Pomodoro

An overpriced hangout for brookline hipsters who think they are in New York. Hot , cramped and expensive. Service was inattentive at best . Pork milanese was so greasy, it was dripping. When i told the waiter at the bar that it was not good...he just shrugged and unceremoniously dumped it in the barrel. Reservations are a joke , and they try to send you next door to the Pub they own so you can run up a tab there while you wait and wait.. quite a gimmick.... worst of all...neither place takes a credit card.. Nothing like a cash business more

After having some of the worst service experiences here we had vowed never to return. When we came back a year later, it was like stepping into a rosy Twilight Zone. The food - which I consider about the best in Boston for this type of creative fusion - was excellent as always. But that 1-star service suddenly shot up to 6 out of 5 stars. I can't explain it. Our baby was there crying and the much-maligned owner took the time to come out of the back and hold her, rocking her around the restaurant while we ate the delicious food (really, there is nothing bad on the menu). She gave her free baby yum-yums and gave us some free appetizers. Uhh... huh? So now, I have literally had the best and worst service in the Boston area at the same joint. Just bring your cash and be ready for an extreme experience, either way. Do not forget to order desert, the bread pudding and everything else is not to be missed. Pros: Best food in Brookline Cons: Uneven service more

As Brookline Village residents we want to support our local business and we were delighted with Pomodoro. We arrived early enough (6:30pm) to be seated right away. We received prompt service and excellent guidance with the wine list. When we decided to share an entree they split it for us, which was a nice gesture. We had the roasted duckling with polenta and apples and it was probably one of the best entrees I have had in some time. The flavors were just perfect. We also shared the fig bread pudding and again it was delicious! We will go back as often as possible! Pros: Great menu, interesting wines, reasonable prices Cons: Cash only more

I am in Brookline for 2 years now, have discovered this litlle restaurant Pomodoro. OMG, have been there almost every week back, never got sick of food....And i like to change places arownd, but this one is one of my favorites. Semi is awesome, so is Kyera... Wouldnt pay attention on the comment, theres a lot of negative people arownd, any time u would walk in it is packed!!!! Thats saying all !!!!! \r Pros: For me: best of the best more

This place was amazing. I went at a slightly after-rush hour (9pm) on a Saturday. The atmosphere was relaxed and efficient. We picked our seat (a leather booth by the window) and immediately were served with olives in oil (great for dipping the warm bread that arrived shortly thereafter). The water came in an old-fashioned glass pitcher and was infused with mint and lemon. The waitress was very good about keeping the water full for us, though the pitcher was on the table if she were ever to be lax about filling it, we could have done it. The dinner was everything I would have asked for and then some. I couldn't finish my delicious Risotto and my friend's steak was equally as irresistible and large. We both ate and drooled over the leftovers throughout the next day. This is really a great place, though I can see it being somewhere you would want to frequent only on the off hours. The biggest annoyance was having to run to an ATM for cash at a place where entrees run in the $20s, but there are many ATMs nearby, and the food is ENTIRELY worth it. Pros: Great food, great atmosphere, great service Cons: Cash only more

They don't seem to have a reservations system -- though we called ahead to make reservations, it was ultimately clear that they don't actually write such things down. When we showed up, they were contrite about having just given away ""our"" table. Half an hour after our reservation time, after waiting in a cramped bar spot, they finally cleared a table for us. The service thereafter was inattentive, to say the least. Adding insult to injury - they disclosed at the end of the meal that, unlike every other decent restaurant in the world, they only take cash! Prompting a race across the street to the ATM. Once this place decides to run itself like a real business, I'd consider going back. Pros: Food is tasty Cons: Service, cash only more

So, after reading numerous miserable reviews, I was a bit apprehensive about my choice of dinner plans, but figured to give it a shot. We arrived about 20 minutes early for a 8:45 Friday night reservation, and the place was PACKED. The bartender immediately waved us over and since all the seats were taken, set us up with two spots where we could stand. By the time I got back from hanging up my coat, we already had a plate of yummy bread and olive oil. Before we could even peruse the wine list, they had a table open for us. And after placing our orders, the entrees were on the table before we even got through a first glass of wine (chianti). Both pasta dishes were trememdous (linguini with clams and orrechiette with broccoli rabe and crispy sausage)-- plentiful, but not overwhelming. Not wanting to push our stomachs to the limit (or over it), we declined dessert and just asked for the check. When our waittress returned, however, she had two little pots of creme brulee for us. The perfect little tasting size, on the house, and quite possibly the best creme brulee I've had in my whole life (and that's saying a lot coming from me!!). Paid the check, in cash (the only drawback), and were headed out the door to smiles and goodbyes from the staff. I would give them six stars if I could!! Pros: Friendly staff, great food Cons: Crowded room, cash only more

After reading some of these reviews, I was hesitant to go Pomodoro in Brookline. BUT my husband and I were in the mood for Italian food...and we were going to be near Brookline Village..so in spite of the negative reviews of some, we decided to judge for ourselves. A bit reluctant but hopeful, we were NOT disappointed at all!! We were warmly greeted by our waiter Adam.given a choice of tables to pick from, immediately served water, and given oil and hot bread. Our drink order was delivered promptly. Adam readily offered descriptions and suggestions for entrees when we inquired .Our choice: the eggplant parmigiana and bolognese ~~both were generous portions and well seasoned with fresh ingredients and delicious! The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable and our waiter could not have been more attentive~~pouring drinks when the water was low and removing dishes when appropriate to not rush us. I can not say enough positive comments~~and I know neither the owner or our waiter (other than inquiring his name as we left so I could try to pen a dismissal of the negative reviews I read)!! Try it for yourself!! We'll be back! more

Again ... such a shame that the management and help bites! The food is very good and the ambiance is beautiful. Come on Pomodoro ... your BIG, fat EGO is ruining a good thing. Pull your heads our of your a** and get your ""sh**"" together. Read these reviews ... they just might teach you something about how people view their dining experience with you ... more

Food and neighborhood ambiance get the full five stars. But, as others have said, the service deserves negative marks. The previous poster about the Mickey M***e experience has a kindred spirit. I'll get to that in a moment. First a little background. The first time we went here 3 years ago, we were treated a little like second-class citizens, but we were charmed by the cozy atmosphere, nice wine, and excellent food. We began going there semi-frequently, and they began treating us like humans, going so far as to give us free desserts when a very annoying dinner party next to us got too rowdy. Peppered within those good times were a few moments where we felt like they would bark at us, ""No Food for you!!!"" But the good was so good that we kept coming back, and they seemed to sort of accept us into their club.\r \r Then we saw a furry critter. It zoomed around the restaurant (which was empty at 5 o'clock) several times. The previous Mickey M***e poster had a nearly identical response that we had when we brought it to their attention. I even went out of my way to be considerate and understanding. I was just shocked at how angry and put off they seemed by me pointing out that a rodent was literally scurrying beside me and my wife's feet. ""What do you want us to do about it? There's contruction"" blablabla... WOW! \r \r Having gone there around ten times in the past, and always ordered apps and drinks and tipped over 20% (in cash, due to that ridiculous no credit card policy), I expected a pleasant surprise in the bill to ease my loathing. Nope. Just a long, cold stare from the owner and the wait staff.\r \r My wife and I have put up with a lot from this place. But this made us feel like trash, and the when that abused feeling didn't go away after a couple days, we resolved never to return. And have felt all the better since. Pros: Food, lighting, drinks, atmosphere Cons: Owner, staff's rock-star vibe more

WOW.\r \r I've seen many reviews here and on Yelp excoriating the manager and the service at Pomodoro in Brookline, and I was very hesitant to believe them. However, in this case, they are 100% spot on.\r \r We had a very nice dinner - OK drinks, yummy antipasto, delicious wine, and decent if uninspired entrees. As we were deciding on desert, I saw a dark object moving on the floor. It was somewhat alarming, and I mentioned it to my husband - and, since he's been watching nature forever, he managed to identify the culprit. Yep, it was a small, grey four-footed critter - a m**** (Citysearch won't let me use the actual word).\r \r We debated what to do, and finally mentioned it to our waitress. Her response, delivered in the most detached tone possible: ""Oh yeah, we know about them, they're doing contruction next door."" It was the most indifferent response we'd ever received in a situation like this, so we decided to ask to speak to the manager.\r \r WHAT A MISTAKE. She came over to our table defensive, combative, and downright hostile. Actual comments included: ""Your waitress already explained it,"" ""I don't know what you want us to do about it,"" and - this is the kicker - ""Maybe you need to be more realistic."" Honestly? I don't even know what that means. Should we always expect small animals in the dining room at restaurants?!? Keep in mind, we had already paid the check and just wanted to let the manager know why we probably wouldn't be coming back. Clearly, she didn't care.\r \r All in all? Not really the anniversary dinner we were hoping for, but at least it's a good story for the grandkids. \r \r Bottom line: We eat out at many restaurants in the Boston area, and we're always ready to give a place another chance. However, in this case, Pomodoro is permanently off the list. We recommend that you avoid it as well. There are literally hundreds of alternatives in this price range where the management actually cares about your dining experience. Cons: critters, rude and combative manager more

Wow, I was just going to book reservations there for a group and then I read how rude the owner was. I want to have a nice night with the group, I don't want to deal with someone like that....\r \r more

You will notice that the reviews range from great to awful. The manager must personally know the people who wrote the good reviews because the general service level is the worst I have experienced, not only in Boston, but in my life. Other reviews say she is crazy, probably an understatement. In fairness, the food is OK, the atmosphere is so so, but the service is pathetic. Do yourself a favor, if you want a neighborhood Brookline Italian restaurant, go to La Morra. It is everything that this joke of a restaurant is not. Pros: Nice decor and the food is OK Cons: Service is the worst I have experienced and the manager is crazy more

As a local resident and father of an 18 month old, this restaurant is great for date night. Get a babysitter, head to the restaurant early, grab a glass of local wine and enjoy the garlic!\r For those folks who expected this to be a family restaurant, don't go - Its not meant to be that. Go to the Smokehouse or Bertucci's. Pomodoro is a small, inviting taste of Little Italy and the North End. Enjoy the meal and socialize at the bar. That's how you're supposed to enjoy a small bistro whether it is Boston, NY or Milan. Great owners, wonderful staff and relaxing atmosphere for you and your love. Pros: Too small for big parties Cons: Too small for big parties more

This restaurant has been a favorite of mine since I lived in Boston. Every time we get a chance, we make the drive down from Maine for a meal. We love the owner, the food and the atmosphere. I have never been disappointed. We're big foodies and have lived in some major cities...Pomodoro is one of our all time favorites! Pros: everything Cons: Not a thing. more

It is a terrific restaurant with terrific service, great food and an informal atmospere. Feels like SF or NYC. Actually it is one of my favorite restaurants in Brookline. There is on street parking and other parking area near by. since it is a cash only establishmemnt, you may want to stop @ the ATM machine across the street before going to the restaurant. It appears to be a family restaurant where it has a warm cozy feeling. While it is an Italian restaurant, it is not the run of the mill Italian fare. If you want to have a great lunch or informal dinner with friends, I highly recommend Pomodoro. more

I was thinking about what would be a fun neighborhood restaurant to take some friends to this Sunday evening and I knew Pomodoro would be the perfect spot -- great food, good drinks, attractive, and cozy. I went on the web to find their phone number and came across a couple of these venomous ""reviews"" I almost wrote at that point but held off 'til after our dinner. After dinner I am happy to report we had the kind of evening we have ALWAYS have had at Pomodoro -- succulent, interesting food in a lively neighborhood venue. \r Everything was terrific. I have to wonder about the reviewer who was writing about his wife and child's experience, even though he wasn't in attendance ?! The owner is a matter of fact, hard-working woman who has a great menu crafted around good ingredients. Lucky Brookline Village! Pros: good food, good drinks, friendly bar tender, cozy neighborhood spot Cons: Gotta remember --especially if it is a cold or rainy night - to have cash so you don't have to find the ATM more

The OWNER is crazy. My wife walked in with a baby in the stoller and was treated so rudely, it's amazing to me that this place is in business. The experience was sooooo horrible that she was simply stunned. She would have walked out and left but it was a large party for a family friend and it would have been rude to just leave.\r \r This place needs to be out of business. I don't know who she think she is to treat customers the way she treated my wife. Forget about customers, normal people don't treat others this way. If I was there, I would have made a real stink. Considering writing to the town as well as the chamber of commerce for such owful treatment. Pros: NONE! Cons: EVERYTHING! THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE. NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED! more

I'm compelled to write a review about one of my absolute favorite restaurants because of reports of bad service (especially from the owner who is FABULOUS and friendly) and mediocre food. A major foodie myself, who has eaten herself through Europe and lived in Italy for several years, I can tell you the food is always delicious, perfectly prepared, beautifully presented and plentiful. The terrific, hardworking owner, S, can always surprise you with extra salads,appetizers and desserts. No restaurant I have ever been to in Boston does this...and if I'm wrong, please correct me. Her staff is friendly and efficient. I manage a business across the street from Pomodoro and live nearby and this is my restaurant of choice for special occasions, business dinners and just hanging out with friends. If I don't go at least twice a month, I have withdrawal! By the way, I'm a fish maniac and have never had anything but five star perfectly cooked choices; this being the real test of a chef's skill. And all the new people I have brought to Pomodoro have LOVED it and made it their place as well. When my own customers ask me where to have dinner in Brookline Village you can guess where I send them! Yes, you should reserve well in advance because this place is packed EVERY day of the week, and don't expect to dawdle after your meal unless you arrived late in the evening, but remember that in almost every BUSY restaurant in the world, a table is expected to turn over in a couple of hours. The prices are a steal compared to most overrated eateries downtown, portions are healthy, staff AND owner more than accomodating and attentive. Please don't pay attention to the bad experience of others and make a reservation for this wonderfully surprising northern Italian-style trattoria. Pros: Consistent, perfectly prepared food that is well priced, attentive staff, easy parking Cons: Can be a little noisy at times more

I've just returned from my first time eating at this restaurant. As I was winding down from a lovely meal with an out-of-town friend where we experienced friendly table service and enjoyed the well prepared food from an inventive menu, I had such a horrible experience with the owner that I feel compelled to post a review immediately. But first I read the other customer reviews out of curiosity and was astounded to read that my experience is clearly not a fluke - many other reviewers voice similarly shocking experience with an unthinkably rude owner. After ordering 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 5 glasses of wine between us, the owner came to me and said, "" Can you move to the bar please, we need your chair for another table."" ""I explained that it was my first time to the restaurant and that I'd enjoyed it very much but I didn't appreciate being asked to give up my chair before I was finished."" The owner replied, ""If you don't think two hours is enough time at Pomodoro, too bad for you -- don't ever come back."" I'm incredulous. Doesn't matter how good the food is, or how good the table service was (and may I say to our very nice servers, I'm so sorry you friendly people have to work for a woman like this), my experience with the owner of course overshadows everthing. Read the other reviews here -- when this many people have had experiences like this with an incredibly surly and angry owner, it should tell you something. Pros: Inventive menu, good food, nice atmosphere Cons: Head-scratchingly rude, angry and surly owner more