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Pasta Pomodoro - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
816 Irving St(between 10th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 566-0900
Announcement
New Winter Seasonal Menu features roasted cauliflower soup, lamb meatballs with spaghetti, Italian style fish soup & braised short ribs!
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
116 reviews for Pasta Pomodoro
Review Highlights
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"I like their butternut squash ravioli topped with toasted..." In 8 reviews -
"I always love foccachia and pesto dip." In 3 reviews -
"The mista salad with gorgonzola great." In 3 reviews
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116 reviews in English
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Review from Kurt T.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2010
This was one of my most favorite places to eat at in the Sunset District. The staff were super friendly and the meals were good with a decent price range.
Anyhow, tried to drop by there couple weeks ago and found out it was replaced by another business. Sucks to see them go at this location. =( -
Review from Stanley K.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2007
Overall, it's not the best place nor it's the worst. That is all.
The Gemelli is great. The healthy fish is decent. The frutti de mare is not bad. -
Review from Dan B.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2009
I remember a time when Pasta Pomodoro was good.
The food was fresh and light and completely different from the other typical Italian chain places - i.e. the Olive Garden or Sbarro.
The philosophy behind the restaurant was to serve a delicious Italian meal quickly without sacrificing quality.
And to their credit, they did (for awhile).
They did so well they started branching out.
I really didn't notice it, at first, but somehow the food just wasn't as appeasing as before. What was apparent to me was how the service got lackadaisical.
Now they've gotten so big that Pomodoro has lost its way and now can be placed in the same category as Olive Garden or Sbarro.
It's sad to see such a good local place lose its originality and become just another prepacked commercial fad. -
Review from gwynnie p.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2007
I love Pasta Pomodoro. I'm not sure how they manage to hire THE nicest people at their various San Francisco locations, but they do.
No attitude, good solid food, sometimes way better than good, great value, good wine value (if you like Pinot the A by Acacia hits the spot).
The Market Street location is still my favorite, just because of the fun atmosphere, but here's a trick that works at any of their locations....grab a postcard from the rack near the bathrooms, send it to yourself or a friend, and you'll get 2 for the price of 1 entrees. Serious! -
Review from Bert M.
1/18/2009
In college, I had this male friend who wanted to date me. I, on the other hand, felt very lukewarm about him. I can't tell you why he didn't trip my trigger, exactly, but I can tell you that he didn't get me all a-flutter like the dangerous motorcycle riding senior I had my eye on.
That's how I felt about Pomodoro. The pasta was only okay. The fish was, well, the usual. Nothing stood out as particularly interesting, zesty... RISKY.
Pomodoro rides one of those ridiculous scooters to class instead of a big, burly Honda Magna. Pomodoro will pick you up at your dorm, open the doors for you, and pay for your movie ticket. And yet... meh.
Sorry, Pomodoro. I didn't call back because I... um... lost your phone number. -
Review from Christy L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/25/2008
Wow, WTF happened to Pasta Pomodoro?
Stopped by for lunch today, and the menu has gone through some major changes! Not to mention the seriously sketchy service!
My usual soft foccacia bread has been replaced with - CARDBOARD! Seriously, why the hell did you switch to this sorry excuse for bread? It was like someone cut up a box and threw it on the plate.
The bread issue carried over to my pannino sandwich...I don't know if they over cooked it, used corrugated cardboard, or just decided a nice piece of month old bread would do - the sh!# was tooth-breaking hard, dry and seriously lacked moisture AND flavor.
Yuck.
Saving grace was the pizza that the BF ordered. BUT, when I realized that crap was $12.00, I changed my mind!!!
No thank you Pasta Pomodoro - if I wanted to eat cardboard for lunch, I would go to the recycle center and get it for free!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2008
I will agree that, as far as Pasta Pomodoro chain restaurants go, this location is probably the… Read more »
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Review from Alyssa S.
San Francisco, CA
10/5/2007
If I had realized this was part of a chain, I probably would have opted for one of the other cute little cafes along Irving Street. However, it was good so I am glad we went in here.
The lunches come in healthy-sized portions. I got a pasta dish that came with a gorgonzola cheese-topped salad that was big enough to be a meal in itself. The bread was fantastic, served grilled with a tasty pesto dip. The pasta was decent and I felt healthy for getting mine with grilled salmon. Oh, and the lemonade came in its own little pitcher with a teeny cup. It appealed to my inner child.
One weird thing, though, when the waiter came to take my 3 forkfuls of uneaten but well picked through pasta away he asked if I wanted a box. When I said no he got a little defensive and asked if I didn't like it. Maybe we came on a day that was just a little... off. -
Review from Rebekah T.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2009
I was lured in by the sign that said $3.00 Mimosas this weekend. It was a brunchy kind of afternoon and we were looking for something good to eat. (The mimosas were tasty too)
I ordered the lunch special, which was a grilled meatball pannini sandwich (with a side of red sauce for dipping) and a cup of the Minestrone soup (which is my favorite soup there). It was great and plenty of food for $8.95.
Makes me wonder why Pasta Pomodoro doesn't have a FiDi location. This lunch special would be a hit. -
Review from Amy L.
Updated - 9/2/2008
The bread has changed from delicious foccacia to something resembling foamcore, and the service has seriously waned. The last time I ate in the restaurant, our militaristic waiter never said "please", "thank you", or "you're welcome", never once smiled, and he made some weird joke that didn't come across as a joke because he didn't smile when he said it and it wasn't really funny. In fact the only indication it was perhaps a joke was the absurdity of the statement and so my bemused family and I were forced to the conclusion that it was in fact belabored comedy.
And then just recently I experienced what might be my last meal from this location of Pasta Pomodoro for at least a while...it was an experience that has left me quite peeved!!
My partner and I ordered take-out, my usual order of risotto with parmesan and pancetta, no garlic. I've had this MANY times, mind you, so I'm well aware of what to expect. My husband brought our meal home and I opened the take-away container...only to find that they'd used prosciutto instead of pancetta, and the rice didn't look like risotto, it looked like rice pilaf, including those slightly darker pasta bits that come in rice pilaf mixes!!!
Now, I HATE cooked prosciutto in my food and the rest of the risotto looked dried out and dead...so we called and asked them to remake it as we'd originally ordered. My husband brought it home again...and it was pretty much the same! So we called a THIRD time and ONLY THEN were we told that they no longer are carrying pancetta, so they were automatically subbing prosciutto, and had no explanation as to why they hadn't told me that over the phone the first (or even second!!) time we'd phoned in the order. One does not taste just like the other. And honestly, since when is it okay to use Rice-a-roni-style rice pilaf mix for risotto, instead of arborio rice?!!!!
Gross. Just gross.
Sadly, by that point in the evening, we were too tired to deal with driving all the way back there a THIRD time, so I reheated leftovers from the fridge instead. The woman on the phone took our address and said she'd send a gift certificate to Pasta Pomodoro to make up for the lapse, but we have yet to see it.
I'm honestly disappointed. This whole thing could've been avoided by the staff telling me, sorry, we don't have pancetta and our rice has changed - is that cool with you, or would you like to order something else?
Because, obviously, I would've ordered something else. Now, I just want to not order at all!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/4/2008
I love Italian food, it's the food I grew up on...and I have to say, for a chain restaurant, this is… Read more »
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Review from Kenny C.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2009
Pasta Pomodoro On Irving CLOSED
I was going to post a review...but they closed on August 10, 2009 -
Review from Philip G.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2006
This not-so-skinny-half-guinea was not happy with his meal. I wanted some pasta and Park Chow was full and I had my daughter with me. I went in there with low expectations and was still disappointed. I did not expect to knocked out by the food but there is no excuse for a restaurant that has the word "pasta" in its name to overcook pasta.
One star for a friendly staff and one for being kid friendly. -
Review from Tony L.
6/24/2008
I came here to eat lunch the other day and it was pretty good. I had the healthy fish pasta and it came with a minestrone soup. Despite the healthy moniker, it still tasted pretty good! Although the salmon did taste a bit fishy (i.e. not the freshest fish). Still, for 10 bucks, I actually think it was worth it.
On the way out, my friend asks me if I ever noticed that the cutest girls work at Pasta Pomodoro. To which I replied, "I did." Some businesses have hiring practices. These guys have hiring professionals. -
Review from Claudine C.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2009
Ok, I'll admit it. I think Pasta P is decent. No, it's not authentic Ligurian or Calabrian regional cuisine, but they're a nice standby to have in the 'hood for a quick pasta meal when one doesn't feel like cooking on a weeknight before late dance rehearsal.
We usually order:
Gemelli - smoked chicken, sun-dried tomato cream sauce
Capellini - tomatoes, basil; we also order some chicken to go along with it
Frutti di Mare - spaghetti with seafood
We like their brussels sprouts and their broccoli.
A dish that the sunset location used to serve: polenta roll with fontina and fried sage and brown butter. So unfortunate that it no longer appears on the menu - it was delicious.
We avoid the Secondi like Verdure and Bisteca (very bland and lacking in seasoning). Once they had a risotto special that was clearly not risotto and instead some sort of soupy rice dish.
So - definitely not 5 star cooking here. But a fairly reliable, occasional standby.Listed in: My old/new neighborhood, the…
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Review from Nick L.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2008
I usually don't patronize chain restaurants but I decided to give this place a go due to its close proximity to my house.
Service: It was there, nothing to write home about. (pardon the cliche)
Drinks: I can't believe they sangiovese they served us. It made my eyes water and led me to recall when I was in high school and I got drunk off a gallon of Gallo red table wine. Needless to say, I was scrubbing my aunt's carpet for two days after the fact. I would have sent it back if I wasn't such a sweetheart.
Food: My gf had the rissoto special of the day and she seemed to enjoy it. I had the Spaghetti and meat balls to start which was not that bad as I consider it comfort food no matter how it tastes. I then had the Chicken marsala for my secondi and it was so salty I could barely eat it. I don't know why I didn't send it back, maybe the 3 glasses of cheap wine muddled my better judgement. THe bread with green stuff they give you when you sit down was awesome and made my night. But then again, the free bread at an eating establishment should never be the focal point of the meal.
Overall: I would go back if someone made me. Probably not on my own. For 65 bucks I'd rather go eat at Park Chow, or save and go to Cybelle's Front Room instead if I really want pasta. -
Review from Cathy K.
6/15/2008
We had spectacular service today at PP!
Our party was famished and the two lovely servers continually brought focaccia bread + dipping oil to our table. They accommodated our requests with a smile.
A very rare dining experience anywhere ~ we couldn't believe how thoughtful the service was. The entrees also made our bellies happily content.
PP should give these ladies a bonus! -
Review from Jake Z.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2009
-4 stars for epic fail of a pizza
+1 star for good balsamic vinegar (because how hard is that to do).
Ok, So I officially give up on trying to find pizza. Granted I haven't been to any great places yet that have potential, but still. Three epic fails in a row. So I was starving and in a rush to find food while I was in the sunset with a friend. We passed Pamodoro and took a peak at the menu. I saw the pizza (some crazy fancy italian name I cant pronounce) with sausage and onions and mushrooms and it looked pretty good.
Had bread while we waited for the pizza. It was pretty much the only good thing that came from this meal. When the pizza arrived I was thoroughly dissapointed. If it wasnt for the fact that I was in a rush and STARVING I would have sent it back right quick. But alas I was both. So I ate the soggy mess that pretended to be a pizza. I first attempted to pick it up with my hands (because...you know...thats how you eat it) but it was so soggy it fell apart before it even reached my mouth. I gave up and proceeded to eat it with a fork. It was basically bread soup with sausages floating around.
Awesome. -
Review from imelda j.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2008
I like this place. It's simple, reasonably priced and pretty tasty.
I LOVE the bread and olive oil/pesto dip appetizer they bring.
Is it the best pasta? No. But it gets the job done. I don't think I've had a bad meal here. But I'd rather get my pasta fix here than some other Italian places (ahem, Olive Garden). If I want some super tasty pizza or lots of pasta, I'll head down the street to Villa Romana Ristorante.
Either way, pretty good pasta and they're fairly quick with their service. -
Review from Vicky B.
San Francisco, CA
5/7/2007
Honestly, I really like this place. I get that they're not the best Itialian in the San Francisco, and that they're not the most exquisite... but that's the point, you get what you pay for. It doesn't show off with the decor, you come in, sit down, and get served. The wait staff at this location are exceptionally friendly and attentive, and you get most of your meals within 5 minutes of ordering. Their capellini pomodoro is great for vegetarians and one of the tastiest I've had. My favorite thing about the simplicity of this restaurants, is that, they're about the only thing open late on Sundays and without all the headaches. I've often times come in there with my housemates at five minutes till 10PM, and they've still served us with kindness and grace. Fuck yeah.
Ooh Ooh, you have to try the bruchettas. Seriously. -
Review from Jenny K.
San Francisco, CA
2/27/2008
How hard it is these days to find a western restaurant in the Sunset to enjoy a glass of wine over dinner...I drove to Lotus...and somehow its a noodle house now...so impromptu I found myself here.
I'm not a fan of chains...but hey, this place is way better and cuter than Olive Garden! I order my fave, lasagna, but since I'm watching my gut these days I ordered vegetarian. Also ordered bruschetta.
Bruschetta, I don't think this is hard to make but the simplest things always tastes the best. This came with four slices of bread, but lots of tomato topping, so...I ate the rest of the tomatoes with the house sourdough.
Lasagna is hard to make...so I always eat this outside. Yum, but could take a lil more salt.
Wine was also very cute, so they say it is served the true Italian way in a small carafe and rock glass...which I really didn't like. I prefer a wine glass.
Service was attentive and swift, and environment was casual yet not too loud... -
Review from Vanessa R.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2008
I've only eaten at two other Pasta Pomodoro locations; Emeryville, where I had the pleasure of eating some overcooked gnocchi, and Noe Valley, where I thought my Caprese salad was odd tasting.
After eating the Caprese at this location, I still think it tastes weird. I won't be ordering it again.
The eggplant pannino is totally edible though, and the minestrone is pretty good. There are a few pastas on the menu that I would like to try before I decide whether or not I like this place.
The focaccia bread is totally delicious, as it has always been. So far its the best thing I've eaten here, and its free.Listed in: Mozzarella, basil, tomatoes,…
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Review from GIR ..
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2006
You know what, it ain't bad in a pinch and can make for a nice to-go meal. The linguine vongole actually had real clams in it, not canned, which is not too shabby in my book, and overall you can get a pretty good value here for some decent Italian inspired victuals.
PS: Their to-go portions are generous, Park Chow could learn something from them there...Listed in: The Mein Event
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Review from Kelli H.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2008
So over the American version of everything!
If I eat here its only because my friend forces me through their door ways. I'd rather have cardboard and moldy cheese any day over this so called Italian joint. -
Review from nathan h.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2008
I love this place.
The waiter/ess/es are golden. I usually come in here in the middle of a walk with my (between 4 month old and 20 month now) nephew. We would pay the bill first so we could leave if he became polly-pissy-pants and the staff were great - always helpful always understanding and GREAT coffee.
The food is really great for the price and i love anywhere that offers me bread with balsamic.
gold gold gold i say -
Review from Betty W.
5/27/2008
I can't hate too much on Pasta P. For one, it's a standardized chain. The restaurant is always very clean and spacious. I hear stories about bad service, but everyone has always been very friendly and accommodating when I've come. It's also definitely not real Italian food, so that's your problem if you walk into here expecting something more than Americanized, pseudo Italian food or authenticity. Also, this place has always maintained a soft spot in my heart for enjoying my experiences here so much when I was a high schooler and an establishment like this seemed so posh and adult and "omg soooo good."
Uh, obviously I've matured and obviously I am no longer a high schooler (THANK GOD, for a whole plethora of other reasons as well).
Anyway, I hadn't been back here since high school, which would explain my fond association with this place all throughout college and always defending this place (and losing) when my friends and I wanted somewhere to eat. I did finally wind up back at Pasta P last night when my brother (a high schooler, nods) wanted to eat here because San Tung's a couple blocks down was too crowded, and it was his choice because the fam was celebrating his birthday.
The flavors are okay, the selection of food is decent and for a chain, it's not . . . too bad. Though I really hesitate to say this especially considering their portions are a little on the skimpy side for the price, and if you're going to skimp on my food, it'd better make up for that in taste. And . . . well, for that, it definitely doesn't.
I like the Gemelli - chicken, a smoky cream sauce, mushrooms and broccoli. The lasagna and penne portobello are pretty tasty as well. Linguine with clams is a personal favorite of mine, but it's not so great here at Pasta P, where my sauce of choice - white wine, is super watery, salty and a little bitter.
. . . I guess I still can't say much bad about this place. It's definitely not fantastic or recommended, but but for a fake Italian food chain and if you're at your wit's end from waiting at other more crowded Irving joints, it's not too bad for a settle. -
Review from Ryan T.
Mountain View, CA
1/2/2008
I do realize the franchise nature of this establishment, but I like this particular location of Pasta P much more than I do of those in Union City, Milpitas, or San Jose (at Santana Row). The service and crowd here seem to be much more palatable; even the food seems to have had more attention taken in its preparation.
For starters, the bruschetta's always good, regardless of location. I also had some potato appetizer, some potatoes roasted with olive oil in rosemary and a few other savory herbs--good stuff. Ravioli de magro is one dish I have had many times; on this last dining adventure, I had it with the pomodoro sauce for the first time. Yum.
Because of the charming location in the Sunset, I look forward to visiting this place again.Listed in: Bay Area Eats
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Review from Dee W.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2007
0UT 0F ALL THE PASTA P0M0D0R0S iN THE CiTY, i DiSLiKE THiS L0CATi0N THE M0ST.
MY B0YFRiEND, H0MEGiRL, HER B0YFRiEND && i DECiDED T0 C0ME HERE F0R DiNNER 0NE NiGHT. iT WAS SL0W, S0 WE WERE SEATED FAiRLY QUiCKLY. 0UR SERVER GAVE US THE USUAL PLATE 0F F0CACCiA && PEST0, THEN WALKS 0FF. WE WERE ALL HUNGRY, S0 WE P0LiSHED iT 0FF PRETTY FAST, THEN WAiTED F0R HER T0 REFiLL iT && TAKE 0UR 0RDER. SHE T00K 0UR 0RDER, BUT D0ESN`T REFiLL 0UR F0CACCiA.. WHiLE WE WERE WAiTiNG F0R 0UR F00D, SHE STiLL DiDN`T GiVE US A REFiLL. H0WEVER, i N0TiCED THAT SHE REFiLLED THE F0CACCiA F0R THE TABLES NEXT T0 US...WiTH0UT THEM ASKiNG F0R iT. F0R B0TH TABLES DiRECTLY NEXT T0 US, SHE REFiLLED THEM TWiCE...&& N0T 0NCE DiD i HEAR THEM ASK F0R iT. S0 i GET FED UP && i ASK HER T0 REFiLL 0UR F0CACCiA. iT TAKES HER 2O MiNUTES T0 D0 S0. WHAT THE F*CK?!
0UR F00D WAS SUCH A DiSAPP0iNTMENT AS WELL! i 0RDERED THE CHiCKEN PARMAGiANA...iT WAS VERY DRY && WAYYYY T00 SALTY! N0RMALLY i 0RDER THE T0RTELLENi WiTH PANCHETTA...N0W i KN0W BETTER THAN T0 0RDER S0METHiNG DiFFERENT! -
Review from Jeff Y.
Daly City, CA
7/9/2008
I'll come back, but the food was a bit salty for my taste and a bit sweet for another in my party's taste.
Maybe it's because we came at 9:15pm when were one of the last tables to get seated, but service was pretty terrible. Our waitress was nice and pleasant but she soon forgot about our orders, water, check while she chatted on and on and on, but when she did speak to us, she was chipper and friendly.
-1 for forgetful servicing, -1 for over seasoning.
Nice restaurant overall, good place for personal dates, but not large parties. You can see them cook over the bar so, for me that was a plus. Food was priced well.
-1 You have to go outside for the bathroom. -
Review from N. Monique S.
Colma, CA
12/1/2008
A few of my friends are yelpers and have encouraged me in doing so as well. Though I was hesitant I've decided to sign up after this sucky experience at Pasta Pomodoro.
After 3 Thanksgiving dinners, I'm turkey'd out and don't want to see it again until November 2009! A day out on Haight street with a few members of my family lead us to Pasta Pomodoro on our way home for a late lunch/early dinner. We walked in, and were able to sit anywhere. After a few minutes of browsing the menu we were ready, but 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes later nobody came to ask us for our drink or food orders. What the heck??? There were 3 people who looked like servers, 1 manager type looking woman, and 3 cooks. I'm sorry, this must have been a busy afternoon with all 5 customers in the restaurant! The manager looking one couldn't stop stuffing her face as she folded napkins, the two servers walked around like they didn't know what to do, and other server was busting her butt doing everything!
When we finally ordered, the food came quicker than it took to have our order taken. The skirt steak and lasagna were good, but the Margarita pizza tasted as it was washed in some sort of household cleaner before it was tossed in the oven. I needed a drink refill, and though I asked our waitress...again, who was busting her butt, she took awhile to do so. But, again...the other "workers" did nothing!
If I could rate the food alone it would be 3 stars, but since I can't 1 star it is for the food and service combo. I'll just stick to the local Pasta Pomodoro at Bay Hill. I'm never going back to this one. -
Review from anita c.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2005
There are only two things that I can think of that are good about this place:
- You can sit at the bar and not feel like a dork for eating alone
- It's better than the other 'italian' options in the 9th & Irving zone
There's nothing wrong with it, really... as long as you're happy eating chow that wouldn't be out of place in a Midwestern food court. -
Review from Brye L.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2007
I have conflicting thoughts on this place. It's standard fare, I wouldn't call it necessarily Italian, it's americanized Italian at best. We had a nice bottle of wine there last night, that adds a star automatically to get a nice bottle of Napa Zin for under $50.
The shrimp appetizer was tasty, however very salty. The shrimp were cooked perfectly...the grilled bread cut down on the salinity. I could break down all the dishes we ordered, however let me just sum it up. It's good if you are craving a comfy mediocre Italian-ish dinner. -
Review from Don H.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/2/2007
I wish there was a zero star rating.
This place is to restaurants what Ashlee Simpson is to music. Mass produced, tasteless and ultimately unsatisfying.
You could go out and get a Marie Callendar's frozen dinner at Safeway and have a dinner with more flavor.
I cannot emphasize enough that this place should be avoided. It is a disgrace to San Francisco restaurants. -
Review from Inigo M.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2007
I haven't tasted anything else but the the Ravioli di Zuca (butternut squash ravioli with sage) and Cozze (steamed mussels), which are always excellent. 4 stars for these 2 dishes.
Otherwise, this location is starting to get unkempt. -
Review from Natalie C.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2009
As we sat down on a table, the waitress made us immediately move and told us we couldn't sit at this larger table since there was only two of us. Later during our meal, an elderly couple comes in and the same waitress welcomely offers the table we first sat on. Totally annoyed me.
Other than the bread being crazy good, the pasta and pizza my friend and I order wasn't that great. But at that point I didn't care cause I was still annoyed at the elderly couple sitting there now complaining about their food. -
Review from Eric Y.
9/18/2008
This rating is for a visit that was about 1.5 year ago. that was the only time that i've visited a pasta pomodoro in my life. Not too sure how it's suppose to taste like or how it was compared to other pasta pomodoro's.
I already forgot what exactly i ordered but i remember there being a salad and a pasta dish as the main entree. The food was decent which taste a bit better fresher (only a bit) when compared to microwavable TV dinners that you buy @ safeway. Instead of your food being (tv dinner) you get your meal on a large plate.
the salad was pretty decent from what i remember and as for the pasta, i really couldn't tell a difference in quality. i felt that if i needed to spend extra money for a dinner @ pasta pomodoro i my as well just reach in my fridge and get the same thing @ home without wasting gas. -
Review from Em L.
3/12/2009
3.5!
We popped in around 9:30 on a Wednesday, which, is HALF PRICE bottles of wine night!
So, we ended up with a $12 bottle of Pinot and while we had a magnum of chardonnay concealed in the bag for later, it was good to get their wine, and we were prevented from the embarrassing situation of having drinks on the table that weren't purchased there.
The pizza margherita is HUGE and will easily satisfy later cravings. It's probably 12-14 inches in diameter.
The sage/butternut squash ravioli is standard Italian American restaurant fare.
The waitstaff is friendly and accomodating.
* I just read the reviews of the unfriendly waitstaff and we had completely the opposite experience! They closed about 5 minutes after we sat down, but still told us to stay~ We ate outside and the waitress thoughtfully brought us a candle.She was above and beyond friendly!
So keep 'em in business! -
Review from Mike L.
4/4/2009
All things being equal, I would give them 2 stars, but the servers have usually been pretty nice, so plus one for that.
Now, I haven't been to this place in a very LONG time...but for some reason, this place always ends up being some sort of default standard for us to go by. Not to say that we come here often, nor is it to say that this place is good or bad...just that everyone can seemingly use it as a point of reference. We have all eaten at a Pasta Pomodoro at one time or another, so you know what people mean when they say something about PP. If someone tries a place, and they say that you could "do better at Pasta Pomodoro", people know you probably had some sub-standard food. Yet, if you say "it's way better than Pasta Pomodoro", then you know it's a pretty decent place.
Pasta Pomodoro...serving as a seemingly universal scale of reference for commercialized Italian food everywhere. -
Review from Catherine O.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2008
I must say you can never go wrong with Pasta Pomodoro. The Denny's of Italian food!
If you feel like grabbing some convenient Italian food when you're around that area, it's the place to go, and what made the visit delightful were the friendly staff members.
Promptly greeted at the door, and seated quickly (as we visited around 1PM for lunch). They were prompt at serving, and very friendly.
The waitress was super nice, and I like how she added to take your time when she brought the bill. I definitely didn't feel rushed at all.
I ordered the Chicken Gemelli, and it was good! It wouldn't say the BEST Italian food in the world to die for, but I must admit it was yummy... better than I can make it at home!
I always love foccachia and pesto dip. yum.
Friendly service, and mediocre Italian food! I don't mind returning at all! :) Oh by the way the environment is very clean and designed well. I liked the type used on the wall by the entrance (but this is just me being a nerdy designer) -
Review from Wendy T.
San Francisco, CA
9/7/2007
First star knocked off: the bread was stale. Hard as a rock.
Second star knocked off: the pasta was undercooked and a few chews more than "al dente."
However, I have to give them credit for friendly, attentive service. Then again I was the only table left at 10pm. -
Review from Catherine K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2006
Chain restaurant so food is usually consistent, and generally good. They're super good about substitutions as all their pasta dishes are made fresh to order. Prices are good, and the portions are generous so you'll almost always have leftovers.
Nice place for a casual meal. -
Review from Eugene F.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
Adequate lunch place. Tasty and good sized portions. Having found out it was a chain afterwards, I was a bit disappointed. However, had I known it was one, I would have never gone in and would have missed out on a perfectly adequate lunching experience.
Would I come back here for dinner? Probably not -- there are plenty of other more authentic Italian joints around SF. But for a quick & easy lunch, it's pretty f'ing alright.
Oh, and as Alyssa said -- the little pitchers of lemonade are good for a few extra points
