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Buona Tavola - San Luis ObispoReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
California Central Coast Restaurant Reviews >
San Luis Obispo / Paso Robles Restaurant Reviews >
San Luis Obispo Restaurant Reviews >
Italian Restaurant Reviews
Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo Reviews List
Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
For over 18 years Antonio Varia has been delighting the palates of the Central Coast with his inventive yet traditional Northern Italian cuisine. Using only the freshest local and imported ingredients, Buona Tavola offers a romantic garden setting to enjoy fine dining lunch and dinner. The esteemed Zagat Survey gave Buona Tavola the highest ratings of any restaurant in the county, calling it "Superb dining with great wine in a charming setting... one of the best between Los Angeles and San Francisco." The loyal staff at Buona Tavola still consists of more than a handful of the original opening crew, and as you walk through the front door you truly become a part of the family. The skill that comes with hard-won years of experience and the area's freshest seasonal ingredients are apparent in every dish served. Plus the main ingredient comes from Antonio himself: "I cook with love!"
See more Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo details
49 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 49 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(30)
- great for outdoor dining(25)
- romantic(20)
- special occasion(20)
- neighborhood gem(18)
- notable wine list(16)
Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo Reviews List
Review 1 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fresh, delicious, fabulous food preparation. I'dd go back in a heart beat!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love, Love
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I just moved from the east coast and we've been having a hard time finding good restaurants in the area. Buona Tavola is the first restaurant we actually enjoyed. The ambiance was very nice and the staff truly new the menu. The food was excellent, reminds me of Italy, light and simple."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I go here once a month and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I go here once a month and it's always great...food...service...ambiance...everything."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 4 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Buona Tavola IS "Good Food"
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"First time here. We'll definitely keep it on the list of places to est in SLO. Great food, great service."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 5 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Buona Tavola- the best place in SLO
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took my girlfriend here for her 23rd birthday. We were both amazed at how friendly all the staff was and how professional our server was. The food was timely and delicious, while the noise level did not force us to raise our voices. We enjoyed getting to talk in hushed tones in a very romantic setting that we will most definitely be returning to again. There are two dinning areas: an outdoor and indoor. The outdoor is well protected and heated, while the indoor is slightly louder and very cafe-like. I would recommend either place. The food, as already stated, is amazing with many gluten-free options available upon request. I would reccomend this place to anyone that still values service, etiquette, and respect for other fellow patrons."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Italian food in a downtown
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great Italian food in a downtown location, convenient to the farmer's market. Attentive service with helpful suggestions, especially wine types. The dessert was a work of art. Although we sat inside, we will try the patio next time, it looks divine !!"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 7 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Top Shelf Start to Finish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went to Buona Tavola on the recommendation of a colleague. Excellent decision. Food and service were top shelf. Patio/garden seating a good choice. Menu provides both traditional and unique Italian dishes. Wine list includes quality half-bottles. Be sure to finish your meal with the custard dessert with the half caramel, half chocolate topping."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 8 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Definitely a nice dinner spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Definitely a nice dinner spot in SLO!
Too expensive for students, but just right for parents of college kids and adults."
Too expensive for students, but just right for parents of college kids and adults."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food. Love that they
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food. Love that they gave us complimentary dessert for birthday occassion. Love the Tiramisu."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 10 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good authentic Italian. Salad
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good authentic Italian. Salad was fresh and well prepared. Pasta was a bit of Italy. Special porterhouse pork was very good though priced well above any entree on the menu (a definite no no if not disclosed to diners). All in all, a nice dining experience."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2003
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Review 11 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good food, horrendous service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We would have enjoyed our meal but the service was so bad that we were both in a bad mood. We walked in with another couple and were both seated promptly. Fifteen minutes later, they have salad and we have nothing. No one has been near us except to say she would be right back. I then noticed a couple who had just arrived were eating bread. We inquired, not from our server, as she had vanished but from another wait person who brought us bread. He then took our orders never inquiring if we had questions. It was not a good experience as I saw tables with different servers getting very fine service. . Out waitress surfaced when we were finished eating. We will not return."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 12 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were seated on the back
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were seated on the back covered terrace, which was pleasant and lively. My husband loved the swordfish, while my pasta in saffron was good but lacked acid. So I added the diced tomatoes from my husband's dish and voila! Would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 13 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gluten Free Carbo Loading
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great experience overall. The patio was lovely, our servers were gracious (especially Lizzy), and 3 of us agreed we'll return when we come back for the next SLO Marathon. And the food, you ask? The thinly sliced portobello mushroom salad was a hit as was a veal special, seafood risotto, and gluten-free pasta dish with housemade chicken sausage."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 14 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was the best meal we
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"This was the best meal we had while visiting the area for 4 days. Authentic Italian, beautiful atmosphere, quaint down town. Great service too."
Dined on 04/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great restaurant! Service was beyond excellent. My mother in law is gluten-free and they were more than accommodating. The gluten free pasta tasted phenomenal and you couldn't even tell that it was gluten free! The regular pasta was amazing too. We we definitely be coming back!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had enjoyed Buona Tavula
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had enjoyed Buona Tavula before, but did not recall it being as loud as it was this Friday night. If we cannot converse easily, it's too loud for us. No problem with noise added by the establishment -- the room is just too live. Our waiter was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu,but he appeared to have too much to do. We had to wait for a table event though we knew which one they would give us, and it was ready -- slightly irritating. The portions were too generous for our way of dining -- I was served two generous pieces of fish when one would have been more than adequate. As travelers, we couldn't have them box it up."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Spaghetti with roasted garlic
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Spaghetti with roasted garlic had too many pepper flacks. Scallops from fixed menu were too spicy and hid the taste of the scallops."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 18 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a good experience despite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a good experience despite waiting quite a while for our waiter to acknowledge us when we sat down. After he finally came he was attentive for the rest of the evening. Another table of 2 women got up and left in frustration because they had waited so long and were never acknowledged. This is strange, since it is a very small restaurant. That is the only complaint, as the food was excellent."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Such a gem!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Such a great find! Beautiful and warm patio dining!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 20 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Many gluten free options!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Many gluten free options! Rare to find a quality restaurant like this with a gluten free menu. Thanks for your consideration."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Antonio never fails to please.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Antonio never fails to please. Consistent food quality, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices. We love Buona Tavola!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A definite favorite for the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A definite favorite for the past ten years; whenever we are in San Luis."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 23 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Would have expected better
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had dinner at Buona Tavola prior to attending a ballet performance at CalPoly. We had a reservation, but despite the very cold evening, were told there was not enough seating inside and had to sit in the patio. They have heaters, but the ladies in the group (in evening gowns) had to keep on their heavy winter coats. We wanted to be on time and informed the waiter when we arrived. He promised to help, but didn't seem in a rush until we pointed out that it was 15 minutes to curtain and we still hadn't received our dessert. The prix fixe menu honestly sounded more impressive than it was. The risotto was more of a side dish than an entree, and the salad was too bitter. The best item was the homemade sausage."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Poor Dining Experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Restaurant is a good place for special occasions, but we were disappointed in level of service.
The didn’t honor the reservation, made us wait 40 minutes while others were seated and once seated, the table was too small for six, yet no other accommodations were offered when questioned.
The didn’t honor the reservation, made us wait 40 minutes while others were seated and once seated, the table was too small for six, yet no other accommodations were offered when questioned.
Waiter initially was attentive, but then disappeared for long periods of time; we resorted to flagging down other servers. Dinner was served 90 minutes after ordering, just too long of a wait.
Food was good once delivered, but the lack of acceptable service along with a general disrespect for our party was a tremendous disappointment."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
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Review 25 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We have been eating at Buona
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have been eating at Buona Tavola for at least 15 years and we have never had a meal that was less than excellent. This visit was no different. II would highly recommend Buona Tavola!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 26 for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We visit Buona Tavola almost
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We visit Buona Tavola almost every time we come to the Central Coast. We love the food, especially the Pollo Scamiciato and the sugo di carne miste. Very good wine list with many local selections as well as a great Italian selection. Service is sometimes a little slow, as it was last night."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2009
Special Features: notable wine list
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Buona Tavola - San Luis Obispo
Based on the average of (23) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate