La Tavola

Words cannot begin to convey the comfort and pleasure La Tavola consistently delivers. Fabulous service by really great people, great food, wonderful wine list and it's within walking distance!! What's not to love! Kris and Allie have it covered at the bar,Daniel on the floor and Chris and Chris at the door make it happen. Chef Craig and Brent work the kitchen and the food SINGS! Love you guys!

Pros: Seasona l menus, great wines, lovely service

Cons: What's not to love???

Posted 01/18/09

i always enjoy dining at la tavola. the food is delicious. the wine list is extensive. the atmosphere is romantic and fun. the mozzarella burrata is a favorite, and they cook fish to perfection.

Posted 12/22/08

we had a reservation for New Year's eve. The hostess seated us outside and when we requested a different table basically told us "tough". Extremely rude hostess. wonderful waitress and great food.

Pros: great food, good service (besides hostess)

Cons: small cramped space, patio is not always comfortable, maybe it would help to specify a table preference with the reservation

Posted 12/31/07

I went to La Tavola a few weeks ago with my mother for brunch. We were a little apprehensive because it did not have the crowd seen at a neighboring establishment we typically frequent. I was overwhelming delighted with my experience at La Tavola. From the moment I walked in the door until the completion of our visit I was impressed with every aspect.

We were greeted pleasently by a cute, witty, and delightful hostess (I think her name was Terra). As she gathered our menu, a tall blonde bar tender graciously bade us "Good Morning" and stated he hoped we "enjoyed our brunch" We were seated and within moments, our server greeted us at the table. Kellie was vibrant and knowledgable about the menu and the preparation of some of the dishes.

We decided to start our meal by splitting a beat salad. It was DELICIOUS!! Beats, pears, and fresh goat cheese!! YUMMMM!! I then ordered the Chicken Sausage (house made sausage in a FABULOUS pepper chutney) and my mother got the the Egg Canneloni (spinach and mushrooms in creamy sauce) Both were OUTSTANDING! (we ended up sharing). We decided we would indulge and ended our meal by sharing a slice of the chocolate cake...it was so creamy and delictible!

On our way out, the manager greeted us and asked us about our meal. We were then encouraged not only to return to La Tavola but to visit some of the sister restaurants. The hostess held the door for us and we left well nourish and excited to continue our day!

I can not believe I've wasted years frequenting other brunch establishments when this one was under my nose the whole time! I also could not believe the restaurant was not packed! I highly recommend Brunch at La Tavola. You will NOT be disappointed!

Pros: Food, Service, Food

Posted 11/29/07

I've eaten here many times and the food is excellent. The waitstaff can be a little sitff but the food makes up for it. Busy on weekends so be prepared. Order a drink and sit outside and watch the people. If you're cold natured don't sit in the outside patio seating!!

Pros: great food

Cons: service can be a little iffy

Posted 11/23/07

It is so amusing to read other reviews. I thought It was funny that someone complained about how cold it was outside. Tough buddy! The solution to your problem is don't go out on a cold night to a restaurant where most of the seating is located outside. I took my brother to this restaurant for his birthday. He doesn't dine out much, but he was very impressed, as was I. The night was a cool 60 something degrees. Everyone at the restaurant seemed to be having a great time. We were seated promptly, and the hostess was a bit weird, but after being seated I didn't see much of her. Seemed like she was having her time of the month. Our waiter was a great guy. He was very welcoming and promptly visited us and told us the specials and took our drink order. He asked us if we wanted to order our appetizer and entree together and I kind of got upset at that, but he quickly apologized and made sure we knew that he was in no way trying to rush us. He asked us for our appetizer, I recommend the assortment appetizer and the appetizer topped with tomatoes and chesse (i forget the exact name). Both were very excellent. Then we moved on to the entrees, my brother had the veal and I had the grilled steak. Again, both were great. I thought the entrees were a bit typical of the Virginia Highland restaurant menus, but still the steak was tender, and my bro told me his veal was tender and has a nice lemon zest to it. Then we moved on to the desserts. The dessers were great, the crustada? and the torta were excellent. Again, the flavors were typical and a bit boring but they were great none the less. I recommend this restaurant to anyone. It is a nice place, not too fancy but not too casual. A better Italian restaurant is Pricci, Sotto Sotto, or Antica Pasta, but you get what you pay for. This place did not have much decor to it, but again that is the Virginia Highland restaurant atmosphere. There are a ton of yuppies in this part of town, but that is the Virginia Highlands for you.

Pros: Great food, great service.

Cons: Food is great but lacks originality and italian feel.

Posted 10/17/07

I cannot believe that this restaurant has been open for eight years and no one talks about it. I walked into Latavola and had one of the best meals ever. I was greeted by Kevin, a muscular blonde server, who asked us if we had ever been in before. When I said no, he took over. He went through the wine list, which is enormous. He knew evryone one of the wines. We got a super-tuscan and an obscure varietal that he sold us on. We received great help with menu. Th foold was incredible. Kevin recommended the amazing beet salad, the shrimp rissotto appetizer and the tuna served over these delicious beans. My freinds got the appetizer of manicotti and the pork dish. We really wanted to try the prosciutto, and get this, the chef sent out some to sample. Dessert was topped because we had this mosit olive oil cake with a delicious sparkling dessert wine, rosa something. We had an amazing time and we will go back as often as we can. Our server was professional and hillarious and all the otheer servers seemed like they really loved being there. What a thrill to find such a hidden treasure. Kudos to the chef.

Pros: Service, food, wine list

Cons: Kinda tiny, recommmed reservations

Posted 09/14/07

I dislike to cast judgment based upon one visit to a restaurant, so I'm going to give La Tavola the benefit of the doubt because other people have told me they like it so much. However, we did wait a full HOUR AND A HALF before we were seated, this after the hostess told us our wait would be 45 minutes. I don't mind waiting 45 minutes, but double that? I really think that's outrageous. I think I saw other people getting seated before us, and that's when I got mad. Then they finally seated us, and gave us free appetizers. Okay, that's very nice and all, but they didn't ask us what kind of apps we wanted, just plonked them on our table. Then as I was paying the bill I saw at the bottom that someone had keyed in "Long Wait", which tells me they must have a code for just this sort of occurrence. As though it happens frequently. Anyway, I will go back to give it another chance, because the food was fine (although I was kind of plastered after having three full drinks on an empty stomach while waiting, so I don't remember much about it! heh) and it could have been an off night. For them, and for me!

Pros: Um, the wine I had was good. Don't remember much else.

Cons: The very, very, very long wait.

Posted 03/29/07

Its sad - one of our favorite restaurants goes from top of our favorites to top of our won't return....

Imagine Valentines night and you invite 10 of your best friends to have valentines dinner together at YOUR favorite restaurant... everyone arrives in a happy festive mood only to be seated on one of the coldest nights of the year on the patio (as we expected) but by a flapping open tent door that cant be closed due to 1st fire regulations and then because "food has to be brought up from downstairs through that entrance"....result -- we were COLD the whole night. It wa 27 degrees when we left and all night long the wind blew in and servers kept pushing the flaps open allowing rushes of cold air to overcome us from 4 feet away!

Sorry folks, there was no excuse...when we complained, it wa suddely our fault...really? Yep, seems as if we were the first people to ever complain. As we were driving home, my valentine of 30 years and i reflected on the night and recounted no less than 20 people we've introduced to this restaurant -- well guess what -- they will each hear about our miserable ordeal and if we were indeed the first to complain, I promise you we will then be the last -- cause we ain't goin back.

peace

johnny

Pros: friendly waite staff; good food; consistent

Cons: inconsiderate seating at COLD table by door!

Posted 02/13/07

Went for dinner on a Tuesday night. The place filled up so reservations are in order apparently any evening they're open. Started with a polenta, mushroom, fontina cheese and truffle oil appetizer. Really flavorful. Next, the entrees. I had pork loin stuffed with red onions. Got really excited at the first bite. It was nice to taste the red onion and some fresh spices. However, the second and third bite made it apparent that the stuffing was just red onions that weren't even cooked. Not too impressed once I realized that. Nice idea, poorly executed. The trout entree was, however, delicious as was the brussel sprout side order. Do not miss the desserts. The mascarpone cheesecake was absolutely sensational and the chocolate ice cream was yummy. So, I think we need to give this place another try because I really liked the ambience and most of the food was very very good. We'll be back for sure.

Pros: Delightful ambience, good food

Cons: Some dishes a little iffy, parking has to be difficult on weekends

Posted 02/01/07

What a great food weekend we have had. This place was recommended to us by the folks at Vine Friday night and what an excellent recommendation. I am not sure which place I enjoyed more, both were first class restaurants with excellent food. We did have to wait a little while for our table and the bar was full so we stood outside. In about 10 minutes they came and got us. We were glad we got seated inside. I loved the music and our server was excellent. The place had a very comfortable sophisticated feel. Pittsburgh has a number of excellent Italian restaurants with the heavy ethnic population. But most are quantity not quality and too home style. The food here was creative and delicious and most dishes are not what you would call traditional Italian. After a wonderful meal at Vine on Friday and then a repeat performance at LaTavola, we are in love with this area of Atlanta.

Pros: Excellent, food, atmosphere and music

Cons: table spacing is tight

Posted 07/29/06

I love LA TAVOLA! A wonderful neighborhood restaurant that is A+ across the board. This restaurant has a loyal following. An impressive wine list, a fantastic dinner menu, and top notch service. The staff is very knowledgable with their product. They are quick to offer recommendations of wine and their personal favorites on the menu. Highlights from the menu: Baked manicotti with perfect sleeves of pasta filled with our AMAZING bolognese meat ragu, mozzarella, spinach and red sauce. They are delicate and delicious. The Smoked Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli is a house favorite! The Georgia Trout with roasted fennel, grilled red onions, oven roasted potatoes in a white wine/butter sauce - OMG! Chef Craig richards has brought La Tavola up to the next echelon. The new in house made desserts are spectacular, especially the daily fruit crostada served with vanilla gelato. If you like dining at the bar, come visit Alli or Kris. They will make you feel at home at the quaint tiny bar. Sit next to one of the regulars and you will leave feeling like you have made a new friend. Also, check out SUNDAY BRUNCH! They say Italians do not eat brunch, but we have some awesome entrees that will have you back every week! French toast with mascapone honey and fresh berries, frittatas with mixed greens, chicken sausage with cherry peppers and poached eggs, just to name a few.

Yeah yeah, I love La Tavola...but of course I am biased. I have worked there for 6 years.
That says something though! I love the people that come here, I eat here on my days off, and I truly feel that La Tavola is very special. Come in and see for yourself.
Stop by the bar and say hello!

A L L I

Pros: Great service, impressive wine list, amazing food

Cons: N O N E

Posted 07/26/06

We've been eating here since it opened about 10 years ago. In the 30+ visits we have never been disappointed with the food or the service. If the weather is good, the back patio is great, otherwise get a booth. This is Italian food at it's best and the waiters provide 4 star service and are very knowledgeable about the food and the wine. We usually get the special recomended by the waiter.

Pros: Constant top performing restaurant

Cons: The aisle tables can be a little cramped

Posted 07/20/06

Recently I ate at la tavola for the first time in a while and I had an exceptional experience. The new chef Craig Richards is a wonderful addition- his pork ribs and rissoto were my favorites that I tried. The food has always been good, but it is certainly better than it has ever been. Our server britton guided us through the wine list and helped us select an awesome Italian red wine that was actually quite affordable. She was enthusiastic and fun, but still professional which certainly added to our experience. I will most certainly go back there soon and will continue to recomend La tavola to everyone!

Posted 08/30/05

My experience dining at La Tavola was mixed. While the food was very good, I was very disappointed with the quality of the service. Perhaps it was because the server was in training that caused his trainer to "over compensate" but it was not a pleasant experience. The trainee was poorly briefed on the menu and wine list, so the trainer felt the need to go into great detail about many items. I found her need to push additional items to pad the bill very annoying. I also did not appreciate the table being cleared before we were completely finished with the food. The two projected an aura of pretentiousness that conflicted with their dress of jeans, t-shirt and leather studded belt.

Pros: Good food, Extensive wine list

Cons: Parking is limited, Got crowded and noisy, Poor service

Posted 07/01/05

Excellent antipasto plate of artichoke hearts, mozzerella/tomatoes/red pepper in olive oil, capers, prosciutto, carpaccio, olives, more ?, and fresh bread accompanying it. We had manicotti, sage ravioli, and a special of seared sea scallops with a Ga. silver queen & gold corn risotto. Everything was very good and we all shared. The ravioli and the manicotti were my favorites and some of the best Italian food I have had in Atlanta. The cheescake was killer and we all shared a bit of each. The chocolate cake was very good as well. Total bill for 3 entrees, 2 beers, and about 4 glasses of wine was ~ $100. Great food everytime.

Pros: highly recommended, reserve a booth

Posted 02/01/05

La Tavola remains one of my VH favorites. The 5th Group has this one down right. I don't know why the have such a problem with Sala. While the italian food may not be the best you have ever had, it is definitely good and consistent. The service has always been good, but because it is so small they tend to rush you a bit on a weekend night, so mid week is recommended.

Pros: value, service, consistent

Cons: , small & cramped

Posted 11/23/04

My wife and I went for an early evening dinner before the show at the Variety Playhouse. We had remembered Capos that had resided there in our Emory days. Stopped in on a whim. Wonderful ambiance. Our waitress was superb, giving us good info on the wine list. Chef came by the table and chatted. Was very helpful and spoke about the vision for the restaurant within the community....lots of locals there for a meal. Good food, well presented. I particularly liked the veal....side spinach was excellent.

Pros: service, food, reasonable

Cons: , tight space, parking

Posted 06/09/04

La Tavola can be a really wonderful experience depending on your seat and your waiter. The food is usually very solid. I've had a weak waiter or two that sort of diminished the experience some. The wine is always overpriced.

Posted 05/10/03

The place has a great, sleek decor which is neither overbearing or full of itself. Just refreshing and cool. Service was very attentive and with a reservationw e were seated within 5 minutes on a packed night. Food was a bit heavy, but quality. Great tastes and totally delicious. Overall a really nice experience that should rate as one of the Highlands' best. Only complaint was the price: bit much for the food. I feel like you're paying for the location - somebody's gotta pay the rent!

Posted 03/19/03

Everytime we visit La Tavola we are very pleased. The service is attentive, the food is excellent, the wine list is great, the atmosphere is great too. I recommend it to anyone wanting an excellent dining experience.

Pros: fresh food, attentive service, great bartenders

Posted 01/20/03

Food was very good. The service was personal but not overbearing. Would definitely recommend to friends and will be returning

Pros: food, service

Cons: parking, noisy

Posted 11/17/02

The food is well, okay. I go there for the baked manicotti, and I do enjoy the bread. The rest of the menu hasn't really impressed me (the pork, risotto, lasagna-all just okay). The Caesar salad tends to be heavy on the dressing. The space is pleasant enough & I've never had poor service, but it wouldn't be on my list for top italian.

Posted 10/27/02

The waitress was rude to the point of telling us that she wasn't worried about a tip becuase it was already figured into the bill!

Cons: bad service, food not that good

Posted 10/21/02

The anitpasta is huge with many choices on the plate. My wife and I just got back from Italy and La Tavola is the closest in food. Good wine selection, and a great atmosphere.

Pros: Great food, Great wine

Cons: little cramped

Posted 10/06/02

Very rarely does one establishment capture all aspects of the dining experience--food, service, and atmosphere. Not only does La Tavola do this, but they do it better than anywhere else I have dined in Atlanta. They greet you by name, treat you like royalty, and serve you the best Italian food in Atlanta time after time after time. And to top it off, it's a great value with a fabulous wine list. A must try for anyone!

Pros: Great Food, Outstanding Service, Great Location

Posted 08/19/02

For Italian food lovers, La Tavola is a little slice of heaven. The food is fantastic; make sure to check out the daily risotto, which is cooked to perfection--not too firm, not too soft. The ambience is mature and sophisticated--lots of dark wood, intimate booths, mirrors on the walls. The staff is young and friendly and the drinks are strong and promptly served. It's a small space, so be prepared to wait for a table--but its definitely worth it.

Cons: Crowded

Posted 08/05/02

La Tavola is a very nice smaller restaurant in
Va-Hi. I made reservations and we were seated promptly. Try the antipasto tray app. to start off with. We had manicotti, chees ravioli with sage butter sauce, and seared scallops (one of the specials). Our server David was very helpful in making decisions and very friendly as well. I highly recommend this place but I have only been once and it was very recent.

Posted 06/06/02

My husband and I wandered into this place for dinner while shopping in the Highlands. Though it was fairly busy, we were seated quickly--a nice spot on the narrow strip of patio out back. Service was attentive and efficient. Our pasta dishes were good, but not spectacular.

Posted 05/15/02