Living in San Francisco, it seems to be practically sinful to patronize any restaurant that isn’t the only one of its kind – surely there are enough independent, privately owned eateries that you never need to go to a chain, but occasionally, one rises above the rest and makes it worthwhile. Pasta Pomodoro is one such place.
With locations throughout the City, Pasta Pomodoro takes the best of both worlds – chain and independent – and fuses them together for a consistently tasty, affordable, and accessible experience. While any restaurant in San Francisco will have a waiting list on a weekend night or at lunch on any given afternoon, the time spent at this establishment is reasonable regardless of the time or day. The servers will gladly bring you a glass of wine to enjoy indoors or out while you wait, and once you’re seated, they present warm focaccia bread to nibble while you browse the menu.
Unlike chains that span the entire United States and beyond, Pasta Pomodoro boasts authentic Italian meals with a great array of sauces, proteins, and vegetables. Whole wheat pasta is available for substitution in many of their dishes, and there is truly something to satisfy every palate among their main courses. While the menu isn’t overwhelming in size, each dish sounds so delicious that it’s difficult to choose, so every trip results in trying something new, none of which has ever disappointed. The Penne Portobello and Gemelli have even rated encore performances – definitely worth trying if you’re having the same trouble in making your decision.
While the seating arrangements could be more roomy, and it’s probably not the best locale for a romantic date due to the family friendly atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for many occasions: a quick lunch with a friend, a dinner with the parental units, or a glass of wine and appetizer spread for happy hour with your colleagues. The food is consistent, the service reliable, and the price always fair. Sure, it’s a chain, but occasionally, a chain’s success is due to the fact that they’ve really learned how to do things up right. Pasta Pomodoro hits the mark, and I’ll gladly break the rules of restaurant patronization propriety to enjoy what they’ve got to offer.
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