Local Restaurant Review: The Tomato Palace

Does the idea of an evening spent enjoying some tasty Italian food in the fresh summer air, complete with a view of ducks and herons out on the lake sound good to you? No? Well, how about a meal equally as good in a comfortable, candle-lit booth inside? At The Tomato Palace in Columbia, Maryland, you can have it either way.

Many restaurants in Columbia can have a very long wait for a table in the evening. During prime hours, The Tomato Palace is no exception. However, to ease the inconvenience of waiting, they will take your cell number and give you a call when your table is ready, leaving you free to stroll along the scenic lakefront in downtown Columbia. There is often an outdoor concert or other entertainment to take in during the summer months, which can make your wait fly by. They also accept reservations.

The atmosphere at The Tomato Palace is very nice. The outdoor tables are under a pergola along the waterfront promenade, allowing diners to people watch and take in the lakefront scenery. I often choose the outside tables when I dine with my young children, as there is always plenty to keep them entertained during the meal, allowing me and my husband to relax a bit. When we choose to eat indoors, we sit in one of their roomy booths, which give us privacy while we enjoy our meal. While the restaurant has the perfect atmosphere for a date or evening out with friends, they are also family-friendly. Children are provided with crayons, a coloring book, and a toy car upon request.