Reviews La Tavola Italian Restaurant

Name: La Tavola Italian Restaurant
Address: 1 Boggs Ave, Pittsburgh, United States, I-15211-2039
Telephone: +1 412-481-6627
Rating: 85

Melissa

+4.5

From the outside I was skeptical ..... But the food was great. Service was equally satisfying.
Like the BYOB option.
Recommend if you want non-chain Italian with huge portions.

Mar 26, 2016

Claire McPherson

+4.5

Absolutely out of this world AMAZING! How there are any negative reviews on this established is beyond me. The owners themselves are from Sicily, if that doesn't speak for itself I don't know what does. This is the REAL DEAL authentic Italian cuisine! I have been here several times and always find myself wanting to come back for more... I've ordered the same appetizer (calamari diavolo-to die for!) every time I've been here and it is CONSISTENTLY good, each time better than I remembered! The service has always been great. When I dine out, I'm out to enjoy myself and take my time. Any restaurant has mishaps here and there and although I've never experienced this at La Tavola, I can assure you all of the staff is genuine, authentic and trying their best at all times whether it be on a busy Friday night or a slow Tuesday night! Jen is incredible!! If you're thinking about trying this place, don't think twice... Just do it! I'm huge on reviews and in fact this is the first I've ever written. This place deserves it!

Jul 31, 2014

FoodFather

Been here quite a few times. We love this place. Last night was no different food was exceptional but we did have a problem with the service from our obviously high waitress. She was not friendly or attentive like we are used to from the staff here. We were giving the wrong change and all big bills so we were forced to over tip. We had more service from the bread boy. Lol next time we will probably leave if we get stuck with her again. FoodFather Approved

Feb 22, 2014

Bvd

+4.5

It was a cold cold night when the wife and myself along with another couple went to this hidden gem of a restaurant.
On this Tuesday evening,we had FINALLY made it to La Tavola,after several reservations,and cancelations (due to weather),we finally arrived.
Jen,our server,was very professional,as well as personable.
After,several features,which she rattled off as if it were her job lol,and several suggestions,I finally decided on the feature,scallops...done to absolute perfection,the lemon herb sauce nothing but OUTSTANDING !
Wife had a pasta with shrimp,chicken and sausage,the sauce was a creamy light tomato,with the perfect heat,"knocked our socks off",just as Jen said it would.
Our friends both had the tortellini with shrimp and crab,also with just the right amount of heat.
I will be sure to tell anyone and everyone who will listen about my experience at this wonderful HIDDEN GEM!!!!!
.We will be back,and Jen will be my go to girl at this place .....fer sure.

Feb 21, 2014

Joe R

+4.5

Fantastico!. I can't believe it took us this long to find this fantastic Italian restaurant. From beginning to end, the meal was tremendous. The penne ala vodka was excellent and I don't hand out compliments about that dish. Quite honestly, it's easy to make an average vodka sauce dish. This was great because it was a lighter cream sauce that one would normally find, and it was plentiful with prosciutto (most I have ever seen in the dish). The sauce had a perfect infusion of the wonderfully salty meat, and each bite was creamy and delicious.

The other dish was an Italian take what one would find in a creole recipe, so it was pasta that had a sauce with some mascarpone cheese, sausage, chicken, shrimp and some nice heat. It was original, delicious, and generously portioned.

All parts of the experience were equally pleasing: great garlic bread immediately brought to table, a fresh and perfectly crafted cannoli, and the freedoms that come from a BYOB policy.

Steve, I mean CHRIS, was one of my favorite waiters ever, and if I come back, I will protest if he is not my server. Mark it: we will be back soon! You should go soon, too.

Feb 15, 2014

Bernard O

+4.5

First of all, I don't go to Italian restaurants. My Italian grandmother lived to be 102 years old, and she taught me everything I know about cooking Italian food, so I am almost ALWAYS disappointed when I end up ordering from somebody's menu. No brag, just fact... I am a great Italian cook, even though I don't look like one...

So, it was with some trepidation that I accepted an invitation from my dining partner to check out one of her favorite places to go with the bigshots from work. I knew I'd be disappointed. Ooops... Guess what happened? Yes, I loved it.

I loved it so much that I came back to explore the menu further. And then I came back AGAIN to try what I had almost ordered the second time! And NOW? Well, NOW I'm actually signed up for a very pricey cooking class in the downstairs kitchen studio at La Tavola, hosted by a remarkable matron of the kitchen, Carmella. Yes, I'm pretty serious about Italian cooking, and after three wonderful meals enjoyed by me, my partner, and some friends, I decided that the opportunity to learn from this lady was too good to pass up. I can hardly wait - and of course, I selected a date when she is teaching a veal dish. In fact, FIVE of us are attending Carmella's cooking class, and one of us has signed up for a second class already.

I plan to bring a nice primitivo, and one of my friends is bringing a couple of bottles of fine chianti, because La Tavola is BYOB. I think they actually get around liquor law somewhat with their dessert menu, which features some high powered rum cake and limoncello sorbet. From beginning to end, I have enjoyed every bite of everything I have sampled at this place since being turned on to it. And we SHARE, so every time I've been there, I and my friends have ordered different dishes so we could have a broader sampling of the menu.

The menu is very interesting. It's a composite of tried-and-tested simplicity and creative genius for the more adventurous. The dishes are very accurately described, and there is a lot to choose from, so bring your reading glasses and be prepared to waffle back and forth on your selection.

The atmosphere of the place is SO VERY throwback. It feels like New York City in the 60s or early 70s. Honestly, if you were just driving around the neighborhood looking for a less expensive Mount Washington restaurant that DIDN'T have a view, you would probably drive right by this place. But, in a fond memories of my Italian grandmother kind of way, it's VERY charming. There is plenty of seating, and if you don't come early, you ARE going to wait. Good things are worth waiting for, but my advice is to COME EARLY before they get slammed. By the way, there's a REASON they get slammed, and it's NOT the decor or the view.

I was very surprised to see any negative reviews of this place, and I have a few tips for you:
1. Don't trust a review of Italian food by someone who doesn't know how to spell "lasagna." The lasagna at La Tavola is excellent, but some people are used to Stouffer's, and their opinions don't count.
2. Don't trust reviews from impatient reviewers who were unhappy with their experience because they had to wait too long for the food. There's a REASON you had to wait too long. People love this place, and they come back often, and sometimes really good food takes time to prepare, unlike the microwave crap that you are accustomed to. By the way, REAL Italian families can spend HOURS at the dinner table when they gather.
3. Don't trust reviewers who complain about getting "too much food" at an Italian restaurant. Skinny jeans people have no place at a real Italian table, unless they don't mind finishing their meal over the course of several days, which apparently SOME people have a problem with.
4. Don't trust reviews by people who claim to be Italians that expect EVERY dish to be over-garliced, over-spiced, and over-priced. If they don't understand the SUBTLETIES of real Italian cooking, then they probably don't cook for themselves and have been duped by the HIPSTER purveyors of pseudo-Italian bastardizations. If you want AUTHENTIC, then don't complain when AUTHENTIC doesn't tickle your burned out palate.
5. Don't trust reviews of Italian food that are written by people who live in places like Utah, and who complain about the food being "blah" or claim that they could have made it cheaper themselves at home. Really? Subtlety in Italian cooking is authentic. Simplicity in Italian cooking is authentic.

Rant concluded. Now, if you want me to repeat this in my NEW YORK ITALIAN kind of way, I'm going to require the use of my hands and a few expletives. CAPICHE?

Jan 24, 2014

Chelsey McKenzie LaQuatra

+4.5

Cute atmosphere set off the main drag in mt Washington. The food was really good and well priced. It's nice that's its byob. Our waiter Chris gave us the best service we have ever had and we have been to some classy places. If you are looking for fancy this isn't your place but if you want good Italian food and great service definitely try la tavola.

Oct 20, 2013

Pittfood

+4.5

Wonderful Date Night x2. Absolutely fantastic.

If you are looking for a quiet, relaxed, and delicious dinner...this is the place. We went once for dinner and it was fantastic. Loved the BYOB, food was great, and our waiter was very knowledgable with the menu.

Recently we returned for Carmela's Cooking Class. Can't say enough about this experience. Delicious food cooked right in front of you. What other restaurant owner shows you how to make their food and gives you the recipe? Carmela sat with us after the class and talked about Italy. She made us feel so welcomed and comfortable. It felt like we were at a friend's house for dinner. It was a great experience!

If you are looking for authentic Italian food, you have to go.

If you are looking for a fun date night, you have to go.

You must try La Travola Italiana!

Jul 18, 2013

Niki Happel

+4.5

We had dinner there last weekend. There were 4 of us. They opened a downstairs which is new and modern and very pleasant until the other 3 tables arrived. After that it became so loud that we could not hear each other speak. The acoustics down there are awful. However, the food was superb. I had scallops which were the special that night, they were excellent and cooked to the perfect tenderness. This is one of the best places in the city for sure.

Jun 18, 2013

Thor

+4.5

Authentic Italian experience.. This is one of those places that you don't notice while driving by. We started with the speciall zucchini app. it was solid, nothing over the top which is good and we also shared the Sausage stuffed banana peppers, piping hot and spicy goodness. I had the Veal Parmigiana, the veal was tender, my fork easily cut through it. My girlfriend had the Chicken Picata, the lemon wine sauce was perfect combination of flavors. The portions are generous! The prices are outstanding. The service was a tad on the slow side but the place was packed. On the weekends you will need a reservation. Valet parking available since parking on the mount is hard to find. I'm a satisfied repeat customer.

Jun 03, 2013

Sharma Becker

+4.5

A++++. We were more than pleased with BOTH the food and the service. The food was outstanding, and Yanni, our waiter, was attentive, informative, and accomadating. This little hidden gem is well worth a visit from ANY where!!! Very high rating from St. Louis MO area to this Pittsburgh area restaurant!!!

May 02, 2013

JCBATC

+4.5

Tried LaTavola on a recommendation and my girlfriend and I were blown away. As other reviewers noted, the service is slower, but it fits with the family style of dining here. I had the special that night, which was the duck ravioli, and it was the best thing I have ever ate, not exaggerating! My girlfriend had the mezze rigatoni and she absolutely loved it as well! Thanks to La Tavola being BYOB, we were able to enjoy our favorite wine with dinner as well.

Mar 11, 2013

Lee Oleinick

+4.5

Quick shot out to La Tavola for a very impressive job on New Years Eve. The place was packed but with a slightly limited menu they were able to put out great dishes with very professional service ... All at reasonable prices. Kudos!

Jan 04, 2013

Food Hound Tidbits

+4.5

Food Hound: Tidbits - La Tavola Italiana. When in the Pittsburgh area, it's important to take the time out of your schedule to view the amazing history that runs throughout the city... one of your stops MUST be La Tavola Italiana! The good folks at La Tavola have been serving the public for the last thirty years and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon! An incredible location that overlooks the city itself, they seem to have everything from great food to outstanding service! The only thing that they don't have here is a liquor license; but feel free to BYOB (they do charge a corking fee). A quaint and extremely busy family run restaurant, the menu had a variety of different flavors that are sure to make your taste buds explode. As there was SO much to choose from, we opted to have their Chefs make the choices for us (a trend that we learned about recently in Austin, Texas). While waiting for the food to arrive, we were treated to fresh, warm and crunchy Garlic Bread that was full of garlicky love. SO delish!

Shortly after ordering, the food began to make its way to the Food Hound's table... and all was right in the world. The Carmela House Antipasto (named after Chef Carmela) was a generous helping of cold antipasto with fresh mozzarella, artichokes, red peppers and olives that packed in a ton of flavor behavior! One of my favorites was the Pizza Margherita, made by fifty-year pizza biz veteran - Poppa Giaramita! First things first, the sauce was BOSS ruling the overall vibe of this pie. Small and mighty, the pizza was off-the-hook; the light use of basil added a touch of flavor that made my buds go bonkers - soft, tasty and a perfect starter! The Calamari Diavolo (fried calamari) was spicy; but not overbearing - crispy texture while drowning in a red sea of spiced tomato cream with bits of tomato that added a refreshing juicy sweetness that evened out the steady heat.

Already starting to near the 'stuffed' zone - out came the entrees; one bigger than the next! The Tortellini was stuffed with shrimp and crab; then drowned in a beautiful roasted red pepper cream sauce! Wow! Slight spice felt in the rear of your throat; but light, creamy and bursting with tremendous taste - not fishy at all, we savored every bite! WIN! The Stuffed Porchetta Milanese was a healthy portion of lightly breaded and fried imported ham, cheese and a simply magnificent light and buttery Milanese sauce; lightly crispy and full of meaty goodness - very recommended. The Terra Sole was a heaping mound of what would be best described as 'Old School' Italian cooking at its finest! Another slightly spicy dish, there was a peppery pop in every bite; paired with al dente fuscilli and a hefty portion of sausage that literally falls apart in your mouth... tasty and terrific! During a visit to our table by the lovely Momma Giaramita (who has been engaging their diners since the grand opening years ago); we were treated to Pop's homemade Meatballs which were uber-yummy! Baked to perfection using the highest-quality beef; you can taste the hints of garlic, parsley and imported Romano cheese.

As if things couldn't get any better... out comes a sampling of their tremendous desserts! Everything is made in-house from the sauces, to the breads and right down to the tasty-treats that had been bestowed upon us. The Dolce Amore was a heavenly chocolate cake that was sweet, delicious and delectable - drizzled with a sweet cream and doused with a flambé of FOUR types of berries (strawberry, blueberry, wildberry and raspberry). Better known as the dessert of love - it is true to its name. The Tiramisu was light, creamy and fantasmic; the dried, sprinkled cocoa adds additional greatness to an already perfect finisher... take some home with you! We had an amazing experience at La Tavola Italiana - everything was so satisfying that we are sure to visit again.

Dec 20, 2012

Natalie Blackhurst Ryland

+4.5

I had dinner at La Tavola for the first time on Saturday night - I enjoyed it and plan to return. The service was good, and I liked that it was BYOB. Our table had the calamari diavlo and the zucchini appetizer, both of which were outstanding. But my entree was only so-so, it seemed like it was totally unseasoned. This was not the case with my companions though - those meals that I tried were delicious and generously portioned. As I said, I plan to go back but will most likely stick to the night's special.

Aug 06, 2012

BigEats

+4.5

Good and at times great. A cozy dining spot off the beaten Mt. Washington path. BYOB with corking charge helps to maintain a reasonable dinner cost.

I have dined here often and though not every experience has been the same almost all of the meals I have had were high quality and done right.

Aug 03, 2012

Josh Eadie

+4.5

Great food. Very authentic, delicious food. Our waiter was from Italy and so was the food...very impressed.

Apr 16, 2012

Thomas

+4.5

Leisurely Dinner. The restaurant is a nice hidden gem tucked away in Mt. Washington. Nicer than a Redbeard's and Bigham Tavern, but not crazy upscale like Monteray Bay and the other Grandview restaurants. The food itself is excellent. We went there for dinner and got the calamari diavolo (waiter's recommendation) which may be the best calamari appetizer I've ever had. For dinner, we ordered linguini with clams and the New York Strip, both of which were good and properly cooked . The only thing to consider when you go here to eat is to make sure you have plenty of time. Dinner took a little over 2 hours and we were one of only five tables on a weekday night. It's not neccessarily that the (one) waiter is unattentive; moreso, it's just that the culture in this restaurant is extremely relaxed. Since it's BYOB, bring a couple of bottles of wine, have some long conversations with friends and enjoy some great food. Just don't expect to be in and out quickly...this is just not that type of restaurant. If you come in with that in mind, I think you will walk away loving this place.

Jan 20, 2012

412kitty

+4.5

Get the take out. Let me say that I have only actually dined here once and it was years ago and EXTREMELY slow....However, my husband and I opt for the take-out about once or twice a month. There aren't too many choices on the Mount. Also, if you want your food delivered expect to wait at least an hour....As I said, we always do the take out.... The pastas and chicken dishes are pretty tasty and come with a "green" salad (yummy house dressing) and garlic bread. Their calzones are delish and huge and the pizza is hit or miss... Tiramisu is good too...I am ALWAYS stuffed after we eat their food! I like that it is a family owned local place also....

Jan 06, 2012

Ralphie

+4.5

Good....but....could be better. Been here a few times, 8 of us went over the weekend. Food was very good. Service was average - had to ask for more water a few times, served our salads but didn't get choice of dressing (odd), didn't get offered fresh ground pepper either. For presenting themselves as a fine Italian restaurant thought it was odd that grading cheese was on the table in a shaker that you would find in Pizza Hut. Having it in a bowl with a spoon looks much nicer. Having the servier freshly grade it on my plate would be my preference. The small things do add up when you're asking for a nice $. Love the BYOB. Will go back.

Nov 27, 2011

Nicki

+4.5

Just ok. Went to this place for dinner on a Friday night and it was fairly busy. The place is definitely more casual (with cheap chairs) and very loud. So loud to the point that it was hard to hear the specials from our waitress and she actually misheard one of our orders. When it came out wrong, they replaced it fairly quickly (within 5 minutes, recycling the broccoli and shrimp from the original order) and adding the peppers and sauce. The worst thing was the fact that they charge us for the original, incorrect order that was $8 more. We ended up just paying it vs. complaining again. Overall the other food was good, but just that- good, not great. The other odd thing was that the side item of the night was a pumpkin quiche that was very bland and not good. It was a good new place to try, but I don't think I will return.

Oct 08, 2011

Fxchapelboy

+4.5

Not crazy about the service though. A bit pricey, and atmosphere could be a bit spiced up. Again, good food.

Sep 08, 2011

Chiotisa

+4.5

Most amazing food i've had in my life. Very friendly wait staff who knew the menu inside and out and was even able to tell us where our scallops came from. Great service! Our waiter made sure we had everything we needed. I didn't mind waiting a little longer for my food to actually be cooked fresh rather than be re-heated. I had the scallops lemonata and was THRILLED with them. They were HUGE and the tasted better than anything i've had in my life!. The pasta was delicious. The atmosphere was quiet and calm..

Aug 26, 2011

Ayquerico

+4.5

First, be aware that they don't serve alcohol but you can bring your own. (is this a Pittsburgh thing?) food was great. Service was friendly but slow. Atmosphere nothing special.

Jul 03, 2011

YummyTime

+4.5

My Favorite!. I love this place so much, I'm having my rehearsal dinner here. I've been over 10 times in the last 8 months with just a few people and with huge parties (10 - 16 people multiple times). I read some of the other reviews and some of what is said is true - they changes the menu a bit and yes - it takes a while for your meal... but who cares. The food is out of this world and the price is fantastic! I've never heard a waiter or waitress say that they couldn't accomodate a change or a substitution. In addition, when we've been there with large groups - they are very generous with the family style portions and recommend items that will be most cost effective instead of trying to up-sell everything, which is what you get at most places. The ccalamari diablo is AMAZING! The Jolina, the La tavola, Frutte de mare, even the spaghetti and meatballs is out of this world. Tiramisu and canoli (sp?) are DEE-Lish too! Carmella rocks... all those other people must not know a good meal when it hits them in the face. Definitely be ready to relax and expect 2-3 hours, but for 5 ladies, apps, desserts and lots of wine, we spent $31/person - not so shabby in my book for great food, great service and great atmosphere!

Apr 01, 2011

Alie2411

+4.5

Excllent Meal. Stopped in on a Thursday night for a really enjoyable meal. Was my first time at La Tavola and I had heard many good things about it. It more than met expectations. Love that it is BYOB. The atmosphere isn't the best but the food made up for it. The garlic bread was excellent, the house salad dressing was very good, and my linguini carbonara was some of the best I've had. The server was very personable and the meal was wonderfully paced for my boyfriend and I to enjoy the evening together. Priced very reasonably as well, bill was under $50 with desert. To the reveiwer who compared La Tavola to Isabella, that makes very little sense as they are clearly two very different places for different occasions and different $$$. Great relaxed time. Will absolutely return.

Mar 04, 2011

HungryMan

+4.5

Disappointed with the changes-. Disappointed ! They have made the portions smaller since remodeling this past fall, they now give uncle ben's white rice as your side with your dinner, instead of the normal pasta or specialty pasta which we always looked forward to because it was so good. When my girlfriend inquired about ordering a side of it, the staff told her it was too much work for the kitchen to make one side(but it was the specialty pasta of the night.. so it would not be very hard to take a spoon and scoop out a side into a bowl??) the staff said it would have to be ordered as a dish for 2 or 4 people. which we did. This used to be our favorite place to go but the food quality is just average now! She got the chicken romano, she had never had it before, it was terrible it was 1 large egg omelette with chicken inside, had the waitress told her that was how it was prepared she would have never order it, from the menu description it sounded like it was prepared like any chicken romano dish at a typical Italian restaurant. We have sent several people here over our 10 years in Pittsburgh always recommending it as the best Italian place in the city, but for now we are going to take an extended break from la tavola, in hopes many more people will express distaste for the smaller portions, and changes :(

Jan 23, 2011

Becky Luzier

+4.5

Best calamari ever! Prices are fair considering I always have lunch for the next day.

Dec 19, 2010

Sandee McMonagle

+4.5

A gastronomic pleasure. I always heard of this little Italian place up on Boggs Avenue. Heard it was really good. Trying to find new restaurants to try around the city, we were driving through South Side looking for something interesting.. Then a thought...let's try to find that Italian place we heard about on Mount Washington. Through the tubes, up the backside of the mount...finally found it. It was 3:56 when we pulled in. They don't open till 4, but they had no problem seating us. All I have to say.... so glad we found it.

Nice interior, not fancy, but simple. The food was anything but. We started off with one of their appetizer specials. I nice little plate of cheese, olives, and homemade pickles and roasted red pepers. May Tag bleu cheese, Asiago, Romano- imported, four savory olives, homemade pickles - not your momma's, and brie en croute. The brie was topped with berries under the pull pastery. Wondeful...just enough to prepare your palette for what was to come. Next, the salad..fresh greens, black olives, the sweetest fresh red pepers, tomato..surprisingly tasty since they are not in season. All topped with the house balsamic vinagarette. A lot of places try to make this dressing, but get it wrong. This dressing was perfect. Just the right mix of savory, sour, and herbs.
Main entrees' It was so hard to pick. So many real Italian dishes, but I wanted pasta. I had spaghetti with a sauce of San Marzano tomatoes and marscapone cheese. There were tender, sweet shrimp too, but I was more into the sauce. I just LOVE San Marzano tomatoes and that's all I use at home to make sauce. This dish came out with large, sweet, succulent tomatoes and a surprising light tomato-marscapone sauce. The cheese only enhanced the great taste of the tomatoes. I LOVE it. Saved the leftovers for lunch and can't wait to enjoy it again. Hubby got a a special - mussells in a spicy, tomato, lobster sauce. I don't like mussells, but I tried one of them and they were great. The chef, who came out to meet us after the meal, told us they import the seafood from Hawaii. Well worth it. The lobster was used to flavor the sauce not as a featured protein.

All the food was high quality, flavorful, and it was a truly pleasurable experience. With our leftover containers on the table, the waiter asked if we wanted dessert. Yes, but I was full. You don't want to ruin the experience by eating too much. But we decided to take a couple of peices the homemade tiramisu home.... We ate it a little later as we snuggle on the cold night and watched a movie. Well worth it.

Go there. It's great. It's wonderful. If your favorite "Italian" restaurant is Olive Garden, don't go. You probably wouldn't like this real deal.

Wait...the price....$76 for two..appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. With the quality of the ingredients they use, I don't know how they keep the prices so reasonable.

Wonderful food made with passion...now THAT's Italian food.

Nov 28, 2010

Heather Longstreth

+4.5

Haters, stay away! Don't ruin it for the rest of us!. My husband have been to La Tavola many times and have NEVER been disappointed once. For those who feel the need to hate, it is not a five star atmosphere, but I think that adds to the experience. We have gone both dressed up or nicely dressed with jeans and have always felt comfortable. I don't know about some people, but I go there for the food, not the building. In case you didn't notice, some of the oldest and best places in Pittsburgh are not the prettiest, but that is ok with me. Every time we have visited, we have had something new, and always liked it. We always go with the stuffed banana pepper, which is amazing. Nicely cooled down with the wine of your choice as their cork fee is only $5. Also, I don't find this restaurant pricy AT ALL, we usually take 1-2 bottles of wine, apps, salads, dinners and of course we share a dessert. I don't think we have ever spent more than $75. If you are looking for a cookie-cutter italian joint, maybe you should stick with Olive Garden..and you can stay away from LaTavola because if you haters start clogging up the tables, you will make it harder for those of us who like it to get a table.

Nov 16, 2010

Leogurl

+4.5

Buon Appetito!!! Brava!. Truely Italian! My boyfriend and I came here for our Valentine's Day dinner and it was AWESOME! When we walked in, it was soo cute! They had red roses on every table and red and white tablecloths on the tables. Adorable! To "sbksbj" shame on you for saying La Tavola has a "firehall" feel! What it DOES have is a big Italian wedding reception hall feel and I KNOW most of Pittsburgh understands what I'm saying here!

The night we went, a couple was celebrating their 35 wedding anniversary and the entire bridal party were there. They were sitting at one of the big tables in the middle of the room. All of a sudden, a man stands up and says to the restaurant while chiming his glass, "Attention! I'd like a make a toast to this couple who I was their best man in their wedding 35 years ago!" The entire restaurant clapped and took their silverware and started chiming on their glasses! It was awesome! It felt like i was at a family member's wedding!!! LOL!

Now the food-delicious! Our server was professional, informative and very gracious! My boyfriend ordered the veal parmigiana and I order the lobster ravioli. The veal was so tender and the sauce tasted almost as good as my nonna's (of course nonna's sauce is always the best:)! And my lobster ravioli? Huge chunks of lobster!!! I can't even tell you how great they were! The nice thing is they're BYOB, so you know they're not raking in the $$ from alcohol sales-it's the food! On a final food note-ORDER THE CANNOLI!!! OMG! They stuff the cannoli roght before the serve it so the shell is nice and crisp and the filling isn't too sweet. I had an espresso after dinner. Magnificant!

No with the negative review from "sbksbj". I'm first generation and we ALWAYS eat our salad with our main meal! "Merigans" eat salad before the meal-fyi! The prices proposterous?? Wow! My lobster ravioli was no more than $21. For that, you're easily talking at least $25 for that ravioli with that much lobster. Our Calimari Diavolo was tender, spicy and delicious! I've been eating calamari for Christmas Eve since I was a kid and this is just how I remember it. As for the sausage, apparently you don't grind your own. Are you kidding me? You're complaining about a $5 corkage fee when they could charge you $10 for a glass?? Haha! Sounds like your "Italian trip" was "Meriganized" for "Merigans". Yes, do the people who LOVE La Tavola a favor and don't come back!

All in all, it was great, unpretentious homemade Italian. We walked from our place on Mt. Wash, stopped at the wine shop for something we like on the way-all through "Snowmageddon '09". We're going back tonight!!!!!

Nov 05, 2010

PittsLova20

+4.5

YUMMY. Food and service ARE always excellent!

Jul 29, 2010

Stacy

+4.5

Wonderful food! The place is kind of a hole in the wall as far as atmosphere.... But the food is delish! Byob saves on the bar tab, great service, Make reservations on Friday and Saturday! I'm happy to have found this hidden gem! Dinner for two with appetizer, dessert, coffee= 80 bucks.

May 23, 2010

Ryan

+4.5

Awesome!!!. The food here is great. Some of the below people are haters because its not olive garden...sorry, it's REAL Italian food. The staff is fantastic and friendly, and the food has never disappointed. The desserts are out of this world good. Pasta Terre Sole is fantastic and well balanced. The right amount of spice/flavor combo. Not to heavy, not too weak. you must try this place if you like Italian food--you won't be disappointed.!!!

May 02, 2010

Food Lover In Pgh

+4.5

Shhh..... This place is too good to be true! The owner/chef will come out to talk to you about your meal, which is always an authentic Sicilian experience. There are absolutely NO cannoli in Pittsburgh to match the ones they have here, which are homemade with imported cheese with crusts light as a feather. Everything comes out freshly made and just how you want it. Support this great small business--they really know their stuff and deserve to do well. Buon appetito!

Jan 27, 2010

DB In PGH

+4.5

Wonderful Food and Great Service. We dined at La Tavola on a Saturday night and had a wonderful experience. Luigi seated us and opened our wine (they don't have a license so it's BYOB at a very reasonable corkage fee), and we enjoyed a leisurely dinner. The server was very knowledgeable, helped us select just the right entrees, and we shared pasta among the four of us.

The veal chop was outstanding, the spicy calamari tender and flavorful, and the tiramisu finished the evening perfectly! The two types of raviolis (spinach and portobella mushroom) were just right in a delicious cream sauce.

Go during the week or make sure to reserve early for the weekend as they fill quickly. The prices are the best you'll find on Mt. Washington.

Mar 12, 2008

gary Conti

Was simply perfect. Saturday week before Christmas. Romantic dinner , amazing meal. The fried meatballs was simply perfect. I had pasta carbonara and my girlfriend had scallops over pasta. We just loved it. The restaurant was old school and we really enjoyed it. Better add another star for the service. I can’t remember our servers name but she was above and beyond. Thanks for a wonderful memory!!

Phillip Strano

BYOB restaurant with very reasonable corking/beer/liquor fees. The greens and beans with sausage is highly recommended for an appetizer. I also got the calamari diavlo which was good. For entree I got the Tortellini Crab and Shrimp which was extremely tasty. I'll probably get that again next time. I'll be back!

Armando Cardona

We called in and spoke to Joe, he was able to accommodate us for dinner. Everyone had something different and food was absolutely delicious! I had veal piccatta and it was fantastic. Service was great, our server was Antonia and she was very attentive despite having a packed house. Joe and his wife came over and chatted with us for a good while and made us feel very welcome. Great food, great service and great owners.... Do yourself a favor and stop in.

Charles Veiga

Really cool place. Food is great and it’s really nice being able to BYOB. Loved the house made pasta and the Scallops were delicious. Enjoyed an espresso after my meal. Very relaxed family type atmosphere.

A C

Charming and authentic Italian restaurant ran by Joe and his wife. He was in charge of making the bread and sausage and meatballs and the sauce all of which were amazing! Literally everything we had was a10 out of 10. I can not wait to go back!

T C

I had the carbonara and very yum. Heavy on the garlic and lots of flavor. It came with a small house salad. We also got the spaghetti and meatballs- Sunday sauce basically. Pretty pleased with the al dente sauce and the meatballs were large and very good. Our server was great! Super friendly and helpful

Mary Ann Kapacs

Dined first Saturday in June. Busy night, but the service and food was wonderful! We were treated like we dined here often. Our waitress was friendly and fun. All the staff was great. Our party of 4 had a great time. I would love to go back the next time we are in Pittsburgh.

Rachel Brown

Really attentive staff, BYOB, incredible wedding soup and apps. The garlic bread for the table was fresh and lovely. We’ll be back again. Thank you!

DJ Reese

Great place on the mount. Tucked back a bit from the busy Grandview. Great atmosphere. Superb food and very friendly staff. It's more upscale and I believe we needed a reservation but it wasnt busy enough where we couldnt have walked in and possibly got a table.

Kate Pfrommer

For anyone considering a private event, I’d highly recommend La Tavola. We had our rehearsal dinner in the basement/outdoor private event space and it went absolutely great!! The food was delicious, the space was cozy, and best of all it was BYOB. We felt comfortable here with kids and Carmella was very welcoming and helpful as we put together our event. PS the tiramisu is the best I’ve ever had

Corrie Warren

Have been here a few times (was always amazing) but not recently until last night when we went as a party of 12. Everything was perfect — the service was awesome and flawless. The food was mouth-watering. Everything was so good, we can’t wait to go back. Thank you everyone at La Tavola for an amazing meal and experience! Something to plan for ahead of time is that they can’t split checks — always nice to think of the logistics with your group ahead of time!

Rob Goldberg

Have been here plenty of times and while the food was great it appears the portions have decreased. The side salad might have contained 5 pieces of lettuce and the tortellini which typically covers the entire plate was only about 3/4 normal.

Marcy Alexia

An extremely delicious dining experience, I absolutely love their chicken Marsalis & U bring your own wine for your group to enjoy. The server was very classy too. I'll definitely go again!

Andy Domasky

Nice food, friendly staff, good atmosphere, 10/10.

David Clark

We held a small meeting (~18) there and ordered appetizers and pizzas afterwards. The staff were very accommodating and The owner Carmella personally oversaw everything. BYOB.

August Hoyt

Went there to get take out for dinner. After reaching the take out area around the back, we were greeted by the owner, who chatted with us while we were waiting. And the food was great, but more importantly, the service was unbeatable.

PaoloFrancesco99

While visiting Pittsburgh and staying in Mt. Washington, my family walked to this nice neighborhood Italian restaurant. It reminded us of the best things about our own favorite place at home: great food, local feel, caring staff who've probably been there a while, and reasonably priced. All of our meals were delicious, as were the deserts that we shared. Portions were healthy - enough to satisfy but not so much that you gorge yourself because it tastes so good and feel lousy afterwards, or need to take half of it home. We took our time and enjoyed our time together with a fine meal.

Erica Newport

The owner, Joe, cooked our food AND came out to chat us up and check in post-meal. The food is fresh and authentic and TASTY! BYOB w inexpensive cork fee.

Reviews La Tavola Italian Restaurant

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