Tamboli's Pasta and Pizza
When you do as much as even glimpse at the website of Tamboli’s Pasta and Pizza, you’ll immediately notice their values articulated loud and clear at the forefront of their page. It reads as follows, “At Tamboli’s Pasta & Pizza, our number one goal is to feed you well. Our philosophy goes beyond portion size or product quality; we source our ingredients intentionally from local providers and hand-craft them into your meal so that we know you’re eating the best food we can produce. That way you can know you’re playing a vital role in the local economy by supporting local farmers. Feeding people well also means cultivating a lively, nourishing space. We’re here to have a good time. Our building has been in our family for decades, and when you eat with us, you’re at the family table.” Upon walking into the restaurant, you’ll notice that each and every one of these values is integral to the restaurant itself, not simply the finishing details of the experience, but the backbone on which this restaurant was built.
First of all, when you walk in, you’ll notice how amazing the space is. Like, it is absolutely beautiful. But not the kind of hoity toity beauty that is meant to fit an aesthetic, but that quaint charm that makes it an even more of an inviting experience. It is filled with greenery and natural light and twinkly lights, making for that cute, European ambience that feels like something that you could not find smack-dab in the middle of Memphis (at an attainable price point, at least.)
The menu is comprised of a regular menu that remains the same year-round and a specials menu that changes weekly, depending on what is in season and available locally. On their regular menu, they have items such as fresh pesto pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, a veggies plate, cheese pizza, and a meat lasagna (that I have heard is incredible.) Most recently, their specials consisted of items like olive tapenade pizza and polenta with tomato sauce (pictured below.) Honestly the special menu is a little dangerous because it gives me an excuse to go back each week if I can make it. Whether it is one of their weekly specials or one of their consistent menu items, each and every dish that leaves the kitchen is guaranteed to be some of the freshest and tastiest food you can find in Memphis. Yes, it really can feel like you’ve experienced a night in Europe for $15 or less.
As soon as you sit down, have a conversation with one of their sweet servers, and take your first bite of the complimentary hand-made bread, you will know that you too have just pulled up a seat at the Tamboli’s Pasta and Pizza family table. So, put the phone away - other than to maybe take a photo :) - and sit back and enjoy the intentionality in your company, the food, and the overall experience. You’ll certainly want to make stopping by this cozy, neighborhood spot a regular thing.
Tamboli’s Pasta and Pizza is located at 1761 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN, 38104 and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Friday through Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.
