The Second Glass

You’ll never forget your meal at that awesome trattoria in Rome…the one you discovered on a narrow, cobblestone side street, with hand-written menus and just two kinds of wine: red and white. If you want to relive it stateside, look no further than Pomodoro (two locations, one on Hanover Street in the North End and one in Brookline).Everything about the North End Pomodoro screams legit, from the tiny dining room that exudes rustic romance to the cash only policy, to the polite-but-no-bullshit waitstaff. Each menu is a hand lettered, individually crafted collage: a subtly charming design choice that suits the homey, hip vibe. There’s no bathroom, coffee, or dessert, and while some diners might find this inconvenient, we say, “Who cares?” These unapologetic nuances seem to be what separates the wheat from the chaff at the North End Pomodoro, making the tourist quotient surprisingly low for a neighborhood that’s usually thronged with them. Pomodoro’s second, sleeker location in Brookline Village has all the bells and whistles the original North End spot lacks (a wine list, a full bar, bathrooms, dessert), so expect a different but equally delicious scene.

In either incarnation, Pomodoro’s small, affordable menu takes center stage. Fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked pasta are the stars at this restaurant. Food is prepared the real-deal Italian way, showcasing the flavors inherent in the ingredients by nudging them to fruition with garlic, salt, and fresh herbs. The result: dishes that are simple, and simply delicious. Basta.

And just like that unforgettable trattoria in Rome, if you head to Pomodoro in the North End you’ll have only two options for wine: red and white. Insufferable wine snobs who frequent Pomodoro love this—when else do they get a break from poring through the wine list in the hunt for the perfect bottle?

Don’t Miss:

We only got half way through the “wine list” at the North End locale, but can definitely recommend:

The Red, This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a perfect table wine. It’s enjoyable, smooth, not particularly complex or persistent, and highly drinkable. It paired perfectly with everything we ordered, from the smoked meats of the antipasti della casa to the spicy Fra Diavolo and the rich Chicken Carbonara, which is not to be missed.

Pomodoro, 319 Hanover Street, North End, Boston | 617-367-4348
Pomodoro, 24 Harvard Street, Brookline | 617-566-4455