Imagine a town craving a taste of Italy, only to have its dreams answered by a passionate local with a family legacy in Italian cuisine. That’s exactly what happened in Great Falls with the opening of Pomodoro Italian Cuisine at 1008 20th Street South. After months of eager anticipation, the doors are finally open, and as KRTV’s culinary expert, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see what all the buzz was about.
But here’s where it gets personal: the heart of Pomodoro beats with the vision of restaurant partner Karolina LeBlanc, whose inspiration stems from her father’s lifelong career as an executive chef specializing in Italian cuisine. ‘Every time he visited, I thought, this town needs authentic Italian food,’ she shared. And this is the part most people miss—Pomodoro isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a labor of love, born from a desire to bring genuine Italian flavors to a community that craved them.
LeBlanc and her partners didn’t just want to open a restaurant; they wanted to create a neighborhood hub where true Italian cuisine could thrive. But what does ‘true Italian cuisine’ really mean? According to Chef Giovanni Lipnik, it’s all about the ingredients. ‘You need authentic olive oil, real Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Italian pasta,’ LeBlanc explained. And here’s where it gets controversial: while some restaurants cut corners, Pomodoro imports pasta, cheese, and specialty products directly from Italy, ensuring every dish stays true to tradition.
But they don’t stop there. To keep dishes fresh, Pomodoro also sources local ingredients, blending the best of both worlds. ‘This community has been so amazing,’ LeBlanc said. ‘That’s why we started small—we weren’t sure how the response would be. But the excitement has been overwhelming.’
On November 14th, Pomodoro hosted a soft opening for friends and family, followed by a grand opening the next day. I had the chance to sample several dishes, from carbonara to tiramisu, but one standout, according to LeBlanc, is the gnocchi gorgonzola. And this is the part that’ll make your mouth water: the gnocchi is made in-house, paired with a creamy gorgonzola sauce that’s milder than blue cheese, and topped with crispy prosciutto. It’s a fan favorite for good reason.
Pomodoro Italian Cuisine is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. While primarily a take-out spot, they offer patio dining when the weather permits. But here’s the question: in a world of fast-casual dining, does a restaurant like Pomodoro—focused on authenticity and tradition—stand a chance? Or is it a dying art? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Visit Pomodoro at 1008 20th Street South, or check out their website here and Facebook page here. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
