Tarantino's Pizzeria
Categories:
Restaurants, Italian Restaurants
Details:
Family-Friendly Dining, Group Dining, Lunch Spot
Message from Tarantino's Pizzeria
Beautiful food simply prepared and shared with family and friends--it's one of the most basic and satisfying pleasures of life. All that's needed is a warm heart, a keen eye for the best ingredients and a sense of adventure to lead you to a place at our table.
Editorial by Citysearch
Fill up on garlic rolls, salad, pizza by the slice, pasta, calzones, antipasta and more. Lunch specials are available.Key Points
- Lunch specials start at $4.50
- All-you-can-eat specials
- Fast and friedly Service
Insider Pages Reviews for Tarantino's Pizzeria
Gave them 3 honest tries before writing this review.
1. On a Friday night when they were busy we (and another family also waiting to be seated) tried to get the attention from someone to get our names on a list or to be seated. After 5 minutes of being ignored, we simply left.
2. Called the next day for take out, when we arrived to pick up 2 pizzas, the place was empty, and the woman could not be bothered to do her job. It was us asking "can you help us?" instead of her saying "how can I help you?" Trying to get our pizzas, red peppers, etc. we were treated like she was doing us a huge favor. Fugetaboutit, we just left without our food.
3. A friend finally managed to pick up pizzas for take out, and when we finally tried their food, we gave it just a 4 out of 10. After all that effort, it wasn't even that great!
Posted 05/07/07 | Report Abuse
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Im a picky eater and when i go out to pizza i usually get cheese, I know really daring, but when I went here I tried two very interesting pizzas. One had spinach and was so good and the other one had bell peppers and mushrooms and was all right. You have to look around a bit for this place it is kinda hidden on green street. It is small and the lighting is dim but it seems cozy.
Posted 06/01/06 | Report Abuse
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my roomate and i went here for dinner last night. it is a little hole in the wall place on green street within walking distance from our appartment, which we loved. it is pretty tiny, but they have fantastic pizza! we got the pizza florentine which is a white pizza with spinach. we wanted the regular pizza too, so they made us a pizza that was half and half! it was so good! i ablsolutely loved it. however they do only have cash which can be a bit of an inconvenience but there are banks and atms within a block. the service was very efficient and friendly. i would go there again and i recommend this place for your next pizza outing. they also gave us starburst candies with our check. i thought that was very origional!
Posted 05/31/06 | Report Abuse
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If you are looking for good, inexpensive Italian in a classic red & white checked tablecloths setting Tarantino's is the place for you. While I wouldn't call it gourmet the food is generally of high quality. Make sure you ask them to give you your salad with the dressing on the side as they douse it in Italian dressing. And for those of you who are not on a statin drug I would suggest the dish that is basically a pizza sandwich - two slices pressed together. I had the chicken marsala the last time I went and while a bit greasy, the chicken was cooked perfectly which is a rarity in any restaurant, particularly a place like this. A reliable cheap night out.
PROS: Cheap good Italian
CONS:
Posted 11/17/05 | Report Abuse
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If you're looking for a place that serves up great pizza, stop in at Tarantino's on Green Street. Get there early, though; if you aren't seated by six on a weekend, you may have to wait a while. The pizza is the best we've had in town. Portions are good and prices are very reasonable. The antipasto is another hit. Topped with various meats and cheeses, it is large enough to serve four adults as an appetizer.
Tarantino's does not offer a children's menu, but if you ask, they will make a plate of pasta and meatballs for the youngest of diners. Tarantino's also offers beer and wine. But bring cash-they do not accept credit cards.
Posted 06/05/05 | Report Abuse
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Ya gotta love a place that has red checked table clothes, no pretention and tons of pictures of customers on the wall. Good pizza and straight ahead pastas with generous portions. Great for families, good value. Try the stromboli too!
Posted 04/08/05 | Report Abuse
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Tarantino's is great for when you're craving your basic pasta with meat sauce. They also have a pretty unique pizza called Pizza Florentine. It consists of a blend of cheeses and lots of spinach. Yummm! - vr
Posted 10/31/04 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
The Best Lunch Place in Pasadena!
by SusieQ1122
I love Tarantino's and go there at least once a week. I've never had anything bad there, but a few of my favorites are the linguini with meat sauce and meatballs, the garlic rolls (to die for!), and the deluxe pizza. The pizza toppings are always fresh and delicious, no frozen veggies here!
Bring cash and a healthy appetite cause the portions are big and they don't take credit.
Pros: Great Food, Great Prices, Nice guys working
Cons: Cash Only
Posted 12/04/08
Best little Italian restaurant in Pasadena
by MrsKlingonPasadena
I love Tarantino's. I just got back from lunch there. If you get there between 11 am and 12 noon, it is relatively empty, but don't let that deter you, the food is the best I have ever eaten. They have a to-die-for specialty pizza called Tucci's Special, if it is your first time, I suggest that and an order of their garlic rolls. If you have a business meeting afterwards, I will suggest you bring breath mints, the garlic content in everything is very high and very delicious. Had to give it 5 stars.
Pros: Small restaurant, Good food close distance to businesses of old town Pasadena
Cons: Cash only
Posted 04/03/08
Feeling Hungry and Disappointed
by ElleT08
Be sure to stop by the ATM before coming here, because they don't accept credit cards, cash only! And If you're hungry you may want to eat ahead of time as well. The whole menu is a la carte, even the lunch menu. No salad or even a measly bread stick with your meal without an extra charge. The food has definitely declined over the years and without their coming into the current century on accepting at least debit cards, I'd rather go to one of the other hundred Italian restaurants in Pasadena with better food, customer service and ambiance.
Pros: ok sauce
Cons: cash only, customer service
Posted 02/27/08
For Those in the Know
by MartinStrong
This place is a Pasadena gem. Good food, good friendly service, great atmosphere. Eat in, or order to go, you can't go wrong. I would say that the negative reviews (aside from a couple of just plain losers), are from people who can't appreciate the crowded, warm neighborhood feeling this place exudes. Very New York style. Don't expect some trendy fancy Italian restaurant, go somewhere else, you won't be happy. Arrive early or come later to avoid the wait, bring cash, park in back, drink some beer, wine, dine be happy!
Pros: Food, Ambience, Service.
Cons: Bring cash, you will wait on Friday past 6PM
Posted 02/16/08
No Better than the Mall Italian food
by vielman
It is, what it is, italian mall food outside of the mall. I guess the cash only should be a tip off, you can't dispute disatisfied service to the coins in your pocket. It is an institution because it is cheap eats for anyone that is on a tight budget like large families, students and underpaid Pasadena employee's. The chicken entree's are drowning in olive oil, the fagioli soup tastes like it comes from a can and the marinara probably did come from a can. The Bianca pizza is good, that's about it. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone during the summer because the place is tiny and the server's serve your food drenched in sweat, not enough AC to cool this place down. Considering the place is tiny you would think the cooks and server's could turn these table rather quickly, but they can't. If you are eating in, expect to be there at least 70 minutes, regardless of what you order. Order your pizza ahead of time and to go and eat it at the Paseo Mall.
Pros: Pizza Bianca
Cons: No parking, slow service, really cheap tasting carbs to fill you up
Posted 09/02/07
Decent food, good prices
by michmill813
Tarantino's is a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant, with great prices and large quantities. Our lunch was extremely filling, and everyone was left with the same impression - it was good value, but didn't quite live up to our expectations. The wait staff was pretty slow, as was the kitchen, even though we got there plenty early before the lunch crowd, when it is next to impossible to get a table. I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich, custom ordered so there would be no vegetables on it (except the pesto - is that a vegetable?) Covered in lettuce, I survived. Soup was okay, garlic bread was good. Overall, I'd go again only because it's close to work, and because the pizza smelled and looked REALLY GOOD (although the warning on the menu said a 20 minute wait when ordering pizza.)
Pros: Low prices, Big quantities
Cons: Slow, Small Dining Area
Posted 08/06/07
best place to go!
by webstersmom
everything here is great. i specially love their vegetarian pizza - no sauce no cheese! i know it doesnt really sound good but wait til you try it! their tucci's is also amazing (though it will really stink up your car if you take some home!) their ravioli is the best ravioli ever! we had lunch here a few weeks ago for a friend's bday and she was so glad she was introduced to this place! for a fraction of what you pay when you go to those popular italian chains, this is the way to go! we usually have cash stashed in the car somewhere just for pizza money at tarantino's. the best italian place ever!
Pros: food, staff
Cons: parking, cash only
Posted 07/22/07
Great food, large portions
by jonathanlarson
I've been going here for a few years now, and have never been disappointed!
I've taken friends and they really enjoy it.
my usual is the spicy tomato with angel hair pasta and some bianca... YUM!!
Posted 05/24/07
Great Family Pizza restaurant... Old Timey and charming
by cutandchew
So many great pies are offered. I'm usually a meat eater when it comes to
pizza but they have so many selections that are just as intriguing without meat.
Good service and usually not too crowded if you don't go on a Saturday night.
Never ordered just a single slice. Always went with the whole pie and only been for dinner so maybe the lunch time experience is different. I would think ordering a whole pizza pie would always taste better than just getting a slice unless the slice was fresh or made to order.
I like this place with it's neon signs, old photos on the wall, red and white checkered tablecloths and green outdoor awning over the storefront. Viva la Tarantino's!
Pros: Great pizza, service
Cons: parking
Posted 05/17/07
3 strikes, you're out!
by bheffley
Gave them 3 honest tries before writing this review.
1. On a Friday night when they were busy we (and another family) tried to get the attention from someone to get our names on a list or to be seated. After 5 minutes of being ignored, we simply left.
2. Called the next day for take out, when we arrived to pick up 2 pizzas, the place was empty, and the woman could not be bothered to do her job. It was "can you help me?" instead of "how can I help you." Trying to get our pizzas, red peppers, etc. we were treated like she was doing us a favor. Fugetaboutit, we just left without our food.
3. A friend finally managed to pick up pizzas for take out, and when we finally tried their food, we gave it just a 4 out of 10. After all that effort, it wasn't even that great!
Posted 05/06/07
Slices are sub par
by spamwax
I haven't ordered a sit-down meal here so I express no opinion on the matter. However, I can't imagine that it'd be very good. The pizza by the slice is pretty awful.
After waiting about 20 minutes I was served a cold slice of pie with a big pile of unmelted cheese in the center. The crust was spongey and bland. The sauce was ridiculously sweet and the toppings were (again) cold.
No thanks...
Posted 11/15/06
Not the best pizza, not the worst
by sandilovesdante
If you like garlic in your sauce, you'll love this place. The pepperoni was good, but I didn't like the cheese they used. The crust was just okay, definitely not the thin "New York" style pizza, but the pizza did fold a bit.
Posted 11/03/06
LOVE THIS PLACE
by nojeag
Delicious food, friendly service...stromboli is to DIE FOR. Great neighborhood joint, try to take out here at least once a week. GREAT.
Pros: Excellent Food, Authentic, Vintage
Cons: Small
Posted 10/29/06
pasadena pizza in homey atmosphere
by limgroov
get there early or you'll be waiting. our first time there. no frills, quick, not quite new york, but still pretty good. would definitely go back. a jovial atmosphere.
Posted 10/05/06
Weeknight perfection with pizza and a salad.
by alisonkramer
I've been here a few times now and every experience has been a gastronomical delight. The pizzas are excellent, oozing with cheese, chrused garlic, and loads of fresh toppings. I recommend the special sauce (can't remember the name) instead of traditional marinara. Also, don't miss the garlic knots or house salad with black olive vinaigrette - both delish. The ambiance and the service are equally enjoyable. Jolly italian men cram into a hole-in-th wall joint to serve the crowded, checkered table clothed booths with speed and a smile.
Posted 08/30/06
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE TARANTINO's
by happypasadena
i go to tarantinos at least 6 or more times a month. the garlic rolls (you must, must try these) are addictive and the carbonara (huge serving and very garlicky) is heaven. their pizza bread is amazing. i can't get enough of it. i have them on my speed dial and pick-up very often. it's also very cheap considering how great the food is. this is the no fuss italian eatery that's authentic.
Pros: Garlic rolls, Pizza, Carbonara
Cons: Nothing, Nothing, Nothing
Posted 07/07/05
Now that's Italia!
by jaykayday
This place is so down to earth. The place is bustling and don't take reservations; so be prepared to queue up for a table. My favorite pizza is the Florentine. The service is very friendly service and the prices are great too (cash only). Mangia!
Posted 04/11/05
Get the Garlic Rolls
by dianneinpasadena
This restaurant is extremely inviting for families and friends to get together and hang out. The garlic rolls are amazing.... Great place, great food, well-run!
Pros: Inexpensive, family-style seating, great Italian food
Cons: , cash only
Posted 08/15/04
Great Pizza
by gerryjim
We love this place. The pizza is so good. One of the best I have ever had. We always feel welcome and receive great service.
Pros: service
Posted 06/07/04
Italian Paradise
by svantico
Forget the big chain restaurants! Tarantino's is a wonderful little Italian place perfect for two. It is a hole in the wall and the decor isn't exactly romantic. It's like eating at somebody's house, or at a little authentic deli. The garlic rolls are to die for, the salad is always excellent, and I'm partial to the wonderful Stromboli. I live in the Santa Clarita Valley and find it's worth the 40 some mile trip to eat here. Go for the food (and bring CASH) and you won't be disappointed.
Pros: Great, Great Food, Authentic Cuisine, Mouth Watering
Cons: Not Close To My House, Cash Only
Posted 07/07/03
Prego!
by CShell
Great pizza! And the antipasta is fantastic! I love a place where the staff take the time to get to know who you are. It makes you feel welcome. Like you are part of the family
Posted 10/28/02
Slices of heaven
by lililadaga_citysearch
It looks like a complete dive inside, but the pasta and pizza are amazing. Don't miss the appetizer "salad" that consists of huge, tender slices of tomatoes, artichokes and all kinds of other stuff with flavorful balsamic viniagrette-based dressing.
Posted 08/26/02
Crispy on the bottom, gooey up top
by barryjay
So far the best pizza I've found in Pasadena. A good crunch to the pizza crust, just like NY pizza. The salads are huge and tasty. I've been here several times and have always had the pizza, so I can't vouch for the other dishes.
Pros: pizza
Cons: cash only
Posted 07/17/02
Bring cash for good pizza
by ili32
For a little hole in the wall pizza place that reqires you to pay CASH ONLY!!! It sure does have some great pizza. Forget Pizza Hut and all those 30min or less places...If you are looking for good quality pizza come to Taratino's. Just remember it's cash only!!!
Posted 06/27/02
Think Olive Oil......
by yokoromo
No, not Popeye, Italian food, olive oil and lots of garlic. This place was a life saver when you need a quick lunch. I would waiver between a meatball sandwich and the pizza with salad. One of my favorites was the pasta with olive oil and garlic, but this wasn't the favorite of my co-workers. I only had the nerve to bring this back to my desk once and then I was offered breath mints for the rest of the day.
The ambience is great if you're looking for a Mom & Pop type of restaurant. I could always picture gangsters coming here as a favorite eating spot. You get a lot of food for your money but I agree with all of the other reviews that the service could be better.
Posted 06/26/02
The best pizza in pasadena
by gvasquez
This place is small but great. The foos is tasty and fresh. The prices are some waht reasonable but, its worth what you pay.
Its a cool plce to have some pizza or Italian food.
Posted 06/24/02
great pasta
by gharrison
I really liked thier tomato basil and pasta. The bruschetta was good. The pizza was okay although I got the feeling that there cheese wasnt real, it was a bit rubbery. Cash Only here.
Posted 06/13/02
lunch specials are great!
by nan
the lunch specials are really good and inexpensive-try the combo salad-its 5 different salads on one plate-Its too much for one person....but keep your breathmints handy-lots of garlic! when its get crowded service can be slow......
Posted 06/11/02
Good Food
by jdavid
I went there many times for lunch, I also ordered for pick up. The food is good, nice little place.
Cons: Cash Only
Posted 06/11/02
Best little pizzaria in Pasadena
by lisakatzin
Tarantino's is a dark and comfy mom n' pop sort of pizza place. It's the kind of restaurant where you can take the kids or take a date. The real reason to come here is the great pizza...so cheesy with thick and chewy crust. Their pizza sauce is perky but not a bit sour. My favorite is the plain ol' pepperoni and cheese pizza. They are also pretty quick to serve their pizza by the slice and salad by the boat...at Tarantino's your in and out in a flash, and predictably, their food is always filling and delicious.
Pros: good pizza, comfy atmosphere
Cons: parking difficult
Posted 05/30/02
Little place, great food
by JJones
Working across the street from this place was a life saver at lunch time. I've never been disappointed with the food. Pizza, calzone, pasta, salads, it's all good!
Posted 05/23/02
Just like a home cooked meal
by melisa
I love the food and the staff is very friendly. Great place to have dinner. The restaurant is very small so get there early. If you have to wait, it's worth it!
Pros: food, service
Cons: small, only cash accepted
Posted 05/20/02
all you can eat sghetti
by tada23
they occasionally have this egg plant pasta dish that's great. they have pretty good pasta and pizza (did anyone say shrimp pizza?!). weekdays before noon they have all you can eat spaghetti for cheap..(i think it's about 3.95). the service sometimes is sacrificed during the lunch rush but the help is always polite and friendly.
Posted 05/20/02
Cash Only
by mphillips_citysearch
Good pizza and pasta for dinner. Tarantino's is also a good lunch spot. The pizza (by the slice) and calzone are quick from oven to bag. And the pasta -- especially the pomodoro or putanesca -- is ready in minutes. They accept cash only.
Posted 05/20/02
Get there Early
by Jojo
Definitely a great place to enjoy a classic italian enviroment and good food. Pizza & pasta is good and don't forgot the salad. Add some mozzeralla cheese to it and you'll have the old school version of their salad. Beer's are nice and cold and the service is great... It does get packed at lunch and for dinner on Fridays, so get there early!
Pros: Service, Food, Staff
Cons: long wait, small building
Posted 05/19/02
When the moon hits your eye
by DavidStansbury
Think Lady and the Tramp--Tarantino's is that kind of Italian restaurant. A little noisier and cheerful than romantic perhaps, but my wife and I love going on dates there. Great pasta (try the chiara) and pizza. This is a casual spot, but the staff are always in a good mood--they do an amazing job of making this crowded little restaurant work better than you would think possible.
Pros: go for the pasta
Cons: not enough tables
Posted 05/19/02
A classic...
by jaepu
Tarantino's is almost a stereotype of the Italian-American restaurant. Cash only (hit the ATM before you go), red checkered tablecloths, and lots of olive oil and red sauce, everywhere you look. The pasta is really tasty, but has lots of olive oil. Since I tend to dine on the lighter side, I'm a fan of the combination salad--a platter of garlic and basil tomatoes, pasta salad, vinegared cabbage, and cucumbers. If you like pizza, I highly recommend it here. My personal favorite is the shrimp and pesto.
Pros: excellent food
Cons: cash only, limited seating
Posted 05/16/02
Tiny place-worth the wait for a table
by netter1
The standard monthly pizza lunch stop. The "white" pizza is to die for if you do the veggie thing. Don't ask for a Hawaiian because they just don't do pineapple (thank God!). Dining in can be difficult if you don't get there early for the lunch rush. But who knows, you might get a chance to lunch elbow to elbow with a celebrity in the know.
Pros: great pizza, quick
Cons: small dining room
Posted 05/15/02