Italian restaurants in any metropolitan area are a dime a dozen. Momo’s Pasta, situated at 3312 Knox St. in Highland Park, manages to stand out among the rest. The business was started 20 years ago by a family looking to rightly serve the Dallas community. True to its beginnings, the restaurant has maintained a level of service that is personal and professional. The staff is somewhat of a family, consisting of the same employees for over 15 years. The comfortable vibe and incredible service merely complements Momo’s best asset – their food.
Momo’s Pasta does not lack in curb appeal. The white washed look is formed by painted brick and clean architecture. The structure boasts modern lines despite its age and history in the area. A quaint patio with a view sits directly in front of the restaurant. Small touches like iron railings and potted plants give the area quality and warmth. Parking is a drawback, but there is a convenient valet available for five dollars. In an area so developed, valet is unfortunately the best bet.
Inside, the restaurants warm colors and open set up feels homey. The deep orange and beige paint is complimented by the tile and wood floors. The bar area is in clear view from the foyer, which leads to a closed off room designated for parties.
Italian touches are seen in small paintings and the presence of wine. To the left of the entry is the main dining room. This room is a large square fit in between two brick walls. Four sconces are evenly distributed on the walls, providing the majority of the lighting. Table candles are the only other source of light in the room, accentuating the intimate scene. Fine wood tables and comfortable black chairs occupy the space. The large windows on the far wall look out to the outside. This view is almost picturesque thanks to the historic buildings, calm street, and lighted trees.
The most important element of the space is its imperfection. The sparsely populated fish tank and enlarged nature photographs do not accentuate the Italian feel. This imperfection is refreshing because it doesn’t follow the standard and legitimizes Momo’s Pasta as a true family owned restaurant.
Hoss Ghomi, the owner, is of Iranian and Italian decent. His love of human interaction and pure Italian food inspired him to open his doors twenty years ago. In fact, the name Momo means that there is a man in the kitchen. Over the years, Ghomi has developed close friendships with his guests and the community. The owner offers daily specials and live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The musician appropriately plays the keyboard and can adapt to the patrons mood. Take-out and private parties are both available upon request. Reservations are not required, but are advised, especially for larger parties.
The menu showcases a variety of choices without overwhelming the guest. The set up is also very helpful, categorizing the meals effectively. Dishes usually go at twenty dollars a person. A good vegetarian choice is the Penne al Basilico because it is fresh, light, and possibly the best pesto you will ever have. For seafood lovers, the Capelli d’Angelo alla Momo is a hearty pasta with shrimp minus the fishy taste. The Ravioli di Carne is the perfect combination of crème, meat, and mushrooms. This dessert showcases the kitchens skill best of all. The Tiramisu is not on the menu, but is available upon request. Light and sweet, the Tiramisu does not prove to be too dense or sweet, but a magnificent mixture of ingredients including finger cookies, Italian crème, and cacao. Momo’s Pasta is the epitome of quality in cuisine, defining excellence for Dallas residents and SMU students.
