Pendolino

TLDR; My wife and I visited Pendolino for a date night one Friday evening. We made reservations for two on OpenTable and enjoyed our dinner on the patio. The food was impeccable, and the service was great. Our favorites were the Buratta pizza, crispy calamari, Bistecca Sirloin, and Shrimp Alla Vodka.Pendolino is located in Sandy Springs, just outside the North Buckhead/Chastain Park area. Since the restaurant recently opened in our neighborhood, we were excited to give it a try. After all, who can resist a new Italian spot?I had requested a booth, but the restaurant was quite busy, and they couldn't accommodate the request. After speaking with the host, we opted to sit outside--a decision we didn't regret!Admittedly, the night got off to a bumpy start. We waited over 15 minutes, watching tables seated after us get served, before we decided to leave. However, the restaurant manager, Samantha, called us as we were leaving and asked us to return, assuring us they would make it right. So, we gave it another shot.I'm glad we did. The food exceeded my expectations, which admittedly weren't high after the initial hiccup. But this review reflects the second chance we gave them, rough start aside.We began with the crispy calamari and Buratta pizzette. The calamari was fresh and perfectly crispy, served over a lemon aioli with marinara on the side. The Buratta pizza was everything you'd want from a wood-fired pizza--crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside. The dough was perfect, and the sauce-to-cheese ratio was spot on. I'd order both dishes again without hesitation. The Buratta is a type of cheese that reminds me of a ricotta, with its firm outer shell and a soft, creamy interior. For a cocktail, I had the Sonny Boy--a tequila lover's dream! It was like the perfect margarita: refreshing, balanced with citrus and sweetness, and strong enough to satisfy. If you love tequila, don't skip this one!For our mains, my wife had the Shrimp Alla Vodka, and I opted for the Bistecca Sirloin. Naturally, I couldn't resist a bite of her dish! The paccheri pasta in the Shrimp Alla Vodka was al dente, with a subtle spicy kick that balanced out the creamy, rich sauce.My sirloin was cooked medium and came pre-cut. It was tender and juicy, topped with a beautiful Gorgonzola butter to complement it. It came with some potato fingerlings and that would give a steak frites a run for its money. Overall, I highly recommend Pendolino. It's a lovely new addition to the Chastain Park area, and we're lucky to have it nearby. Be sure to order the pizzette, calamari, and Sonny Boy--you won't be disappointed!

Really great pasta! This is probably one of my new go-to Italian restaurants in Atlanta! We started out with the Eggplant Marinara. The mint in the pesto was a creative touch. I enjoyed the actual eggplant; however, the focaccia it came with was dry. They had toasted it, so it was rather crisp which some people may like, but it lost all moisture. I wouldn't order this again. The focaccia was truly a disappointment. Bread is a basic all good restaurants should do well. The cheesy garlic bread was amazing though! It reminds me of a white pizza (honestly not that garlicky but very cheesy and tasty nonetheless). For mains we ordered the ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, scallops, and the vodka pasta with shrimp. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the sauce wasn't too heavy. I love the vodka sauce pasta! The pasta in general is fresh and nicely al dente! The vodka sauce was incredible, but there was so little of it. You really have to scrape the bottom of the plate to get any of the sauce. I loved the addition of fresh garlic too (a bit too heavy on the parsley for my taste though). The ravioli was solid. I liked the addition of the roasted peppers. The spaghetti was also great! The noodles are delightfully chewy and the sauce was amazing! Highlights: cheesy garlic bread, scallops, vodka pasta (if there was more sauce) Lowlight: focaccia Service is great and the interior is nicely decorated. I will definitely be returning.

My family and I dined at Pendolino last Saturday, and overall, it was a pleasant experience. The outdoor patio, divided between sun and shade, provided a charming setting for those dining outside. Inside, the ambiance was bright and inviting, with comfortable booth seating and a lively bar atmosphere.Service was generally good, although our waiter seemed inexperienced when it came to accommodating dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance. Despite this, he charmingly guided us through the menu, albeit with some confusion regarding dairy-free options (ie., lactose intolerance includes all dairy like butter and milk, not just cheese. And yes, as someone who is lactose intolerant, I am aware that the butter beans are not made of butter :) For appetizers, the BBQ octopus stole the show with its delightful smoky flavor and accompanying potato salad, pepperoni, and veggies (FYI, "bbq" clearly means the cooking style and does not mean it comes in a barbecue sauce). The asparagus pizza was a refreshing starter (loved the spring veggies and bright lemon finish! Very unique), although the crudo fell short due to less-than-fresh fish and oversized jalapeño slices (but did enjoy the pairing of citrus with toasted pine nuts to balance the acidity).Moving on to the mains, the scallops and Char were both perfectly cooked. Kudos to the chef for accommodating substitutions, like swapping butter beans for sugar snaps. The Chicken Parmesan was a significant portion and a big home run. However, the stale croutons in the Caesar salad my husband ordered on the side were a disappointment.We appreciated the opportunity to sample different rosé wines, and the mezcal "paparazzi" cocktail was a standout.While we enjoyed our experience at Pendolino, we weren't entirely convinced to make it a regular spot, especially with other enticing options nearby. However, we would consider returning for the cocktails, atmosphere, and the excellent BBQ octopus.

Enjoyed a lovely dinner on the patio at Pendolino. Pendolino is a new Italian restaurant next to Chastain Park. It is located in the same plaza as Snooze, Taka, and soon to be TJs! We enjoyed everything we had - the crudo, octopus, and pizza as well as the shrimp and braised pork pasta. Everything was delicious. I'm not sure there's anything unique on the menu or that one must go here and order, but everything is done well. Perfect for good quality food in a neighborhood. Service was great as well. Bar was a cute scene, would definitely return for the bar or dining outside.

I have been here twice and enjoyed the food and service each time. First off the ambiance is really nice, love how this restaurant looks. Would recommend cheesy garlic bread, panino di pancetta which is pork belly mini sandwiches soo good! The Diavola pizza was delicious, the honey was a nice touch. I also had the steak but that was the only dish I would not order again so far, very chewy! My friend however loved her ravioli.

Great new addition to the chastain park neighborhood. Super cute inside and great service. The food and cocktail options are great, you can't go wrong. The pizzas are a must. The crust is so soft and fluffy. The chicken parm and the eggplant Mariana were actually my favorites though! The chicken parm is a very large portion! It's a fun place to come and split things with a group!

Okay pizza, but I guess they have never heard the phrase that "the customer is always right." The chef must be egotistical, because the wait staff cowers at the slightest change to items on the menu. Will not go back.

Amazing service and staff! The manager Samantha and our server Micheal were the cherry on top. The food is a 10/10

Met a friend here for dinner and had great service. Convenient parking was a plus. Restaurant has nice decor and warmth. Getting 4 stars because food was good but not exceptional. Glad we tried but won't be at the top of my list for a repeat visit. Might go back and try other menu items as otherwise experience was ok.

My Oh My what a wonderful restaurant ! Sandy Springs has needed a place like this for a long time and it is not to be missed . From the welcome at the door to the service from Michael to the visit at the table from the owner (I gather an alum of Ford Fry ! ) the service was over the top . The restaurant design is sensational with different seating areas to meet your every need . sit and eat at the bar , sit in the sumptuous booths or grab an app and glass of wine casually at 5pm in the wide seats .. But in the we go back "if the food is good" and this food is fabulous and creative with superb taste . (DO NOT miss the Octopus ). creative just right size menu for the kitchen to be able to execute on every creative presentation ..The pasta fabulous , the Bistecca perfect , the deserts perfect and delicious. Obviously we will return ! DH-L