I had looked forward to trying Pompilio's given the praise I'd heard and my love for true old family Italian joints. However, it was clear Pompilio's is resting on their laurels, and I was greatly disappointed. My parents and I came here to celebrate my mom's birthday and decided to go all out, ordering some appetizers and salads in addition to our entrees. We had the toasted ravioli, which was probably my favorite thing I had there, and the caprese salad. The caprese salad was small for its price, and the mozzarella tasted pretty ordinary and did not have the decadent moisture that I expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna, which was underwhelming. Tasted a bit like it had been prepared the day before and had been sitting under a warming lamp. I did like the sauce and the fact that the dish wasn't overly heavy as some lasagna dishes can be. The absolute KILLER though was that they do not offer freshly-grated Parmesan. WHAT!? If I wanted to ruin my "authentic" Italian dinner with store-bought cheese dust, I would have carried my refrigerated Kraft Cheese Parmesan Shaker in my purse. Maybe it's an Italian family tradition to use this stuff, but I haven't encountered that custom at other authentic Italian restaurants. I do have to give some credit for the fact they do have the bocce ball court here, although it was December and I couldn't play.
(2)
Chuckie G.
What a fantastic place. I have been coming to Pompilio's since I was a baby. I remember being infatuated with the coin operated select-o-matic jukeboxes on the tables. What's to say. Eggplant parmigiana is to die for. Their bread is fantastic. Sauce is delicious. So five stars? I wouldn't say the place is an extreme value but nostalgia and quality eggplant parmigiana together are priceless. Five stars. Funny story... one of the grandchildren of the owners was hitting on my then girlfriend/now wife and invited her out to dinner here. Heh it was funny because I had already beat him to it! If you read this... sorry man the secret is out!
(5)
N M.
Overrated ... Ok Italian food. The rain man scene being filmed here makes it worth a visit.
(2)
Robert M.
Come for the bocce stay for the food. Have the lasagna and you will be very happy
(5)
Nicholas A.
Old style Italian food without anything going for it.
(2)
Jessica S.
If you want authentic Italian food in NKY, don't pass up Pompilio's! Located a few blocks from Newport on the Levee, this is by far the biggest bang for your buck, especially for Italian. The portions are perfectly-sized: not too big, not small, and priced right. Our service was fast, which was a pleasant surprise given that we were there on a Friday night during Restaurant Week. My Italian friend said I could include his thoughts in my review: "Let them know a real Italian likes this place!" I definitely plan on being back for food and for bocce!
(4)
David C.
While most people rave about this place, I thought it was rather average. After a long wait, I ordered lasagna - which didn't take long to come out, but was tasteless. The nostalgia of this place may keep it open...but I don't think I'll return.
(3)
Eric G.
One comment we heard from a friend after our visit to Pompilio's was that it can be, "kind of hit and miss". Mark us down for 2 misses. We arrived just before 6:30 on a Friday evening, we knew we might run into a wait, as reservations are not accepted. We were told appx 45 minutes and the estimate was accurate. The bar where we spent most of that wait time was ornate and interesting, I can see why it was chosen for a short scene in Rainman. Having browsed the menu on line, we had our appetizer picked out in advance, the Toasted Ravioli ($6.95). During the short wait for the appetizer and our wine we tried the bread, just like momma used to buy at the local grocery store and just like the presliced bread you could pick up at any local Kroger. The the ravioli and our salads came; the Toasted Ravioli was very good, hot and melty inside with a tasty marinara, but the salads looked and tasted like they were just poured out of a bag. A hit and a miss. With our entrees ordered my hope was that the budget friendly menu prices were because they cut some corners on the bread and salad while concentrating on the entrees. Miss. My Brasciuole ($11.50) and my wife's Chicken Picatta ($11.50) were just plain disappointing. Round steak is not the best cut of beef, but done right there is no reason for it to be as tough as mine was and my wife was curious as to how they were able to make her meal so bland. Desserts were Cannoli ($5.25), Tiramisu ($5.25) and coffee, Hit, hit, miss. The dessert dishes were both sweet and good, but the coffee I got tasted burnt, like the end of a pot that has been on the warming plate too long and it was that taste in my mouth that we made our exit. The service was quick and efficient, if a little brusque. I liked the atmosphere and was really ready to love the place which probably added to my disappointment. Sadly, I really cannot recommend Pompilio's as a top notdh Italian restaurant.
(2)
Bea D.
I like a few dishes here. The vegetarian angel hair is a favorite, but be prepared for the garlic breath that will follow. Some dishes ate just plain unflavorful. The dinner salad and bread are unremarkable. Service seems adequate and friendly. This place is very crowded for dinner on the weekends. Be prepared to wait. The bar area is unfortunately too small to handle the crowd. Cigarette smoke pervades the entire restaurant.
(3)
Leah C.
Their food is moderately good, but I stick to the same dish or two when we go, which averages out to be twice a year. One time I remember having an outstanding waitress, the next time a grumpy one, but that happens. Honestly, though, and I'm not trying to be rude, who would suggest going here just for the Rain Man connection? Granted, I think that movie is good, but it's over twenty years old! I don't go to Kmart to buy my underwear just because Rain Man did!
(3)
Michele G.
My parents used to take me here when I wasn't able to drive myself. I hate to say I would drive to a different Italian restaurant. I know people who love this place. I wonder if it is because the movie Rain Man was filmed here. I am not a huge bread eater. My friends who came with me are and love their bread. The food is o.k. you get what you pay for, I just like a better quality. I got the chicken parmesan. It looked like 3 over cooked children's chicken strips deep fried and set atop of pasta with melted cheese. It was rubbery. I will go back but not for the food. The back patio is a good place to drink.
(3)
Irish F.
Pompilios has always been a reasonably priced place for decent (never outstanding) food. Oddly, their wings are VG. But I had to write to prevent folks from making the "marsala" selection. Waitress even steered me to it when I proposed my choices. One of the worst meals I have ever had. Veal was presented as "strips" (not medallions) of overcooked veal that curled and mushrooms mixed with pasta and a sauce that I cannot even describe except to say thick broth with an acidic taste with a hint of marsala. I prefer a non-chain establishment anytime, but Carrabas will beat this place hands down on everything for the same price point on Italian food and will not scrimp on the ingredients.
(1)
Mike D.
Pompilio's is the quintessential neighborhood italian joint. It's a neighborhood staple, where people come "every friday night" for years and years. Like many people, I have been coming here since I was a kid. I took my soon to be wife on our first date here. And for a while I stayed away. Everything felt like it was going through the motions. In the past year or two, however, Pompilio's has been revitalized. They've added some really good menu items, on the top end and the bottom. The Bocce Ball courts have been fixed up, and the service has improved. Favorites for food: Artichoke Spinach & Cheese Dip and Toasted Ravioli for appetizers Chicken Milanese, Chicken Florentine, Shrimp Ronaldo, Italian Sausage Hoagie, and Three Cheese Tortellini for entrees spend the extra money for a caesar salad, its delicious Comparing the bread to the olive garden is downright silly. Gimenetti Baking Company makes the bread fresh every day, and they slice it at Pompilio's on a bread slicer from the 1920s, and if you notice, the bread almost goes stale by the time your meal is done = no preservatives. Wonder Bread? give me a break. They have specials going on all the time. Last night was 1/2 price wine and appetizer night, and they'll be having a Christian Moerlien and Great Lakes Brewing Company beer tastings in the coming weeks, according to our host Larry, who was handling a really busy night fantastically.
(4)
R.J. s.
$5.00 Lunch. Do I need to say anymore? Fast friendly service from a waitress who has waited on me here for 30+ years. Fountain soft Drink salad and Egg Plant with pasta $5.00 Pompilio's is always great. Plus you never know what Campbell County Celebrity you might see dining there.
(5)
Tara B.
Love this place... bread is delish... I always get the bolognese. There is a classic feel to this place. Usually I don't like places that go for a theme, but this place is almost theme-y without annoying me. My only complaint is tiny glass bottled soda that is super expensive. I love my fountain drinks. Price is decent and food is good. That's all I need!
(5)
Kasey M.
We usually go later in the evening when there aren't many people. The service is usually superb. The food has always been great. My favorite is the fried ravioli. I can't give it 5 stars because the last time we went, our favorite waiter was actually pretty grumpy to us (and we tip very well). Must have had a bad night.
(4)
Jennifer R.
Went here out of curiosity after reading about it's use in several films as a location. The food is good and the ambiance is nice. I'm super-patient and have low standards when it comes to servers, but even I think they are a little slow and could be more attentive. The last time I went, I ate my entire meal without a drink because the server forgot. I think it's fun and has an interesting past; unfortunately, I think this is one of those places that relies on its reputation and the idea that they are "the best" and therefore slips up in certain areas. The parking is kind of a nightmare; I'd actually like to park further away and walk than have a battle for a space. All in all, I'd go back if someone said, "Hey, let's go to Pompilios." I'd take out-of-towners if I had a reservation just because it's a fun place. I probably wouldn't risk a large party or special occasion like a birthday.
(3)
Lauren F.
Back in Newport's darker days my dad brought Mom to this great little restaurant. It's been a family favorite for too many years to count. It was my favorite date night and family night location for nearly a decade. It's also the place that scene in Rainman with the phone book and the waitress was filmed (you can find all kinds of photos and posters on the walls). One night my dad whispered to me that Cincinnati Bengal's coach Marvin Lewis was just heading out after his meal and I looked up just in time to spot a tall dark frame with a friendly face before he exited, pretty cool! This family owned, historic and slightly kitschy location has great food, reliable servers (many who have been there for years) and a really great if crowded bar area. Call ahead for seating or sit at the bar to wait for your table. If your unsure of what to order and you're not a vegetarian, try the Italian Sampler.
(5)
Ss S.
I love Pomps. Always have and always will. This restaurant has been a nky establishment for years. This is where you find the locals and possibly a few movie buffs that are visiting the area. If you didn't know already, this is the restaurant where they filmed Rainman. You know the scene where they drop the toothpicks on the floor and Hoffman counts them all. Anyways, about the food. You can expect to find your traditional Italian dishes here. I usually stick with the sampler platter or the Rigatoni Ala Teresa, can't go wrong. The food is always constantly good. It's not a fancy joint. This is the Midwest people. You go here for a good meal and reasonable prices. If you are looking for a fancy Italian meal then you might want to hit up palominos over Tiffany's in Cicny. They also have an outdoor patio and bocce ball court that is open in the summer. Great place to relax and enjoy food. FYI, if you are not a drinker, this place does not have free refills on soft drinks. Each comes in a glass bottle. If you haven't been , I suggest you get here to get your Italian fix.
(4)
Sean B.
Pompilio's is practically an institution - this place has been around for some time and they know what they're doing - which is casual, Italian fare with no pretense. This is your standard Italian spaghetti and meatball/iceberg salad kinda joint, so don't go expecting them to pronounce bruschetta "broo-skett-uh" or ricotta "rick-goat-eh." The food isn't spectacular, but it is pretty good, and this is a good place to take large groups and kids. In the summertime, relax out on the back patio and enjoy a Peroni and game of bocce. Bocce leagues run Monday-Thursday nights during the summer.
(3)
Johnny B.
I cant believe no one has reviewed this place yet. I've been going to Pompilios since I was born, so you have to take my review with a grain of nostalgic salt. That being said, as far as Italian hole-in-the-walls go, this place rocks. Half the waitresses have been working there since my parents started dating, and they have the standard red and white checked table clothes. The prices are pretty reasonable. They have all the traditional Italian American fair, and I have never been disappointed. I always get the Rigatoni with meatballs. Hasn't betrayed me in 20 some years. My mom and girlfriend love the eggplant. I also think they have homemade ranch dressing for the salads. If it's store bought, I want to know what store. I usually eat about 5 pieces of their bread. I dont think they bake it in house, but it has to be from somewhere around the corner b/c it is always so fresh and delicious. Bonus points for the old-school bar in the front that has a very "neighborhood corner tavern" feel. But it can get smokey. They also have tons of Rainman memorabilia since the toothpick scene was filmed here.
(5)
Kara K.
The family & I went here on a Saturday night to celebrate the March/April birthdays. As a party of 7, we had quite a long wait, but it was well worth it. We grabbed a few seats at the bar, ordered drinks and some appetizers while we waited. There aren't many frills here - expect to be crowded in your seat, but the food more than makes up for it. I went with the ravioli with bolognese sauce & it was delicious. Everyone ordered something different, but everyone was happy with their meals. The chocolate cake was more like a mix of cake & mousse, but it was definitely to die for. Not very expensive and great service, if not for the long wait, I'd be back all the time.
(4)
Heather J.
Very traditional old school italian - it's the ambiance and kind of grumpy wait staff that you gotta love and the lasagna is great!
(4)
Mike S.
I'm surprised by some of the negative reviews. Really good, old school Italian, we sat outside by the bocce courts. Seems like it can get pretty noisy and crowded inside. We had no problems with the service. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Valerie G.
Slow service and a bit overrated... The bread very well may be butternut brand sandwich bread and their chicken parm from a frozen kit. Apparently if you have your restaurant in a big film, you don't really need to have good service or food...
(3)
Rise G.
I am always excited to eat at Pompilio's. The chicken and cheese tortellini San Luci is probably the best pasta dish I have ever had. The house red wine isn't too bad either. Make sure you take a big appetite with you when you go because they don't skimp out on portions.
(5)
Adam M.
Big black vinal booths, friendly and serious Italian cooking and the home to a scene from Rainman...what's not to enjoy?
(4)
Molly H.
I am a fan, it's traditional Italian, when family comes to town it's always a stop, they are very reasonably priced as well.
(5)
Scott N.
I've lived in Cincinnati all my life, with the exception of the two months I lived in Dayton, Ky. Today was my first visit to Pompilios. I was excited because I love Italian food and I was interested to see all the Rain Man stuff. I'll give Pompilios one star for the Rain Main stuff. I'll give it another star for the gorgeous bar. I'll give it a third for the $5 lunch special! Now THAT is a deal. No stars for the food, I'm afraid. It was just okay. I had the grilled chicken pasta with olives, sun dried tomatoes and olive oil. The chicken tasted like it was pulled from an overdone baked chicken you can pick up at Kroger. The chicken was in no way succulent. It was the dry, crispy outside pieces. Note - I have never noticed the chicken at Kroger being overdone. Saying the chicken in this dish was like overdone Kroger baked chicken is an allegory. Anyway, I've used the word Kroger more times in this review than the word Pompilios. I guess that says something. Though some of the reviews on here give me pause, I would be willing to give the place a try for dinner sometime.
(3)
Katherine M.
I love this place. My sister had her rehearsal dinner here back in like 1999 because it was where her and her husband's first date was, and that is my earliest memory of this place. I remember loving it - they have a patio out back that is great for that kind of thing, and the food was so good. I have been consistently going since then (let me be clear, I was like 12 in 1999) and loved it. Their sauce is amazing (I buy it at Remke's a lot - I need to get some when I'm back home because it is delicious) both meat and marinara and their pasta is delicious. One complaint (a big one for my husband) is that they do Coke by the glass bottle. And it's kind of pricey. But honestly, it's worth coming for the food and I like the cute little bottles. It is really cute inside - kind of close together, really full, and this old "Italian" feel that has that great we painted it to look this way feel that I love so much. The booths are super comfy if you can get one. Parking is a mess - be careful. It's a thin lot and people park crazily. I suggest parking on the street if you can. The pasta is great - their tortellini is my favorite and I always have leftovers. The bread they serve is always fresh and delicious. And it's well priced. A good Italian staple.
(4)
J H.
I love this place for their eggplant parmesan and their embracing of whole wheat pasta. You can sub whole wheat for many of their traditional pasta dishes which is great! I always start with an antipasti platter, an italian salad and the eggplant. The garlic bread is fantastic but with cheese it can be a bit too heavy. The bar area is smoking and they do serve soft drinks in little glass bottles (no free refills) but it's all about the atmosphere and the food at Pompilios! Also on the night before the Flying Pig they got us in and out and on our way at a reasonable hour which we appreciated since they don't take reservations!
(5)
Alex S.
There's a famous scene in 80's classic "Rain Man," where a waitress, played buy unknown-at-the-time Bonnie Hunt, spills a box of toothpicks on the floor, and savant-Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, knows exactly how many are on the floor. It's amazing. That scene - filmed right here, in the family owned classically - Italian Pompillio's. A friend of mine once told me that Pompillios' feels like someone's kid sister is taking your order and bringing you food. That's very very true. Everyone is full of smiles and down-home charm. Forget the corporate-nonsense of Olive Garden, when you come to this place, you're family. The food at Pompillios' is decent. Not the best Italian meal I've ever had, but the meatball on top of my spaghetti was large and freshly cooked and the sauce was thick and tasty. I was quite happy. A little expensive for what it was, but oh well. Plus, it's such a landmark of popular-culture - and don't they know it. "Rain Man" posters and pictures and autographs and memorabilia line the walls. They've even put together a giant cloth mural depicting scenes of the movie above the inner-doorway. And on the mural? Why, the toothpicks from the scene, of course. I'm not sure I would go back again just for the food, but if a hungry movie lover came to town? There's nowhere else in Cincinnati I'd rather taken them.
(3)
Jeremy M.
If you've ever seen the 1987 classic "Rain Man", you've seen Pompilio's. And if you visit Pompilio's, you will eat classic Italian food. I came here with my girlfriend Kayla to celebrate our one month anniversary. It took a few minutes, but we were finally seated and after a few minutes more we were able to place our orders. I went with the cheese ravioli in meat sauce and a Caesar Salad, while Kayla got the spaghetti with sauce and meatballs with the tossed salad. Everything is HUGE here. And by huge, I mean the meatballs were big and the raviolis were big, and the salad portions were large. And both ravioli and spaghetti were just swimming in sauce. We each got a Coke, although I was surprised when our server asked if we wanted it in a bottle or from the fountain. The menu made it seem as though the bottle was the only option. They need to update that. Another thing that needs some minor help: the bathrooms. As this place is pre-ADA by quite a bit, I'm willing to let the fact there was no accessible stall slide, but they were so small that turning the wheelchair around was simply not going to happen, thus I dock a single star here. Therefore, Pompilio's gets a 4 out of 5. Great food, decent service. You do pay for the experience (around $33 for two people pre-tip), but it was overall worth the price.
(4)
Scott C.
as an Italian from NY who can cook Italian better than most places. this has got to be one of the worst places I have ever eaten.. while the service was good the sauce tasted like they opened a # 10 can of sauce and added far too much garlic powder. no other flavors came thru at all. the toasted ravioli however was done to perfection the dipping sauce however well see above.
(2)
Greg S.
I took my two daughters here as I thought they would be intrigued by the "Rain Man" connection, and I had enjoyed meals here in the past. There is a good amount of parking nearby, if you find there is not enough room in their lot. We entered through the bar side, mainly to start the evening off by seeing where the movie scenes were filmed. We then traversed the restaurant to the more formal dining side. We were at first escorted to a ridiculously cramped table in the far corner of the room. When seated, there was barely enough room to breathe as the distance from the seat to the table was incredibly tight. This would be acceptable only for a couple sitting on one side. We moved ourselves to the next booth up, and found it to be very comfortable. Our waiter turned out to be extremely friendly. We ordered drinks, water for me, root beer and Sprite for my daughters. These arrived promptly, though we were surprised that they came as a 12 ounce bottle of root beer, and an 8 ounce bottle of Sprite; both served with a glass of ice. I ordered the veal Marsala. My oldest daughter asked if she could she get a mix of the cheese and meat tortellini. The waiter said they would be glad to do it. My other daughter ordered the Boneless Stuffed Chicken Breast Florentine. The tortellini did not come with a salad like the other entrees, so a side salad was ordered. A basket of bread and butter was brought out. I was a little disappointed that although it was fresh, it was cold, and was just sliced bread from what was likely a store bought loaf. I expected better here. The salads were simple: Lettuce, grape tomatoes and a couple slices of cucumbers. Two came with the honey mustard (reminiscent of Marzetti's), the other a red-wine vinegar. All were excellent. The entrees arrived hot, and looked fresh. The tortellini was very good, with a nice, fresh marinara sauce. The pasta was cooked well, and the meal got a good review from my oldest daughter. The younger daughter also liked her stuffed chicken. The spinach linguini was perfectly cooked, the sauce was very good, and the stuffing and breading were nice. The chicken was a little bit dry, but nothing that the sauce couldn't overcome. The veal Marasala was the disappointment of the night. While the pasta was cooked well, the sauce was extremely salty. Not to the point of being inedible, but distracting with every bite. In addition, the veal was surprisingly fatty, and chewy. Exactly the opposite of what veal is supposed to be. The night was enjoyable overall. The portion sizes were large; more than half of two of the meals went home in a to-go container. The waiter was very friendly and hospitable, and the atmosphere is excellent for a home town favorite. Expect a wait, on any night, unless you arrive by 5:00. Pompilios is a local legend with a Hollywood past - a perfect combination for a great night out. Although not perfect, we will certainly be back.
(4)
Zack F.
Cool atmosphere in the bar area. It's like a time capsule. I'd definitely recommend hanging out at the bar rather than dining in. The food is just OK to me. They do have some vegetarian options, but they are limited, and not particularly exciting. There is an outdoor area out back and in the warmer months, you can play Bocce Ball back there, which is fun.
(3)
Christopher H.
As my cousin is a native of the area, I looked to her for options on where to go for dinner. She suggested Pompiio's for it's connection to the movie Rain Man. Not really having any other ideas, I went along. Alas, what she didn't tell me is the food is mediocre at best. I started with a cup of the minestrone, which was mostly a bowl of black olives and a red-base, not at all what I was expecting. I've eaten more than my fair share of minestrone, and not once have I had been bombarded with black olives. I ate around the olives as best as I could (I loathe olives), and found the base to have just an odd flavor. For the main dish I went for their sampler that was a "favorite" of the Rain Man cast. It's a couple pieces of ravioli, a piece of lasagna and a couple other items haphazardly tossed on a plate and doused with a red sauce. The sauce itself was meh, and the rest of the food didn't do much for me either. Unless you're a movie buff and just want to say "I was there!" the next time you're watching Rain Man on DVD, you can skip Pompilio's.
(2)
Leigh H.
So, this is the second time I'd been to Pompilio's, but only my first time actually eating there. The first time, my fiance and I were basically ignored for twenty minutes trying to get on the list to be seated, while parties who had come in after us were being seated almost immediately. If it's never happened to you, it's pretty infuriating, and it's not the first time this has happened to us. When a group of coworkers decided to go there for a holiday lunch, I figured I'd give them another shot--at least I knew I'd actually get seated this time. And I guess I still just don't get it. Maybe it's because I rarely eat pasta anymore, but I just thought Pompilio's was all hype and no real food substance. The place was busy for lunch, but not packed, and service was middling at best. We did have a large group, but a good server should still be able to handle multiple tickets without problems. I had the tortellini in three-cheese sauce and I felt like I'd eaten a brick afterwards. The dish kind of hardened and congealed as I ate it, making it even heavier and grosser. It was excessively oily as well, and I'm a fan of olive oil in just about everything. If I go back I'll make sure to get a marinara dish or something non-pasta, because the Cesar salad was pretty good, and I hate to write off local institutions without giving them another chance. I'm glad to see a local institution doing strong business, so two stars for now, until my next trip. Maybe the third time really will be a charm.
(2)
Janna W.
I am 9 months pregnant and craving their braciole. It is the only thing worth ordering IMO. My Nunnie makes it better but Pompilios is within a top 5 which says A Lot! Their sauce is on the sweet side which is not how our family makes it but it'll do when I get to savior braciole when living so far from my grandmother. It's always tender and always served with plenty of sauce and Italian bread to sop everything up.
(4)
Charles L.
I read the reviews and I was worried.! My French wife and I found the meal great. My daughter had the scallops fired over pasta and she loved it. It was Monday night and the special was a great bottle of wine and appetizer for 1/2 price. The calamari was great over a mariner was fantastic. My wife had ravioli and again the sauce was made with fresh vegetable and was spicy, the way we both like it.
(4)
Kira S.
I have lots of great memories of Pompilio's. It was always the gathering spot for our family when someone was in town or there was a special occasion. As a kid I always thought it was cool that Rain Man was filmed there and they had a bunch of the memorabilia hanging up. Now I love Pompilio's for a different reason: the delicious food. Everything I've tried on the menu has been great. And there's something for whatever kind of food mood you're in. I believe you have to judge an Italian restaurant on their spaghetti sauce. It's on most entrees, and if they don't know how to make good sauce, they probably don't know how to make much else. Pompilio's sauce is great. Especially their meat sauce, which I don't usually like anywhere. They actually have meatball meat in theirs which is so much tastier than whatever other places use. The outdoor patio is great in warm weather. Lots of space to sit and a good atmosphere. They also have a bocce ball court with tournaments. Drinks are pretty cheap too, so you can relax outside for a while without worrying too much about the tab. The only negative to this place is the service. It's fast enough, but not always the friendliest. They tend to know a lot of the regulars, and if you aren't one, you feel a little left out. They don't make a lot of effort if they don't know you. My favorites: the spinach artichoke dip for an app, and just plain spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Usually I feel silly ordering spaghetti when I can make it at home, but when it's this good, it's worth it.
(5)
Michelle O.
Visited Pomplilios for the first time on Sunday. Love, love , love! The food is wonderful, generous entrees (we could've have shared the tortellini) and the service was helpful and courtesy without lingering. For two entrees with salad and bread and two crafts beers came to $50 with tip. Not too bad for a great meal with plenty to take home for lunch tomorrow. Overall Pompilios was a enjoyable dining experience. Cant wait for warmer weather so we can enjoy a meal on the charming patio. We're looking forward to visiting again and again .
(5)
David G.
I grew up in the Northeast in a very Italian neighborhood and this restaurant serves the authentic Italian food I am used to. I thought there was no hope in getting even a decent meatball, but they changed that.
(5)
Stephen G.
Don't get me wrong... I like Pompilios. But I used to LOVE it. Then we had a succesion of indifferent server experiences and on our last visit they had switched up the recipe for my favorite thing on their menu, the Chicken Marsala, as well as jacking their prices up far beyond what I consider to be a reasonable level (especially in the current economic climate). Consequently we haven't been back since maybe the start of this year. I can't see why people rave about the bread. It's soft, bland and boring as far as I am concerned, no better than the cheapest loaf from a dollar store. Crunchy freshly-made bread for the win, please! The extra point they could otherwise get for serving ice cold Coke in glass bottles is, sadly, withdrawn as the Coke is the regular HFCS-laden nastiness rather than the proper stuff with real sugar in it. The atmosphere works - despite almost everyone having to walk through the smelly smoking area to get to their table - and they are rightly proud of their association with the hit movie "Rain Man". Good, but was great. Could be great again with a little work and less snotty servers.
(3)
Randall R.
You have to wonder why this place is so popular. It seems to cater to an older crowd with bland seasoning and mushy pasta, and that's ok. You learn to expect things like a salad composed of all iceberg lettuce, plus one slice of cucumber and a cherry tomato. But when an Italian restaurant serves spaghetti that is too mushy to twirl and too soggy to fork, you have to wonder. My wife left half of her mozzarella panini, and as she said, you have to really work to screw up a toasted cheese sandwich. Pompilio's is a nice place, it's close and the prices are more or less reasonable, but the food is just not worth ordering.
(1)
Jessica C.
I could eat the sauce by itself! It's delicious
(4)
Paige M.
Remember old school Pompilio's with the jukeboxes at each table? I've grown up with this restaurant, evolving from my childhood favorite, "The Best Grilled Cheese In The World" to their signature ravioli dishes. I also really enjoy the eggplant Parmesan and antipasto appetizers. It's not the best Italian food I've ever had, but it eats, and is consistent in flavors. Pompilio's is one of restaurants you get a hankering for every so often, and has a signature taste you can only experience here. Order water with your meal. Soda is served in little glass bottles which is around $2.00 with no refills. Service here has always been quick. My favorite experience included an adorable elderly waitress with a beehive hairdo. She mistakenly used a straw to write down our order. I watched a tomato nonchalantly roll off a salad plate as she carried them to our table. Later, she brought over a disorganized fist full of checks, shuffled through them confused, but had memorized the exact price of each of our orders. I was impressed and amused, she got a great tip. Lovable Italian Grandma...she adds to the restaurant's character! One huge compliment for Pompilio's is that although the restaurant permits smoking, the smoking area is walled-off, completely separated by the kitchen from the non-smoking area. The entrance is in the non-smoking section, allowing customers to never experience the smell of smoke if they choose not to be around it. Thank you, Pompilio's! Price per person: $12.00
(3)
Kelly L.
I've eaten at Pompilio's 3x and I cannot believe the reviews this place gets for good food. Atmosphere is 5 stars-very cool. But food. BLECH. Go because you want to see where Rain Man was filmed or to play bocce' ball out back. Don't go for the food. I mean this.
(2)
Jessica K.
Love Pomillios! I live a couple blocks from them and eat there often. The customer service is great and the food is awesome.
(5)
Ann W.
I love this place! I love the food, love the service. Not to mention the best italian food in the city! Nothing compares
(5)
Christopher G.
I love me some Italian. So far nothing beats Vito's Cafe, where performing arts students sing show tunes to you while the server waits for you to sample the wine, but credit where it's due: Pompilio's was my first independent Italian after I moved here, and it's still pretty high on the list. I won't bother mentioning the Rain Man scene with the toothpicks; the other reviewers here seem to have it covered. But I will mention that the place really, really wants you to remember it. There's memorabilia from the shoot everywhere, tons of stuff signed by cast and crew. It's maybe slightly on the tacky side, but Pompilio's still comes out ahead on the classy front in spite of this, and hey, not every Italian restaurant has so many pictures of Tom Cruise. The atmosphere hovers somewhere between formal and casual; you can get away with either. It's fairly small and intimate, good for dates. It almost goes without saying that the food is excellent, though prices are on par for the fare. It's the sort of place where you want to be a regular, and you want to learn the cooks' schedules so you can come in and get that dish you love done just right. There's outdoor seating for the warmer months, and a small bar facing the street, though I don't imagine most people would go here for that. There are enough options for Italian in this city that you'll likely be offered a lot of other (and better) suggestions. Vito's would be mine. But I'd recommend trying this place at least once. It's certainly not bad; I am giving it four stars, after all. If you want good Italian at a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously--and I cannot make that claim for Vito's--this is your best bet.
(4)
Jack B.
In my opinion Pompilio's is hands down, the best Italian place in NKY. Don't come expecting a pizza or a meatball sub, the menu here is top notch. Try the calamari alfredo, it's a classic. It's really busy on weekends so, come early. The best time to go is during the week because there isn't an extreme wait. However, if you do have to wait, stick it out you won't be dissappointed. Plus they filmed the toothpick scene from Rainman there! If you like Dustin Hoffman and great Italian food Pompilio's is your place!
(5)
Amy G.
This restaurant serves consistently good food. My only complaint is the tiny bottles of Coke products. I would rather have a fountain drink. This place hasn't changed in years and it doesn't need to. I married in to an Italian family and they love the place. We spend the summers on the bocci ball courts. The menu has been updated to include some sandwiches. The lasagna is wonder, as is the eggplant parm. You won't be disappointed with your experience at Pompilio's.
(3)
John B.
I didn't want to write this, but it has to be done. Pompillio's is historic and used to be great. I am writing this to review their other location in Independence. With that being said, it also applies to the Newport location as well. I try to support the local establishments, but is going to stop I have been extremely disappointed in both locations. The quality of the food is marginal at best, the service is terrible, and it doesn't get any better. I also don't think the prices support it at all! The only thing I can say is the $5 burger night is the best thing for this restaurant! I think that is sad because it has a great history as an Italian eatery. The Newport location has identity because of it's history, the Independence location has NO identity! I'm sorry, but not too much good to say about this and I root for Pompillio's! HELP, please change your ways!!
(1)
Cathy R.
I have only been here once, but it is certainly a place to experience. On a weekend night, the place will be packed, with standing room only in the bar while you wait for a table. Fortunately we were seated in a medium sized dining room, not the smallest and not the largest, which seems to have a diner-like feel. My Alfredo pasta dish was excellent. The service was slow, but as I said, the place was swamped. My husband did not particularly like the lasagna; it was dry. Interestingly, while we waited at the bar, I asked someone next to me what she recommended. She said she gets the meatball sub with a side of sauce. I think that may be the key: if you like lots of sauce, order extra. Of course the place is full of character and nostalgia. Between the fact that it's been there forever and the connection to the Rain Man movie and the photos of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in the bar, you have to go at least once.
(4)
Francois A.
Ate here for a birthday dinner. It was chosen on its reputation though I had heard background that the food was slipping. The evening started as I waited for a young bartender as she looked at me but never offered service. Finally another woman offered me a wine list but did not know what the house wine consisted on and explained the price was on the list. When our waitress left one of our party commented that she should have been a bus driver. No interaction period. I bought the sampler and it came covered no smothered in sauce that taste similar to most store bought sauces. Worse meal I have ever tasted in any Italian restaurant period. I assume the meatball though tasted burnt was from a freezer bag. Everyone's pasta was overcooked and mushy. Service was marginal at best. Food was more in line with a fast food pizza joint. Liked the old tables.
(1)
Sean R.
Best Italian food in the Greater Cincinnati area. You can go to Brio's down the street for twice as much and half the quality but I wouldn't recommend it. Best marinara sauce in the city with great bread. I recommend the Italian sampler. The place has a lot of history and has been open for decades. It was actually in the movie Rain Man in the "toothpicks" scene. Overall dynamite place to eat with a bill around 30 bucks for two people.
My bf and I decided we wanted Italian over the weekend, but not somewhere incredibly expensive or a chain. I remembered Pompilio's being pretty good (I hadn't been in about 4 years) so that is how we decided our dinner destination. I'm not sure if my taste buds changed or what, but neither of us were extremely impressed. It was nice to see a big menu with a lot of classic Italian dishes, but the flavors missed the mark. Nothing incredibly special or flavorful about them. Also, it seemed our waiter was attentive to all his other tables but ours. When you offer hungry people a bread basket, you should bring them the bread basket... A half hour later we had to ask for the bread basket (after seeing numerous tables around you be seated, receive drinks, dessert, bread basket!!! etc. it gets a little frustrating). I was hoping to have a good experience here because I like to support family run businesses in the area, but I'm not sure we will be back. In this case, Olive Garden probably would have been the better option.
(2)
Heather D.
Went there last night for the first time in a long time. Average Italian food, served up with a sense of nostalgia. I ordered the cheese ravioli with meat sauce and my lady friend ordered the scallops. We both liked our meals, but we didn't love them. The house salad was just lettuce and a sour vinaigrette that my lady friend didn't enjoy. However, I really liked my pomp salad. It was bacon-y and ranch-y and I guess you can't go wrong with that. The service is always wonderful. Everyone who works there is kind and personable. I'll go back, but maybe only to visit their outdoor patio. They did have a good beer selection!
(3)
Tom O.
I had been to Pompilios a number of times when I lived in the Newport area 10 years ago. They were always packed and you could count on an authentic, home cooked Italian meal. Was really disappointed after my most recent visit. I was there for lunch on a weekend. There were probably 3-4 tables there. I don't know what their normal lunch crowd is like but the place was practically empty. The meal started off with complimentary bread. It was about as plain as white bread could be and served with butter packets. We orderd the beef toasted ravioli appetizer which came out lukewarm on the outside with an ice cold beef filling. We had to send those back. My Italian sausage sandwich was forgettable and my guest's pasta sampler was a variety of pasta dishes that looked like they had been thawed out from the night before. Really wished that I hadn't made the decision to go there for lunch so I could remember it the way it used to be. I gave them an extra * for nostalgia.
(3)
Amanda T.
Italian food is my favorite! With that being said, I felt that this was an average Italian restaurant, but it was cute. It has an authentic Italian feel. I believe it was also featured in the movie Rain Man. It is always busy especially for dinner. There is a bit of a wait time. For two people we had to wait about 30-45 minutes. The tables are a bit older and rocky and they are seated close together so there is not much privacy. We sat near a large group, which was quite loud. If you are looking for a quiet romantic Italian restaurant this is not it. Their food was okay. I liked the signature marinara sauce. I got it on their ravioli, which was average. It was a bit "al forno," as in the opposite of al dente. I do not like my pasta to be mushy. We got bread and salads before. The dressing was tasty, but again it was just average. It is a cool historical restaurant and I like the mom and pop feel of it. However, there are some updates they could make. I think if you go with average expectations, you will enjoy it as someplace different to try. However, I personally am not eager to go back. I did not see the bocce ball court, but that might make it fun! I guess I have mixed feelings because I love Italian food, but this just didn't hit the spot for me. You'll have to try it out yourself and see what you think!
(3)
Lisa M.
This place has things that I love about it and things that I hate that almost override any admiration. The location, eclectic feel of this place is great. Nothing fancy, you can sense the growth this place has had over generations. The menu is pretty diverse, with it's seasonal offerings and a safe bet with classics like the Linguine and clams, which is the only thing I can look forward to. Of all the dishes I've had: The fried risotto balls are grossly under seasoned. Like gross. There's suppose to be cheese in the center but the balls are too big and the cheese remains cold like cream cheese right from the refridgerstor. I can't stress how bad the risotto balls are. The sauce it is paired with is however excellent. But a nicely prepared sauce can not make up for such a bland ball of rice. there is a dish with an olive oil, olives, garlic and tomatoes with either chicken or shrimp. Pasta is cooked well but it's a certainty that they do not season the pasta water. Very disappointing. This dish needs to have well seasoned pasta water as the olive oil is a richness that doesn't offer a bite. The pomp salad is mediocre. The house salad is very boring. Dry pieces of iceberg, a slice of cucumber and a tomato. The dressing is a house Italian that's sweet. My family member couldn't eat hers. I laughed and tried mine and we worth laughing at each other. Not sure if they make their tiramisu in house but it's pretty decent. The service is hit or miss but always friendly. My last meal was 70 bucks for 2 adults, and 2 draft beers. The linguine I had was worth the 14 bucks and I appreciate the seasonal Christmas Ale. The other $50 bucks was a complete waste. I called management to tell them about my food experience they asked if I wanted something, I explained that the only thing I wanted was for them to tell the head chef his food was not up to par and not meeting standards anywhere in Italy.
(2)
Anthony S.
This is a two star restaurant but I gave it three because they have been able to stay open since 1938 or something like that. For those without a discerning palette, its not bad Italian food. Service is friendly but rushed. On the other hand, if you know good Italian and you expect a special dinner, then select a $$$ restaurant.
(3)
MA C.
I was on my way somewhere else in Newport, when I drove past and decided to finally go. I had always heard excellent things about the handmade pasta, but kept forgetting to go. I got the tortellini and it was excellent; it came with marinara sauce that was standard (I usually like more flavorful things, and would like to try the other sauces). I also got the half antipasto salad that was comparable to a full salad. The antipasto salad was very good and the red wine vinaigrette was wonderful. I would say the greens could be a little more romaine, but I wouldn't let that sway you. I ordered the lemon cream cake for dessert and they were out, but went with the tiramisu and it was awesome-homemade and it tasted like they didn't skimp on any ingredients as the cream was very rich and thick.
(4)
Mac B.
Let me tell you...I am a STICKLER for my Italian food. I am really picky...but when my mother suggested this eatery on our visit back home to see her family I RELUCTANTLY went along. The restaurant is cute and very clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Now onto the food... I ordered the calamari and the mussels for an appetizer and I was so excited when the calamari wasn't tough and chewy. It was perfectly cooked! The mussels were amazing as well! My mother ordered the linguine with clam sauce, i tasted it and was completely in love with the sauce! I had the sea scallops and they were flavorful and cooked to perfection. I loved the Rain Main memorabilia and the fact the owner came over and asked how we were. The family who owns this restaurant is amazing! So attentive and GREAT Italian food! Newport's gem!!!
(5)
Cara L.
Friendly staff. Get the build your pasta with tomato vodka sauce. I hear the wings are good. They have bocce ball courts on the back patio.
(5)
Ben S.
If I were starving and this were the last restaurant on earth, I would definitely consider eating here again.
(1)
Rick S.
GREAT experience! I had the veal fritter and it was outstanding! I have girls 8 & 10 and they loved it. It was opening day for the Cincinnati Reds so they were VERY business but our waiter did a good job staying on top of everything. We will return for another visit.
(4)
Heidi S.
Not sure ppl give this place such mediocre reviews - it is a great Italian place in the area. I always try something new!! If you are in the area - give it a try.
(5)
Geri L.
Have wanted to go there for years. I was kinda disappointed . When we arrived , fresh bread was put on the table . The waitress asked for our drinks, my husband ordered a coke, I asked for sweet & was told they only have ice tea & raspberry tea. I chose ice tea with lemon. Someone else brought my husband's drink & was told mine would be here in a minute. When my tea arrived, thete was no lemon & very little ice. I ordered the meat filled ravioli & my husband ordered lasagna . The waitress stated it was cheese & my husband said OK but add meat sauce. We also added a house salad to our meal. My husband ordered Italian &I got blue cheese. The house salad was greens with a cherry tomatoe cut in half & 2 slices of cucumber. Our meal arrived. Mine could have used some fresh grated parmrsan cheese on it. I used what was on the table. My husband got a dish that was about 5 inches tall & about 7 inches long. He ate about 1/4 of it. I tasted it & it was real cheesy. Now I like cheese but he's not real wild about it. The taste was a real odd . When I was done the waitress came by & asked if everything was ok, then asked what was wrong with my husband's dinner. We told her it had a' real chess taste " & he just didn't care for it. She offered it to me & I stated no thanks. We are wanting to go back & try different items on the menu.
(3)
Karen D.
I finally made it to Pompilio's a few weeks ago, a friend and I were in Newport and decided on Italian for dinner. I've wanted to try since the popular Rainman fame days and I love a good lasagna. We ate outside on the back patio on Sunday night, our waitress took our drink order right away, but then she was seated five tables, so it took some time for her to come back to take our orders. I went with the lasagna and friend went with an angel hair pasta dish. Our house salads arrived a few minutes later along with bread, but the bread looked like it came right out of a cheap under $1.00 loaf and the salad was disgusting. Plain bagged salad, the table next to us had caesar salad, I asked to switch and the table assistant took care of the request. Once our main dishes arrived, they were okay, the marinara sauce was okay, but the noodles and ricotta cheese was quite bland, my friends dish was tons of pasta, but barely any veggies with the dish. I expected more from Pompilios but was disappointed.
(2)
Justin M.
Just not good. I won't get into any of the historical mumbo jumbo and Hollywood appearances that everyone else has already covered. I'll just cut to the chase. The food is just not good. At all. We had about 10 people get 10 different things. Everything we tried, and we tried a lot, was blah. It all tasted like it had been sitting in the back, and then nuked in the microwave. The lasagna, which was what I ordered, was a big slopping pile of luke warm sauce that had obviously been poured on top of the lasagna noodles as opposed to being baked within the dish. The special, a pumpkin risotto with salmon was inedible and for the $20 asking price, a compete ripoff. The beer that I had tasted completely flat and watered down. Turns out, it was. We were eventually told the keg was near the end of its life and for some reason they still served it to me. I am only giving Pompillio's 2-stars for the aforementioned nostalgic decor and friendly service. The waitress we had was very helpful and attentive. If you want to experience the scene from Rainman (okay I had to mention something about it) then I recommend going here. Otherwise, just stay away. There is far better Italian in the area.
(2)
Sarah A.
The food was awful; the sauce tasted like watered down ketchup. The ravioli's tasted like they were microwaved from a frozen store-bought bag. The waitress had no idea which wines went well with which food (and had no interest in finding out for us.) They serve wonderbread with little butter packets. By far the WORST excuse for an Italian restaurant I have ever come across. I tried emailing the manager twice and never got a response. (Of course he wasn't available while I was actually in the restaurant.) DO NOT COME HERE! There are so many fantastic Italian restaurants in the Cincinnati/ Newport area. There is no point in wasting your time and money here.
(1)
Stephanie H.
Good authentic Italian. I love Pomp's salad because they have the best ranch dressing that you can even buy and take home. My first visit I got the spaghetti and meatballs, which was good but the meatballs were overdone. My most recent visit was last week and I got the chicken Parmesan, which was pretty burned on one side. Next time I will likely try the lasagna. Delicious mussels though. Order w a side of garlic bread!!
(3)
Krystyna C.
I will never set foot at Pompilios ever again. Nothing can be said or done to make me go back to that horrible and pathetic excuse for an Italian restaurant. My husband and I love Italian food and we have really tried to find that awesome "hole in the wall" Italian place in the area that we could go to. Pompilios is no where even close to that. Our waitress was rude, and you could tell that she just didn't want to be at work that night. Not one smile and she rolled her eyes at me when I asked her for a wine recommendation. I ordered the eggplant parm and I was SO disappointed with this! Hey- Pompilios! Do you KNOW what an eggplant parm is supposed to look like??? It's supposed to be crispy and fried and delicious with chunks of mozzarella cheese. What you served me was worse than a grade school cafeteria. It was a soggy disc the size of a hockey puck. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that you fried them last week, froze them, thawed them, then microwaved them. I hope you show up on an episode of Restaurant Impossible so Robert Irving will flip your table of "authentic Italian food" all over your floor. And all of Northern Kentucky knows that you love your sauce and are always promoting it, blah blah blah. Well let me tell you what doesn't taste good?? Is when you take an entire jar and pour it over WELL over cooked rigatoni noodles and that nasty, disgusting excuse for eggplant parm. I have had people ask me for Italian recommendations and I make sure and tell them about you guys, and the horrible food you serve. Your Italian relatives are probably rolling over in their graves knowing what you've done to their name and to their food. If I could give you 0 stars, I would have.
(1)
Bridget B.
I went to this locally iconic restaurant with a few family members the other day. The food was fine. Nothing spectacular, but satisfactory. They serve bread prior to dinner, but it is sliced Italian Bread with butter, nothing great or unique. The service was good. Our waiter was very attentive and was able to answer any questions we had about the menu. I would say for the atmosphere, and decent food it is a good place to visit if you are hungry in Newport, Ky.
(4)
Kati M.
Have been here many times so was expecting the same Surprisingly not the case . the food stunk!! There were 5 of us and we all had the same opinion. First my husbands lasagna was served in this teeny tiny dish Then they replate and it's cold.now its brougjt back to the table warmed up it definitely was not fresh Pasta was tough gummy and nasty. No flavor to sauce and the layers had congealed into one big lump I had cannelloni which resembled a lump of congealed cheese. The meat filling tasted like it had been sitting since last week. The others in our party said this will be the last time. Too many other GOOD restaurants to waste money just on the old world charm. Also about time they start using real napkins and tableclothes White Castles is around the bend if I'd want to use sand paper napkins. Definitely a 2 thumbs down!!
(1)
Billy Bob K.
I used to love this place recently the food seems more doughy less special. Service is always hit and miss. A shame been coming here for 30 years. Seems to be slipping
(3)
Christen C.
This was the second time we had the wonderful Tracy and really enjoyed her! She has great energy and is so friendly. We will be requesting Tracy the next time we come in. I'm also a server and really admire her positively. Ill remember her great attitude on my next shift :) The food and wine was tasty!
(4)
Dave D.
Service was good. Great selection of beer and wine. Veal Marsala was not good. It was veal strips (little gristly and not very tender). s" and a much too sweet sauce. Rain man crew special was excellent and lasagna is always good. I guess the key is to stick with marinara. Maybe a 4 if I try again.
(3)
Laura S.
Our waiter , Pedro , was cool, but the bread was lame and the veal Marsala was semifinished with one piece of veal. Pedro was. Good waiter
(3)
Charles F.
Got to say this is my favorite Italian restaurant in the greater Cincinnati area. The food is delicious and the portions are good. The atmosphere is comfortable and rustic and the service is good. The only negative thing I can say is that it is always packed and on a Friday or Saturday evening you do have quite a wait though that speaks to the popularity of this restaurant, bravo.
(5)
vickki c.
been going to Pompillios for 30 years and have found that it was great in the 80's so when they redecorated something was lost. The sauce tasted canned. Right now it can be a nice family restaurant with fair prices, good service but I think they could improve the sauce even now. We go there with groups because we can all relax and find something we enjoy.
(3)
Katie U.
Yes - this place was in Rainman. But beyond that it is far from extraordinary. The menu is standard Italian fare - nothing groundbreaking in terms of selection or taste. Everything is several dollars more expensive than it warrants. The salad I got was disappointing - small with very wilted lettuce. Also, the waitress was downright grumpy - paying very little attention to us (we got no drink refills) and acting like we were a burden though we didn't ask for anything special (she acted disgusted just taking our order). I will not be going back.
(2)
Leon S.
Atmosphere, service and food was outstanding. Our waiter was right on his job. He made sure everything was satisfactory and was quick to serve us. The food was as good as we had in Italy.
(5)
Ben B.
Didn't enjoy a whole lot but it was cool that Rain Man scene was filmed here.... As for the food, Italian restaurant, didn't have Carbonara so I ordered chicken parm, alot of chunky tomatoes and not much cheese, just not my cup o tea. Girlfriend really seemed to enjoy their cheesecake saying its better than cheesecake factory
(2)
Lam D.
I really really really wanted to love this place. They filmed my favorite movie here Airborne! Unfortunately it wasn't a pleasurable experience at all. I came in during a weekday lunch and it wasn't too busy and we got a table right away. First thing I noticed was the flies. They are everywhere! I was able to look past this since I realize it can't be helped at times. All together we ordered the Lasagna, the Spaghetti and meatballs, and the meatloaf. The meal started out with the bread which was just sliced white bread in a basket. I personally didn't enjoy it and it just sat in the middle of the table mostly untouched. Lasagna/Spaghetti didn't taste good because of the disappointing red sauce. It tasted a lot like ketchup that was watered down. The meatball were really dry as well . The meatloaf suffered a lot of the same issues as the meatballs, just plain dry. I would guess they both contained too high a percentage of bread crumbs to meat. All in all, it filled our tummies but left my heart empty. They also didn't offer a "basket of fries" which was ordered during the movie Airborne.
(2)
Josephine M.
This place was awful. I went there for a fundraising event and I didn't even get served. I was there for 45 minutes and not one server ask if I wanted something to drink. The people I was with already ordered there food before I got there and there food was serve cold. No one asked if they liked there food. The server was awful. I never got to eat or drink anything. I left telling them thanks for not serving me. I will never come back again. I would rather eat dog food then be treated like this.
(1)
Alic M.
I love this place! I remember my grandmother taking me here as little girl. It was one of her favorites and now one of mine! I kept the tradition and now take my children as well. You can always expect a good meal with whatever you choose. The people there are incredible. If you're looking for a great family restaurant Pompilios is a must!
(5)
Marc S.
A friend mentioned this place was good as we were driving past one day, so we came back the next. :) Got the sampler , which was tasty, although it was swimming in marinara. Service was friendly. Will go back again .
(4)
Rich G.
My relationship with this restaurant can be likened to going back to your ex- time and time again to try to make it work. Eventually, it hits you that no matter how much effort you make, it just isn't going to happen. 20-30 years ago, Pompilio's was one of my very favorites. Now it doesn't even rate as a least favorite. What should be their stock in trade---Italian food--is bland, tasteless, and slightly greasy. Not even an unhealthy dose of salt seems to help. Within 30 seconds of ordering the house salad, an obviously pre-packed bowl of boring iceburg lettuce was shuffled to the table. The bread basket was somewhat stale and the butter was frozen. The waitstaff seemed to lack any real interest or concern and the entire restaurant ambiance was uninteresting. This, sadly, was my last attempt at reconciling with Pompilio's of the past. It just isn't going to happen.
(1)
Cindy G.
This is such a hard review for me to write because this is such a historical and nostalgia type place, but unfortunately that is probably the only thing keeping this place open. To start off, I ordered a bloody mary that tasted frankly like a bucket of barbeque sauce which was odd? I passed it around the table and not one person would drink it. Free booze and it's that bad? Yes. We had a big group of around 8. We started with some apps, that were OK at best. Then we ordered a variety of entrees. I ordered their "famous lasagna." I usually always go with what they say they do best. What came out what the most disgusting display of food I have ever witnessed. The lasagna was so soggy and tasted defrosted, or watered down. The ratio of ingredients was horrible. The entire thing was basically ricotta. And as for the famous red sauce, there was a heaping pile of it slopped on top adding absolutely no flavor, texture, or anything to the dish. I get that it is old world, but come on people. This was so bad, I feel gross just thinking about it. Bottom line, it was inedible. Again we passed it around and some of the men in my family are like garbage disposal's and they wouldn't even touch it. My dad ordered the special which was a pumpkin risotto with tilapia. Everything was beige, No color, no texture. The risotto was so overcooked it was also inedible. The taste all around was bland. It didn't even taste like there was salt, let alone a hint of any other flavor. The only glimpse of hope was a meatball sub in which we took the overcooked meat balls off of, and fought over the garlic bread it was on. I get that it is old world. And now I understand why when we walked in it looked like a nursing home. This is where people used to go, but hopefully I will never have to not eat, here again if that makes sense. Went home starving. The service was okay and why I'm giving this place two stars instead of one. I hate to do this to a place's reputation, but be warned.
(2)
Gerri H.
mobile review Have always enjoyed Pompilio's and tonight was as good as always! People are so used to chains they don't recognize good old fashioned home made Italian food. I grew up in an Italian family and this feels like home. I had the Italian sampler which is huge, filling and tasty. Plenty to take home. Husband had the shrimp pasta with feta and ate every bite. The antipasto appetizer was true Italian and very good. Service was excellent. Not sure of her name but older lady in the front room. A great experience!
(5)
Mariah M.
The lasagna is out of this world delicious. My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place. If they could remove all of the carbs & calories out of the dishes we would eat here every weekend (perfect world). ;p
(5)
Juliane S.
This is a historic Italian place - yes it was in Rainman but I think the history of being open during the gangster era is by far more interesting. My partner ordered a chicken pasta dish that was absolutely out of this world. I ordered a half spaghetti, half ravioli dish that was OK, I was expecting more out of their marinara sauce. Another member of our party ordered a veal dish and it was not good. The veal was dry and the dish was bland with little to no flavoring. I also expected more out of the bread - tasteless. The service was very good and they have an excellent wine list. Bar is decent; I was disappointed in their beer selection.
I love Pompillios! If you want a food chain experience don't go here. if you want an experience at a local place with great food... run here now!
(5)
Joshua F.
The food here was delicious and our server was amazing. Thank you to Tracy and the rest of the staff here.
(5)
Dexter H.
Six year resident and multi property owner in Mansion Hill, along with developing a 92 unit restaurant nation wide; I'm utterly disgusted by this joke, which is unfortunately situated one block from my personal home. I went in alone tonight with the expectation of having a quick dinner. I sat myself on the on patio, because who seemed to be the hostess, was sitting on the bench at entry, talking with who may have been an employee or a friend? Sat at a table alone on their beautiful patio, only to be told, by a wreck of a server, that "I could be served, but she was serving the entire restaurant, so she may forget me". I literally laughed at her and walked out. I then called after I left to speak with a manager, and was told he could not come to the phone, because he was busy "running around" on their "closed patio". I don't fire people, I develop them, but I would have fired everything about this poorly operated establishment tonight. Currently siting at the Eagle in OTR, enjoying everything. I will never set foot in that train wreck again... Good luck General Pomp, and please, don't stop what we as investors in Newport, have been trying to accomplish... I'm literally ashamed...
(1)
Keith C.
I am newer to town and was really excited to try this establishment. I got the sense, after dining, that it's popularity is by and large based in its nostalgia and not the actual quality of the food. Prior to going to a new restaurant, I usually like to snoop around the online menu to mentally prepare myself for what I should expect, so when I saw the prices and the descriptions prior to my visit, I thought "upscale" Italian joint (not elite), and was genuinely excited. When I got there, everything from the decor, to the one cheap paper napkin (more available upon request at no charge), to the dirty silver ware was very disappointing. Dinner itself wasn't bad, but it didn't merit the price out entrees fetched - Olive Garden does a better job on some of the more "simple stuff" and is considerably cheaper. I get that this place is a staple in the neighborhood and that generations of families have been going for years, but I don't see my family ever going back unless I hear something transformational changes (quality increases to match the price or price comes down to match the "fast casual" quality). Our service was good for what it's worth. My wife and I don't drink and often get rude treatment from staff at even the nicest restaurants but our waitress was on top of her game despite also taking care of a large party of approximately 20.
(2)
Sarah W.
Nasty. Watery alfredo, flavorless tortellini. Bathrooms are a nightmare, old and seemed dirty. Server was pretty good, food came out quick, and portion sizes were good, but I was just not a fan of the food. Don't think I'll be going back.
(1)
Kathy G.
Great Italian food. My favs are eggplant Parmesan and anything with their marinara sauce...it's the best. Food is hot and fresh, always authentic Italian. If they would eliminate smoking in the bar, it would be even better. Would like larger, nicer wine glasses.
(4)
David H.
Had the lasagna lunch special, same great texture/flavor iv come to expect from Pompilios. Been eating here since I was a kid - never have I had bad service including today from my waiter Tracey. She was courteous and never let our bread basket or beverages run dry. Thanks Tracey!
(5)
Austin M.
Didn't even get to the food, 98 degrees inside and a cool 70 outside. Help took 20 minutes to get us seated. When we asked to be seated elsewhere they declined. I can only comment on the service and their stale bread but I will never be back.
(1)
Sandra F.
This place rocks! I want to try everything on the menu because they all look delicious, but my favorite is the Poached Salmon & Dill Sauce! The pricing is very reasonable and staff is fast and friendly. This is one family owned restaurant I like supporting. The building itself has alot of history and character. I just love it here!!
(4)
Joe B.
My first time coming here what a great place awesome freshly prepared food hot and what a waitress Leanne ask for her she was phenomenal a great place to spend your birthday dinner. Great ambiance. .
(4)
keith g.
The best Italian and red sauce in the world. I eat here every time I am in town.
(5)
Manu M.
I am baffled. Really. This place has been listed as the best Italian restaurant in some local publications. I was looking to do something cool, and this turned up as one of the locations for the great film, Rain Man. So we chose this place as our Friday dinner spot. The place was full to brim, and it seemed like it was full of local families, which i thought, is always a good sign. There are some Rain Man memorabilia on the walls.We waited for some 20 minutes before we got a table. I got a beer from the bar so the wait was ok. By this time we made our choices from the menu. For antipasti, we got a bruschetta. I am not exaggerating, but we felt the bruschetta came out of some fastfood chain kitchen. It got the looks, but soggy and tasting bad. Each of us had one piece which we somehow finished. So much for the McShetta. I ordered a Ravioli, with Pompilios Meatball sauce. My wife ordered a Shrimp Ronaldo. None of the dishes impressed us. May be i don't like Meatball sauce. I had liked Meat sauce from Bella Luna and i wanted to experiment a little. The experiment was a failure. My wife went into the desperation mode and ordered a bunch of desserts. A Tiramisu, and 2 cheese cakes. Tiramisu was not as good as the one in Olive Garden. And that says something. Cheesecakes were adequate, did not open any new door for me. Anyways my bar for desserts is pretty high due to living close to Bonbonerie. I had checked into this place on Facebook,thinking that i would add something like "and xxc was so delicious" but that never happened. For once, i am happy that only 2 people liked my status.
(2)
Kristina C.
We came here on the recommendation of others. The bread was served stale with generic butter squares. The "salad" was a bowl of lettuce with a slice of cucumber and three very small cherry tomatoes. He had spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce was too sweet and the noodles were drowning. I had the bow tie pasta. It was also drowning in the olive oil but was completely devoid of flavor. Our service was horrible. We saw our waitress only when she took our order and delivered our food. We had to ask the bus boy for a refill on our drinks. I would never consider this an authentic Italian dining experience.
(1)
Hans G.
I went to Pompilios for lunch and got their Italian Sampler. The food was very good, but I was a little surprised with what seemed like lack of effort that went into the presentation of the meal. Everything on my plate was swimming in marinara sauce like they just slopped it on. It wasn't so much that it didn't look appetizing, but I literally couldn't even see my food because there was so much sauce. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. For the sampler and the cheesecake I had for dessert, I spent $20. I'd go back again someday.
(3)
Chris C.
Smokers in the bar while we were waiting was very irritating to my eyes & lungs. The only thing that saved me was standing in the open doorway to outside (it was balmy) for 45 minutes. I would have given another star if there was NO smoking. I was not the only one bothered by the smoke. They were quite busy on this Tuesday evening. Dinner was very good, both food & service. I was there with a group of 12. My Shrimp Ronaldo was very good & came with a nice salad for $12.79. My friends said their food was also very good. We will go back when they are completely smoke-free.
(3)
James M.
Love this place Get the sampler! Also love the Italian bread and the house salad dressing The food quality has gone down hill the last couple of years but overall still a very good place!
(4)
Rl H.
Just bad! 25 min wait on a Thursday night. Vynil kitchen chairs. Personable waitstaff. Salad is a bowl of ice burg lettuce with a cherry tomato and two cucumber slices. Tasted like cafeteria food. Manacotti was a dense microwaved lump with
(1)
Angela C.
We recently attended a rehearsal dinner here and had a decent experience. The waitress seemed overwhelmed by our group but it's probably understandable. It took a really long time to get our food, but there were a lot of people. Service varied from very nice to so-so depending on who was at our table at the time. The restaurant is pretty big and has a nice bocce ball court and patio area. The food was fine- I'm not sure if it's the type of place you get fresh made pasta (except their ravioli and lasagna), but I would agree with Alex S. that it's slightly expensive for what you get. That being said, the folks who ordered the scallops were very happy and I had a taste- pretty delicious. Not sure if this would be my go-to place for Italian, but it's friendly and good if you want to have a leisurely night with some bocce ball.
(3)
Justin B.
The food here is quite disappointing these days...I heard that it's under new management. My last visit was dreadful! Every time I go, I always get the cheese ravioli with the Bolognese sauce. Well, the ravioli was obviously frozen ahead and boiled to order. This makes the pasta very mushy and it tasted like freezer. The Bolognese sauce was also disappointing as well. The tomatoes were just chopped into 6-8 pieces and thrown in with the meat. The mushrooms had a rubbery texture as if they were from a can. And the sauce was not cooked properly since the liquid was very thin and the ground beef was still in relatively large clumps which would fall apart after an all-day simmer, like a Bolognese sauce should have. My date had a lasagna that was made from components that were freezer burned (and badly so...) and the pasta was so overdone that it turned into a texture-less paste. I do not go out to a restaurant to eat worse food than I can buy at the supermarket and prepare at home. I used to eat here at least once a month...now, I'll never go back.
(1)
MR Z.
My wife and I had another wonderful experience here at Pompilios! We appreciate the rustic, cozy atmosphere and great traditional fare. Our server was Tracy, and we thought she was very friendly and genuine, caring about our dining experience. I would recommend.
Not sure how this place gets best Italian every year. The food is bland and drowned in sauce. The only time I eat there is for their $5 lunch specials
(2)
Amanda K.
I ADORE this place! I've made all of my friends go with me and they have all enjoy it just as much as I do! The ravioli (homemade by the owner herself) is beyond delicious and there's something about the ranch dressing they put on their salads that is extra tasty. The atmosphere is totally relaxed and comforting, just like the food. Most of the service is great (with the exception of one older female server who does NOT take well to having to split a check, or serve customers under the age of 25 it seems). The bread seems to be boring, but just save a little for when you are finished eating and eat it with your extra sauce. Then you'll understand why you get that bread! I love Rainman and I LOVE this restaurant!
(5)
De'Jay H.
This has been my 2nd experience to Pompilio's and I'm pretty sure my last. The first time I thought might of just been an off day, wasn''t impressed by the store bought sliced cold bread, nor the cold butter packets they give you that only destroy the bread when you try to spread it. The salad is clearly store bought regular bagged salad. Like Dole... and each time that I've been to Pompilio's the salad has looked to be a day or 2 old. I believe the dressing is store bought as well. The fact that they don't have free refills???? That is just plain stupid. Moving forward we ordered the calamari for an appetizer... What a mistake. We usually love calamari but this was TERRIBLE! They only gave you about 6 - 7 pieces of actual calamari, and it was soft, and under cooked. Not crispy what so ever and it was on a plate full of pasta sauce and a big piece of leaf lettuces??? Speaking of their pasta sauce, its more like tomato paste with big pieces of canned tomatos in it. We had our server get the manager and told them what a disappointment our experience was at this point with the crappy bread, 1 or 2 day old salad and the horrible appetizer. The manager did say he was going to take the appetizer off our bill. Then our main courses came. Ugggggh... yet again a disappointment. The pasta was something that tasted like store bought that you just heat up in some hot water, I've already told ya about the pasta sauce, chicken was good but what fried chicken isn't? Meatballs were nothing to rave about. 1 out of 10 I'd give this place about a 2 for food. I would of much rather of gone to Olive Garden... Karlo's Bistro,.... or McDonald's. Just like everyone else we were sucked in by the fact this place has been open since the 30's and that a part of a famous movie was filmed there. Other than that save your money and go get dinner worth enjoying.
(1)
Matt B.
I have alway had good meals here. Great local "joint" to eat with friends or family. I just recently took advantage of their $5 lunch special. Great deal for lunch. I always see someone I know when I go.
(4)
Donielle W.
Good food, but overpriced. It's got an awesome atmosphere, and I love family owned places. It's espicially awesome that they've been around for so long. But, I honestly prefer Olive Garden.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Caitlin G.
I had looked forward to trying Pompilio's given the praise I'd heard and my love for true old family Italian joints. However, it was clear Pompilio's is resting on their laurels, and I was greatly disappointed. My parents and I came here to celebrate my mom's birthday and decided to go all out, ordering some appetizers and salads in addition to our entrees. We had the toasted ravioli, which was probably my favorite thing I had there, and the caprese salad. The caprese salad was small for its price, and the mozzarella tasted pretty ordinary and did not have the decadent moisture that I expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna, which was underwhelming. Tasted a bit like it had been prepared the day before and had been sitting under a warming lamp. I did like the sauce and the fact that the dish wasn't overly heavy as some lasagna dishes can be. The absolute KILLER though was that they do not offer freshly-grated Parmesan. WHAT!? If I wanted to ruin my "authentic" Italian dinner with store-bought cheese dust, I would have carried my refrigerated Kraft Cheese Parmesan Shaker in my purse. Maybe it's an Italian family tradition to use this stuff, but I haven't encountered that custom at other authentic Italian restaurants. I do have to give some credit for the fact they do have the bocce ball court here, although it was December and I couldn't play.
(2)Chuckie G.
What a fantastic place. I have been coming to Pompilio's since I was a baby. I remember being infatuated with the coin operated select-o-matic jukeboxes on the tables. What's to say. Eggplant parmigiana is to die for. Their bread is fantastic. Sauce is delicious. So five stars? I wouldn't say the place is an extreme value but nostalgia and quality eggplant parmigiana together are priceless. Five stars. Funny story... one of the grandchildren of the owners was hitting on my then girlfriend/now wife and invited her out to dinner here. Heh it was funny because I had already beat him to it! If you read this... sorry man the secret is out!
(5)N M.
Overrated ... Ok Italian food. The rain man scene being filmed here makes it worth a visit.
(2)Robert M.
Come for the bocce stay for the food. Have the lasagna and you will be very happy
(5)Nicholas A.
Old style Italian food without anything going for it.
(2)Jessica S.
If you want authentic Italian food in NKY, don't pass up Pompilio's! Located a few blocks from Newport on the Levee, this is by far the biggest bang for your buck, especially for Italian. The portions are perfectly-sized: not too big, not small, and priced right. Our service was fast, which was a pleasant surprise given that we were there on a Friday night during Restaurant Week. My Italian friend said I could include his thoughts in my review: "Let them know a real Italian likes this place!" I definitely plan on being back for food and for bocce!
(4)David C.
While most people rave about this place, I thought it was rather average. After a long wait, I ordered lasagna - which didn't take long to come out, but was tasteless. The nostalgia of this place may keep it open...but I don't think I'll return.
(3)Eric G.
One comment we heard from a friend after our visit to Pompilio's was that it can be, "kind of hit and miss". Mark us down for 2 misses. We arrived just before 6:30 on a Friday evening, we knew we might run into a wait, as reservations are not accepted. We were told appx 45 minutes and the estimate was accurate. The bar where we spent most of that wait time was ornate and interesting, I can see why it was chosen for a short scene in Rainman. Having browsed the menu on line, we had our appetizer picked out in advance, the Toasted Ravioli ($6.95). During the short wait for the appetizer and our wine we tried the bread, just like momma used to buy at the local grocery store and just like the presliced bread you could pick up at any local Kroger. The the ravioli and our salads came; the Toasted Ravioli was very good, hot and melty inside with a tasty marinara, but the salads looked and tasted like they were just poured out of a bag. A hit and a miss. With our entrees ordered my hope was that the budget friendly menu prices were because they cut some corners on the bread and salad while concentrating on the entrees. Miss. My Brasciuole ($11.50) and my wife's Chicken Picatta ($11.50) were just plain disappointing. Round steak is not the best cut of beef, but done right there is no reason for it to be as tough as mine was and my wife was curious as to how they were able to make her meal so bland. Desserts were Cannoli ($5.25), Tiramisu ($5.25) and coffee, Hit, hit, miss. The dessert dishes were both sweet and good, but the coffee I got tasted burnt, like the end of a pot that has been on the warming plate too long and it was that taste in my mouth that we made our exit. The service was quick and efficient, if a little brusque. I liked the atmosphere and was really ready to love the place which probably added to my disappointment. Sadly, I really cannot recommend Pompilio's as a top notdh Italian restaurant.
(2)Bea D.
I like a few dishes here. The vegetarian angel hair is a favorite, but be prepared for the garlic breath that will follow. Some dishes ate just plain unflavorful. The dinner salad and bread are unremarkable. Service seems adequate and friendly. This place is very crowded for dinner on the weekends. Be prepared to wait. The bar area is unfortunately too small to handle the crowd. Cigarette smoke pervades the entire restaurant.
(3)Leah C.
Their food is moderately good, but I stick to the same dish or two when we go, which averages out to be twice a year. One time I remember having an outstanding waitress, the next time a grumpy one, but that happens. Honestly, though, and I'm not trying to be rude, who would suggest going here just for the Rain Man connection? Granted, I think that movie is good, but it's over twenty years old! I don't go to Kmart to buy my underwear just because Rain Man did!
(3)Michele G.
My parents used to take me here when I wasn't able to drive myself. I hate to say I would drive to a different Italian restaurant. I know people who love this place. I wonder if it is because the movie Rain Man was filmed here. I am not a huge bread eater. My friends who came with me are and love their bread. The food is o.k. you get what you pay for, I just like a better quality. I got the chicken parmesan. It looked like 3 over cooked children's chicken strips deep fried and set atop of pasta with melted cheese. It was rubbery. I will go back but not for the food. The back patio is a good place to drink.
(3)Irish F.
Pompilios has always been a reasonably priced place for decent (never outstanding) food. Oddly, their wings are VG. But I had to write to prevent folks from making the "marsala" selection. Waitress even steered me to it when I proposed my choices. One of the worst meals I have ever had. Veal was presented as "strips" (not medallions) of overcooked veal that curled and mushrooms mixed with pasta and a sauce that I cannot even describe except to say thick broth with an acidic taste with a hint of marsala. I prefer a non-chain establishment anytime, but Carrabas will beat this place hands down on everything for the same price point on Italian food and will not scrimp on the ingredients.
(1)Mike D.
Pompilio's is the quintessential neighborhood italian joint. It's a neighborhood staple, where people come "every friday night" for years and years. Like many people, I have been coming here since I was a kid. I took my soon to be wife on our first date here. And for a while I stayed away. Everything felt like it was going through the motions. In the past year or two, however, Pompilio's has been revitalized. They've added some really good menu items, on the top end and the bottom. The Bocce Ball courts have been fixed up, and the service has improved. Favorites for food: Artichoke Spinach & Cheese Dip and Toasted Ravioli for appetizers Chicken Milanese, Chicken Florentine, Shrimp Ronaldo, Italian Sausage Hoagie, and Three Cheese Tortellini for entrees spend the extra money for a caesar salad, its delicious Comparing the bread to the olive garden is downright silly. Gimenetti Baking Company makes the bread fresh every day, and they slice it at Pompilio's on a bread slicer from the 1920s, and if you notice, the bread almost goes stale by the time your meal is done = no preservatives. Wonder Bread? give me a break. They have specials going on all the time. Last night was 1/2 price wine and appetizer night, and they'll be having a Christian Moerlien and Great Lakes Brewing Company beer tastings in the coming weeks, according to our host Larry, who was handling a really busy night fantastically.
(4)R.J. s.
$5.00 Lunch. Do I need to say anymore? Fast friendly service from a waitress who has waited on me here for 30+ years. Fountain soft Drink salad and Egg Plant with pasta $5.00 Pompilio's is always great. Plus you never know what Campbell County Celebrity you might see dining there.
(5)Tara B.
Love this place... bread is delish... I always get the bolognese. There is a classic feel to this place. Usually I don't like places that go for a theme, but this place is almost theme-y without annoying me. My only complaint is tiny glass bottled soda that is super expensive. I love my fountain drinks. Price is decent and food is good. That's all I need!
(5)Kasey M.
We usually go later in the evening when there aren't many people. The service is usually superb. The food has always been great. My favorite is the fried ravioli. I can't give it 5 stars because the last time we went, our favorite waiter was actually pretty grumpy to us (and we tip very well). Must have had a bad night.
(4)Jennifer R.
Went here out of curiosity after reading about it's use in several films as a location. The food is good and the ambiance is nice. I'm super-patient and have low standards when it comes to servers, but even I think they are a little slow and could be more attentive. The last time I went, I ate my entire meal without a drink because the server forgot. I think it's fun and has an interesting past; unfortunately, I think this is one of those places that relies on its reputation and the idea that they are "the best" and therefore slips up in certain areas. The parking is kind of a nightmare; I'd actually like to park further away and walk than have a battle for a space. All in all, I'd go back if someone said, "Hey, let's go to Pompilios." I'd take out-of-towners if I had a reservation just because it's a fun place. I probably wouldn't risk a large party or special occasion like a birthday.
(3)Lauren F.
Back in Newport's darker days my dad brought Mom to this great little restaurant. It's been a family favorite for too many years to count. It was my favorite date night and family night location for nearly a decade. It's also the place that scene in Rainman with the phone book and the waitress was filmed (you can find all kinds of photos and posters on the walls). One night my dad whispered to me that Cincinnati Bengal's coach Marvin Lewis was just heading out after his meal and I looked up just in time to spot a tall dark frame with a friendly face before he exited, pretty cool! This family owned, historic and slightly kitschy location has great food, reliable servers (many who have been there for years) and a really great if crowded bar area. Call ahead for seating or sit at the bar to wait for your table. If your unsure of what to order and you're not a vegetarian, try the Italian Sampler.
(5)Ss S.
I love Pomps. Always have and always will. This restaurant has been a nky establishment for years. This is where you find the locals and possibly a few movie buffs that are visiting the area. If you didn't know already, this is the restaurant where they filmed Rainman. You know the scene where they drop the toothpicks on the floor and Hoffman counts them all. Anyways, about the food. You can expect to find your traditional Italian dishes here. I usually stick with the sampler platter or the Rigatoni Ala Teresa, can't go wrong. The food is always constantly good. It's not a fancy joint. This is the Midwest people. You go here for a good meal and reasonable prices. If you are looking for a fancy Italian meal then you might want to hit up palominos over Tiffany's in Cicny. They also have an outdoor patio and bocce ball court that is open in the summer. Great place to relax and enjoy food. FYI, if you are not a drinker, this place does not have free refills on soft drinks. Each comes in a glass bottle. If you haven't been , I suggest you get here to get your Italian fix.
(4)Sean B.
Pompilio's is practically an institution - this place has been around for some time and they know what they're doing - which is casual, Italian fare with no pretense. This is your standard Italian spaghetti and meatball/iceberg salad kinda joint, so don't go expecting them to pronounce bruschetta "broo-skett-uh" or ricotta "rick-goat-eh." The food isn't spectacular, but it is pretty good, and this is a good place to take large groups and kids. In the summertime, relax out on the back patio and enjoy a Peroni and game of bocce. Bocce leagues run Monday-Thursday nights during the summer.
(3)Johnny B.
I cant believe no one has reviewed this place yet. I've been going to Pompilios since I was born, so you have to take my review with a grain of nostalgic salt. That being said, as far as Italian hole-in-the-walls go, this place rocks. Half the waitresses have been working there since my parents started dating, and they have the standard red and white checked table clothes. The prices are pretty reasonable. They have all the traditional Italian American fair, and I have never been disappointed. I always get the Rigatoni with meatballs. Hasn't betrayed me in 20 some years. My mom and girlfriend love the eggplant. I also think they have homemade ranch dressing for the salads. If it's store bought, I want to know what store. I usually eat about 5 pieces of their bread. I dont think they bake it in house, but it has to be from somewhere around the corner b/c it is always so fresh and delicious. Bonus points for the old-school bar in the front that has a very "neighborhood corner tavern" feel. But it can get smokey. They also have tons of Rainman memorabilia since the toothpick scene was filmed here.
(5)Kara K.
The family & I went here on a Saturday night to celebrate the March/April birthdays. As a party of 7, we had quite a long wait, but it was well worth it. We grabbed a few seats at the bar, ordered drinks and some appetizers while we waited. There aren't many frills here - expect to be crowded in your seat, but the food more than makes up for it. I went with the ravioli with bolognese sauce & it was delicious. Everyone ordered something different, but everyone was happy with their meals. The chocolate cake was more like a mix of cake & mousse, but it was definitely to die for. Not very expensive and great service, if not for the long wait, I'd be back all the time.
(4)Heather J.
Very traditional old school italian - it's the ambiance and kind of grumpy wait staff that you gotta love and the lasagna is great!
(4)Mike S.
I'm surprised by some of the negative reviews. Really good, old school Italian, we sat outside by the bocce courts. Seems like it can get pretty noisy and crowded inside. We had no problems with the service. Would definitely go back.
(4)Valerie G.
Slow service and a bit overrated... The bread very well may be butternut brand sandwich bread and their chicken parm from a frozen kit. Apparently if you have your restaurant in a big film, you don't really need to have good service or food...
(3)Rise G.
I am always excited to eat at Pompilio's. The chicken and cheese tortellini San Luci is probably the best pasta dish I have ever had. The house red wine isn't too bad either. Make sure you take a big appetite with you when you go because they don't skimp out on portions.
(5)Adam M.
Big black vinal booths, friendly and serious Italian cooking and the home to a scene from Rainman...what's not to enjoy?
(4)Molly H.
I am a fan, it's traditional Italian, when family comes to town it's always a stop, they are very reasonably priced as well.
(5)Scott N.
I've lived in Cincinnati all my life, with the exception of the two months I lived in Dayton, Ky. Today was my first visit to Pompilios. I was excited because I love Italian food and I was interested to see all the Rain Man stuff. I'll give Pompilios one star for the Rain Main stuff. I'll give it another star for the gorgeous bar. I'll give it a third for the $5 lunch special! Now THAT is a deal. No stars for the food, I'm afraid. It was just okay. I had the grilled chicken pasta with olives, sun dried tomatoes and olive oil. The chicken tasted like it was pulled from an overdone baked chicken you can pick up at Kroger. The chicken was in no way succulent. It was the dry, crispy outside pieces. Note - I have never noticed the chicken at Kroger being overdone. Saying the chicken in this dish was like overdone Kroger baked chicken is an allegory. Anyway, I've used the word Kroger more times in this review than the word Pompilios. I guess that says something. Though some of the reviews on here give me pause, I would be willing to give the place a try for dinner sometime.
(3)Katherine M.
I love this place. My sister had her rehearsal dinner here back in like 1999 because it was where her and her husband's first date was, and that is my earliest memory of this place. I remember loving it - they have a patio out back that is great for that kind of thing, and the food was so good. I have been consistently going since then (let me be clear, I was like 12 in 1999) and loved it. Their sauce is amazing (I buy it at Remke's a lot - I need to get some when I'm back home because it is delicious) both meat and marinara and their pasta is delicious. One complaint (a big one for my husband) is that they do Coke by the glass bottle. And it's kind of pricey. But honestly, it's worth coming for the food and I like the cute little bottles. It is really cute inside - kind of close together, really full, and this old "Italian" feel that has that great we painted it to look this way feel that I love so much. The booths are super comfy if you can get one. Parking is a mess - be careful. It's a thin lot and people park crazily. I suggest parking on the street if you can. The pasta is great - their tortellini is my favorite and I always have leftovers. The bread they serve is always fresh and delicious. And it's well priced. A good Italian staple.
(4)J H.
I love this place for their eggplant parmesan and their embracing of whole wheat pasta. You can sub whole wheat for many of their traditional pasta dishes which is great! I always start with an antipasti platter, an italian salad and the eggplant. The garlic bread is fantastic but with cheese it can be a bit too heavy. The bar area is smoking and they do serve soft drinks in little glass bottles (no free refills) but it's all about the atmosphere and the food at Pompilios! Also on the night before the Flying Pig they got us in and out and on our way at a reasonable hour which we appreciated since they don't take reservations!
(5)Alex S.
There's a famous scene in 80's classic "Rain Man," where a waitress, played buy unknown-at-the-time Bonnie Hunt, spills a box of toothpicks on the floor, and savant-Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, knows exactly how many are on the floor. It's amazing. That scene - filmed right here, in the family owned classically - Italian Pompillio's. A friend of mine once told me that Pompillios' feels like someone's kid sister is taking your order and bringing you food. That's very very true. Everyone is full of smiles and down-home charm. Forget the corporate-nonsense of Olive Garden, when you come to this place, you're family. The food at Pompillios' is decent. Not the best Italian meal I've ever had, but the meatball on top of my spaghetti was large and freshly cooked and the sauce was thick and tasty. I was quite happy. A little expensive for what it was, but oh well. Plus, it's such a landmark of popular-culture - and don't they know it. "Rain Man" posters and pictures and autographs and memorabilia line the walls. They've even put together a giant cloth mural depicting scenes of the movie above the inner-doorway. And on the mural? Why, the toothpicks from the scene, of course. I'm not sure I would go back again just for the food, but if a hungry movie lover came to town? There's nowhere else in Cincinnati I'd rather taken them.
(3)Jeremy M.
If you've ever seen the 1987 classic "Rain Man", you've seen Pompilio's. And if you visit Pompilio's, you will eat classic Italian food. I came here with my girlfriend Kayla to celebrate our one month anniversary. It took a few minutes, but we were finally seated and after a few minutes more we were able to place our orders. I went with the cheese ravioli in meat sauce and a Caesar Salad, while Kayla got the spaghetti with sauce and meatballs with the tossed salad. Everything is HUGE here. And by huge, I mean the meatballs were big and the raviolis were big, and the salad portions were large. And both ravioli and spaghetti were just swimming in sauce. We each got a Coke, although I was surprised when our server asked if we wanted it in a bottle or from the fountain. The menu made it seem as though the bottle was the only option. They need to update that. Another thing that needs some minor help: the bathrooms. As this place is pre-ADA by quite a bit, I'm willing to let the fact there was no accessible stall slide, but they were so small that turning the wheelchair around was simply not going to happen, thus I dock a single star here. Therefore, Pompilio's gets a 4 out of 5. Great food, decent service. You do pay for the experience (around $33 for two people pre-tip), but it was overall worth the price.
(4)Scott C.
as an Italian from NY who can cook Italian better than most places. this has got to be one of the worst places I have ever eaten.. while the service was good the sauce tasted like they opened a # 10 can of sauce and added far too much garlic powder. no other flavors came thru at all. the toasted ravioli however was done to perfection the dipping sauce however well see above.
(2)Greg S.
I took my two daughters here as I thought they would be intrigued by the "Rain Man" connection, and I had enjoyed meals here in the past. There is a good amount of parking nearby, if you find there is not enough room in their lot. We entered through the bar side, mainly to start the evening off by seeing where the movie scenes were filmed. We then traversed the restaurant to the more formal dining side. We were at first escorted to a ridiculously cramped table in the far corner of the room. When seated, there was barely enough room to breathe as the distance from the seat to the table was incredibly tight. This would be acceptable only for a couple sitting on one side. We moved ourselves to the next booth up, and found it to be very comfortable. Our waiter turned out to be extremely friendly. We ordered drinks, water for me, root beer and Sprite for my daughters. These arrived promptly, though we were surprised that they came as a 12 ounce bottle of root beer, and an 8 ounce bottle of Sprite; both served with a glass of ice. I ordered the veal Marsala. My oldest daughter asked if she could she get a mix of the cheese and meat tortellini. The waiter said they would be glad to do it. My other daughter ordered the Boneless Stuffed Chicken Breast Florentine. The tortellini did not come with a salad like the other entrees, so a side salad was ordered. A basket of bread and butter was brought out. I was a little disappointed that although it was fresh, it was cold, and was just sliced bread from what was likely a store bought loaf. I expected better here. The salads were simple: Lettuce, grape tomatoes and a couple slices of cucumbers. Two came with the honey mustard (reminiscent of Marzetti's), the other a red-wine vinegar. All were excellent. The entrees arrived hot, and looked fresh. The tortellini was very good, with a nice, fresh marinara sauce. The pasta was cooked well, and the meal got a good review from my oldest daughter. The younger daughter also liked her stuffed chicken. The spinach linguini was perfectly cooked, the sauce was very good, and the stuffing and breading were nice. The chicken was a little bit dry, but nothing that the sauce couldn't overcome. The veal Marasala was the disappointment of the night. While the pasta was cooked well, the sauce was extremely salty. Not to the point of being inedible, but distracting with every bite. In addition, the veal was surprisingly fatty, and chewy. Exactly the opposite of what veal is supposed to be. The night was enjoyable overall. The portion sizes were large; more than half of two of the meals went home in a to-go container. The waiter was very friendly and hospitable, and the atmosphere is excellent for a home town favorite. Expect a wait, on any night, unless you arrive by 5:00. Pompilios is a local legend with a Hollywood past - a perfect combination for a great night out. Although not perfect, we will certainly be back.
(4)Zack F.
Cool atmosphere in the bar area. It's like a time capsule. I'd definitely recommend hanging out at the bar rather than dining in. The food is just OK to me. They do have some vegetarian options, but they are limited, and not particularly exciting. There is an outdoor area out back and in the warmer months, you can play Bocce Ball back there, which is fun.
(3)Christopher H.
As my cousin is a native of the area, I looked to her for options on where to go for dinner. She suggested Pompiio's for it's connection to the movie Rain Man. Not really having any other ideas, I went along. Alas, what she didn't tell me is the food is mediocre at best. I started with a cup of the minestrone, which was mostly a bowl of black olives and a red-base, not at all what I was expecting. I've eaten more than my fair share of minestrone, and not once have I had been bombarded with black olives. I ate around the olives as best as I could (I loathe olives), and found the base to have just an odd flavor. For the main dish I went for their sampler that was a "favorite" of the Rain Man cast. It's a couple pieces of ravioli, a piece of lasagna and a couple other items haphazardly tossed on a plate and doused with a red sauce. The sauce itself was meh, and the rest of the food didn't do much for me either. Unless you're a movie buff and just want to say "I was there!" the next time you're watching Rain Man on DVD, you can skip Pompilio's.
(2)Leigh H.
So, this is the second time I'd been to Pompilio's, but only my first time actually eating there. The first time, my fiance and I were basically ignored for twenty minutes trying to get on the list to be seated, while parties who had come in after us were being seated almost immediately. If it's never happened to you, it's pretty infuriating, and it's not the first time this has happened to us. When a group of coworkers decided to go there for a holiday lunch, I figured I'd give them another shot--at least I knew I'd actually get seated this time. And I guess I still just don't get it. Maybe it's because I rarely eat pasta anymore, but I just thought Pompilio's was all hype and no real food substance. The place was busy for lunch, but not packed, and service was middling at best. We did have a large group, but a good server should still be able to handle multiple tickets without problems. I had the tortellini in three-cheese sauce and I felt like I'd eaten a brick afterwards. The dish kind of hardened and congealed as I ate it, making it even heavier and grosser. It was excessively oily as well, and I'm a fan of olive oil in just about everything. If I go back I'll make sure to get a marinara dish or something non-pasta, because the Cesar salad was pretty good, and I hate to write off local institutions without giving them another chance. I'm glad to see a local institution doing strong business, so two stars for now, until my next trip. Maybe the third time really will be a charm.
(2)Janna W.
I am 9 months pregnant and craving their braciole. It is the only thing worth ordering IMO. My Nunnie makes it better but Pompilios is within a top 5 which says A Lot! Their sauce is on the sweet side which is not how our family makes it but it'll do when I get to savior braciole when living so far from my grandmother. It's always tender and always served with plenty of sauce and Italian bread to sop everything up.
(4)Charles L.
I read the reviews and I was worried.! My French wife and I found the meal great. My daughter had the scallops fired over pasta and she loved it. It was Monday night and the special was a great bottle of wine and appetizer for 1/2 price. The calamari was great over a mariner was fantastic. My wife had ravioli and again the sauce was made with fresh vegetable and was spicy, the way we both like it.
(4)Kira S.
I have lots of great memories of Pompilio's. It was always the gathering spot for our family when someone was in town or there was a special occasion. As a kid I always thought it was cool that Rain Man was filmed there and they had a bunch of the memorabilia hanging up. Now I love Pompilio's for a different reason: the delicious food. Everything I've tried on the menu has been great. And there's something for whatever kind of food mood you're in. I believe you have to judge an Italian restaurant on their spaghetti sauce. It's on most entrees, and if they don't know how to make good sauce, they probably don't know how to make much else. Pompilio's sauce is great. Especially their meat sauce, which I don't usually like anywhere. They actually have meatball meat in theirs which is so much tastier than whatever other places use. The outdoor patio is great in warm weather. Lots of space to sit and a good atmosphere. They also have a bocce ball court with tournaments. Drinks are pretty cheap too, so you can relax outside for a while without worrying too much about the tab. The only negative to this place is the service. It's fast enough, but not always the friendliest. They tend to know a lot of the regulars, and if you aren't one, you feel a little left out. They don't make a lot of effort if they don't know you. My favorites: the spinach artichoke dip for an app, and just plain spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. Usually I feel silly ordering spaghetti when I can make it at home, but when it's this good, it's worth it.
(5)Michelle O.
Visited Pomplilios for the first time on Sunday. Love, love , love! The food is wonderful, generous entrees (we could've have shared the tortellini) and the service was helpful and courtesy without lingering. For two entrees with salad and bread and two crafts beers came to $50 with tip. Not too bad for a great meal with plenty to take home for lunch tomorrow. Overall Pompilios was a enjoyable dining experience. Cant wait for warmer weather so we can enjoy a meal on the charming patio. We're looking forward to visiting again and again .
(5)David G.
I grew up in the Northeast in a very Italian neighborhood and this restaurant serves the authentic Italian food I am used to. I thought there was no hope in getting even a decent meatball, but they changed that.
(5)Stephen G.
Don't get me wrong... I like Pompilios. But I used to LOVE it. Then we had a succesion of indifferent server experiences and on our last visit they had switched up the recipe for my favorite thing on their menu, the Chicken Marsala, as well as jacking their prices up far beyond what I consider to be a reasonable level (especially in the current economic climate). Consequently we haven't been back since maybe the start of this year. I can't see why people rave about the bread. It's soft, bland and boring as far as I am concerned, no better than the cheapest loaf from a dollar store. Crunchy freshly-made bread for the win, please! The extra point they could otherwise get for serving ice cold Coke in glass bottles is, sadly, withdrawn as the Coke is the regular HFCS-laden nastiness rather than the proper stuff with real sugar in it. The atmosphere works - despite almost everyone having to walk through the smelly smoking area to get to their table - and they are rightly proud of their association with the hit movie "Rain Man". Good, but was great. Could be great again with a little work and less snotty servers.
(3)Randall R.
You have to wonder why this place is so popular. It seems to cater to an older crowd with bland seasoning and mushy pasta, and that's ok. You learn to expect things like a salad composed of all iceberg lettuce, plus one slice of cucumber and a cherry tomato. But when an Italian restaurant serves spaghetti that is too mushy to twirl and too soggy to fork, you have to wonder. My wife left half of her mozzarella panini, and as she said, you have to really work to screw up a toasted cheese sandwich. Pompilio's is a nice place, it's close and the prices are more or less reasonable, but the food is just not worth ordering.
(1)Jessica C.
I could eat the sauce by itself! It's delicious
(4)Paige M.
Remember old school Pompilio's with the jukeboxes at each table? I've grown up with this restaurant, evolving from my childhood favorite, "The Best Grilled Cheese In The World" to their signature ravioli dishes. I also really enjoy the eggplant Parmesan and antipasto appetizers. It's not the best Italian food I've ever had, but it eats, and is consistent in flavors. Pompilio's is one of restaurants you get a hankering for every so often, and has a signature taste you can only experience here. Order water with your meal. Soda is served in little glass bottles which is around $2.00 with no refills. Service here has always been quick. My favorite experience included an adorable elderly waitress with a beehive hairdo. She mistakenly used a straw to write down our order. I watched a tomato nonchalantly roll off a salad plate as she carried them to our table. Later, she brought over a disorganized fist full of checks, shuffled through them confused, but had memorized the exact price of each of our orders. I was impressed and amused, she got a great tip. Lovable Italian Grandma...she adds to the restaurant's character! One huge compliment for Pompilio's is that although the restaurant permits smoking, the smoking area is walled-off, completely separated by the kitchen from the non-smoking area. The entrance is in the non-smoking section, allowing customers to never experience the smell of smoke if they choose not to be around it. Thank you, Pompilio's! Price per person: $12.00
(3)Kelly L.
I've eaten at Pompilio's 3x and I cannot believe the reviews this place gets for good food. Atmosphere is 5 stars-very cool. But food. BLECH. Go because you want to see where Rain Man was filmed or to play bocce' ball out back. Don't go for the food. I mean this.
(2)Jessica K.
Love Pomillios! I live a couple blocks from them and eat there often. The customer service is great and the food is awesome.
(5)Ann W.
I love this place! I love the food, love the service. Not to mention the best italian food in the city! Nothing compares
(5)Christopher G.
I love me some Italian. So far nothing beats Vito's Cafe, where performing arts students sing show tunes to you while the server waits for you to sample the wine, but credit where it's due: Pompilio's was my first independent Italian after I moved here, and it's still pretty high on the list. I won't bother mentioning the Rain Man scene with the toothpicks; the other reviewers here seem to have it covered. But I will mention that the place really, really wants you to remember it. There's memorabilia from the shoot everywhere, tons of stuff signed by cast and crew. It's maybe slightly on the tacky side, but Pompilio's still comes out ahead on the classy front in spite of this, and hey, not every Italian restaurant has so many pictures of Tom Cruise. The atmosphere hovers somewhere between formal and casual; you can get away with either. It's fairly small and intimate, good for dates. It almost goes without saying that the food is excellent, though prices are on par for the fare. It's the sort of place where you want to be a regular, and you want to learn the cooks' schedules so you can come in and get that dish you love done just right. There's outdoor seating for the warmer months, and a small bar facing the street, though I don't imagine most people would go here for that. There are enough options for Italian in this city that you'll likely be offered a lot of other (and better) suggestions. Vito's would be mine. But I'd recommend trying this place at least once. It's certainly not bad; I am giving it four stars, after all. If you want good Italian at a restaurant that doesn't take itself too seriously--and I cannot make that claim for Vito's--this is your best bet.
(4)Jack B.
In my opinion Pompilio's is hands down, the best Italian place in NKY. Don't come expecting a pizza or a meatball sub, the menu here is top notch. Try the calamari alfredo, it's a classic. It's really busy on weekends so, come early. The best time to go is during the week because there isn't an extreme wait. However, if you do have to wait, stick it out you won't be dissappointed. Plus they filmed the toothpick scene from Rainman there! If you like Dustin Hoffman and great Italian food Pompilio's is your place!
(5)Amy G.
This restaurant serves consistently good food. My only complaint is the tiny bottles of Coke products. I would rather have a fountain drink. This place hasn't changed in years and it doesn't need to. I married in to an Italian family and they love the place. We spend the summers on the bocci ball courts. The menu has been updated to include some sandwiches. The lasagna is wonder, as is the eggplant parm. You won't be disappointed with your experience at Pompilio's.
(3)John B.
I didn't want to write this, but it has to be done. Pompillio's is historic and used to be great. I am writing this to review their other location in Independence. With that being said, it also applies to the Newport location as well. I try to support the local establishments, but is going to stop I have been extremely disappointed in both locations. The quality of the food is marginal at best, the service is terrible, and it doesn't get any better. I also don't think the prices support it at all! The only thing I can say is the $5 burger night is the best thing for this restaurant! I think that is sad because it has a great history as an Italian eatery. The Newport location has identity because of it's history, the Independence location has NO identity! I'm sorry, but not too much good to say about this and I root for Pompillio's! HELP, please change your ways!!
(1)Cathy R.
I have only been here once, but it is certainly a place to experience. On a weekend night, the place will be packed, with standing room only in the bar while you wait for a table. Fortunately we were seated in a medium sized dining room, not the smallest and not the largest, which seems to have a diner-like feel. My Alfredo pasta dish was excellent. The service was slow, but as I said, the place was swamped. My husband did not particularly like the lasagna; it was dry. Interestingly, while we waited at the bar, I asked someone next to me what she recommended. She said she gets the meatball sub with a side of sauce. I think that may be the key: if you like lots of sauce, order extra. Of course the place is full of character and nostalgia. Between the fact that it's been there forever and the connection to the Rain Man movie and the photos of Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman in the bar, you have to go at least once.
(4)Francois A.
Ate here for a birthday dinner. It was chosen on its reputation though I had heard background that the food was slipping. The evening started as I waited for a young bartender as she looked at me but never offered service. Finally another woman offered me a wine list but did not know what the house wine consisted on and explained the price was on the list. When our waitress left one of our party commented that she should have been a bus driver. No interaction period. I bought the sampler and it came covered no smothered in sauce that taste similar to most store bought sauces. Worse meal I have ever tasted in any Italian restaurant period. I assume the meatball though tasted burnt was from a freezer bag. Everyone's pasta was overcooked and mushy. Service was marginal at best. Food was more in line with a fast food pizza joint. Liked the old tables.
(1)Sean R.
Best Italian food in the Greater Cincinnati area. You can go to Brio's down the street for twice as much and half the quality but I wouldn't recommend it. Best marinara sauce in the city with great bread. I recommend the Italian sampler. The place has a lot of history and has been open for decades. It was actually in the movie Rain Man in the "toothpicks" scene. Overall dynamite place to eat with a bill around 30 bucks for two people.
(5)Sydney D.
When I was a child, I remember coming here with my Italian American family and we all loved it. I returned a couple of years ago and was not overly impressed and did not find it that enjoyable. My brother-in-law suggested he wanted to go there for his birthday, I was determined to make the best of it. He called to make a reservation, even though it was Monday night and there were only four of us and was told that he would not need any reservations. Of course, when we got there, there was a 20 minute wait. They still bring out sliced soft white Italian bread that is room temperature with rockhard cold butter. Don't get me wrong, we were all hungry and ate it, but just to tide us over. We ordered the calamari as an appetizer. This was definitely the highlight of our meal. Served on top of a chunky marinara with black and green olives and pepperoncini. Next, our salads arrived. First of all, I find it a little ridiculous that a normal side salad cost $2.99, a side Caesar salad cost $3.49 but if you want to sub a Caesar for your salad that comes with your meal, it's not an up charge, it is the full cost of the side Caesar. I could be wrong on those numbers, but it was something like that. The salad look like it was two days old, I picked out a lot of it and then just doused it with my dressing and made the best of it. Onto the entrées. My brother-in-law and mother-in-law both wanted linguine and clam sauce. They were out of that item. So those two, along with myself, order the shrimp scampi. I asked if they could toss mine with crushed red chili peppers to make it spicy. The server said he could just bring me some, I asked again if they could just toss it together in the kitchen? My husband ordered spaghetti and meatballs with a side of Italian sausage. The shrimp scampi definitely had garlic in it but not much other flavor. They did not toss it with crushed red chili pepper with it and the server never offered to bring me any. The shrimp were very overcooked. The spaghetti and meatballs were OK, the meatball was tender and tasty, the red sauce was watery and Just OK. While the Italian sausage had great flavor and spice, the texture was dry and comparable to packed sawdust. We did have tiramisu and lemon cake for dessert. The lemon cake was perfection. I did not try the Tiramisu but my husband and BIL enjoyed it. Overall, I would only go back again if it was somebody's birthday and this was their birthday request. I feel that most customers probably come here for the nostalgia and possibly the outdoor seating area with bocce ball.
(1)Allison J.
My bf and I decided we wanted Italian over the weekend, but not somewhere incredibly expensive or a chain. I remembered Pompilio's being pretty good (I hadn't been in about 4 years) so that is how we decided our dinner destination. I'm not sure if my taste buds changed or what, but neither of us were extremely impressed. It was nice to see a big menu with a lot of classic Italian dishes, but the flavors missed the mark. Nothing incredibly special or flavorful about them. Also, it seemed our waiter was attentive to all his other tables but ours. When you offer hungry people a bread basket, you should bring them the bread basket... A half hour later we had to ask for the bread basket (after seeing numerous tables around you be seated, receive drinks, dessert, bread basket!!! etc. it gets a little frustrating). I was hoping to have a good experience here because I like to support family run businesses in the area, but I'm not sure we will be back. In this case, Olive Garden probably would have been the better option.
(2)Heather D.
Went there last night for the first time in a long time. Average Italian food, served up with a sense of nostalgia. I ordered the cheese ravioli with meat sauce and my lady friend ordered the scallops. We both liked our meals, but we didn't love them. The house salad was just lettuce and a sour vinaigrette that my lady friend didn't enjoy. However, I really liked my pomp salad. It was bacon-y and ranch-y and I guess you can't go wrong with that. The service is always wonderful. Everyone who works there is kind and personable. I'll go back, but maybe only to visit their outdoor patio. They did have a good beer selection!
(3)Tom O.
I had been to Pompilios a number of times when I lived in the Newport area 10 years ago. They were always packed and you could count on an authentic, home cooked Italian meal. Was really disappointed after my most recent visit. I was there for lunch on a weekend. There were probably 3-4 tables there. I don't know what their normal lunch crowd is like but the place was practically empty. The meal started off with complimentary bread. It was about as plain as white bread could be and served with butter packets. We orderd the beef toasted ravioli appetizer which came out lukewarm on the outside with an ice cold beef filling. We had to send those back. My Italian sausage sandwich was forgettable and my guest's pasta sampler was a variety of pasta dishes that looked like they had been thawed out from the night before. Really wished that I hadn't made the decision to go there for lunch so I could remember it the way it used to be. I gave them an extra * for nostalgia.
(3)Amanda T.
Italian food is my favorite! With that being said, I felt that this was an average Italian restaurant, but it was cute. It has an authentic Italian feel. I believe it was also featured in the movie Rain Man. It is always busy especially for dinner. There is a bit of a wait time. For two people we had to wait about 30-45 minutes. The tables are a bit older and rocky and they are seated close together so there is not much privacy. We sat near a large group, which was quite loud. If you are looking for a quiet romantic Italian restaurant this is not it. Their food was okay. I liked the signature marinara sauce. I got it on their ravioli, which was average. It was a bit "al forno," as in the opposite of al dente. I do not like my pasta to be mushy. We got bread and salads before. The dressing was tasty, but again it was just average. It is a cool historical restaurant and I like the mom and pop feel of it. However, there are some updates they could make. I think if you go with average expectations, you will enjoy it as someplace different to try. However, I personally am not eager to go back. I did not see the bocce ball court, but that might make it fun! I guess I have mixed feelings because I love Italian food, but this just didn't hit the spot for me. You'll have to try it out yourself and see what you think!
(3)Lisa M.
This place has things that I love about it and things that I hate that almost override any admiration. The location, eclectic feel of this place is great. Nothing fancy, you can sense the growth this place has had over generations. The menu is pretty diverse, with it's seasonal offerings and a safe bet with classics like the Linguine and clams, which is the only thing I can look forward to. Of all the dishes I've had: The fried risotto balls are grossly under seasoned. Like gross. There's suppose to be cheese in the center but the balls are too big and the cheese remains cold like cream cheese right from the refridgerstor. I can't stress how bad the risotto balls are. The sauce it is paired with is however excellent. But a nicely prepared sauce can not make up for such a bland ball of rice. there is a dish with an olive oil, olives, garlic and tomatoes with either chicken or shrimp. Pasta is cooked well but it's a certainty that they do not season the pasta water. Very disappointing. This dish needs to have well seasoned pasta water as the olive oil is a richness that doesn't offer a bite. The pomp salad is mediocre. The house salad is very boring. Dry pieces of iceberg, a slice of cucumber and a tomato. The dressing is a house Italian that's sweet. My family member couldn't eat hers. I laughed and tried mine and we worth laughing at each other. Not sure if they make their tiramisu in house but it's pretty decent. The service is hit or miss but always friendly. My last meal was 70 bucks for 2 adults, and 2 draft beers. The linguine I had was worth the 14 bucks and I appreciate the seasonal Christmas Ale. The other $50 bucks was a complete waste. I called management to tell them about my food experience they asked if I wanted something, I explained that the only thing I wanted was for them to tell the head chef his food was not up to par and not meeting standards anywhere in Italy.
(2)Anthony S.
This is a two star restaurant but I gave it three because they have been able to stay open since 1938 or something like that. For those without a discerning palette, its not bad Italian food. Service is friendly but rushed. On the other hand, if you know good Italian and you expect a special dinner, then select a $$$ restaurant.
(3)MA C.
I was on my way somewhere else in Newport, when I drove past and decided to finally go. I had always heard excellent things about the handmade pasta, but kept forgetting to go. I got the tortellini and it was excellent; it came with marinara sauce that was standard (I usually like more flavorful things, and would like to try the other sauces). I also got the half antipasto salad that was comparable to a full salad. The antipasto salad was very good and the red wine vinaigrette was wonderful. I would say the greens could be a little more romaine, but I wouldn't let that sway you. I ordered the lemon cream cake for dessert and they were out, but went with the tiramisu and it was awesome-homemade and it tasted like they didn't skimp on any ingredients as the cream was very rich and thick.
(4)Mac B.
Let me tell you...I am a STICKLER for my Italian food. I am really picky...but when my mother suggested this eatery on our visit back home to see her family I RELUCTANTLY went along. The restaurant is cute and very clean. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Now onto the food... I ordered the calamari and the mussels for an appetizer and I was so excited when the calamari wasn't tough and chewy. It was perfectly cooked! The mussels were amazing as well! My mother ordered the linguine with clam sauce, i tasted it and was completely in love with the sauce! I had the sea scallops and they were flavorful and cooked to perfection. I loved the Rain Main memorabilia and the fact the owner came over and asked how we were. The family who owns this restaurant is amazing! So attentive and GREAT Italian food! Newport's gem!!!
(5)Cara L.
Friendly staff. Get the build your pasta with tomato vodka sauce. I hear the wings are good. They have bocce ball courts on the back patio.
(5)Ben S.
If I were starving and this were the last restaurant on earth, I would definitely consider eating here again.
(1)Rick S.
GREAT experience! I had the veal fritter and it was outstanding! I have girls 8 & 10 and they loved it. It was opening day for the Cincinnati Reds so they were VERY business but our waiter did a good job staying on top of everything. We will return for another visit.
(4)Heidi S.
Not sure ppl give this place such mediocre reviews - it is a great Italian place in the area. I always try something new!! If you are in the area - give it a try.
(5)Geri L.
Have wanted to go there for years. I was kinda disappointed . When we arrived , fresh bread was put on the table . The waitress asked for our drinks, my husband ordered a coke, I asked for sweet & was told they only have ice tea & raspberry tea. I chose ice tea with lemon. Someone else brought my husband's drink & was told mine would be here in a minute. When my tea arrived, thete was no lemon & very little ice. I ordered the meat filled ravioli & my husband ordered lasagna . The waitress stated it was cheese & my husband said OK but add meat sauce. We also added a house salad to our meal. My husband ordered Italian &I got blue cheese. The house salad was greens with a cherry tomatoe cut in half & 2 slices of cucumber. Our meal arrived. Mine could have used some fresh grated parmrsan cheese on it. I used what was on the table. My husband got a dish that was about 5 inches tall & about 7 inches long. He ate about 1/4 of it. I tasted it & it was real cheesy. Now I like cheese but he's not real wild about it. The taste was a real odd . When I was done the waitress came by & asked if everything was ok, then asked what was wrong with my husband's dinner. We told her it had a' real chess taste " & he just didn't care for it. She offered it to me & I stated no thanks. We are wanting to go back & try different items on the menu.
(3)Karen D.
I finally made it to Pompilio's a few weeks ago, a friend and I were in Newport and decided on Italian for dinner. I've wanted to try since the popular Rainman fame days and I love a good lasagna. We ate outside on the back patio on Sunday night, our waitress took our drink order right away, but then she was seated five tables, so it took some time for her to come back to take our orders. I went with the lasagna and friend went with an angel hair pasta dish. Our house salads arrived a few minutes later along with bread, but the bread looked like it came right out of a cheap under $1.00 loaf and the salad was disgusting. Plain bagged salad, the table next to us had caesar salad, I asked to switch and the table assistant took care of the request. Once our main dishes arrived, they were okay, the marinara sauce was okay, but the noodles and ricotta cheese was quite bland, my friends dish was tons of pasta, but barely any veggies with the dish. I expected more from Pompilios but was disappointed.
(2)Justin M.
Just not good. I won't get into any of the historical mumbo jumbo and Hollywood appearances that everyone else has already covered. I'll just cut to the chase. The food is just not good. At all. We had about 10 people get 10 different things. Everything we tried, and we tried a lot, was blah. It all tasted like it had been sitting in the back, and then nuked in the microwave. The lasagna, which was what I ordered, was a big slopping pile of luke warm sauce that had obviously been poured on top of the lasagna noodles as opposed to being baked within the dish. The special, a pumpkin risotto with salmon was inedible and for the $20 asking price, a compete ripoff. The beer that I had tasted completely flat and watered down. Turns out, it was. We were eventually told the keg was near the end of its life and for some reason they still served it to me. I am only giving Pompillio's 2-stars for the aforementioned nostalgic decor and friendly service. The waitress we had was very helpful and attentive. If you want to experience the scene from Rainman (okay I had to mention something about it) then I recommend going here. Otherwise, just stay away. There is far better Italian in the area.
(2)Sarah A.
The food was awful; the sauce tasted like watered down ketchup. The ravioli's tasted like they were microwaved from a frozen store-bought bag. The waitress had no idea which wines went well with which food (and had no interest in finding out for us.) They serve wonderbread with little butter packets. By far the WORST excuse for an Italian restaurant I have ever come across. I tried emailing the manager twice and never got a response. (Of course he wasn't available while I was actually in the restaurant.) DO NOT COME HERE! There are so many fantastic Italian restaurants in the Cincinnati/ Newport area. There is no point in wasting your time and money here.
(1)Stephanie H.
Good authentic Italian. I love Pomp's salad because they have the best ranch dressing that you can even buy and take home. My first visit I got the spaghetti and meatballs, which was good but the meatballs were overdone. My most recent visit was last week and I got the chicken Parmesan, which was pretty burned on one side. Next time I will likely try the lasagna. Delicious mussels though. Order w a side of garlic bread!!
(3)Krystyna C.
I will never set foot at Pompilios ever again. Nothing can be said or done to make me go back to that horrible and pathetic excuse for an Italian restaurant. My husband and I love Italian food and we have really tried to find that awesome "hole in the wall" Italian place in the area that we could go to. Pompilios is no where even close to that. Our waitress was rude, and you could tell that she just didn't want to be at work that night. Not one smile and she rolled her eyes at me when I asked her for a wine recommendation. I ordered the eggplant parm and I was SO disappointed with this! Hey- Pompilios! Do you KNOW what an eggplant parm is supposed to look like??? It's supposed to be crispy and fried and delicious with chunks of mozzarella cheese. What you served me was worse than a grade school cafeteria. It was a soggy disc the size of a hockey puck. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that you fried them last week, froze them, thawed them, then microwaved them. I hope you show up on an episode of Restaurant Impossible so Robert Irving will flip your table of "authentic Italian food" all over your floor. And all of Northern Kentucky knows that you love your sauce and are always promoting it, blah blah blah. Well let me tell you what doesn't taste good?? Is when you take an entire jar and pour it over WELL over cooked rigatoni noodles and that nasty, disgusting excuse for eggplant parm. I have had people ask me for Italian recommendations and I make sure and tell them about you guys, and the horrible food you serve. Your Italian relatives are probably rolling over in their graves knowing what you've done to their name and to their food. If I could give you 0 stars, I would have.
(1)Bridget B.
I went to this locally iconic restaurant with a few family members the other day. The food was fine. Nothing spectacular, but satisfactory. They serve bread prior to dinner, but it is sliced Italian Bread with butter, nothing great or unique. The service was good. Our waiter was very attentive and was able to answer any questions we had about the menu. I would say for the atmosphere, and decent food it is a good place to visit if you are hungry in Newport, Ky.
(4)Kati M.
Have been here many times so was expecting the same Surprisingly not the case . the food stunk!! There were 5 of us and we all had the same opinion. First my husbands lasagna was served in this teeny tiny dish Then they replate and it's cold.now its brougjt back to the table warmed up it definitely was not fresh Pasta was tough gummy and nasty. No flavor to sauce and the layers had congealed into one big lump I had cannelloni which resembled a lump of congealed cheese. The meat filling tasted like it had been sitting since last week. The others in our party said this will be the last time. Too many other GOOD restaurants to waste money just on the old world charm. Also about time they start using real napkins and tableclothes White Castles is around the bend if I'd want to use sand paper napkins. Definitely a 2 thumbs down!!
(1)Billy Bob K.
I used to love this place recently the food seems more doughy less special. Service is always hit and miss. A shame been coming here for 30 years. Seems to be slipping
(3)Christen C.
This was the second time we had the wonderful Tracy and really enjoyed her! She has great energy and is so friendly. We will be requesting Tracy the next time we come in. I'm also a server and really admire her positively. Ill remember her great attitude on my next shift :) The food and wine was tasty!
(4)Dave D.
Service was good. Great selection of beer and wine. Veal Marsala was not good. It was veal strips (little gristly and not very tender). s" and a much too sweet sauce. Rain man crew special was excellent and lasagna is always good. I guess the key is to stick with marinara. Maybe a 4 if I try again.
(3)Laura S.
Our waiter , Pedro , was cool, but the bread was lame and the veal Marsala was semifinished with one piece of veal. Pedro was. Good waiter
(3)Charles F.
Got to say this is my favorite Italian restaurant in the greater Cincinnati area. The food is delicious and the portions are good. The atmosphere is comfortable and rustic and the service is good. The only negative thing I can say is that it is always packed and on a Friday or Saturday evening you do have quite a wait though that speaks to the popularity of this restaurant, bravo.
(5)vickki c.
been going to Pompillios for 30 years and have found that it was great in the 80's so when they redecorated something was lost. The sauce tasted canned. Right now it can be a nice family restaurant with fair prices, good service but I think they could improve the sauce even now. We go there with groups because we can all relax and find something we enjoy.
(3)Katie U.
Yes - this place was in Rainman. But beyond that it is far from extraordinary. The menu is standard Italian fare - nothing groundbreaking in terms of selection or taste. Everything is several dollars more expensive than it warrants. The salad I got was disappointing - small with very wilted lettuce. Also, the waitress was downright grumpy - paying very little attention to us (we got no drink refills) and acting like we were a burden though we didn't ask for anything special (she acted disgusted just taking our order). I will not be going back.
(2)Leon S.
Atmosphere, service and food was outstanding. Our waiter was right on his job. He made sure everything was satisfactory and was quick to serve us. The food was as good as we had in Italy.
(5)Ben B.
Didn't enjoy a whole lot but it was cool that Rain Man scene was filmed here.... As for the food, Italian restaurant, didn't have Carbonara so I ordered chicken parm, alot of chunky tomatoes and not much cheese, just not my cup o tea. Girlfriend really seemed to enjoy their cheesecake saying its better than cheesecake factory
(2)Lam D.
I really really really wanted to love this place. They filmed my favorite movie here Airborne! Unfortunately it wasn't a pleasurable experience at all. I came in during a weekday lunch and it wasn't too busy and we got a table right away. First thing I noticed was the flies. They are everywhere! I was able to look past this since I realize it can't be helped at times. All together we ordered the Lasagna, the Spaghetti and meatballs, and the meatloaf. The meal started out with the bread which was just sliced white bread in a basket. I personally didn't enjoy it and it just sat in the middle of the table mostly untouched. Lasagna/Spaghetti didn't taste good because of the disappointing red sauce. It tasted a lot like ketchup that was watered down. The meatball were really dry as well . The meatloaf suffered a lot of the same issues as the meatballs, just plain dry. I would guess they both contained too high a percentage of bread crumbs to meat. All in all, it filled our tummies but left my heart empty. They also didn't offer a "basket of fries" which was ordered during the movie Airborne.
(2)Josephine M.
This place was awful. I went there for a fundraising event and I didn't even get served. I was there for 45 minutes and not one server ask if I wanted something to drink. The people I was with already ordered there food before I got there and there food was serve cold. No one asked if they liked there food. The server was awful. I never got to eat or drink anything. I left telling them thanks for not serving me. I will never come back again. I would rather eat dog food then be treated like this.
(1)Alic M.
I love this place! I remember my grandmother taking me here as little girl. It was one of her favorites and now one of mine! I kept the tradition and now take my children as well. You can always expect a good meal with whatever you choose. The people there are incredible. If you're looking for a great family restaurant Pompilios is a must!
(5)Marc S.
A friend mentioned this place was good as we were driving past one day, so we came back the next. :) Got the sampler , which was tasty, although it was swimming in marinara. Service was friendly. Will go back again .
(4)Rich G.
My relationship with this restaurant can be likened to going back to your ex- time and time again to try to make it work. Eventually, it hits you that no matter how much effort you make, it just isn't going to happen. 20-30 years ago, Pompilio's was one of my very favorites. Now it doesn't even rate as a least favorite. What should be their stock in trade---Italian food--is bland, tasteless, and slightly greasy. Not even an unhealthy dose of salt seems to help. Within 30 seconds of ordering the house salad, an obviously pre-packed bowl of boring iceburg lettuce was shuffled to the table. The bread basket was somewhat stale and the butter was frozen. The waitstaff seemed to lack any real interest or concern and the entire restaurant ambiance was uninteresting. This, sadly, was my last attempt at reconciling with Pompilio's of the past. It just isn't going to happen.
(1)Cindy G.
This is such a hard review for me to write because this is such a historical and nostalgia type place, but unfortunately that is probably the only thing keeping this place open. To start off, I ordered a bloody mary that tasted frankly like a bucket of barbeque sauce which was odd? I passed it around the table and not one person would drink it. Free booze and it's that bad? Yes. We had a big group of around 8. We started with some apps, that were OK at best. Then we ordered a variety of entrees. I ordered their "famous lasagna." I usually always go with what they say they do best. What came out what the most disgusting display of food I have ever witnessed. The lasagna was so soggy and tasted defrosted, or watered down. The ratio of ingredients was horrible. The entire thing was basically ricotta. And as for the famous red sauce, there was a heaping pile of it slopped on top adding absolutely no flavor, texture, or anything to the dish. I get that it is old world, but come on people. This was so bad, I feel gross just thinking about it. Bottom line, it was inedible. Again we passed it around and some of the men in my family are like garbage disposal's and they wouldn't even touch it. My dad ordered the special which was a pumpkin risotto with tilapia. Everything was beige, No color, no texture. The risotto was so overcooked it was also inedible. The taste all around was bland. It didn't even taste like there was salt, let alone a hint of any other flavor. The only glimpse of hope was a meatball sub in which we took the overcooked meat balls off of, and fought over the garlic bread it was on. I get that it is old world. And now I understand why when we walked in it looked like a nursing home. This is where people used to go, but hopefully I will never have to not eat, here again if that makes sense. Went home starving. The service was okay and why I'm giving this place two stars instead of one. I hate to do this to a place's reputation, but be warned.
(2)Gerri H.
mobile review Have always enjoyed Pompilio's and tonight was as good as always! People are so used to chains they don't recognize good old fashioned home made Italian food. I grew up in an Italian family and this feels like home. I had the Italian sampler which is huge, filling and tasty. Plenty to take home. Husband had the shrimp pasta with feta and ate every bite. The antipasto appetizer was true Italian and very good. Service was excellent. Not sure of her name but older lady in the front room. A great experience!
(5)Mariah M.
The lasagna is out of this world delicious. My boyfriend and I absolutely love this place. If they could remove all of the carbs & calories out of the dishes we would eat here every weekend (perfect world). ;p
(5)Juliane S.
This is a historic Italian place - yes it was in Rainman but I think the history of being open during the gangster era is by far more interesting. My partner ordered a chicken pasta dish that was absolutely out of this world. I ordered a half spaghetti, half ravioli dish that was OK, I was expecting more out of their marinara sauce. Another member of our party ordered a veal dish and it was not good. The veal was dry and the dish was bland with little to no flavoring. I also expected more out of the bread - tasteless. The service was very good and they have an excellent wine list. Bar is decent; I was disappointed in their beer selection.
(3)Matthew P.
Appetizer: Fresh Calamari Fritti-$9.69-3.5 stars-Menu Description-Tender calamari hand-breaded, fried and tossed with our Robusto Marinara Sauce, olives and pepper rings. Calamari cooked ok on a bed of mixed olives and their home maid chunky marinara. One of the more unique Fried Calamari dishes I have had in along time. *If you don't care for olives I would steer clear or ask them to hold them. (5 to 10 minute from ordering) Entrée:Classic Italian Sampler-$14.29-2 stars-Menu Description-A favorite of the Rainman cast and crew. Try this "Taste of Italy" platter consisting of our famous lasagna, meat and cheese ravioli, eggplant parmigiana, Italian sausage and a meatballs The plate was very sloppy, I could not differentiate the dishes with all the marinara sauce ladled on the plate. Meatballs where a bit overcooked, Eggplant was a bit mushy and not balanced (too sweet). Ravioli didn't taste fresh, seemed like it was refrigerated and reheated. Italian Sausage was ok it also had a distinctly not fresh Flavor. Lasagna was probably the best thing on the plate but it still missed several marks. The sauce was very mediocre just a basic red sauce. Desserts: Tiramisu -$5.95-5 stars-No Menu Description After a mediocre dinner this dish was the saving grace. It was not only one of the best tiramisu I have ever had but one of the better desserts. I would highly suggest going there and just getting this dish. You wont be disappointed. Service: 3 stars-Good Personality-They got a little busy and seemed under staffed. Our drinks ran out a couple of times but he made up for it with a good personality. Atmosphere: 3 stars-Parking can be a little tough, the inside is in a little need of up dating. It does have a cool old school atmosphere which I enjoy. Overall: 3 stars-A very up and down experience. I am planning on visiting again soon to see if it was just a busy day.
(3)Dan H.
I love Pompillios! If you want a food chain experience don't go here. if you want an experience at a local place with great food... run here now!
(5)Joshua F.
The food here was delicious and our server was amazing. Thank you to Tracy and the rest of the staff here.
(5)Dexter H.
Six year resident and multi property owner in Mansion Hill, along with developing a 92 unit restaurant nation wide; I'm utterly disgusted by this joke, which is unfortunately situated one block from my personal home. I went in alone tonight with the expectation of having a quick dinner. I sat myself on the on patio, because who seemed to be the hostess, was sitting on the bench at entry, talking with who may have been an employee or a friend? Sat at a table alone on their beautiful patio, only to be told, by a wreck of a server, that "I could be served, but she was serving the entire restaurant, so she may forget me". I literally laughed at her and walked out. I then called after I left to speak with a manager, and was told he could not come to the phone, because he was busy "running around" on their "closed patio". I don't fire people, I develop them, but I would have fired everything about this poorly operated establishment tonight. Currently siting at the Eagle in OTR, enjoying everything. I will never set foot in that train wreck again... Good luck General Pomp, and please, don't stop what we as investors in Newport, have been trying to accomplish... I'm literally ashamed...
(1)Keith C.
I am newer to town and was really excited to try this establishment. I got the sense, after dining, that it's popularity is by and large based in its nostalgia and not the actual quality of the food. Prior to going to a new restaurant, I usually like to snoop around the online menu to mentally prepare myself for what I should expect, so when I saw the prices and the descriptions prior to my visit, I thought "upscale" Italian joint (not elite), and was genuinely excited. When I got there, everything from the decor, to the one cheap paper napkin (more available upon request at no charge), to the dirty silver ware was very disappointing. Dinner itself wasn't bad, but it didn't merit the price out entrees fetched - Olive Garden does a better job on some of the more "simple stuff" and is considerably cheaper. I get that this place is a staple in the neighborhood and that generations of families have been going for years, but I don't see my family ever going back unless I hear something transformational changes (quality increases to match the price or price comes down to match the "fast casual" quality). Our service was good for what it's worth. My wife and I don't drink and often get rude treatment from staff at even the nicest restaurants but our waitress was on top of her game despite also taking care of a large party of approximately 20.
(2)Sarah W.
Nasty. Watery alfredo, flavorless tortellini. Bathrooms are a nightmare, old and seemed dirty. Server was pretty good, food came out quick, and portion sizes were good, but I was just not a fan of the food. Don't think I'll be going back.
(1)Kathy G.
Great Italian food. My favs are eggplant Parmesan and anything with their marinara sauce...it's the best. Food is hot and fresh, always authentic Italian. If they would eliminate smoking in the bar, it would be even better. Would like larger, nicer wine glasses.
(4)David H.
Had the lasagna lunch special, same great texture/flavor iv come to expect from Pompilios. Been eating here since I was a kid - never have I had bad service including today from my waiter Tracey. She was courteous and never let our bread basket or beverages run dry. Thanks Tracey!
(5)Austin M.
Didn't even get to the food, 98 degrees inside and a cool 70 outside. Help took 20 minutes to get us seated. When we asked to be seated elsewhere they declined. I can only comment on the service and their stale bread but I will never be back.
(1)Sandra F.
This place rocks! I want to try everything on the menu because they all look delicious, but my favorite is the Poached Salmon & Dill Sauce! The pricing is very reasonable and staff is fast and friendly. This is one family owned restaurant I like supporting. The building itself has alot of history and character. I just love it here!!
(4)Joe B.
My first time coming here what a great place awesome freshly prepared food hot and what a waitress Leanne ask for her she was phenomenal a great place to spend your birthday dinner. Great ambiance. .
(4)keith g.
The best Italian and red sauce in the world. I eat here every time I am in town.
(5)Manu M.
I am baffled. Really. This place has been listed as the best Italian restaurant in some local publications. I was looking to do something cool, and this turned up as one of the locations for the great film, Rain Man. So we chose this place as our Friday dinner spot. The place was full to brim, and it seemed like it was full of local families, which i thought, is always a good sign. There are some Rain Man memorabilia on the walls.We waited for some 20 minutes before we got a table. I got a beer from the bar so the wait was ok. By this time we made our choices from the menu. For antipasti, we got a bruschetta. I am not exaggerating, but we felt the bruschetta came out of some fastfood chain kitchen. It got the looks, but soggy and tasting bad. Each of us had one piece which we somehow finished. So much for the McShetta. I ordered a Ravioli, with Pompilios Meatball sauce. My wife ordered a Shrimp Ronaldo. None of the dishes impressed us. May be i don't like Meatball sauce. I had liked Meat sauce from Bella Luna and i wanted to experiment a little. The experiment was a failure. My wife went into the desperation mode and ordered a bunch of desserts. A Tiramisu, and 2 cheese cakes. Tiramisu was not as good as the one in Olive Garden. And that says something. Cheesecakes were adequate, did not open any new door for me. Anyways my bar for desserts is pretty high due to living close to Bonbonerie. I had checked into this place on Facebook,thinking that i would add something like "and xxc was so delicious" but that never happened. For once, i am happy that only 2 people liked my status.
(2)Kristina C.
We came here on the recommendation of others. The bread was served stale with generic butter squares. The "salad" was a bowl of lettuce with a slice of cucumber and three very small cherry tomatoes. He had spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce was too sweet and the noodles were drowning. I had the bow tie pasta. It was also drowning in the olive oil but was completely devoid of flavor. Our service was horrible. We saw our waitress only when she took our order and delivered our food. We had to ask the bus boy for a refill on our drinks. I would never consider this an authentic Italian dining experience.
(1)Hans G.
I went to Pompilios for lunch and got their Italian Sampler. The food was very good, but I was a little surprised with what seemed like lack of effort that went into the presentation of the meal. Everything on my plate was swimming in marinara sauce like they just slopped it on. It wasn't so much that it didn't look appetizing, but I literally couldn't even see my food because there was so much sauce. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. For the sampler and the cheesecake I had for dessert, I spent $20. I'd go back again someday.
(3)Chris C.
Smokers in the bar while we were waiting was very irritating to my eyes & lungs. The only thing that saved me was standing in the open doorway to outside (it was balmy) for 45 minutes. I would have given another star if there was NO smoking. I was not the only one bothered by the smoke. They were quite busy on this Tuesday evening. Dinner was very good, both food & service. I was there with a group of 12. My Shrimp Ronaldo was very good & came with a nice salad for $12.79. My friends said their food was also very good. We will go back when they are completely smoke-free.
(3)James M.
Love this place Get the sampler! Also love the Italian bread and the house salad dressing The food quality has gone down hill the last couple of years but overall still a very good place!
(4)Rl H.
Just bad! 25 min wait on a Thursday night. Vynil kitchen chairs. Personable waitstaff. Salad is a bowl of ice burg lettuce with a cherry tomato and two cucumber slices. Tasted like cafeteria food. Manacotti was a dense microwaved lump with
(1)Angela C.
We recently attended a rehearsal dinner here and had a decent experience. The waitress seemed overwhelmed by our group but it's probably understandable. It took a really long time to get our food, but there were a lot of people. Service varied from very nice to so-so depending on who was at our table at the time. The restaurant is pretty big and has a nice bocce ball court and patio area. The food was fine- I'm not sure if it's the type of place you get fresh made pasta (except their ravioli and lasagna), but I would agree with Alex S. that it's slightly expensive for what you get. That being said, the folks who ordered the scallops were very happy and I had a taste- pretty delicious. Not sure if this would be my go-to place for Italian, but it's friendly and good if you want to have a leisurely night with some bocce ball.
(3)Justin B.
The food here is quite disappointing these days...I heard that it's under new management. My last visit was dreadful! Every time I go, I always get the cheese ravioli with the Bolognese sauce. Well, the ravioli was obviously frozen ahead and boiled to order. This makes the pasta very mushy and it tasted like freezer. The Bolognese sauce was also disappointing as well. The tomatoes were just chopped into 6-8 pieces and thrown in with the meat. The mushrooms had a rubbery texture as if they were from a can. And the sauce was not cooked properly since the liquid was very thin and the ground beef was still in relatively large clumps which would fall apart after an all-day simmer, like a Bolognese sauce should have. My date had a lasagna that was made from components that were freezer burned (and badly so...) and the pasta was so overdone that it turned into a texture-less paste. I do not go out to a restaurant to eat worse food than I can buy at the supermarket and prepare at home. I used to eat here at least once a month...now, I'll never go back.
(1)MR Z.
My wife and I had another wonderful experience here at Pompilios! We appreciate the rustic, cozy atmosphere and great traditional fare. Our server was Tracy, and we thought she was very friendly and genuine, caring about our dining experience. I would recommend.
(5)Jason H.
The fiancée and I went for dinner last night and were very underwhelmed. We arrived between 8-8:30, but there was still a 25 minute wait (even though there were enough empty tables to seat everyone who was waiting). After waiting nearly 10 minutes, the 3 groups in front of us were seated, but then we had to wait nearly 10 more minutes - while hangrily* eyeing 4 empty tables - before we were finally seated. The pre-dinner bread was boring: thin white bread that tasted like the stuff you get in elementary school. Both the fiancee's meal and mine were bland, and neither came with much protein: I only got 3 small-medium shrimp and 2 scallops in a dinner portion! Also, I'd like to point out that the fun and somewhat exciting historical fact that the movie "Rain Man" was filmed at Pompilio's does not mean the place has good food. The two are completely separate aspects of the restaurant. The only redeeming quality for Pompilio's was that the cannoli we ordered for dessert was good. I would not recommend going here to eat. *hangrily = hungrily + angrily (root: hangry = hungry + angry)
(1)Krista M.
Not sure how this place gets best Italian every year. The food is bland and drowned in sauce. The only time I eat there is for their $5 lunch specials
(2)Amanda K.
I ADORE this place! I've made all of my friends go with me and they have all enjoy it just as much as I do! The ravioli (homemade by the owner herself) is beyond delicious and there's something about the ranch dressing they put on their salads that is extra tasty. The atmosphere is totally relaxed and comforting, just like the food. Most of the service is great (with the exception of one older female server who does NOT take well to having to split a check, or serve customers under the age of 25 it seems). The bread seems to be boring, but just save a little for when you are finished eating and eat it with your extra sauce. Then you'll understand why you get that bread! I love Rainman and I LOVE this restaurant!
(5)De'Jay H.
This has been my 2nd experience to Pompilio's and I'm pretty sure my last. The first time I thought might of just been an off day, wasn''t impressed by the store bought sliced cold bread, nor the cold butter packets they give you that only destroy the bread when you try to spread it. The salad is clearly store bought regular bagged salad. Like Dole... and each time that I've been to Pompilio's the salad has looked to be a day or 2 old. I believe the dressing is store bought as well. The fact that they don't have free refills???? That is just plain stupid. Moving forward we ordered the calamari for an appetizer... What a mistake. We usually love calamari but this was TERRIBLE! They only gave you about 6 - 7 pieces of actual calamari, and it was soft, and under cooked. Not crispy what so ever and it was on a plate full of pasta sauce and a big piece of leaf lettuces??? Speaking of their pasta sauce, its more like tomato paste with big pieces of canned tomatos in it. We had our server get the manager and told them what a disappointment our experience was at this point with the crappy bread, 1 or 2 day old salad and the horrible appetizer. The manager did say he was going to take the appetizer off our bill. Then our main courses came. Ugggggh... yet again a disappointment. The pasta was something that tasted like store bought that you just heat up in some hot water, I've already told ya about the pasta sauce, chicken was good but what fried chicken isn't? Meatballs were nothing to rave about. 1 out of 10 I'd give this place about a 2 for food. I would of much rather of gone to Olive Garden... Karlo's Bistro,.... or McDonald's. Just like everyone else we were sucked in by the fact this place has been open since the 30's and that a part of a famous movie was filmed there. Other than that save your money and go get dinner worth enjoying.
(1)Matt B.
I have alway had good meals here. Great local "joint" to eat with friends or family. I just recently took advantage of their $5 lunch special. Great deal for lunch. I always see someone I know when I go.
(4)Donielle W.
Good food, but overpriced. It's got an awesome atmosphere, and I love family owned places. It's espicially awesome that they've been around for so long. But, I honestly prefer Olive Garden.
(3)