Pomelo

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Joanna Currier

Joined 8 years ago

Petite boite featuring fresh, healthful, "global" cuisine.. In Short
Half of a two-location mini-chain, this Inner Sunset spot is tiny and serene, with three two-person tables, four chairs at a window counter and seven seats overlooking the exhibition kitchen. The menu of innovative and diverse dishes changes often, as only fresh, mostly organic foods are used. Asian noodles, Indian salads, Persian soups, Cuban fried dishes and European preparations are just some of the flavorful dishes offered, with choices for both vegetarians and carnivores.

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marrkoss

Joined 7 years ago

Interesting idea. I have to admit before I write this review, that I went here about a year and a half ago, so my memory is hazy. What I do remember however is walking away very satisfied. This place is a great idea on a cold or rainy day. Highly recommended.

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ard6

Joined 8 years ago

A break from the usual. Ate at the Pomelo near UCSF the other day for lunch, have been there several times for dinner. I really like this place - it's a little different than the usual - cool international fusion menu that changes seasonally, quality ingredients, decent wine list with some good local wines, fabulous gelato, sparse modern interior that is exceptionally tiny. It's fun to sit at the bar & watch the cooks prepare your food, or sit at the (other) bar in front of the window and people-watch. Good luck getting one of the 2 tables though. Sometimes I just get take-out because it's more comfortable on my couch. I prefer it for dinner instead of lunch - lunch was insanely crowded, and the menu (& prices) pretty much the same as dinner - I like the lower lighting in the evening, the chance to order some good wine and savor a meal. The food is mostly really good. A couple things I've tried were just so-so (the pastas especially). But since the menu changes often, it's an adventure trying new items.

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femmechat

Joined 8 years ago

Fresh, clean, unique food!. Yum! The food is fantastic. The hosts are almost always SWEET and friendly. They really add to the experience. It is an easy restaurant to navigate for those of us with severe food allergies too.

Downsides: The environment isn't very cozy. Beautifully lit, great art, great size room but the seats are hard and the air is cold. Also, the owners can be a pretty bitchy.

Don't let that stop you. The food is really outstanding!

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jane_smly

Joined 8 years ago

Good food and big portions. I'm surprised at the negative comments about the food, because if there's anything that recommends this place it's the cooking. Pomelo serves up dishes far more sophisticated than its size would suggest - it's a little labor-of-love place that's dying to be a full-scale restaurant. Dishes I liked include the beautifully done Cuban steak, and the healthy soba salads with nice, gourmet ingredients. I live nearby and should go more often but I don't because it's the devil to sit in here, it's so tiny. If you end up perching on the countertop on a stool, it's uncomfortable. Service is iffy. The portions are generous and the prices are decent. Everyone should try it once. And yes, it's really a brilliant place for "a first date" if you're unsure about the person, that reviewer nicely sums it up! It's not too romantic, yet it's intimate and not too noisy.

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miki156

Joined 9 years ago

Delicious. I love visiting this spot. The staff is always friendly and the food is always excellent. My favorite is the Koh Samui that is flavorful and delicious. Plus if you sit at the bar you get to watch them prepare your dish, which is a fun treat.

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frugalgradartguy

Joined 10 years ago

Regular Patron. My girlfriend and I love this cute LITTLE restaurant: their prices are fairly reasonable (though raised about a year ago), the location-themed menu is always interesting, and stand-bys like the hanoi rolls or the lanzhou egg noodles with seared ahi are really good. Plus they have Singha beer and gelato!

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manuel_fernandez

Joined 10 years ago

Dinner at Pomelo. I had a wonderful time the other night at Pomelo. I come often and for once in my life can almost say am a regular at a restaurant. The food is consistent specially my favorite the Havana which reminds me of being in NYC having lunch at a trendy "fonda". Friendly staff and frequent menu updates are a plus.

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p1973

Joined 10 years ago

burned sauce. After hearing so much about it, a friend and I tried Pomelo last night and were extremely disappointed. I ordered the Pasta with bologna sauce and found the sauce to be burned and the pasta over cooked. My friends dish wasn't fabulous either. Considering the other reviews, it could have been an off night in the kitchen. I might return and see if there are other dishes on the menu that are tastier, but only as a last resort.

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mtrager

Joined 10 years ago

I'm addicted to this place. I am such a Pomelo fan. In fact, there was a period when I was going to this restaurant several times a week! The menu is fresh, simple and delicious. Service is good. Nice, cute, ambience. Affordable prices. I am addicted to the seared ahi tuna dish. But, realize this restaurant is TINY.