0 Followers
Tomatina
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tomatina
7.5
Casual, family-friendly spot for personal pies, pastas, and salads with quick service. Central downtown location and broad menu make it a convenient meet-in-the-middle pick.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Pepperoni pizza, House salad
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Broad, family-oriented menu with efficient pacing downtown.
Who should go: Families needing easy downtown seating
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak lines
What to order: Margherita; pepperoni; house salad
Insider tip: Bar seats often open faster than the floor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along North Main and nearby garages on Locust Street; easiest access from the Lesher Center lot after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans, tees, and casual dresses are all common.
Noise level: Moderate – expect chatter and kitchen noise during peak family hours, quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; brief waits around 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta and salad choices plus veggie pizzas like Margherita and mushroom.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize pizzas or salads without cheese; no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pizza crust and pasta available upon request, prepared with separate utensils.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic – best for an easy, low-pressure meet-up rather than a candlelit dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – most tables are first-come, first-served; larger groups may want to call ahead during weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – kids’ menu, quick service, and flexible seating make it great for families with toddlers or grade-schoolers.
Best For
Better for: Convenience and reliability downtown; faster pacing and broader kid-friendly options than neighboring Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re after artisan or chef-driven pizza – try Gusto Mio or Montesacro instead.
Tomatina
7.7
Casual, family-friendly spot known for approachable pricing and steady pastas. The housemade meat lasagna with fennel sausage and fontina is a reliable comfort order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade Meat Lasagna (fennel sausage, fontina), Chicken & Sausage Gemelli, Cheese Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: House lasagna with fennel sausage and a budget-friendly menu.
Who should go: Families and value seekers
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6pm to avoid the rush
What to order: Housemade Meat Lasagna; gemelli with chicken & sausage; garlic rolls
Insider tip: Order trays of meat lasagna ahead for game-day gatherings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared plaza lot behind the restaurant with plentiful free spaces; rarely fills except on Friday evenings.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, tees, and family attire all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate – steady background chatter but easy to hold conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during prime family hours 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pasta and salad options clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of customizable dishes if you omit cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta available on request; handled in shared kitchen but noted with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance, but fine for a low-pressure casual meal or early get-to-know-you meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are the norm; short waits on weekends only.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – high chairs, crayons, and quick service make it easy for families with toddlers or school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, consistent pasta and pizza meals at lower prices than downtown Italian spots.
Skip if: You’re after ambiance or date-night polish – head to Montecatini or Benvenuti for that.
Tomatina
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Casual Italian spot known for approachable thin-crust pizzas and kid-friendly options. Service is efficient for weeknights, with takeout and take-and-bake for busy families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Parma (prosciutto & arugula), Create-Your-Own Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Flexible pizzas with take-and-bake for easy family nights.
Who should go: Parents who need convenient pizza
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 for shorter waits
What to order: Margherita; Parma; create-your-own
Insider tip: Order take-and-bake to finish hot at home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated city garage parking directly behind the restaurant on North Main; free for the first hour with ticket validation.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, t-shirts, and kids’ attire all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner hours; easy conversation on weekdays but gets busier on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for parties under four; larger groups should reserve ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas, salads, and pastas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited but doable – can modify pizzas with no cheese and extra veggies; staff knowledgeable about swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crust available; prepared with care but not in a dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates — the space is bright and family-oriented rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, most nights — call-ahead seating helps on Fridays and Saturdays, but walk-ins are fine for small groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, crayons, and a kids’ menu with smaller pizzas and pastas make it ideal for ages 3–12.
Best For
Better for: Take-and-bake pizzas and family efficiency — easier weeknight option than sit-down Italian spots like Melo’s.
Skip if: You’re after artisanal, wood-fired pizza or a quieter date-night setting; try Va de Vi or Montecatini instead.