Tinto Tapas & Pasta — Restaurant in Fountain Hill

Tinto is not an Italian name for an Italian restaurant. Arancini was so bland even with marinara, friend dipped it into Maple sauce that came with zucchini flower appetizer for some flavor. Neither appetizer lived up to expectation, but at least zucchini flower appetizer had sauce with some flavor. We both got glass of Montefresco Montelpulciano wine, which was very good.

Waitress was only one waiting on tables at first, therefore took long time to get two drinks.

Espresso martini glass was not full when it finally arrived. Seemed like waiter drank from it before bringing it to table. And will be returned next time that happens.

Rolls were okay.

I told waiter I want pasta with San Marzano Tomato sauce, ground Beef and Onion. He said we don't have that. IT'S CALLED MEAT SAUCE, which literally every Italian restaurant makes and has available at all times.

We ordered housemade pappardelle pasta with Lamb and San Marzano Tomato sauce. They added sofrito to Tomato sauce which turned it into something I did not want. All I wanted was Tomato sauce. Sofrito is a condiment used in Hispanic cuisine, not Italian.

Pappardelle pasta seemed like from a box. And we did not like meatballs they put into this dish. They said Beef meatballs; they did not seem like Beef meatballs.

Tinto has potential to become upscale dining they are trying to be. They need a chef who knows Italian cuisine preparation at that level.

And they need servers who are mature and knowledgeable. Both had good attitude and...

I had a much-appreciated peaceful and quiet time at Tinto Tapas & Pasta in Fountain Hill last night. The restaurant had a lovely, warm atmosphere, perfect for a calm and relaxing evening. ​The service was exceptional. I showed up a bit late on a Sunday night without a reservation, but the staff was hospitable and accommodating, making me feel welcome even when they might have been getting ready to close. ​The bartender was a great help. As I was sitting at the bar, I mentioned I was deciding between the Italian nachos and the Crab Cake Portobello, and he told me the crab cake was a special that's not always on the menu. His recommendation to try the special was spot-on. After a salad to start, the Crab Cake Portobello served as my main course, and it was a perfect choice—flavorful, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. ​What truly stood out, however, was a moment of genuine kindness. While I was at the bar, I told the bartender I was visiting my aunt at nearby St. Luke's University Hospital. Unprompted, he offered to give me a piece of tiramisu to take to her. While I wasn't able to take it, his thoughtful gesture was incredibly gracious. ​I highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for great food and truly wonderful and caring service...

Tinto Italian Tapas & Pasta, located on Broadway in Fountain Hill, offers a creative mix of Sicilian and Italian-inspired small plates alongside classic favorites. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

My friends and I had the pleasure of stopping in a few weeks ago. With the same owner and executive chef behind the beloved Nonna Sulina's, it came as no surprise that every dish was thoughtfully prepared.

We started with the fried calamari and Uncle Paulie's Meatballs. The calamari was crisp and well-seasoned, served with marinara and sweet chili aioli, and the meatballs were tender and flavorful.

For our entrees, two of us ordered the chicken parmigiana, and one got the short rib ravioli amaretto. Since spaghetti isn't offered, I paired my chicken parm with rigatoni, while my friend opted for angel hair. Both dishes were excellent!

For dessert, we chose the mile high peanut butter explosion and tiramisu. Both were delicious and delivered just the right amount of indulgence to end the meal on a high note.

Service matched the quality of food: warm, prompt, and perfectly paced. It all came together for a relaxed and memorable...