About The Chef

Executive Chef Robert Riescher brings his world travels, 15 year of cooking experience and passion for tantalizing palates, back home to New Jersey. Graduating from Cornell University, traveling and staging in Michelin Star restaurants in Spain and France, Robert mastered cooking techniques that have won him critical acclaim. He elevated Erna’s Elerberry House to a Relais and Gourmand rating and went on to open his own Top 10 rated restaurant, Tablespoon, in San Francisco. From there Robert came back to the east coast to Daniel in NY and then assisted in opening Manhattan’s Rouge Tomate, but Robert was looking to plant his roots back home in New Jersey and has done so at Il Pomodoro in downtown Somerville.

Chef Riescher blends his knowledge of Mediterranean flavors and house made pastas to create dishes that are authentic and yet creative. Robert sources fresh ingredients using local farmers markets and family run New Jersey and Pennsylvania farms. Seasonal items include sauteed Tuscan Kale, Heirloom tomatoes, baby beets and radishes, and of course Jersey corn!

Robert prides himself on the fine quality fish and meats he selects. At Il Pomodoro you will only find the best Piedmontese beef, Berkshire pork, grass fed lamb and organic chicken. He selects seafood from his local jersey shore vendors where he gets day boat scallops, whole branzino and the freshest calamari!

“My passion has always been going to farmer’s markets and local farm stands to forage the freshest local ingredients and then to prepare them simply, with care, in order to showcase their natural flavors. I then use these pristine ingredients in elegant plate presentations to provide my guests with an unforgettable dining experience.”

Join Chef Robert and the staff at Il Pomodoro for your next exceptional meal away from home.

Il Pomodoro's History

Built in the 1800’s and located at 41 North Bridge Street, in the heart of central New Jersey, is a beautiful three-story brick structure, originally the private residence of a prominent Somerville businessman. It is a stunning building with a wrap-around porch accentuated by a rooftop copula that overlooks the historic town of Somerville.

Through the years and its many lives as a family home, municipal library, town jail and a command and control headquarters during the cold war, a restaurant has had a place of its own nestled in the lower level.

An avid 10-year restaurant patron purchased the building and restaurant in September 2004 and immediately began a total restoration and renovation on the building to bring it back to its original charm. Even during the initial stage of reconstruction, the restoration began to unveil the polished gem hidden underneath. Four fireplaces with hand-carved mantels, wooden archways and the original walnut pocket window shutters with handmade hinges and hardware were uncovered and restored to their original beauty.

Il Pomodoro re-opened its doors on October 20, 2006. The restaurant now boasts an extensive lighting design that sweeps through the entire restaurant, mahogany trim and seasonal porch dining. There is also a lounge, three main dining areas and an additional private multipurpose room complete with a plasma display and projector screen that will provide the ultimate setting for business meetings, client presentations, anniversaries or any other private themed functions.

Il Pomodoro continues to offer Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. The website will provide you with an introduction to the menus and exceptional wine list, although the only way to truly enjoy Il Pomodoro is to dine there. A vast collection of wines, top-shelf cocktails and relaxed atmosphere will be sure to make Il Pomodoro your dining room away from home.