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Tavola Italian Kitchen Reviews List
Tavola Italian Kitchen
farm-to-table, modern italian
TAVOLA [‘ta:.vo.la] 1.'table' in italian
inspired by a neighborhood osteria, tavola is a place to gather & enjoy wine & SIMPLE HANDCRAFTED FOOD.
LOCALLY SOURCED & SUSTAINABLE produce, meats, ceramics & flowers are supplied by our community of artisans, farmers & purveyors.
committed to SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE food crafted with SEASONAL INGREDIENTS & prepared with techniques
an all ITALIAN WINE PROGRAM reflects a love for the esoteric while paying homage to tradition & terrior
See more Tavola Italian Kitchen details
TAVOLA [‘ta:.vo.la] 1.'table' in italian
inspired by a neighborhood osteria, tavola is a place to gather & enjoy wine & SIMPLE HANDCRAFTED FOOD.
LOCALLY SOURCED & SUSTAINABLE produce, meats, ceramics & flowers are supplied by our community of artisans, farmers & purveyors.
committed to SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE food crafted with SEASONAL INGREDIENTS & prepared with techniques
an all ITALIAN WINE PROGRAM reflects a love for the esoteric while paying homage to tradition & terrior
54 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 54 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(31)
- fit for foodies(26)
- great for lunch(11)
- great for outdoor dining(11)
- notable wine list(10)
- good for groups(9)
Tavola Italian Kitchen Reviews List
Review 1 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Okay, but...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Bread and virgin oil dip is better at pasta pomodoro. Selections of entree limited. Half-baked chicken was pretty good. Have only eaten dinner here. I don't know if they have a lunch menu with smaller servings."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Can always count on delicious and creative food. Menu changes with the seasons. Their soups are especially delicious....my favorite so far , the heirloom tomato soup last Fall. It's our close to home go to restaurant! Waiters very friendly!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our Go-To Spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We love this place whether we go for a 3-course meal or, as we did this weekend: for salads, a half carafe of wine and a shared pizza. Everything is delicious, the wait staff is great and we enjoy the casual ambiance. They also do a good job honoring reservations on time."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food deserves much better
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food deserves much better service than we experienced at Tavola. Too bad because it was not busy and the service was still lacking and unattentive."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
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Review 5 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
GREAT food as always, but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"GREAT food as always, but Tavola continues to get more and more expensive...much faster than the rate of inflation!!"
Dined on 04/21/2013
2012
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Review 6 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This restaurant serves consistantly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This restaurant serves consistantly great and imaginative meals. I have eaten there more than 20 times and have never had a anything but great dinners. All our friends that we take there are always impressed. This place is a gem!!!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2002
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 7 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A Great Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had very attentive service and a delicious Italian dinner in a pretty setting. The location is great for people who want good food in the wide open space between Marin and the Wine Country."
Dined on 04/15/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food in our own backyard!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Always so appreciative of having Tavola, with its sophisticated but approachable and delicious food in Novato, a town that often offers food that is mediocre at best. Tavola is a true gem. For those folks who think they have to go all the way to SF for this level of cuisine, think again! It's right here in our backyard!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
much better food than you
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"much better food than you would expect for a storefront restaurant in a strip mall. Sometimes the service seems to be focused on trying to get you your food as fast as possible, even when it's not crowded. The food is so good, it would be nice to have a little more time to enjoy it (as well as the company of your dining partners)."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2004
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 10 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We went there for brunch on
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went there for brunch on Sunday and found out they had stopped their brunch service the weekend before. We were disappointed because we really wanted brunch and their website (still) has "sunday brunch: 11:30am - 3pm". We stayed and had lunch anyway. The chicken arugula panini had lots of flavor and was really good. They make their own pastas too which is nice. The portabella fries were okay - a little heavy on the batter. We've had better portabella fries at Sauce in San Francisco!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
LOVE, LOVE this restaurant.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"LOVE, LOVE this restaurant. First rate service only matched by menu and food prep."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Italian with unique
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Italian with unique flavors. I enjoyed everything I tried. Would definitely come here again!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great family dinner out celebrating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"2nd time we have visited and it is just an excellent spot for just about any experience.
In this case, our daughter requested that we have her 14th birthday dinner because of her first experience with their pizza. All the food is excellent and sourced from local farmers and dairies. I really liked my wild boar pasta dish.
Service was outstanding."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The restaurant had few guests
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant had few guests when we got there for our 6:30 p.m. reservation. Our group of 5 ordered five different entrees and none of us were happy with them. It seems they try to mix too many good groups together and nothing worked. Even down to the desserts. Very poor and very $$$ for what we got. We ended up spending $57 p/p (which included an alcoholic beverage for four of the five) and a couple of desserts. Would not have been worth it for less either. The restaurant was never busy (and it was a Friday night.)Will not return."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
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Review 15 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The freshness of the food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The freshness of the food was a big plus."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dreamy outdoor luncheon
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I LOVED eating outside in a quiet space. So glad I read "don't be afraid of it being in a mini-mall" review on their web site. I think I need to go back for lunch to see if the food and service play at a higher level and meets the extraordinarily high expectations I had after reading the website."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2003
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The pizza is really delicious
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The pizza is really delicious - outstanding crust!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tavola is a rare find in Marin!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tavola is a rare find in Marin! The food is so amazing, pizza was delicious!!!!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
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Review 19 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tavola a Marin Italian Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Don't let the mini-shopping center fool you! This is a real restaurant, worthy of being mentioned in the same league as some of the "name" Marin restaurants. Superb food and service, at fair prices. When our Italian-American friends visit from LA, Tavola is where we are taking them!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
1999
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very enjoyable dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very enjoyable dining experience. Appetizers and entrees were delicious."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A New Favorite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This has become one of our go-to restaurants for reliably delicious meals and great ambiance.
The servers are not intrusive but friendly and efficient. The food is excellent. Sometimes we each have a glass of wine and a salad, and share a pizza-- perfect lighter meal. The pastas and entrees are also delicious when we want something more. A great neighborhood find for northern Marin."
The servers are not intrusive but friendly and efficient. The food is excellent. Sometimes we each have a glass of wine and a salad, and share a pizza-- perfect lighter meal. The pastas and entrees are also delicious when we want something more. A great neighborhood find for northern Marin."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Neighborhood Gem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"What a find! Finally, a restaurant worth going to in Novato. High quality ingredients, tastefully prepared. Definitely a notch above any other restaurant I have tried in Novato. Menu is geared toward pasta and pizza which I don't eat, however the fresh fish, porcini rubbed flat steak, arugula and brussel sprout salad....just delicious. The atmosphere is nice and the service is great."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Salute'
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our second time at Tavola, First time was for our Anniversary in December. The food is amazing that is why we returned . The waiter Robert is fantastic! Very knowledgable about the unique fresh gourmet foods they serve. great service very sincere people.Try the Italian sparkling wine ( champagne by Jeio) it is fantastic light and crisp mot to sweet not dry. This is our new favorite place in Novato. Great find and we just moved to the community what a plus for Novato to have Tavola. I"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
GREAT but getting very pricey!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Still the same great food with excellent service and ambiance, but prices appear to have gone up considerably. What gives?"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Arrived close to closing time
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Arrived close to closing time and never felt rushed. Food was fresh and well prepared. Friendly staff."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2005
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Review 26 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love going here - always have
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love going here - always have great service; great food in a neighbhood place. I always have a great lunch with my dad & we are left to talk and sip wine as long as we like.
I took a work group for a lovely celebration lunch - we had a great meal and fully enjoyed ourselves."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A favorite in Marin!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of my favorite restaurants in Marin. Always have a great meal here, with friendly service."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We stopped here on our way
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We stopped here on our way back to Petaluma for an early dinner. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli and my husband the boar pasta dish. Both of these dishes were excellent. The Caesar salad was delicious and crispy with a tempura sardine. Our waitress was so nice and friendly explaining all the menu items. She brought me a taste of 2 white wines as I was not familiar with the variety. It was a nice touch to the service. We definitely will return to this family owned restaurant."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2000
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Tavola Italian Kitchen
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic