Review by Tony Flood, with additional material and pictures by Heather Flood
Manager, Pedro Almeida and joint owner, Carlos dos Santos outside the restaurant
Any worries I had that one of my favourite restaurants might have changed significantly following new owners taking over were soon allayed when my wife Heather and I dined there recently.
We were delighted to find that the Pomodoro e Mozzarella Italian restaurant in Eastbourne continues to offer an extensive choice of mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices, excellent service and a wonderful atmosphere.
The reason is simple. The new owners, brothers Carlos and Jaime dos Santos, have retained the loyal staff who were their colleagues during the 20-plus years the brothers worked in the Pomodor’s kitchen under previous owner Luca Albertoli. The high standards set by Luca in his 25-year ownership have also been maintained.
It has resulted in remarkable service records for maître Aniello Lauria (over 20 years), manager Pedro Almeida (13 years), Joao (10 years), Manuel (eight years), Pasqua (seven years) and Loris (three years).
Assistant manager Pasqua Daddabbo says: “It is like one big family. We work together so well and have built up a warm rapport with regular customers over many years.”
So the visit by Heather and myself to the Pomodoro e Mozzarella, located between The Devonshire Park Theatre and the shopping centre at 23-24 Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne BN21, was most enjoyable.
We were again able to choose from more than 100 homemade dishes and a selection of superb wines and spirits.
I opted for my two favourites, fresh mussels in white wine and garlic sauce (£10.80) and Spagetti Alla Marinaca, with seafood and garlic sauce (£15.20), while Heather chose parma ham with melon (£10.90), followed by Pizza Prosclutto containing mozzarella, ham and mushrooms (10.80).
For dessert we both chose Coppa Erica – three large scoops of ice cream (in my case pistachio) and meringue, topped with cherries and cherry sauce (£7.40).
This was complemented with glasses of a refreshing fruity rose wine, Pinot Blush (£5.70 per glass).
The Pomodoro e Mozzarella is aptly named. Pomodoro is a tasty sauce made from tomatoes and typically served with pasta, while Mozzarella is a smooth, creamy cheese commonly used in pizza.
In addition to their finest hand-spun pizzas and pasta, there is a large selection of starters, fish, and meat dishes. These include mushrooms, salads, risotto, steaks, chicken, escallops of veal, sea bass, monkfish, scallops, salmon and various desserts that include delicious homemade ice cream. There are also vegan dishes.
This child-friendly trattoria offers a children’s menu for £8.60, and provides low-priced set menus from Monday to Thursday at £15.50 for two courses and £17.95 for three courses (both give several choices).
Another big plus is that the restaurant has two spacious sections which are ideal for both couples (Heather and I choose a table in a corner) and for those dining with family and friends who enjoy a lively, vibrant atmosphere.
New joint owner Carlos dos Santos says: “We cater for everyone and pride ourselves on providing a special dining experience with both excellent food and service at reasonable prices.”
The full menu is available by clicking on pomodoro-e-mozzarella.orderyoyo.com and tables can be booked by telephoning 01323 733800.
The opening hours are Mondays to Thursdays – Lunch 12 pm – 2:30 pm, Dinner – 5:30 pm -10 pm; Fridays – Lunch 12 pm – 2:30 pm, Dinner – 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Saturdays – 12 pm – 10:30 pm; Sundays – 12 pm – 10 pm; Bank Holidays – 12 pm –10 pm.
