The Hot Tomato Café and Pizzeria brings a healthy and lively atmosphere to the Grand Valley
No one appreciates affordable food more than college students. Unfortunately, affordable food isn’t always healthy or delicious. Thankfully, Fruita’s Hot Tomato Café and Pizzeria brings all three desired elements together in a friendly, hip and inviting atmosphere.
One of the most appealing aspects about the Café is their proud dedication to providing fresh ingredients and making each menu item from scratch. The Hot Tomato starts each day by making their pizza dough by hand, cutting fresh vegetables, and grating cheese.
With their menu offering an array of Italian cuisine that ranges from pizza and calzones to stromboli’s and inventive salads.  There’s something for even the pickiest of eaters.
The Hot Tomato is often known for their most popular flavor, Granny’s Pesto. This locally renowned sauce is made with basil pesto, garlic, tomatoes, and mozzarella and feta cheese. Apart from their signature pesto, the Hot Tomato also offers 13 other specialty pizzas and 22 mouth-watering toppings. They offer specialty pizzas but pies can also be made-to-order.
A typical meal at The Hot Tomato will run you anywhere from $5-30. A large 18” specialty pizza will cost around $25, but other meals such as a slice of pizza and a drink will cost anywhere from $4-8.
Apart from providing food that will keep customers satisfied and coming back for more, the restaurant also has an outdoor patio, bar, and a number of tables located inside for those chilly days.
Not only does the Hot Tomato carry beers on tap from the New Belgium brewery and wine from South America, they also have live music from 7-9 p.m. on their patio.
Next time you’re in the mood for good food in a impressive atmosphere, make the short drive down to Fruita and visit The Hot Tomato Café located at 124 N Mulberry St. It’s a trip but I have faith that you won’t  regret it.