a little spicy kick and a hint of rasberry I think. Next we had salads with homemade dressing. I chose the ginger carrot dressing and it was awesome. We had their special 2 two course meals for 25.00. Off this menu I ordered the Valentino. It was shrimp and scallops in a white wine sauce with capers, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. My friend had the parmigano I tasted a bite of her sausage and it was beyond amazing. Next time I go I will order something with sausage it was seriously that good. I love the atmosphere. Murals all over the walls add to it's uniqueness. I am a picky person and this place passed with flying colors.
(5)Peter M.
This place is just ok if you are in the area, but I would not go out of my way. The pizza was pretty good and I also had the Fettuccine Alfredo which they claimed was the creamiest around, but far from it and the chicken in it had no real flavor. The employees were quite nice though and the service was quick.
(3)Tu-van L.
This place was alright - the fact that there's not much around there is its saving grace. Tasty casual Italian fare - nothing worth writing home about. I remember their pasta dishes containing too much pasta and not enough meat.
(2)Lizard C.
I tend to eat here often as it is convenient to work. The service tends to be slow during lunch. I try to ask for the check when the food is served and still can't seem to always get out of there in an hour. The food is tasty. I truly love the pizza and pick one up on my way home as a special treat every now and then. The steak salad is amazing. Some of the other dishes I have tried have been a bit too heavy on the garlic (and I really love garlic). The pasta is well made and fresh.
(4)Derek T.
Best Chicken Alfredo that I've had that wasn't in Little Italy. I will definitely try to come back if I'm ever in Gainesville again.
(5)Scott T.
My first visit with a groupon. It's pasta and pizza. The place was packed at 6PM, mainly retired folks and some families. My friend had pasta with clams -- could have done it at home $14.00 with 7 clams. and a cup of soup. I chose to stay away from the carbs and had the antipasto - large size. I was disappointed as it was nothing more than lettuce with maybe 4 ouces meat and cheese. And $12.00. They do give you bread. It comes with what I would consider and AWEFUL honey/balsamic dip -- way too sweet! Service was fast, and not pushy. So, with the $25.00 groupon = $12.50 spend ... it was STILL OK. Basically we got $6.00 of food and I really could have done this all at home. I do not think I will revisit, but they were busy and had a full restaurant. The desserts looked good, but were all purchased - the CANNOLI's looked like they were made to order. They do have outdoor seating. Buon appetito!!
(3)Nikki R.
I came here with a very large party (over 20 people) and while there was only one server for our table she did a very good job. The food was pretty good (I had Eggplant Parmesan) but not spectacular. The salad and bread were decent, nothing special. Still I appreciated that our large party was handled so well.
(4)Elisabeth M.
The food is always delicious. Service is almost always super attentive. Prices are great and so are portion sizes. Happy hour is generous as well.
(5)Cindy M.
Not happy about having to wait 30 min with tables open. .. maybe we weren't dressed well enough... passing through. Food was good, service adequate, price reasonable.
(3)Luis A.
I've probably eaten here a handful of times over the years and always had mixed feelings about the place. On more recent visits I've come to appreciate pomodoro's for what it is rather than what I guess I expected it to be. Since the restaurant has an Italian name and menu filled with Italian pasta dishes, I always ordered Italian pasta fare on my first few sporadic visits and always came away somewhat disappointed. I'd still frequent the place occasionally simply due to its convenient proximity to me and for the BOGO pizza specials (they do have good quality pizza with a fresh, fluffy crust). More recently I visited here a couple of times out of pure necessity for some quick takeout or a brief sit-down meal close to home and I avoided the typical Italian pasta dishes and opted for a more standard American protien + 2 sides type of dinner. I've come to the conclusion that Pomodoro executes Italian pasta dishes and sauces average at best. That's not to say a lot of people wouldn't like those dishes here, some folks enjoy average Italian food but I'm just not one of them. I have found on these recent trips that they really do a nice job with fish, steaks, and veggies. Until I figured this out this restaurant really served no use for me. If you're looking for a healthy dose of protein and veggies for a good price, this is actually a great place to stop in. Now that I know this I'll usually order a skirt steak or sirloin or fish filet with roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe for somewhere around 11-12 bucks and it comes with fresh baked roasted pepper bread and either a salad or soup. Their fried seafood platter is also surprisingly really well done and in all it's tough to beat those deals. It would actually be challenging to go to publix next door and try to create those same meals at home for less money. In any case I give it three stars because it took a couple of years to figure this out and depending on what a first timer orders here they may end up with a 2 star dinner or a 4 star dinner. So from now on I'm sticking to BOGO pizza take-out and non-pasta dishes and I think me and Pomodoro should get along just fine in the future.
(3)Kirsten V.
Stopped in a bit after lunch. Got some amazing food and fast service. I got the cheese ravioli and it seriously looked and tasted homemade, including the marinara sauce! Delicious! My mom got a chicken sandwich with fries which she assured me was just as yummy! The bread and oil/vinegar sauce they serve is amazing, with just a bit of a kick! We each got soup which was to die for! Amazing! We'll be coming back next time we pass through the area. This place is at the end of the publix shopping center.
(5)Colt S.
Great pizza and consistent service. Everything you expect from a pizzeria and Italian restaurant the place has a nice feel to it also
(5)Adam H.
Are lunch here today and had the chicken Alfredo... The Alfredo sauce was excellent and the portion was very generous. Service was excellent as well. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a delicious Italian meal! I know I will definitely be back!
(5)Kerri L.
We ate here today, for the first time. We really liked the atmosphere. The staff was friendly. I ordered a delicious meal with sausage, a meatball, chicken parm, and pasta. The food came quickly, and was really tasty. It came with soup or salad and a dessert. At the end of the meal, I did not like that the waitress brought 2 desserts-chocolate mouse and lemon cake. My friend got the chocolate and I wanted it too, but the waitress said it was the last one. She basically told me I could only get the lemon cake when there was clearly more dessert in the dessert cooler. Why did I get to pick my appetizer, choose my meal, but my dessert was chosen for me?! Didn't like that! The cheesecake, in the cooler, looked delicious, by the way.
(3)David C.
This is just awesome Italian food executed splendidly . There are Daily BOGO specials for calzones 2 for 10$ last I checked. They use fresh cheeses and meats home made pizzas and breads. And the owner is vibrant and full of life a true joy when he greets you in the front!
(3)Richard N.
We had a nice experience here at dinner last night with extended family. Service was very good, with our server checking in often and quick & pleasant. Food was very good. Bread was average-done nicely with garlic but bread itself not very fresh/flavorful. Small thing though. We'd go back anytime.
(4)Nino R.
I love Italian food, genuine Italian food, non-region specific. I'm a lover of it all. But this ain't Italian food. It's kinda similar but it's still pretty far away. I'm spoiled. I live in an area of the country where I can find nearly 1000 Italian restaurants in a 10 mile radius (and I'm slowly trying to eat at each place). Suffice it to say, I know bad, good, and great Italian fare. I've had the Chicken Parm, Pasta Fagioli, and the Lasagna here. I can and have made much better at home. The key to Italian cooking, well, with all cooking, is the amount of love and care you put in creating a dish. People will know if you use canned tomato sauce or un-pounded chicken. The Pasta Fagioli tasted like pork & beans to me. I realize this review seems harsh, but I have to be honest. Full disclosure; I worked in a high-end Italian restaurant for several years, so I know exactly what it takes to make a spectacular dish. Pomodoro charges at the mid-level, but their food quality is on par with pizzerias. Demand better...
(2)Shane B.
Met some friends from out of state here yesterday. The food was a delicious as ever and the service was top notch. My friends were also impressed. The dipping oil/dip for the bread is so addictive! I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)Brad K.
BOGO on the speciality pizzas deserves 3 stars Mon to Fri BOGO on specialty 18" pizza's..you can't beat that..I'd spend that at five star or dominos..and I get gourmet pizza for $18..wow quality of the pizza makes it a strong 4 very very good zaa here
(4)Jennifer N.
I've eaten here a couple times and had a delicious meal, then one time I went and found a piece of metal in my food (maybe from a scouring pad in the kitchen?). The waiter was apologetic, but the manager was rude about it. He didn't comp me the dish, not that he had to, but he made me feel like an idiot for even saying anything. It was a little unnecessary. I also got take-out from them once, and despite the fact that I had ordered and paid, they decided they were closing the kitchen and basically threw together a completely random dish that wasn't even close to what I ordered. The same night, while I was waiting for my order, a soldier in uniform went in and tried to order and was denied food completely. It seems like they could make their service a lot better with just a little bit of effort. The food is certainly not good enough to make it worth the trip.
(2)Chad Z.
This place is a hidden Gainesville Pizza Secret... They have some of the best huge pizza's in town and do buy one get one free carry out. So you can get two MASSIVE Specialty Pizzas for less than $20. I'm not sure if they have the best Pizza in town but it's in the top 3 and definitely the best deal.
(4)Jim S.
Pomodoro is a bit of paradox. Read the reviews and you'll find a number of them mentioning lackluster food and service. That has been our experience when dining in, also. I've had several really good meals there and several not so good. But where they REALLY shine is their pizza. It is superb. And they offer buy-one-get-one on carry out. I believe that you can mix and match pizza and calzone. We live about 20 miles away but my wife works in Gainesville. So it is fairly convenient for her to stop off on her way home from work - usually on Friday - and bring home two large pizzas for right around twenty bucks. I'm a big eater and, between the mrs and me, we can polish off most of a large pizza in one sitting. That leaves the second one for lunch on Saturday. But it is fabulous pizza with lots of cheese and plentiful toppings. A couple of tips: Meatball, sausage, and onion is our favorite combination of toppings. When it comes to reheating...use a toaster oven set at 225-250 degrees. Warm for about ten minutes. That temperature won't overcook the crust (I like light crust) but it will get it hot. Then put the slice in the microwave on med-hi for about 45 seconds. It'll taste like it just came out of THEIR oven. I'm going with four stars overall - three for dine-in; five all the way for the pizza.
(4)Dr Yolanda C Leon L.
Excellent Cuisine, outstanding service by wonderful staff, lovely Decor, and my new favorite place!..... Thank You Jake, Joe, Paige, and Tyler!.... Simone.......Grazie per le classe di Italiano! Paul Magnifico! Dottoressa Yolanda C Leon
(5)Christine V.
A real Italian restaurant with subtle combination of ingredients that blend into a very satisfying dinning experience. This is by far the best place for a nice bowl of soup. Their soup of the day is different every time I go and they are so delicious that I keep coming back to try others. I've especially enjoyed the butternut squash, the mushroom, the Italian wedding, and chicken soups. I also really enjoy the shrimp and chicken carbonara. The sweet caramelized onions, and salty bacon bits give this Alfredo sauce the most delicious flavor. It is what I imagine real Italian food to be. And you can't beat the high class service, the soft romantic music and the picturesque murals. Their outdoor dining area is v
(5)James T.
I had a previously bad experience with pomodoro cafe, on a delivery order and wanted to check them out in person. The issue was definitely with delivery because I went here for a bite and really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. My waitress Paige did a great job and was very attentive. The kitchen was clean and it was cool to watch the food being prepared. The FOH manager checked in to ask how I was doing and knew many customers by name. Enjoyed everything
(4)Ric C.
Nice decor and pleasant, prompt service. The pollo agridolce was a very tasty and healthy option for lunch. Will come back next time I'm in town for sure. Only reason for not 5-star is the chicken breast, while tasty, was a bit thin and probably contributed to slightly over-cooking. The grilled watermelon salsa made up for it though.
(4)Vero P.
Best experience and food was amazing. $7 all you can eat salad, bread, and soup. I was not expecting this place to be as wonderful as it is being in a strip mall. Such a relief due to all the other crappy restaurants in the area. Fancy desserts too.
(5)Dennis F.
We tried this place again but it's still pretty inconsistent. The first time the service was really slow and the food was just mediocre. This time the service was a bit better, but the food had slipped to cold and tasteless. At least when one compares it to the other pizzerias and Italian restaurants in Gainesville. Ordered the Parmigiano Favor (arrived as cold meat and a clump of pasta) Veal Piccata (tasteless) and the Blackened Shrimp Alfredo (gooey). Our deserts then arrived in "to go" containers with no offer of coffee or tea -- and we figured it was time to leave.... They seem to do their best and try hard, but with the high noise level and the inconsistent quality, we'll stick to our favorites on the other side of town.
(2)Aiden A.
I'm a fan. Aged balsamic and fresh bread when you sit down. Reasonably priced. Good service. Nice patio area. All the items I've ordered taste of high quality ingredients. My go to (non-downtown) spot in gainesville. Great lunch specials too.
(5)Raghav P.
Excellent service and good food. Saved 17 dollars with their couples deal (2 entrees, appetizer, and desert). We started with the seafood choppino. I ordered the mixed grill and it was spectacular and my gfs chicken was also very tasty. Planning on coming back.
(5)Scott T.
My first visit with a groupon. It's pasta and pizza. The place was packed at 6PM, mainly retired folks and some families. My friend had pasta with clams -- could have done it at home $14.00 with 7 clams. and a cup of soup. I chose to stay away from the carbs and had the antipasto - large size. I was disappointed as it was nothing more than lettuce with maybe 4 ouces meat and cheese. And $12.00. They do give you bread. It comes with what I would consider and AWEFUL honey/balsamic dip -- way too sweet! Service was fast, and not pushy. So, with the $25.00 groupon = $12.50 spend ... it was STILL OK. Basically we got $6.00 of food and I really could have done this all at home. I do not think I will revisit, but they were busy and had a full restaurant. The desserts looked good, but were all purchased - the CANNOLI's looked like they were made to order. They do have outdoor seating. Buon appetito!!
(3)Nikki R.
I came here with a very large party (over 20 people) and while there was only one server for our table she did a very good job. The food was pretty good (I had Eggplant Parmesan) but not spectacular. The salad and bread were decent, nothing special. Still I appreciated that our large party was handled so well.
(4)Elisabeth M.
The food is always delicious. Service is almost always super attentive. Prices are great and so are portion sizes. Happy hour is generous as well.
(5)Cindy M.
Not happy about having to wait 30 min with tables open. .. maybe we weren't dressed well enough... passing through. Food was good, service adequate, price reasonable.
(3)William P.
My bride and I like this place. Michele is half Italian and approves of most of the meals we've had. Not spectacular mind you...just good solid Italian. Service is normally very good and attentive.
(4)Jake D.
I live near this resteraunt and have been several times. I made it my mission to eat somthing different everytime I went. I have yet to find a meal that I wasnt satistfied with. The owner is a riot..... little Italian guy that walks around strutting like he owns the place (wait a tick he does).... The first time I had ever eaten there he came to our table and I told him that it was my first time.... he said " heyyy watchhuuu talkin about..... whassa matta wit you...... IMMA take you out back and beat you up heyy"... ... The funniest thing id ever heard from a resteraunt owner. there deserts are sinfull... I try to steer away but somtimes its not so easy..
(4)Debra B.
We just had another visit to Pomodora and it was very good. My husband had the seafood special & I had chicken with capers and lemon. Salad was good; great house dressing; good warm bread. Friendly service. Just as good as I remembered!
(4)Richard B.
The food is good on par with Olive Garden so not Ma's Italian. But its a way better deal and the fresh baked rolls and salad are better and come with every meal.
(4)Jacque R.
Great food, service, prices, service and Cuban coffee!
(5)Linda W.
My husband and I have eaten here roughly twice a month for more than a year. We like the atmosphere; the crew is friendly and well trained; the food is good and well priced. Pomodoro is just what we like for an inexpensive neighborhood eatery.
(5)JD L.
Great place, especially the pizza and calzones.
(4)Tessa M.
My husband and I love eating here. The prices are prefect. The food is great and they are clean and colorful. Did I say the service is awesome. I can't wait to go back.
(4)Kerri L.
We ate here today, for the first time. We really liked the atmosphere. The staff was friendly. I ordered a delicious meal with sausage, a meatball, chicken parm, and pasta. The food came quickly, and was really tasty. It came with soup or salad and a dessert. At the end of the meal, I did not like that the waitress brought 2 desserts-chocolate mouse and lemon cake. My friend got the chocolate and I wanted it too, but the waitress said it was the last one. She basically told me I could only get the lemon cake when there was clearly more dessert in the dessert cooler. Why did I get to pick my appetizer, choose my meal, but my dessert was chosen for me?! Didn't like that! The cheesecake, in the cooler, looked delicious, by the way.
(3)David C.
This is just awesome Italian food executed splendidly . There are Daily BOGO specials for calzones 2 for 10$ last I checked. They use fresh cheeses and meats home made pizzas and breads. And the owner is vibrant and full of life a true joy when he greets you in the front!
(3)Richard N.
We had a nice experience here at dinner last night with extended family. Service was very good, with our server checking in often and quick & pleasant. Food was very good. Bread was average-done nicely with garlic but bread itself not very fresh/flavorful. Small thing though. We'd go back anytime.
(4)Nino R.
I love Italian food, genuine Italian food, non-region specific. I'm a lover of it all. But this ain't Italian food. It's kinda similar but it's still pretty far away. I'm spoiled. I live in an area of the country where I can find nearly 1000 Italian restaurants in a 10 mile radius (and I'm slowly trying to eat at each place). Suffice it to say, I know bad, good, and great Italian fare. I've had the Chicken Parm, Pasta Fagioli, and the Lasagna here. I can and have made much better at home. The key to Italian cooking, well, with all cooking, is the amount of love and care you put in creating a dish. People will know if you use canned tomato sauce or un-pounded chicken. The Pasta Fagioli tasted like pork & beans to me. I realize this review seems harsh, but I have to be honest. Full disclosure; I worked in a high-end Italian restaurant for several years, so I know exactly what it takes to make a spectacular dish. Pomodoro charges at the mid-level, but their food quality is on par with pizzerias. Demand better...
(2)Shane B.
Met some friends from out of state here yesterday. The food was a delicious as ever and the service was top notch. My friends were also impressed. The dipping oil/dip for the bread is so addictive! I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(5)Brad K.
BOGO on the speciality pizzas deserves 3 stars Mon to Fri BOGO on specialty 18" pizza's..you can't beat that..I'd spend that at five star or dominos..and I get gourmet pizza for $18..wow quality of the pizza makes it a strong 4 very very good zaa here
(4)Derek T.
Best Chicken Alfredo that I've had that wasn't in Little Italy. I will definitely try to come back if I'm ever in Gainesville again.
(5)Dominick B.
I accidentally found this place as I was college hunting for my kids. To make a long story short, I have been making it a must stop for the past 6 years. My Son is now at UF, and this has become one of my favorite places to eat when I'm in Gainesville. I love the pizza, and I absolutely have to have their Fried Calamari every time I go. I have had this dish in many places, but never like theirs. It's not only perfectly fried, I love the sporadically added, small fried shrimp and zucchini. This mix is delicious, and I have never seen that anywhere else. The service is friendly, and I truly get a kick out of talking to the owner in Italian. He's quite a friendly character. I'm so happy I found this place, soon I will need more excuses to find myself in Gainesville.
(4)Darnell R.
2nd trip there in the last 8 months or so. I only went a 2nd time to let them try to redeem themselves for the 1st time. This time my wife and I both tried the shrimp and chicken carbonara and unfortunately it was awful. Zero flavor and extremely dry chicken killed this dish. Simply salting the pasta water would have given this 10x's the flavor. I wasn't a fan of the bacon fat shreds either. After having their carbonara and Olive Garden's... It's no contest. Olive Garden wins hands down on taste, presentation and price! Will not be eating here again.
(1)Bob N.
Have been here several times. The food is just okay. The last time, I went with a relative whose is a nationally recognized expert in wine grapes and wine product. She had some wine that was, obviously, corked. When the waiter told the owner, he mumbled loud enough for me to hear, "Corked, my butt" only used a different word. I will never return. Such disrespect for a customer is inexcusable.
(1)Brent C.
Great pizza and they usually have a BOGO special. Fungi pizza is pretty special. A few times that i have picked up my pick-up order i witnessed the owner being very harsh with his staff. I don't think it counts for the review of the restaurant but something that made me feel uncomfortable for not being able to say anything about it.
(5)Jose O.
I really enjoyed the atmosphere sitting outside but the food was somewhat lacking. The entrée was delicious (I had shrimp linguine) but the salad I was served with it was pitiful. It was all iceberg lettuce with one cherry tomato and one slice if cucumber. For a $15 meal I expected much more.
(3)Travis L.
This is a great hidden Italian place in Gainesville. They have great carry out specials but we always love eating inside. We went for the first time to lunch and they have great lunch specials. The bread they hand out before the meal is amazing and they'll keep it coming until the meals come. The pizza is the only thing keeping this place from five stars. They could use a little more ump in the pizza but the calzones are on point. If you are on the north side of town certainly swing by this little gem.
(4)J H.
We live in the area and go out to dinner several times a week. Pomodoros is ALWAYS on our weekly trek! Over the years we have tried just about everything on the menu and have always been very happy with our selections. The food is VERY fresh and carefully prepared... down to the crispy salad and hot soups. The bread is awsome...they have a great bread dip - however, I prefer simple olive oil and freshed crushed pepper which they always happily prepare for me. Servers are super - we have our regulars, Solei and Brittany. When we are seated they visit our table with our bread, wine, and water without asking... so nice to be regulars! Even when we have a new server they are efficient and thoughful throughout our meal... no rush! Someone had a problem with the booths being tight.. that is ONE booth for some reason. All the others are just fine. The outside seating is very comfortable with fans in warm weather and tall heaters in cool weather - very nice. This is a CLEAN CLEAN restaurant (and bathrooms). Notice the staff cleaning tables, they wipe the top and sides of tables, and the chairs as well! Everyone is very attentive. There has been a change with the new chef, but it has been all good in our opinion! These are "real" Italians - the Owner and Chef! Makes a difference! NO "American" pizza here - this is the real thing! ENJOY! And say hello to the owner "Paul". He is running an appreciated tight ship!
(5)AnnMarie C.
The service was terrible! We had to wait a notcible time for the waitress to greet us after we were seated, then wait again for her to take our drink order. It was a good thing that we receive our menus when we were seat or we would still be waiting. We ordered at the same time we ordered our drinks and still we were there at least 40 min from the time we were seated to the time we were served our food. Then even though my grandchilden's drinks were filled, and my husbands drink was filled on the second request I had to get up to take my glass to the counter and ask for a third time. Then the waitress came to apologize she tried to tell me it was not her fault. If all of this is not enough, my husband's french dip sandwich was more of a watery pork gravey than beef broth. He said he has never had a sandwich this bad. And my grandsons chicken strips were fried so hard even I could not chew it.
(1)Hutson R.
I don't normally leave reviews, however this restaurant was so horrible that I feel morally obligated to warn would be restaurant goers. The grouper was so far from fresh that the fish had become gelatinous. The tuna was just as old and disgusting. The waitress was visibly pained by what she was serving us as evidenced by her grimace and apologetic behavior. The third dish our party ordered was the cheese ravioli and by comparison it was great because it was edible. This place would be perfect for an episode of Kitchen Nightmares.
(1)Wendi M.
Don't mess with the Don of Pomodoro's my mom whispered to me after I refused to hand over the one page specials menu. I needed it after all. The dining room was warm and made even warmer still due to lack of space; if you dine in a booth with a party larger than 2 be ready to get close and personal. The food at Pomodoro's is excellent; from the pizza to the more extravagant pasta dishes. You will not be disappointed. You may have to undo the button on your pants, but it'll be worth it. Tonight I had the cheese ravioli dish that came with a soup or salad. I chose the marinara sauce for the ravioli. Totally terrific! This was mom's first visit. She got the lasagna and side side salad. She completely recommends the lasagna. The husband got spaghetti bolangnaise (sp?) And minestrone soup. That soup is to die for, even on a hot and humid Florida night. He loves the spaghetti too. Our server, Brittany, was very nice and friendly. That's always important. Good servers are like good wine, they bring out the best in a meal. I have gone places where the food was good but the service was awful. Since we constantly had to wait for refills, extra napkins, more butter, whatever, we had less time to enjoy our meal. This wasn't the case tonight. Brittany was on the ball anticipating our dining needs and making sure we had a great visit. We purposely left about half our meals alone so we could have Pomodoro's fab desserts. Oh my! I love their cannoli cake, but my slice was HUGE! Too big for one person. Mom got the same only half the size and that was almost too big. The husband got tiramisu and loved it but also could not finish. Needless to say we will have an excellent luncheon tomorrow. I give 5 stars to Poms for the food. You won't get better anywhere else in town. We had a great server tonight but we've had slow servers in the past. 5 stars for Brittany, but 3 for past experiences. Also the host, the aforementioned Don, seems to be somewhat of a cold fish unless he knows you personally. Getting seated can take some time but only because the place is always packed. However, seating is bad. To maximize space, there is little room in the booths. If its just me and the husb we have no problem except that the table is shoved right up against our guts. But with 3 or more at the table, hubs and I were really uncomfortable sitting side by side. 3 stars for seating. There is an extensive outdoor seating area, larger than the main room, but its too hot to eat outside right now. Go for the food and say hi to the Don. Suck in your gut if you are seated at a booth and realize getting out of it after you eat is, while worth it, near impossible.
(3)Greg J.
A great example of how a local restaurant can be successful even in the midst of cookie cutter chains! Never had a poor experience here in the 5 years my wife and I have been dining there. Owner is usually there - be sure to say hi - the pizza is wonderful and authentic. Daily specials are also not to be missed.
(5)Selmy B.
Make you own pizza or pick a gourmet pizza for a better deal. Median is excellent for leftovers. This is a family spot.
(4)B P.
I have enjoyed Pomadora's in the past but it has been several months since my last visit. Unfortunately this visit started off wrong and just seemed to get worse as the evening went along. First off the hostess sat us at a table even though I requested a booth. Claimed she couldn't double seat the servers but in less than two minutes ended up sitting both booths. Waiter brought drinks and didn't even bother to put down beverage napkins and Eben reached across the two of us as we were sitting there. Really? I ordered the Balsamic Crusted Grouper and is was so disgusting I couldn't even finish it. About four bites worth was all I could take. I couldn't figure out if it was frozen or just over cooked but it was rubbery and tasteless. The waiter even asked me about it and even after I told him he didn't offer to replace it or take it off my bill. Not wanting to make a scene I paid my bill and posted this. Make other plans. Pamadoro had seen better days. RIP!
(1)Nolan R.
This place is in a strip mall in Gainesville...there's almost always no wait and it pumps out some great food. First off their bread is wonderful and the dinner salads that come with their meals are gigantic. The bread also keeps coming throughout the meal. Their pizza tastes like REAL ITALIAN pizza...as Brad K. noted the 2-4-1 on pizzas is an awesome deal. I've only ever eaten in the restaurant. The first time I ate there the temp in the restaurant was around 85 degrees....not inductive for eating that's for sure. I also ate here with a groupon and they didn't treat me like I was a 3rd class citizen - nice touch. I can't believe some restaurants make comments when people use groupons. Hey, it puts mouths at tables...right? Bravo Pomodoro...I shall return!
(5)Michele L.
I come here all the time. The food is always excellent and the service is just as good. The minestrone soup is so good....sometimes i come here just for the soup. My other favorite dish is the capellini francesca. I actually have never ordered anything i didn't like from here. The wait staff is always friendly and attentive also. The restaurant is always clean and I enjoy the music they play and the way it is decorated. I highly recommend coming here for their great lunch specials too.
(5)Vicki M.
Seems like this place has went down hill....Haven't been happy here with the food nor have I been back and it sad because was one of my favorite places to go to. Place is clean and staff is very friendly. The bread n bread dip is really good. Just not the food lately.
(2)Kristina H.
GREAT pasta. Best tasting pasta i have had in a long time. Sauces taste homemade and not from a jar. Pizza here is amazing. Great specials too. Will come here again!
(5)H W.
Classy casual atmosphere. Wonderful Italian food! I must say I LOVE the house salad dressing! Mmmm, must get it! For lunch I like to get the soup and salad - decent price and delicious meal! Service can be a tad slow sometimes, but never unreasonable. Friendly staff. Dynamite food. Nice atmosphere. A must-go! So much better than Olive Garden!! The food is real here!
(5)Matt H.
I kind of stumbled upon this place. Wanted a non chain Italian restaurant on a random Monday evening with my girlfriend and somehow ended up here after the gps got us lost going to another Italian restaurant in the area. But it was the best mistake the gps ever made! We were in at like 5:00 so they had some really good early bird specials. I had a fillet of grouper over angel hair pasta with a lemon/caper/garlic/butter sauce....it was amazzzziiinngggg and it was only $10.00 and came with a salad. My girlfriend had some sort of seafood and pasta plate and it was good but I was so excited my my plate I hardly noticed what she ate. The sauce on her dish was particularly tasty though I can't remember what style it was. The interior was very very well done and you can tell the person that owns it has been in the restaurant biz. Walking up you kind of expect a cheesy Italian restaurant with lots of green/red/white. This place is anything but that with its granite counter tops, dark woods, vaulted ceilings, and crown molding. Definitely had a good interior designer. My only gripe isn't even really a gripe. The server was very nice but sometimes disappeared for long periods of time without checking in. But you're gonna have that occasionally wherever you go so no biggie. That is the only thing holding me back from 5 stars. Next time if the service is a little better I'll bump it up to 5 stars.
(4)Old S.
Very good local restaurant at a fair price. I always like to get the ribeye. Very tasty.
(4)Michael M.
To compare this restaurant to a chain is like comparing a Yugo to a Mercedes. When will guests understand the difference???
(4)Mike W.
Unlike some reviewers here, I've not had a truly bad or irksome experience here at Pomodoro, but I've not found them to be exceptional, either. However this place is normally packed on weekends, probably in great part due to the fact that it is one of a scant few decent restaurants on this side of town near the Interstate, and there's a lot of subdivisions out here. My parents do like this restaurant and my ex-boyfriend Jon and his mom and brother for some reason drove all the way across town (he lived south of the UF campus) to eat here once . . . so it's safe to say Pomodoro has earned its fans. I cannot complain about anything here, per se, but it's just never been exceptional, either. I would like for them to have more pasta choices on the menu and perhaps a really good antipasta . . . I just feel most of their dishes are a little too Americanized and if I wanted that I would go to the Olive Garden. I also do not like how they serve their bread with olive oil AND balsamic vinegar: it's much better just with the olive oil and yet they think they're sooooo smart to have the balsamic vinegar! The service has always been prompt though and the atmosphere is nice, however, I cannot help from thinking that a little more care, especially within the kitchen itself, could make the whole experience much better. Most of the specials seem too run-of-the-mill and I just rarely have found anything exciting here. There's a nearly endless bounty of pasta dishes out there . . . just look at Marcella Hazan's recipes, and yet most Italian places you find around here stick pretty close to the safe ones we've all already had.
(3)Luis A.
I've probably eaten here a handful of times over the years and always had mixed feelings about the place. On more recent visits I've come to appreciate pomodoro's for what it is rather than what I guess I expected it to be. Since the restaurant has an Italian name and menu filled with Italian pasta dishes, I always ordered Italian pasta fare on my first few sporadic visits and always came away somewhat disappointed. I'd still frequent the place occasionally simply due to its convenient proximity to me and for the BOGO pizza specials (they do have good quality pizza with a fresh, fluffy crust). More recently I visited here a couple of times out of pure necessity for some quick takeout or a brief sit-down meal close to home and I avoided the typical Italian pasta dishes and opted for a more standard American protien + 2 sides type of dinner. I've come to the conclusion that Pomodoro executes Italian pasta dishes and sauces average at best. That's not to say a lot of people wouldn't like those dishes here, some folks enjoy average Italian food but I'm just not one of them. I have found on these recent trips that they really do a nice job with fish, steaks, and veggies. Until I figured this out this restaurant really served no use for me. If you're looking for a healthy dose of protein and veggies for a good price, this is actually a great place to stop in. Now that I know this I'll usually order a skirt steak or sirloin or fish filet with roasted potatoes and broccoli rabe for somewhere around 11-12 bucks and it comes with fresh baked roasted pepper bread and either a salad or soup. Their fried seafood platter is also surprisingly really well done and in all it's tough to beat those deals. It would actually be challenging to go to publix next door and try to create those same meals at home for less money. In any case I give it three stars because it took a couple of years to figure this out and depending on what a first timer orders here they may end up with a 2 star dinner or a 4 star dinner. So from now on I'm sticking to BOGO pizza take-out and non-pasta dishes and I think me and Pomodoro should get along just fine in the future.
(3)Kirsten V.
Stopped in a bit after lunch. Got some amazing food and fast service. I got the cheese ravioli and it seriously looked and tasted homemade, including the marinara sauce! Delicious! My mom got a chicken sandwich with fries which she assured me was just as yummy! The bread and oil/vinegar sauce they serve is amazing, with just a bit of a kick! We each got soup which was to die for! Amazing! We'll be coming back next time we pass through the area. This place is at the end of the publix shopping center.
(5)Colt S.
Great pizza and consistent service. Everything you expect from a pizzeria and Italian restaurant the place has a nice feel to it also
(5)Adam H.
Are lunch here today and had the chicken Alfredo... The Alfredo sauce was excellent and the portion was very generous. Service was excellent as well. Would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a delicious Italian meal! I know I will definitely be back!
(5)Dianna O.
i've eaten here twice before and it was great but then a few years later i order some food one night to be delivered. this is my exact order 05/17/2013 that i ordered for my friend and i. pomodoro cafe the cafe sampler (1) $9.95 consisting of eggplant rollatini, calamari, 2 chic strips-very hard, chic dry, i didn't even know they were chic bcuz they tasted like fish & a very empty fried mozz triangle & 2 boot, no sauces were given for chic, friend mozz or calamari. the eggplant was the only thing that was half way edible in this dish. vitello or pollo marsala (1) $12.95---chic was very dry, mash pot were lacking any flavor, no garlic, no salt, pepper or even a butter taste to them. the only good thing was the fact that i "think" they were real potatoes. the marsala sauce was also lacking flavor plus they don't give you enough of it even though i had asked for extra. the salad looked nice, very green & crispy looking, salad dressing tasted very good but by the time i got to it, my friend & i were so disgusted in the meal that we both lost our appetite. two timing cheesecake (1) $5.95----this cheesecake was good but didn't notice the two timing cake part of it & had to put it in the fridge til the next day bcuz it was too soft to eat for ny cheesecake---not worth the price caramel apple crumble (1) $5.95---this was the worst item of the night--besides having melted white stuff all over the box, which i assumed was whip cream, it looked as though someone ate some of it & literally threw the rest in the box! there were 5 tiny baked apple slices & some stuff that was supposed to be a cake substance i guess, there was :no" so called crumble to go with this caramel apple crumble as well as hardly any taste of caramel...i wouldn't have pd .95 much less $5.95 for it!! dd - sprite - can (1) $1.25 hot soda from delivery place, not good at all for $1.25, i want cold soda! $44.72 delivery----all on all this was the worst $45 i have ever spent in all my 50 yrs. and to top it all, i had no phone so i emailed the manager on facebook as well as on their website but to this day------"no reply whatsoever! i will never order from here again for sure!! i have had better marsala & calamari at carrabba's & better desserts at chili's & olive garden
(1)Peter F.
NEW REVIEW: I have been a fan of Pomodoro's for a long time (~5 years) but they have been losing their edge lately. Their portions are not what they used to be when Marco was the head-chef and their prices are increasing. This is why I have decided to drop them from a 5 Star to a 3 Star. I think the owner, Paolo, still cares deeply for his business and his clients but the guys in the kitchen are now being led by someone related to the Soup Nazi..... No soup fo' U!!! I have left my old review here (see below) because at one point I was a raving fan... Now I go whenever other options are not available. OLD REVIEW: This place absolutely rocks! The food is excellent, the servers are great, the owner and head-chef take time to walk to your table and say hello. We have visited Pomodoro's Cafe at least once a month for the better part of two years.. It is that good! We've had just about every plate on their Menu.... I can't say I was disappointed by any of them. Their Flan (custard) and Chocolate Cake is out-of-sight.... Anyway, my family loves this place.
(3)Tom M.
Service was poor..nice guy but a waiter not. And without a doubt, the WORST chicken marsala I have ever experienced! Chicken texture was like it was boiled, and I swear the sauce was tomato soup right out of the can! I would have ben more impressed with spaghettios!
(1)Gator R.
Terrible service. We went for lunch and were told (after we were seated) that we could not order off the dinner menu, and that they don't sell pizza by the slice unless you get it to go or sit at the bar. They made an exception to the no-slice rule (we weren't rude or insistent about it either), but then proceeded to lecture us several times after they brought the food about how we're not ever allowed to order slices again.. I added broccoli to my fettuccine alfredo, because it was one of the few vegetarian options on the lunch menu (and remember, no ordering off the dinner menu allowed!) and they charged me $2.25 for it--which would've been fine if it wasn't 5 florets of FROZEN broccoli. Their carry out pizza specials are great though, and the funghi pizza is awesome. The italian wedding cake is amazing. If I were rating them just on that, I'd give them 5 stars, but the service was SO BAD, they don't even deserve 3. I don't want to be treated like a second class citizen while patronizing a restaurant.
(2)April O.
Pomodoro is a bit of a mixed bag for me. They're owned by the same folks who run Nero's on 34th (they also used to own Rigatelli's in the mall, but that place closed and was replaced by Romano's Macaroni Grille. Score. The very last time I ate there, Rigatelli's was on the deathbed for sure), but they're clearly supposed to be the "higher-end" of the pair. And they would be if their food was consistent, but it's not. Sometimes it's delicious--the chicken-breast pizza comes immediately to mind, and their prime rib is a good dish--and sometimes it's really not, as is the case with the calamari. No matter what dish it's in, it's consistently bland, rubbery and flavorless. I totally understand and appreciate that calamari is a tricky food to cook, but surely it's not supposed to be transformed into rubber bands. The sauce is too flavorless for the kitchen staff to slop it all over the veal/chicken parmesans the way they do. Maybe traditional Italian cooking relies on the flavor of the tomatoes, but when you're not in Italy and primarily working with the canned stuff, someone needs to have the common sense to add spices. Geez. If you have a weak stomach, this restaurant may give it a nice swift kick. My husband ordered a cedar plank salmon special stuffed with cream cheese and capers that left him prone in the booth within seconds of his first bite and sent him trotting to the restroom two minutes later (he didn't return for some time). Ha, so THAT'S why it was special. It was on its last gasp. Strangely enough, he still eats here willingly. Should you try it? Maybe if you're in the area staying at the Best Western, or you live on 39th and don't want to trek out to Romano's in the mall or Carrabba's on 34th. Would I recommend making a trip here? No. Three stars because I have had some truly good experiences here. Fortunately they were on someone else's nickel.
(3)Jean-israel J.
The food was really goodd!!! Me and my GF enjoyed the moment we had there.. The bread is soo tasty mhmhmhmh.. And their food is top class
(4)Diana O.
Ok I have driven by this place a million times but never thought to try it. The outside is unassuming and it's located in the publix plaza. I walked in and instantly left Gainesville. I was transported to a charming family owned authentic Italian restaurant in upstate NY. They had so many items to choose from I had a hard time deciding on a first timer dish. We were served fresh baked foccia bread with herbs and sundried tomato baked in and a yummy balsamic dressing with a little spicy kick and a hint of rasberry I think. Next we had salads with homemade dressing. I chose the ginger carrot dressing and it was awesome. We had their special 2 two course meals for 25.00. Off this menu I ordered the Valentino. It was shrimp and scallops in a white wine sauce with capers, mushrooms, and roasted garlic. My friend had the parmigano I tasted a bite of her sausage and it was beyond amazing. Next time I go I will order something with sausage it was seriously that good. I love the atmosphere. Murals all over the walls add to it's uniqueness. I am a picky person and this place passed with flying colors.
(5)Peter M.
This place is just ok if you are in the area, but I would not go out of my way. The pizza was pretty good and I also had the Fettuccine Alfredo which they claimed was the creamiest around, but far from it and the chicken in it had no real flavor. The employees were quite nice though and the service was quick.
(3)Tu-van L.
This place was alright - the fact that there's not much around there is its saving grace. Tasty casual Italian fare - nothing worth writing home about. I remember their pasta dishes containing too much pasta and not enough meat.
(2)Lizard C.
I tend to eat here often as it is convenient to work. The service tends to be slow during lunch. I try to ask for the check when the food is served and still can't seem to always get out of there in an hour. The food is tasty. I truly love the pizza and pick one up on my way home as a special treat every now and then. The steak salad is amazing. Some of the other dishes I have tried have been a bit too heavy on the garlic (and I really love garlic). The pasta is well made and fresh.
(4)Max W.
Had lunch there today. Service was incredibly slow. Althpugh it was crowded when we arrived, the crowd thinned out really quickly and there was plenty of staff. Nonetheless we waited ten minutes before our server even arrived to take our drink order. The salads arrived another 15 minutes later. (the mango dressing was especially good). I have no idea who thinks the dipping sauce they serve (balsamic vinegar, olive oil and some other things) with the bread is a good idea, but it is not at all appealing in texture, appearance or flavor. It didn't matter anyway, as the supposedly fresh baked bread we were served was stale. The iced tea I ordered to drink was also cloudy and old tasting. I ordered the "all you can eat" pasta lunch (the special on Wednesday). When it finally arrived (50 minutes after our arrival) the pasta was literally swimming in a mediocre garlicy "meat" sauce that was nearly devoid of meat. Despite the mediocrity of the dish, I had hoped to order a little more. However our server literally vanished after serving our entee. Several other servers raced past our table but there was no teamwork and they showed no interest in my obvious attempts to get their attention. When our server finally returned to the table, 30 minutes after serving our entrees, I was so disgusted I just asked for the check. She smiled and promised to "take that up for you as soon as you are ready." I told my lunch mate that I doubted that. Sure enough, it was another ten minutes before he returned for he check. Altogether, more han an hour and a half for lunch and we ordered the lunch special. It would perhaps have been understandable if the place had been full (it was nearly empty by half way through our meal) or if the food had been worth the wait (it wasn't). Ii give them two stars because the people were nice, the ambiance is nice, aand they do seem to have some decent dishes. But I will definitely noy be back. Much better Italian options all over town. Frescos, Amelias, and Napolitanoes are all better choices.
(2)anna b.
they have it all over napolitanos, frescos on the ceiling, food is delicious, owners are accessible. they use real garlic and real extra virgin olive oil whoooohoooo the bread is homemade, the restaurant ts clean.
(5)