Tavolata
Seattle, WA 98121-1709
Phone: (206) 838-8008
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Battery Street
- Hours:
- Daily 5pm-2am
Editorial Review for Tavolata – by Jill Lightner
The Scene
There's a very urban mix of sleek modernity and scuffed edges in this narrow space. Small skylights and a stretch of windows catch some light even on dismal days, while bare concrete walls and a mix of wood varieties finish off the room with a touch of naturalness. The cooks and waitstaff are consummate professionals, but smart enough to not take this hipness too seriously. Everyone's dipping into soup and pasta bowls for tastes of approval in between creating and serving customers this excellent food.
The Food
All of the pasta varieties are housemade, from firmly tender orechiette in the herb-laden minestrone to the crisp, fluffy pan-fried ricotta gnocchi served with olives and cauliflower. Althugh this pasta is seemingly perfect in every form it takes, there are plenty of other worthy dishes: the fork-tender veal cheeks were accompanied with a heap of miner's lettuce and grilled bread topped with chickpea puree. Cap dinner off with great espresso or a refreshing fruit sorbetto.
Photo by Chris Daniel
High Marks
"I love the simple decor and unique layout, it was "perfectly full," and the prices were inline with what I had come to expect from 4 years in Chicago and 12 years in DC." (psuseattle, Citysearch user)
"It's located in the heart of Belltown and makes for an ideal dinner locale before a night out" (beaner1978, Citysearch user)
"You must try the octopus salad, share the lamb strozzapretti and gorge on the pork chop over fiddle head ferns. When it comes down to it, Tavolata is a great restaurant for those with great attitude and a willingness to try something new." (buttergone, Citysearch user)
Low Marks
"...we ordered family style. No one was satifsfied at the end of the meal & the bill was ridicuous." (saranazz12, Citysearch user)
"Our waitress questioned our choices and was slower than the winter thaw... and the wine list is a complete embarrassment for an Italian establishment." (seaqueendiner, Citysearch user)
"Tavolata is the perfect example of the "buzz" and "hype" overshadowing the truth." (fuzzy77, Citysearch user)
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoEat before 6:30 for a minimal wait. The later it is, the more of a Belltown scene there is; earlier diners are there simply to eat.
Where to SitA few small booths and tables surround a single long 30-seater. When it's busy, parties will have a much shorter wait if they're willing to share.
What to DrinkThere's no list of specialty cocktails on the tables, but there is a fine full bar, as well as a wide selection of wines by the glass. Even the bottles top out around $75, so it's easy to find one for any budget.
User Reviews for Tavolata
02/13/2009 Posted by SeattleFoodie5
The last three times have disappointed - and I can now say we are done with Tavolata. Our server had a horrible attitude, and couldn't have mastered the art of arrogance and disinterest any better if she tried (i think her name started with an S, not sure though). The Gnocchi was awful - I mean worse than Stauffers. Hockey Pucks in a dish with layers and layers of cheese. Looks like E. Stowell has been too focused on his empire while this place falls by the wayside. Bad food and bad service. Again - don't waste your evening out on this this place.
10/26/2008 Posted by mfuntanilla
Once again, I have heartburn from eating here because it was so good that I cleaned my entire plate. The food is always ON, the drinks are great and I have always had good service! Love Tavolata!
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