When one thinks of Neapolitan food, images of pasta, pizza, and tomatoes fill your head, but that stereotype barely scratches the surface of the delectable full menu that Chef Raffaele Mastromarino conjures up at Pazzo Pomodoro, Vienna’s newest Italian cantina.
Offering modern, but authentic Italian cuisine, Pazzo Pomodoro pays homage to Southern Italy in both décor and food. It opened on November 28 and just started serving lunch as the calendar hit 2013.
Take a look at my last name and understand that I take Italian food very seriously. Growing up, there was hardly a Sunday that I didn’t spend fighting with the family over the last meatball or the final scoop of Grandpa’s gravy, so I was eager to see what Pazzo Pomodoro was all about.
Since this is a family-friendly restaurant, my wife and 7-year-old daughter came along, and the three of us were ready for whatever the former head chef at Washington, DC’s Davinci and McLean’s Capri served up.
As we waited for the food to arrive, we took in the inviting ambiance, which included a wall of famous Italian celebrities and a beautiful mural of the Napoli Coast. The checkered red-and-white tablecloths provided an old-Italian feel, and the essence of Italy could be felt all over. A bar in the back is bright and modern, yet still manages to present some old world charm.
I also took the opportunity to peruse its massive wine list of over 100 wines, which is presented on an iPad and provides descriptions, origins, and information about each wine.
For appetizers, we began with the Panzerotti, a delightful fried potato croquette filled with prosciutto and mozzarella, which practically melted in my mouth. This was followed by the Carpaccio Di Manzo, a thinly sliced Chianina beef tenderloin flavored with extra virgin olive oil, arugula, fennel, and grana padano. It was light and a good choice for those who want a little meat as an appetizer.
The menu also features a wide variety of different salads, from a classic Caesar to a Insalata Di Sicullia of fresh feta,tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, olives, extra virgin olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
With an equally impressive listing of pastas, pizzas, and Chef Raffaele’s signature dishes, we chose to share one of each.
Although it was tough passing on the Gnocchi Sorrentina and the Pappardelle Al Ragu Di Anitra E Porcini (pappardelle in a duck and porcini mushroom ragu sauce), we went with the Ravioli Di Carne for our pasta choice. The handmade ravioli is filled with the chef’s secr et meat sauce, and it wasn’t long befor e forks were flying to grab the next one. As a family who eats at a lot of Italian restaurants, we definitely know how to appr eciate a top-notch sauce.
Having spent some time in the Napoli Coast, my wife was eager to try the chef’s signature sea bass, which was a delicious blend of tomatoes, potatoes, sweet onions, and basil in a white wine sauce. The unique flavor of the potatoes really stood out and made the meal sensational. It’s no wonder that it’s the most popular item on the menu.
The pizzas are all made in an authentic Stefano Ferrara pizza oven from Napoli, and judging by the number of customers ordering pizza on the side, it’s quickly become a favorite of the community.
My wife and I both enjoyed the pizza, but by the time we took our first bites, we wer e already pretty full from the rest of the meal. Before I forget, my little one said the fourcheese pizza was delicious, and she especially enjoyed the pasta. She even took a few bites of the fish and said, “yum,” which is the equivalent of a four-star rating. There is a children’s menu for those with pickier eaters than my girl.
As any good Italian does, we did manage to save a little room for dessert. My wife chose the house specialty of Zucotto, and it is now her favorite dessert in all of Vienna. I went with the more delicate sponge cake with some vanilla gelato, and it ended the meal on a nice note.
Thanks to a friendly and assertive staff, an open kitchen that lets you see the chefs in action, plus a delicious Napoli meal to boot, Pazzo Pomodoro is the perfect place for some fine dining, even with the little ones in tow.
Be warned, the restaurant starts to get really busy around seven, so come early or be sure to have a reservation. Believe me, it’s worth the trip.
Pazzo Pomodoro is located at 118 Branch Road in Vienna. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and dinner is served 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For reservations, call (703) 281-7777.
