Don’t go hungryWe really love Pippin so we gave Red Pump a try. The service was good, food was excellent, as were the wines of course - but we felt there was a major value misalignment in the tasting menu. We’ve eaten at dozens of comparable restaurants here and DC and this ranks towards the bottom of our list, strictly on the fact that you shouldn’t leave a $250 meal for two still a bit hungry. 7 pieces of gnocchi in the pasta entree was the biggest complaint - especially since it was so delicious.
Kandice Levental
There are a lot of nice, high end restaurants in C'ville, particularly around the downtown mall, but this is not one worth visiting. The food is overpriced and not particularly good. Most of the dishes (of which we had all on the tasting menu) were oversalted and/or lacked flavor. While the gnocchi was the one delicious plate, the portion size was tiny for the price. The pork tenderloin preparation was a miss: it was incredibly salty and cooked more like a fancy chicken finger served alongside overcooked carrots. This meal was a real disappointment, especially given how good the restaurants are just around the corners.
Raman Pfaff
Good drinks, but they recently switched to a fixed menu - three or four course with wine pairings. A bit disappointing.
Julie P.
Poor customer service. The hostess told us a table would be available in 30 minutes and when we came back 30 minutes later she said they couldn't seat us due to employee capacity issues. While I am extremely sympathetic to staffing issues, I would have appreciated better communication as by that time all nearby restaurants were full.
Michael Prince
There are a lot of plusses and minuses. Overall, it wasn't really worth the price, but there were some decidedly nice things. The atmosphere is charming, both pasta dishes were good (the mushrooms on the gnocchi were fantastic), the beef tenderloin was tender and tasty and the coffee cheesecake was excellent. That being said, the garlic shrimp appetizer was cold and tasteless, the bass was cool and semi-tasteless (even with the salsa verde) and the fire roasted potatoes were cold, tough and (wait for it) a little tasteless. If you choose wisely (pasta, beef tenderloin, cheesecake) the dinner could be delightful and worth the price. But it's really hit or miss, so buyer beware! Also be aware the the high top seating is uncomfortable, both the chairs and the spacing of the supports as you try to find someplace to put your legs. You might be well advised to ask for a table if given the option. The server was friendly, attentive and willing to find answers to questions when she didn't know the answer. I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could - the kitchen just needs to be more consistent.
Cecilia Ward
So yummy! Tastebuds happy!! Such good service!!! Love the atmosphere!!!
kevin J
We did the tasting menu, we will never do it again. Very thick pasta, boring fried sunchokes, two slices of steak with weak flavors. Try to be fine dining but just mediocre.
Joseph Hollenbeck
Absolutely fantastic perfect portions wonderful time. I enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairing thoroughly enjoyed the experience
Gabriel Barghachie
The food was very good but very expensive for the portion size. They are apparently recently reopened so I am interested in giving it another try down the road
Cathy S.
Just rolled into town amazing so farwill update post after a beer and pizza .......,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!!!!!!!!
Visited Red Pump last night for their reopening after being closed for two years - and it was truly INCREDIBLE! The restaurant was beautiful; service was perfect; and the food was delicious! I loved the tasting menu. The first four "courses" were smaller bites followed by three larger dishes. I'm honestly still dreaming about the pasta and the short ribs. If I could give 6 stars I would. So excited to go back when the menu changes in two weeks.
Joel Charley
Went here for a private event and every dish was perfect. It was a set menu so I'm not sure how it is normally.The service was excellent and the staff were very accommodating.
Earl Dickson
italian food and the setting here is better than most. Normally I would have posted a pic but food looked so good I couldn't stop. The staff was very kind and attentive. Prices are fair I would say.
reginald deleon
My fav spot for quality italian food. It's so tasty. I will be bringing friends next time. The prices are good for what you get. Menu is similar to a restaurant in El Paso I loved.
Bill R.
All pomp no circumstance. A classic CVille restaurant. Big on style, short on substance.
Don’t go hungryWe really love Pippin so we gave Red Pump a try. The service was good, food was excellent, as were the wines of course - but we felt there was a major value misalignment in the tasting menu. We’ve eaten at dozens of comparable restaurants here and DC and this ranks towards the bottom of our list, strictly on the fact that you shouldn’t leave a $250 meal for two still a bit hungry. 7 pieces of gnocchi in the pasta entree was the biggest complaint - especially since it was so delicious.
There are a lot of nice, high end restaurants in C'ville, particularly around the downtown mall, but this is not one worth visiting. The food is overpriced and not particularly good. Most of the dishes (of which we had all on the tasting menu) were oversalted and/or lacked flavor. While the gnocchi was the one delicious plate, the portion size was tiny for the price. The pork tenderloin preparation was a miss: it was incredibly salty and cooked more like a fancy chicken finger served alongside overcooked carrots. This meal was a real disappointment, especially given how good the restaurants are just around the corners.
Good drinks, but they recently switched to a fixed menu - three or four course with wine pairings. A bit disappointing.
Poor customer service. The hostess told us a table would be available in 30 minutes and when we came back 30 minutes later she said they couldn't seat us due to employee capacity issues. While I am extremely sympathetic to staffing issues, I would have appreciated better communication as by that time all nearby restaurants were full.
There are a lot of plusses and minuses. Overall, it wasn't really worth the price, but there were some decidedly nice things. The atmosphere is charming, both pasta dishes were good (the mushrooms on the gnocchi were fantastic), the beef tenderloin was tender and tasty and the coffee cheesecake was excellent. That being said, the garlic shrimp appetizer was cold and tasteless, the bass was cool and semi-tasteless (even with the salsa verde) and the fire roasted potatoes were cold, tough and (wait for it) a little tasteless. If you choose wisely (pasta, beef tenderloin, cheesecake) the dinner could be delightful and worth the price. But it's really hit or miss, so buyer beware! Also be aware the the high top seating is uncomfortable, both the chairs and the spacing of the supports as you try to find someplace to put your legs. You might be well advised to ask for a table if given the option. The server was friendly, attentive and willing to find answers to questions when she didn't know the answer. I'd give this 3.5 stars if I could - the kitchen just needs to be more consistent.
So yummy! Tastebuds happy!! Such good service!!! Love the atmosphere!!!
We did the tasting menu, we will never do it again. Very thick pasta, boring fried sunchokes, two slices of steak with weak flavors. Try to be fine dining but just mediocre.
Absolutely fantastic perfect portions wonderful time. I enjoyed the tasting menu with the wine pairing thoroughly enjoyed the experience
The food was very good but very expensive for the portion size. They are apparently recently reopened so I am interested in giving it another try down the road
Just rolled into town amazing so farwill update post after a beer and pizza .......,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,!!!!!!!!
Restaurantji Recommends
Visited Red Pump last night for their reopening after being closed for two years - and it was truly INCREDIBLE! The restaurant was beautiful; service was perfect; and the food was delicious! I loved the tasting menu. The first four "courses" were smaller bites followed by three larger dishes. I'm honestly still dreaming about the pasta and the short ribs. If I could give 6 stars I would. So excited to go back when the menu changes in two weeks.
Went here for a private event and every dish was perfect. It was a set menu so I'm not sure how it is normally.The service was excellent and the staff were very accommodating.
italian food and the setting here is better than most. Normally I would have posted a pic but food looked so good I couldn't stop. The staff was very kind and attentive. Prices are fair I would say.
My fav spot for quality italian food. It's so tasty. I will be bringing friends next time. The prices are good for what you get. Menu is similar to a restaurant in El Paso I loved.
All pomp no circumstance. A classic CVille restaurant. Big on style, short on substance.