Penne Pomodoro

Another new place to try while seeing family in Dallas. Apparently this is there go to place. They always get the same waiter and say hi to the manager. We are Italian and tend to be picky but I was told this was their favorite Italian restaurant.There was about 20-25 of us and we were seated in the back. The waiter, I forget his name, took all our drink, appetizer, and entry orders without writing anything down. I thought this wasn't going to go good but that guy remembered everything. I don't think he perspired the entire night. He was cool as a cucumber. I couldn't tell you what everyone ordered but I do know my capellini, meatballs, and alfredo were delicious. My daughters pepperoni was one of the best tasting I have ever had.I was super impressed with this place. Wish they were out here in California!

This restaurant went from being my favorite Italian restaurant in town to one of the worst. It pains me to have to write this review but I honestly cannot force myself to give this place another try. Several times in a row the food we have been served has been extremely bland and just straight up unpleasant to eat. Goodbye Penne Pomodoro. You had a good run.

I've not been to Penne for quite a long time (we used to go a LOT in the past). I decided to return with a friend for dinner. The renovation is brighter (I like the table cloths), but it looks a bit sterile (get some color on those walls). As in the past, the bread quality is still downright pathetic. It was back then and still is now. It's complimentary, but so is bread in France and Italy, and they present superb bread at their restaurants. Penne has no excuse to use cheap, white bread that's tasteless with no texture! It's just inexcusable. I don't think this will change as it's been this way for a long time. Secondly, we ordered the Caprese Salad appetizer. It, too, was a sad representation of what the real thing should be. I'm native Italian, and I would be ashamed to serve what I got. The tomatoes were those cheap, hard, pale ones (I know my tomatoes and there is better out there). What happened to red, ripe tomatoes? Also they sat on a bed of arugula topped with tasteless mozzarella (bufala type would be nice). Worst of all there was NO balsamic drizzle (a must) and no detectable dressing of sorts - just pale and tastless. Come on! It's obvious that Penne is cutting corners, and I'm sorry to say that I was thoroughly disappointed. For the prices charged (especially when dishes are even LESS expensive in Europe and higher quality), there is no excuse for the poor quality here. Sorry, but I wish it could've been a better experience.The other dish that I had (cappellini arrabiata) was pretty good. There is no finesse to the sauce, though - just a quick, thrown-together sauce. Too bad.

Food has improved compared to before renovations. The service was ok. Ambiance has definitely improved since renovation again.

If there is any one place I'm glad I can go to it's this one. Always great service and happy people but importantly the food is genuine, consistent and always prepared are you'd want it. No matter how long it is between visits here , I can always expect it to be excellent If you want the real deal, it's here and I think maybe the best meatballs anywhere

The service is always great. In our group we have a few people with some food limitations, (gluten, and more complications). The servers make it easy to accommodate. This is always much appreciated. They served a table for 8 with ease, and kept the wine and cocktails flowing. Food is okay and at times feels dated (veggie medley pictured). But accommodating service and a wide variety of Italian red wines will keep me coming back.

The food at this place is AWESOME! Had a girls night with my bestie and we were both impressed with the quality of everything. We'll for sure be back, and soon. Just try to keep me away from that Paglia E Fieno pasta!

SERVING SIZE is seriously minuscule for the expensive price! I literally took 6 bites of my zucchini pasta bowl with 5 teeny, thin slices of sausage- ALL GONE! Delicious combination of zucchini, pink sauce, and the tiny bites of sausage were excellent. C'mon y'all this is Texas! I don't think I've ever been served such a teeny portion in an Italian restaurant in my life. Service from a very nice and smiling Italian? (guessing) female was pleasant but ultra slow. I waited a good 10 minutes and finally had to flag her down to place my order. From there all was A-ok, though I had to ask for my iced tea to be refilled, and asked again for more lemon. If you're one of the 'ladies-who-lunch' so prevalent in this neighborhood, or the 70s plus oldsters who also apparently dine here, the serving sizes might suffice. But for a 200 pound 6 foot athletic guy with a NORMAL appetite- forget it.

Service was good but food was not very good, everything was bland. Marinara tasted like canned tomatoe sauce, meatballs and chicken seemed like they were frozen, pizza had a weird taste and every bite was a mouthful of garlic, not pleasant.

Consistently delicious and friendly comfort zone for family and especially our grandchildren. Thank you to Toni for high standards for service and quality. Thank you!