Summerville Tomatoes Italian Ristorante Dining Review

Tomatoes Italian Ristorante Exudes a definite Italian flair with the upbeat music from the brat pack era and décor in wine bottles, a grand espresso machine, grapes, marble top bar and Tuscan tones. One is greeted and seated with a smile in the friendly neighborhood restaurant as though they are old friends or regular customers, even if it is his or her first visit to Tomatoes.

The luncheon menu, served M-F 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, is true to its Italian roots offering select choices in sandwiches and pasta dishes; each with a twist that brings a burst of flavor calling to mind a trip to Italy or Little Italy or Nonni’s Sunday dinner. An example of a non traditional Italian dish steeped in those quintessential flavors of Italy is the roast beef sandwich, which is drizzled with a hint of scampi sauce and lightly covered with melted Provolone cheese, served on Italian bread to adeptly bring this lunchtime favorite the Italian flair one would expect in an Italian Ristorante.

Each dish served by Tomatoes is either an authentic Italian family recipe, right from the old country, developed over the years and passed-down through generations or a traditional American luncheon dish that has been transformed, like the roast beef sandwich mentioned, to carry the distinctive flavors of Italy: a subtle addition of cheese, sun-dried tomato or a carefully selected sauce bring an added appeal to your lunch.

Sauces for the traditional dishes include scampi sauce for the light, lemony shrimp scampi, Alfredo for the creamy fettuccine, served with peas & mushrooms with a choice of shrimp or chicken, marinara for the ravioli with meatball and the baked ziti, a delicate white wine with garlic and beef broth served over the rigatoni with sweet sausage and other subtle flavors and the house specialty, “pink sauce” served with penne and chicken or shrimp. Each sauce delivers a well-choreographed dance of flavors delicately balanced in the cooking process. They are light and creamy, subtle and savory served on appropriately portioned pastas cooked to al dente perfection.

The marked difference in the flavorful food at Tomatoes is attributed to the 100% imported ingredients, individual dishes cooked to order and the secret combination of herbs and spices known only to the restaurant owner and lovingly referred to as Tuscan magic dust. Toni Fivecoates, the heart behind the restaurant, adds no salt to the dishes, no artificial additives and no sugar so all the true flavors come through to the table.

While the main meal items are absolutely worth the trip for luncheon, the additional offerings are not to be forgotten. Tomatoes Ristorante offers an agreeable wine list that evolves as the menu changes so the pairing of wine with the flavor of the dishes is always suitable. Full bar service is available also. Desserts at Tomatoes are highly recommended. These are also imported twice weekly from bindi, an outstanding dessert baker in Milan, enticing diners to end lunch with traditional flavors ranging in fruity custards, chocolate, cheesecake, sorbets, hazelnut, tiramisu and cannoli. Though these desserts are time-honored Italian favorites, there is nothing ordinary about them. These desserts carry the same lightness and pleasing subtle flavor combinations that coax the palate to savor every bite. That light subtlety in all the dishes may be the key to the success of Tomatoes Italian Ristorante…that and a little Tuscan magic dust!

A most enjoyable luncheon. Recipes, preparation, friendly service, and atmosphere receive a 4 Diamond rating for lunch.

Luncheon prices are inclusive of beverage, bread and tax, bringing this experience (with house salad, no appetizer) for a very reasonable $$$ dollar rating $$$.

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