Tavolàta Belltown Reviews

This used to be our go to restaurant for pasta dishes, to the point where we got bored and decided to skip it for nearly year, though we did try the one on Capitol Hill a few times in between. On a superficial glance not much has changed, same (now tired) menu, same yuppie appealing modern industrial decor. So why the gripe? 1. Burrata: soft and fresh as always but the arugula was over salted and the few seed of pomegranate add nothing...this IMO is usually ruse of the unaccomplished chefs. 2.Rigatoni was a let down, the potion size had been reduced to an appetizer size. The chunks of sausage were overly salty and barely palatable. Our server offered to have it redone and then charged us for the second portion!! 3. Lamb Ossobucco was fair to middling, the accompanying beans made the dish bland, and it needed a bit more citrus, the sauce was mediocre, the lamb could have been bit more tender. 4. Tonnereli was good as was the mushroom ravioli. These two were the only saving grace. 5. But the biggest disappointment was yet to come. The chocolate cremeaux. Salted caramel was ,well salty but the added coarse salt made it unpalatable. The poached pear on top was BLAND. I guess to make up for the excessively salty dessert. Service too has gone downhill from attentive to perfunctory. The usual greetings and "how is everything", were all there, but like the menu it felt a bit tired.

This highly popular restaurant is deservedly so, with a menu that combines tradition and creativity. While the current health protection measures and strain on staffing meant that we were served a bit less well than I'd hope, it was understandable. The kitchen did not disappoint, with on-point sauces gracing perfectly prepared home-made pastas chosen to match the sauce they paired with. Well worth your time, wallet and appetite.

A friend recommended this place as something good and different. Feels like a restaurant you'd find more in Los Angeles or New York than Seattle...in any case, the place was packed and happening. The food was good as many have shared. The service was slow - but they made up for it with an extra dish and an acknowledgement. All and all a good night out.

On a Saturday night this place was buzzing with people, music and chatter. The waitstaff didn't miss a thing - we were so well looked after. Great local wines and brews. Stunning Italian food made with the freshest ingredients and served generously. Highly recommend Tavolata!

Great Italian Flavours and pasta cooked to perfection. Please please stop with the cheese! A bit of cheese on pasta is great there is no need for the whole block to be added! The portions sizes where huge, no one need go hungry!

Ate at Tavolata and truly enjoyed our meal. The wait staff was very friendly and efficient. The food was fantastic and the presentation was excellent. We sat outside and enjoyed the ambiance. Would definitely recommend this restaurant.

From our welcome, I was curious how this was going to go. The hostess was a little condescending considering we did have reservations. I was a little surprised when the waitress removed our plates while we were still working on our appetizers. That being said, everyone at the table enjoyed their dinner- the food was well presented and prepared. Truth be told, I can't recommend either way- it certainly wasn't memorable for approx. $100.00 per couple.

There are so many better Italian restaurants in the greater Seattle area. After eating at "How to Cook a Wolf" I had high expectations for Tavolata. Unfortunately, I was rather disappointed. The food was average at best and services was okay. Not sure I would come back, especially if I can eat at places like Spinasse.

Bright, airy restaurant, the first room as a long communal table down the center with booths and tables on either side. Prompt, knowledgeable service. Menu has terrific choices of pasta as well as entrees. The pasta was tender and tasty. In fact, you get a couple of bags to take home (uncooked of course) with the bill. We were on a trip so had to leave it behind (sigh).

Had some great fresh pasta here for an early dinner during happy hour. The value is really good for the quality of food. If you are nearby, call ahead and get on the seating list for happy hour as it gets busy. Great service as well.

We had the spaghetti with chicken and ricotta meatballs and the rigatoni - both delicious pasta dishes. The food is fantastic and the restaurant well located with lots of bars nearby for drinks after eating.

Fantastic pasta, lovely wine, great service, nice ambience, good view of the busy kitchen - what's not to love?

2 kinds of gnocchi (non potato.. try it!) Were both good and all pasta seemed very fresh with great sauces. The rigatoni with Bolognese looked great but did not try... It is noisy but that is part of the embience. Need to go back soon. S

The food here was exceptional! Pastas were flavourful, saucy, and delicious. Their gluten free pasta was amazing- could barely tell the difference. A wide selection of wines to choose from, romantic ambiance, friendly servers. Definitely worth a visit!

We ate here on a Monday night and there was a pretty good crowd by 7 or so but no problem getting a table. The design is quite nice and has a really nice vibe. The food was good. I ordered the Gnocchi alla Romana which were nicely done but a tad on the rich side for me. For appetizers we had the calamari and beet salad, both good choices. Overall a nice experience and a good meal.

Went here as it was recommended by a friend. It was delicious!! Had the toasted artichokes for an appetizer which were amazing! The ravioli was so good and the gingerbread ice cream was excellent. The meal was so good we ended up buying the cookbook. Highly recommend if you are looking for a restaurant in Seattle!!

4 of us. The day after Thanksgiving. It was crowded and it was flawless! Coming from San Francisco, I know what a good restaurant should be. Food wise and service wise. Tavolata met my expectations on both counts. The pasta was impeccable, drinks were divine, calamari was fresh and crisp. Some n our party had fish which they loved, I had the pasta, another loved the poultry. All dishes were perfection. After our meal, I had ordered coffee and asked our waiter for a small assortment of cookies for dessert. It wasn't on the menu, but he said he's ask the kitchen what they could do. He returned with a small plate and 2 delightful, fresh baked shortbread cookies. They were the last two in the kitchen, the chef sent them to me on the house. I was very thankful for such a lovely gesture. Our waiter was amazing. He was attentive, prompt and professional. He also had a great sense of humor which made our evening that much more enjoyable. I will definitely be returning to Tavolata on my next visit to Seattle. WELL DONE!

So we were in the area and it was late on a Sunday night and this was one of the only places open. We went in and were pleasantly surprised. The servers are polite and the food is great. The wine list is to die for. I went in with an exchange student from Italy and she too was super satisfied. We tried the Spaghetti with Ragu and the Shrimp pasta. It was fresh, flavorful and lip smacking. Must try and must visit

What a find! My son and I went for dinner on our first night in Seattle. We were blown away by the good service and ambience. We were greeted very warmly by the front of house hostess. Our server was so sweet too. Food was amazing! We tried the burrata and carpaccio for appetizers. Best tastes in a long time. Burrata so good with the pickled shallots. Carpaccio fabulous! We each had a pasta. The gnocchi romana was perfect. Fresh tomato flavor and creamy cheese goodness all in one bite. Ravioli with browned butter and sage and shaved Parmesan excellent. Although for a lesser trained palate it can become a bit overly sweet tasting by the time you are done your meal though. All in all a lovely visit. Will be coming back again. Thank you for a memorable meal.

We shared two kinds of pasta, one extruded the other a sheet type. Both were excellent, with sauces to match. Also shared green bean starter with ricotta smear. Wow. Great combination. All was imaginative and well executed. We talked of the dishes as among the best Italian in Seattle. Atmosphere was a little too noisy for us, but many would find it exciting. We're just getting older. We plan to return and to recommend it to our foodie friends.

Lovely place with good Italian, but not great. The location was perfect for our hotel. Portions were very big for the pasta dishes.

We walked in without a reservation between the Christmas and New Year week. All of Seattle was bustling. There were three of us. The hostess squeezed us in...asking (at 5:30pm) if we could be out by 7pm because there was a reservation then. Yes! Our waitress was Natalie. She was awesome! Very accommodating, cheerful and attentive - without being too attentive! Barata! Definitely order this appetizer - the cheese was soo fresh! Adult son had the Fettuccini Negro - Seafood with black pasta. Delish! Trying to be good, hubby and I each had salads and then shared the Rigatoni. Boy we were so glad we shared the pasta dish. Again, everything fresh and delish, and good portions! Ambiance was great, service even better. Creme Brulee was also a delight. Will definitely return when we are back in Seattle!

Love this place for happy hour (or non-happy hour drink & snack). Cocktails are well done and with Italian flare although the wine quality for happy hour is not ideal. better to select something off the glass menu. The food is never a miss, though, with well chosen charcuterie and seasonal crostini or bruschetta. This last time we had a fish bruschette that was amazing. The Roman gnocchi were super tasty--fried semolina gnocchi. I've been to Rome many times and never had that type of gnocchi, but it was super tasty all the same (and certainly the "fried" part is in keeping with Roman street food). Service is always great--they will do whatever they can to squeeze you in at the bar or just find a table for you, even if you aren't staying for a big dinner. Awesome outdoor seating, weather permitting. Indoors it can be quite loud (and sometimes overly warm) and if you don't have a reservation, you're likely to sit at long communal tables.

We were going to an event in the neighborhood and decided to have dinner here first - and SO GLAD we did! Ethan Stowell has done it once again. It was restaurant week, so we had to select from a pre-fix menu, but every single thing we ordered was excellent. The asparagus appetizer was grilled perfectly in taste and texture, and the roasted beets were delicious! The rigatoni was fresh and spicy with a full bed of the lightest parmesan grated on top. The skirt steak was cooked perfectly and so flavorful. And to top all that off ... lemon donut holes with chocolate sauce for dipping. Y.U.M.

I went here with a friend to celebrate her birthday. We were going to just do their happy hour but couldn't get a seat at the bar so we had dinner. I am so happy we did. The beer salad was an amazing experience, every bite a delight! We shared a pasta and the fish a agin an amazing experience. There was plenty for a left over meal or a third person. I highly reccomend this place for a wonderful evening out with friends!

I went here for dinner with a friend. Both of us ordered pasta, which was delicios. The Gnochi came directly from the oven and were nothing but yummi. For the shrimps pasta, there weren't too many shrimps in it - but still they tasted very good. Staff was friendly, service was quick and the atmosphere was quite nice. Great for a nice evening with friends.

After dinner we were walked around in Bell town and came across Tavolata. We were sided outside and ordered a couple of drinks. It was a fun place to people watch. The service was very attentive. Look forward to going back and having something to eat

Had an early dinner here with my kids. The service was so friendly and fast, the food was delicious, and the portions were huge! It’s a local favorite for a reason.

We had a nice dinner at Tavolata with pasta with summer truffle as One of the pasta we shared. Was fantastic, not only because of the truffle, but also because the pasta in all case was very well cooked. All food was good and service very good. Excellent place for an informal dinner in Capitol Hill.

Another fantastic venue from a wonderful visionary. Once again I am wowed by a restauranteur that combines great dishes, with excellent friendly service and great happy hour offerings. The outdoor seating was comfortable, the table service was polite and professional and the drinks and food were superb. What a treat.

Service failure. Unable to honor reservation. Suggested we eat at the bar. At the same time I was able to make a reservations for immediate seating. Overbooked?

My wife and I stopped by for dinner great happy hour menu, food was fresh and seasoned perfect staff was very attentive next time we are in Seattle we'll be back

We were a party of 15 just arrived in the city, hungry and not sure what we wanted. Our excellent waitress assisted us in selecting some wonderful wines and suggested we try dining family style rather than each of us ordering an entrée. The salume, bread and salmon appetizer got us started followed by several pasta dishes, all really good. We finished with lemon doughnuts. Great experience.

Great food. The starters were amazing. We had four dishes of Pastas between us, and all were excellent. Service was superb. Highly recommended !

If you are looking for a fun experience and great food and service, get to Tavalota at 5 pm when they open. Sit at the bar, and let Amy make some cocktails for you. They have great homemade pasta. Favorite is the spaghetti with white anchovies, lemon, garlic, and mint. The gnocchi with tomato sauce is also incredibly good. The garbanzo bean salad is also one delicious dish! These are all on the happy hour menu at reduced price.

The main reason this place gets 4 rather than 3 stars was because the pasta really was outstanding. The downside was the service which we attribute to the mandatory 20% gratuity added to every check. It gives the wait staff no incentive to be attentive or friendly. Our food took a while to get there which isn't great when you have 3 hungry kids. My husband mentioned this delay to our server who responded "well our food is made to order." Yeah well so is Subway's. Our bottle of wine was also on the warm side. However having said that, the pasta really was delicious.

We lucked out. Secured the last reservation for 2 persons on a busy Friday evening. Arrived and were seated on time at a booth. Place was just beginning to fill up and it wasn't too noisy. Our server was very thorough. We chose to split two items -- the Tonnarelli, a large portion of homemade pasta (linguini?) perfectly cooked al dente. The dish was more than sufficient to split (and we ended up taking some home). Very rich, delicious and great with the main course. We also split the Brick Chicken, which was simply divine. So flavorful, juicy and substantial as well. We also had a delightful Cote de Provence rose wine, which was perfect for a slightly warm evening. No dessert this time, as we were full, but will be back.

Dined here twice this month. Every item is spectacular. My personal favorite is the basic spaghetti. Great service and atmosphere. Will continue to come back.

I stopped in here for a happy hour and was blown away. A martini or manhattan was about $6. There were cheese boards and pastas mostly under $10 that were absolutely delicious. They also have a little lemon zeppoli desert with a chocolate sauce that was so tempting that I had to order it and I definitely wasn’t disappointed. They make handmade pasta daily which is cooked perfectly. The staff is lovely, pleasant, and friendly. I had a delicious cocktail, a wonderful meal, and interesting conversation. I will definitely be dropping by in the near future.

Delicious homemade pasta and bread, mediocre service. Overall, some of the most delicious homemade pasta we have tried, chewy and smooth, you can tell it is made with love. The service was very slow. While this could be the style of a European restaurant, we were waiting for our server many times and felt it took longer than it should have. All in all, delicious meal, average service.

We were visiting Seattle for a wedding and the rehearsal dinner was held here. Right from the start they couldn't do enough for us. Both my husband and I have allergies which we had contacted the manager about in advance. He met us when we arrived, introduced our waitress and assured us they would take good care of us. I was unable to eat most of the appetizers but as they did not want me to have no food, they took it upon themselves to cook foods I could eat. The portions were generous and the food delicious. By the time the dinner came I wasn't sure I would have room for it! They prepared a whole branzino and side dishes just for me. The wait staff and manager came over regularly to check on me. This is truly a wonderful place to go if you have food allergies or intolerances. Everyone raved about the quality and presentation of the food.

A week ago, we were told Tavolata wouldn't do take out. I phoned tonight, 3/13/2020, and sure enough, Tavolàta was happy to have us pick up food. We have been on a social distance quarantine since the Coronavirus pandemic erupted. I guess other people aren't reading the same research I am. People were out and about, in spite of the rain, and in spite of any contagious virus. The bars on 2nd Avenue were full, including the bar at Tavolàta. I felt foolish, locking myself inside all week, but then again, my age is susceptible to complications if I contract the Coronavirus. Foolish, paranoid, overly cautious, vigilant, better safe than sorry; who knows? The food from Tavolàta was good. Our rigatoni and pappardelle pastas were good. The Arancini balls were a bit bland for my taste. Carpaccio was okay. Bread was well baked. Prices were Seattle high - $100 for this meal. Expensive, but there isn't much choice in the Emerald City. This is not an egalitarian city anymore.

The service and all the staff were fabulous plus I liked the atmosphere and the fact they had gluten free and vegetarian options, but unfortunately the food was very disappointing. There was something off or lacking about everything I ordered.

Last Sunday my wife and I visited Tavolata for dinner. The last night of every trip we attempt to find the best food possible and this was no exception. The experience began pleasantly enough but we couldn't help but notice the restaurant was half empty when nearby restaurants were packed. We asked our waiter for suggestions. He recommended the Burrata to begin and the house special, Lobster Ravioli for dinner. The Burrata was dull and tasteless and the Lobster Ravioli was equally boring. We subtly communicated our disappointment when asked how we liked the Burrata. From that moment on we got the cold shoulder. We expected better from an Ethan Stowell Restaurant. We had every meal out during our seven day stay in Seattle. Only one was worse. Again, we expected better.

We were nine for dinner. This restaurant rests its glory on house made pasta. It lives up to its reputation. We were seated in the loft at a table that could seat 10, so every one had a little extra room. The 1st floor appeared to have a long communal table paralleling the bar. One son-in-law ordered the steak tartare appetizer of which each adult had a taste. Our four grandchildren range from 10 to 13and order from the regular menu. Most servers are surprised when the kids have serious questions about ingredients, preparation of the dishes and then order like pros. Everyone had a different pasta for their entree and gave a thumbs up to the meal. Our daughters had ordered a birthday cake for my wife which we had with fine coffee. The kids finished off what the adults couldn't. My wife was very happy to enjoy her birthday with most of our family. The main course

We came in as a walk in at 8:30 for dinner - greeted and we sat at the bar where Amy took good care of us. I like being attended to but not too intrusive. We had great cocktails and salmon bruschetta appetizer delicious. We ordered pasta, ravioli and gnocchi - which we ate despite being full. We ended with zeppole (fried donut holes) and limoncello! The food is fresh and good! Another person commented on paying for bread service - I know odd. The water without ice - odd. Music a little too loud - yes. Not anything that would stop us from returning. Amy was very good - part of the good experience!

What a great dining experience. I thought maybe they mistook us for some VIP. The service was that good. Not to mention the food was delicious. The tomato appetizer was delicious. The octopus was tender and tasty. My wife's gnocchi was amazing and my wine sauce pasta with heirloom tomatoes and clams was so fresh and enjoyable. The lemon doughnuts dipped in chocolate were one of the best things I have tasted. The manager stopping by several times to check-in was the icing on the cake. Can't wait to go back.

Well unfortunately, this business dinner ended on a bad note. There's no recovering from something at the end of an engagement and it's very disappointing. My clients were asked to vacate thier seats just seconds after finishing thier meals while I had stepped away to the restroom. I came back to find my clients in a scramble to finish thier glasses of wine while collecting thier things. This is too bad because the food we enjoyed was very delightful and we also threw back a few bottles of well priced reds. I'd never had thought this would happen. But I'll give this establishment the rating they deserve regardless. I will not return however. The disrespect and blunt lack of appreciation as a guest was not something I'd risk again in company of business or even with acquaintances.

Delicious, fresh Italian food. Super flexible on the menu options and excellent service. We had meatballs, ravioli, rigatoni and bucatini- all excellent! The most delicious Focaccia Best meal we had in Seattle. Loved the venue too, great atmosphere and friendly helpful service

Our favorite dinner meal in Seattle. Almost went back a 2nd night because it was so good. The hostess was so sweet and nice she wrote down a list of recommendations and things to see during our stay in Seattle.

We had dinner with friends at this lovely neighborhood restaurant and loved the food. The octopus appetizer is amazing, the picci was delicious. My friends had the ravioli, the steak and the brick chicken and all raved about each dish. The red blend which is made for the restaurant is delicious. (Frank the Tank) We had a delightful server who was engaging and prompt. I am not a fan of the mandatory tipping policy but we didn't let it distract us from a great evening.

We live three blocks from Tavolata. Being surrounded by restaurants we have a lot of options and Tavolata is one of our favorites, at the top of our rotation list. Normally, we haunt the excellent happy hours for our dinner out and Tavolata has one that cannot be beat but Tavolata is the exception as we actually dine here with out-of-town guests. Everyone we have taken here raves about the pasta dishes and I agree, they are truly amazing. In addition, the staff is friendly in a genuine way and they are very knowledgeable about the menu and their wines. In a nutshell, you cannot go wrong with Tavolata. Deciding on your dish will be the real challenge as they are all excellent so order a few dishes and share.

We went their on a recommendation. The food was so good! The service was the best part. Everyone was so friendly. We were in the mood for something besides seafood. You can tell the pasta is so fresh and homemade. It was to die for! It was my favorite meal of the trip!

We had a good Italian meal here, but it is very noisy. The interior is eclectic and trendy. Large portions. Decent wine list.

This place serves excellent homemade pasta. That’s a fact! The service is good! Now the tables are packed together, uncomfortable and specially noisy, noisy! It’s a pity because my dish was superb, the Chef knows his business. If you can stand not being able to talk or shout during your dinner, gave it a try. As far as dish goes, you won’t regret. Good luck.

Although the restaurant has been around awhile I've never had the opportunity to visit with so many choices in the Belltown area. Still when we sat down and saw the happy hour menu we were surprised by the rich choices. Most places limit you to traditional bar small plates but in Tavolta it is possible to really get a very exceptional meal at a fraction of the cost! Ruven our bartender was a great help in choosing drinks and dishes. All-in-all a great find! Will definitely return.

Neighborhoody type of place, always seems busy, and the reason is great pasta dishes. Consistent over many visits.

Tavolata is a wonderful little place in Belltown that we've eaten at four or five times during the past year. The food is consistently good and the ambiance is just what you want from a local eating spot. My favorite dish is the Tonarelli. Wonderful noodles covered in Parmesan and cracked pepper. The only problem is an excessive amount of salt. This week is restaurant week so instead of just getting the entree, I also got an appetizer and dessert. My selection of an appetizer was the tuna crudo which was light and tasty. For dessert I had the zeppole and it was wonderful; little deep fried pastry with chocolate dipping sauce. The service is always adequate but consistently lacks connection. So many places in Belltown have amazing service with friendly and outgoing staff (Tillicum Place Cafe comes to mind). With all this in mind, Tavolata would be a great place to dine but the music (1970's crap) is always way too loud. Please, dear God, turn down the music and get something from this century.

On a wet Wednesday evening we arrived hoping for a nice dinner to end our vacation. The restaurant was almost empty … surprising as so many restaurants were closed following the holidays. We ordered bruschetta and beet salad, both tasty but our main course arrived approximately 5 minutes after we started eating. I told the server that we weren’t ready and he took them away. As soon as we finished a dish, it was removed… hastily! Our main courses arrived again and I had to ask for a spoon to eat my pasta. My husband ate his ravioli with a knife and fork. I had the Kale pasta which was ok, my husband’s ravioli was very fatty and undercooked. There was no atmosphere, very few customers and part way through dinner our sever went home…. It was only 19:30. I asked for the bill and was expected to pay without viewing it, the server was surprised when I asked to see it before paying… and, at the end of all that there was no discretionary gratuity… but a fixed one of 22%!!!. A very mediocre experience.

The food is really good And the service too. The restaurant is always crowded so you need make a reservation. Its not cheap!

I've been to Tavolata a few times before and thought the food was very good, but stopped going because of the extraordinarily loud music and noise. I went back tonight to see if anything had changed. It had. Wine prices are outrageously high. There are very few bottles under $50, and those are low quality and young items. Even half-bottles are way overpriced with few of those under $50 as well. The menu prices have also gone up noticeably. Expect to pay well over $50 each for dinner with one glass of wine, one salad, and one pasta per person with tip. I chose the beet salad with grapefruit, avocado, and pistachios; Tonarelli with cheese and pepper (aka Cacio e Pepe in Italy); and a Nero d'Avola by the glass (which was almost tasteless). The beet salad was good, interesting with grapefruit, but could do without the avocado. Bread service, $4, was good and came with castelvetrano olives, EVOO and balsamic. The olives were spiced with crispy fried garlic slices which did not complement the olives, better without, though the flavor infusing in the olives was fine. The cacio e pepe was good, but not great. The music selection and volume were I more reasonable than I remember. But reggae at dinner time in an Italian restaurant, really? The music played at only a very loud volume, rather than ear-splitting, as it used to be. With all the hard surfaces, the restaurant is still extremely loud and barely tolerable. It's difficult (but at least possible now) to converse with your dinner partner. Maybe if they tried asking the customers what music to play and at what volume instead of whatever method they use now? In summary: good (not great) food, okay service, zero ambiance (due primarily to loudness and uncomfortable booths) and high prices (outrageous in the case of the wine list). I do NOT recommend this restaurant.

The food here is wonderful and the atmosphere relaxing. The pasta is fresh and tastes like it. It is a good place to meet people and enjoy a casual evening. My only complaint was the staff. The portions were big and some warning would have been in order. We had a lot left over. Overall a good impression but the questionable service along with a limited wine list, prevented me giving it a higher rating. Not yet sure I'd try again on my return. Also, they called asking if we were going to honor our reservation only a couple of minutes --prior-- to our arrival. It appears to be part of a chain or restaurants. This is not a family-owned, neighborhood restaurant at all.

We'd heard about the Ethan Stowell group of eateries for some time but had yet to try any. Finally we made a reservation (recommended) for Tavolata in the rejuvenated Bell Town district of Seattle. We weren't disappointed. The décor is very elemental urban with a small window bar area, main dining hall, open kitchen (always fun) and a nifty upper balcony room at the rear of the restaurant, ideal for private groups and perhaps a romantic interlude. Service was very good, genuinely friendly, prompt, courteous and very knowledgeable about their menu offerings. They do include the automatic 20% gratuity at most of Ethan Stowell's eateries which we feel is a good thing as it inspires the servers and guarantees a decent wage. Wine list is extensive with many Italian regions represented. To the menu. We started with a fresh loaf of bread with very tasty olive, balsamic and an excellent spread. Then we shared their basic green salad with one of the nicest dressings we've had in ages. A good idea is to gather some details about the pastas themselves since some are unique and not the usual super market variety. Our server was happy to bring out a few samples for us which really helped in our choices. My better half ordered the prawns and pasta and I had the carbonara. Good choices, flavorful, ample and satisfying. Finished off the meal with some cappuccinos (doubles!) and their sorbet. All in all a very pleasing evening out, high quality with a nice attention to details. We'll definitely visit them again.

I stopped in with a couple friends for dinner and was thoroughly impressed. The service was wonderful and the linguine nero was absolutely delicious. I can't wait to go back.

Really good food. Superb service. Gluten free options. Highly recommend. Conveniently located not far from Pike Place Market.

We went here for Restaurant Week and had a very nice evening. The space is very eclectic, with a large family style table running the length of the dining area and booths arranged on both walls. Asymmetry seems to be the theme, as booths on one side are arranged facing the walls, while they are perpendicular on the other side. The lighting is also mixed, giving the room an edgy feel. There was subtle background music, but the high ceiling and lack of acoustic insulation made it pretty loud. The nice thing about going here for Restaurant Week was the large number of choices. While many participating restaurants only offer 3 of 4 items for this promotion, Tavolata had a full menu available. Our group of six sample quite a few items and everything got a thumbs up. Presentation was very nice and service was good too (aside from waiting a bit for water refills). Many of the portions were actually quite large, which was surprising for this promotion. Overall, a very nice experience.

Ethan Stowell continues to amaze. He is the owner/chef for several of Seattle's hottest restaurants. The restaurant is casual with an open kitchen. Tables are perhaps too close together and I wouldn't call it a romantic restaurant, at least not for those of us in the older generation (which at Tavolata means those over about 35.) The restaurant is a bit noisy and crowded whenever we've been there. The center of the restaurant is a long table with dozens of seats. I don't like being seated at it and avoid it. There is outside seating which has some great people watching. The food is interesting and perfectly prepared. The pastas are incredible, but being somewhat on a diet I went for the burratta and the brick chicken. Both were excellent. My wife had the Tonarelli -- a basic dish with thick pasta noodles with cheese and pepper. If I could I'd go back every night for the next month to taste the Tonarelli. Awesome! Recommended...

I was there for a group dinner as party of a conference. Everything was served family style and choices were pre determined. Normally I do not enjoy not having control of my food choices, however I must say that I truly enjoyed all that was placed in front of me. My favorite was gnocchi the best as well as the butter sage ravioli. Was also glad that I saved room for Zeppole.

This was my first visit to Tavolata and it will not be my last! The food is delicious. It was restaurant week so for $32 it was an app, entree or pasta and dessert. This is a steal for the quality of food! We would have paid more. The beet appetizer is incredible and the buratta and chick peas were delicious as well. The bigoli and pappardelle homemade pasta dishes are both beautifully done. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant. We will definitely be back!

My husband and I went with another couple. We loved it! They take reservations. To avoid the talked about noise in this thread, we sat upstairs at a 4 top near the window (not scenic view but nice cold air). My husband loved his scallops saying they were the best he has ever had. I loved the ravoli in brown butter. We split the grilled octopus which was perfectly cooked. I would go back as a couple and sit in the window at the front of the restaurant bar. Delicious!

Although we've been here for dinner, this time we tried their happy hour. Ethan Stowell is one of a few local restaurateurs who has a big corner of the business in Seattle, and we know why! The building itself is so light and open, with cool lighting and very high ceilings. We sat at the bar since the tables there were already taken, but thanks to the magic of mirrors and open front windows we were perfectly pleased at our seating choice. And the food...oh, such great choices. The gnocchi alla Romana was a small casserole filled with plump pillows of cheese and marinara, almost looking like giant scallops. The salumi board was a pleaser, too. Even if there are too many choices for one visit, it's always great to return for another go around. On to the next Ethan Stowell for another happy hour.

My favorite spot for Italian in the city. The attention to detail in every dish is so apparent. The flavors that Ethan Stowell uses are so unique and fresh it's hard not to waddle out of here after trying one of everything. Do not come unless you are down with being tempted to come back once a week, I'm not kidding, it's that good. My boyfriend and I decided to start with the Merv's asparagus and we absolutely were taken aback with the vinaigrette, could have drank it. then we had the burrata which was also incredibly unique to this restaurant, the apple slices really set it off well, we savored every bit of it. For our entrees we had the braised pork cheek which was very tender. The pork was heavy and comforting as it should be and the ravioli was so rich in flavor, the brown butter sauce was so rich. To finish off the masterful dinner we experienced they topped it all off with a rosemary grape sorbet which was out of this world tasty. Like i said, i crave this place at least once a week

If you like average and overpriced Italian food being served by a barely civil and pretentious blonde server, by all means empty your wallet and and any expectations of enjoyment at this establishment. Since this restaurant has a built in 20% server fee it does not require the server to put forth any effort to be gracious, helpful or efficient. To the proud owner of this establishment, you should reconsider this practice. There are so many fantastic places to eat in Seattle, don't waste your time or money here.

We were here on the Seattle Belltown food tour and stopped for a glass of wine and a dish of pasta with a fantastic beef ragu. The herbs, the meat, the pasta were cooked perfectly. The seating is communal at long tables that allows for meeting new friends.

I've always wanted to try one of Ethan Stowe's restaurants and decided to try this one during Seattle Restaurant Week. I took a group of 5 this place and we all decided it was a great choice. I had the Steamed Clams, which were excellent and the broth was to die for. We asked for extra bread just to soak up the juices. I also had the Pan Roasted Scallops, which were cooked just right and they had an amazing flavor. For dessert, it was the Zeppole. Lemon flavored donuts and dipping chocolate; this could have been my meal in itself. Amazing and would highly recommend this restaurant.

Excellent pasta, done al dente. Meatballs nicely done but only warm. Sauce perfectly seasoned. Ambience a bit loud so if going for romantic dinner, not for you. A happy environment though. Waitresses and Maitre D were professional and friendly and we were seated early...which was great! Nice wine list also.

ordered a load of pizzas here and they were really tasty good beers too we were a group of ten and we found the service brilliant - had some good banter with the barman would go back again without question

Great Food and Service !! Catching up with friends was a blast with good drinks appys and pasta. I would definitely go back

We found this retaurant on Opentable and took a chance.. So glad we did! It was a 915pm reservation so worried we might feel a bit rushed but it was quite the opposite. Our table wasn't quite ready when we got there so we sat at the hightop table near the bar to have a drink and wait. We ended up staying there as it was close to the window and had a nice feel to it.. The restaurant manager was very friendly and sincere. When ordering, he had many good recommendations and was enthusiastic about the menu. The choices we made were amazing! I had the Pappardelle and my husband had the Rigatoni.. both were so authentic, light and flavorful! I had the panacotta for dessert and it was the best I ever had. If you like Italian food, dont miss this place on your trip to Seattle!

I've gone to this restaurant many times and every experience has been great! Their food is amazing (try the gnocchi without meat and pasta with pepper and bruschetta). I also like the family style seating. This establishment attracts many of us locals for a reason. Their bartender, Armine, helps with that and he makes a mean drink and makes you feel at home. If you're in the mood for comfy pasta on a rainy Seattle day this is the place to go.

We got so lucky to happen upon Tavolata. We spent 4 nights in Seattle, from California, and were really excited to experience all the great food we had been told about & found in our research. This meal was our last and was without a doubt the most memorable. Everything from there hostess, the waiters, bartender to the entrees, drinks & dessert were nothing short of amazing. The rigatoni was highly recommended by the staff and truly was delicious. The fresh pea & creme fraiche dish was one of the best vegetable dishes we have ever had. Literally. Donuts for dessert were awesome & a must as well. Really wish we could have had another dinner here before coming home!!!!

Our party of four enjoyed a pleasant dinner at this new Ethan Stowell restaurant on Pike on Capitol Hill. It was Restaurant Week. Here are the positives ... The reservation was correct and we were seated at the table we wanted. The vibe and energy was good. The menu was extensive and portions were generous; especially considering it was a special three course fixed price menu for Restaurant Week. Good value. The service was friendly and attentive. Most of the food was excellent. Here are the not so positives ... The restaurant was loud. OK, this is Seattle (usually loud restaurants) and this is Capitol Hill (almost always very loud restaurants). We ordered a mock cocktail (without liquor) and the same drink as a cocktail (with liquor). There was no liquor in the cocktail. There was no liquor in either drink. The pasta was a disappointment. Luke warm, overcooked, not a lot of flavor. Which is puzzling because Ethan Stowell is locally famous for his pasta dishes. And actually, we had dinner a few weeks ago at another Ethan Stowell restaurant; Rione Xiii, which we know well and have enjoyed often, and the pasta there was the same disappointment (luke warm, overcooked, not a lot of flavor); so something has gone-a-miss in Ethan Stowell's pasta department. For both restaurants I find myself recommending the restaurants but recommending the pasta be avoided. So overall, "average".

Tavolata - I can't wait to come back and visit you! I was recently in Seattle for two days, visiting friends and playing tourist. My friend Colleen recommended grabbing dinner at Tavolata - and she couldn't have picked a more spot-on place for a great dinner and a bottle of wine. 1. The ambiance is really nice - and it has a nice active environment. 2. They have gluten free options - which was great for my friend. 3. The burrata was excellent - so delicious! I had the rigatoni and my friend did the pork chop. We also shared some Fried Brussel Sprouts. A great dinner option in Seattle - check it out!!

The food was excellent but the service didnt live up to the expectations considering that they include a 20 % gratuity on the bill

My friends and I were at Tavolata for Seattle Restaurant Week, and we were pleasantly surprised to have such an extensive menu to choose from. For my appetizer I had Burrata on crostini with an amazing combination of flavors, delicious artichoke ravioli and lemon zeppoli with dark chocolate sauce for dessert. I ordered the Schrute Buck drink, because I find it hilarious (it is a The Office reference), but it was also very delicious and beautifully displayed. The restaurant was a bit loud (probably because of restaurant week), but we quickly got used to it, and really enjoyed the tasteful atmosphere and friendly and professional service. I would most certainly return here, and recommend you try Tavolata.

We made a late evening reservation for me, my friend, and my teenage daughters. We all loved it! My youngest had the spaghetti and meatballs, I had the beet salad, my oldest had the gnocci (tomato based but I can't remember which one), and my friend had the butter noodles. All were uncomplicated and delicious. The pasta was more al dente than we were accustomed to (half of us have been to Italy) but it wasn't bothersome enough to keep us from enjoying our food. The service was pleasant and attentive. If you like Italian, this is a great spot!

Very nice place, friendly service and great food! We had a spaghetti and the papperdella, both delicious! It took a while for the main course to arive but the friendly staff compensated with a free drink and free desert!

I went to Tavolata with several friends from work while in town for a meeting. It was excellent! For appetizers, we shared the brussel sprouts, the bruschetta, and the roasted beets. All were very good. For dinner, I ate the rigatoni, which was the perfect amount of food and had great flavor. However, the winner of the night was the pork chop, which my counterpart ordered. When it arrived, the presentation had the rest of us wishing that was our order, and the flavor was just as good as the presentation!

Pretty good food! The salad was what made it exceptional. It is big enough to share between 3 people as an appetizer so definitely try it, one of the best salads I’ve had. The pasta was pretty good but not the best I’ve ever had. The wait staff was very friendly.

The setup was cool - we were fine sitting at the communal table even though we were right next to the kitchen and it was incredibly hot. The restaurant was incredibly loud...so loud that you could not hear the person next to you or across from you. It was so loud the waiter could not hear what we were ordering. The appetizers were good, not a bad one in the bunch. I don't like restaurants that charge for bread. It was a small charge ($4), but I'd prefer they up charge the meals and give the bread for free. They forgot one of our meals and it did not come until after everyone else was done. The waiter apologized but did not take it off the bill as a good restaurant would. In addition it was the less than impressive gnocchi that tasted like polenta with cheese on top. Maybe this place is better enjoyed by the 20 something crowd. I would expect better for the price.

This place has amazing Italian food. Visited over the Fourth of July without reservations and they got us directly seated with service over-the-top. The service was awesome the food was amazing and the menu had every choice you could want. Definitely try it out.

Great dining experience. From the moment we were greeted by the hostess to getting our drinks to the awesome food, everything was fantastic. Normally I do not like chick peas or celery, but the side dish featuring both of these items was delicious. Luckily, I was with a big group and was able to taste a lot of items. I had the brook trout which was great, but sampled the steak and pastas, which were also great, especially the pasta with ragout. The surprise at the end of the meal were the donut holes with chocolate dipping sauce. Do not miss that! Thanks to everyone at Tavolata for a great night that I hope to repeat often.

The best thing about this place is the decor and the friendly service. But that's about it. Problems: - If you want to socialize, be prepared to yell and cup your ears. The walls reflect sound and I felt like I was in a club. I kept saying "What did you say?!?" to my friends. - The food is good - not great. I could go to my local pasta shop, by some fresh pasta and sauce, and easily replicate my meal. Again it's good - but we're not talking Top Chef here. So if the food isn't great, and it's hard to socialize ... why go? It's not cheap. To the restaurant: I suggest investing more into the quality of your food, and installing some panels on the walls to absorb sound.

The decor is great but not intimate. Prepare to sit very close to your neighbors. The food was excellent and the portions were large enough to share. It is expensive -- they charge for bread typically provided free of charge in nice restaurants, and automatically add on a 20% service charge (tip). I had the halibut, which was good, but was tiny for the $30 price tag. Service was good with an informative server, however, a beer refill was forgotten until our meals were finished (to their credit, they did not charge for it). All in all,-- tasty food in a lively atmosphere.

We loved the homemade pasta with fresh and innovative flavors. Appetizer of burrata with pomegranates and chickpeas with lemony dressing were delicious. The homemade pasta entrees, pappardelle with meat sauce and gnocchetti with mushrooms, were perfectly flavored. The large portions allowed us to enjoy it all over again another day. The blueberry sorbet was intensely flavored. They also have a great bar menu and wines by the glass. Its cozy arrangement and large wooden shared table lend a family feel. We were lucky to visit during restaurant week which allowed for a 3 course meal at a very reasonable price.

I had a pleasant meal here alfresco in June - but my pasta was just so so. I will have to go back and give it another try. Agree that mandatory service charge is too much.

food well prepared and executed correctly, flavor of food was excellent, and good quality ingredient used in all dishes, service is well executed, ambiance is casual and enjoyable, great evening, I will be back here..

I'd rate this place with 5 stars simply because it's ahhhmazingly good food. But we arrived with reservations & weren't seated for 15 minutes. The entire meal took 2 hours as they had a huge party & very few servers. Older folks in our group said it was too loud and echoey. Our 40's friends LOVED the 80's soundtrack throughout the meal (new order, omd)....! Get the salami board...holy cow! Any pasta is beyond amazing. Pricey but expected for quality food.

Patrons should be aware that Tavolata adds a 4% "surcharge" to the bill. Such surcharge is not prominently advertised on their menu. It does NOT benefit the wait staff.

We came here for our first dinner on our honeymoon. It was very hot in Seattle in early August and not many places had AC, including this restaurant. It was very uncomfortable dining inside without AC. As for food, I liked the gnocchi my husband ordered. It was pretty good. However, they were out of the arugula salad I wished to order, even thought it was only around 7 pm. The salad I ended up ordering was only OK.

My husband and I were in Seattle for the weekend culminating in a show yesterday and dinner at Tavolàta in Belltown with our boys, who both attend UW. We already had enjoyed several excellent meals over the weekend, and sadly we were MOST disappointed with our experience at Tavolàta in Belltown. This was magnified because we don't see our kids that often, wanted to treat them to a festive meal at a well-ranked restaurant and enjoy a birthday celebration for the oldest. Three in our party ordered the gnocci with lamb shank; all agreed the lamb was almost non-existent, the sauce bland and the dish overall dry. Another had the spaghetti with similar results. My lamb ravioli, though better, still lacked the punch I would have expected (and this having just enjoyed amazing roasted mushroom ravioli elsewhere that afternoon). All extremely disappointing.

we visit her every so often for their delicious happy hour. most recently, we ordered beer, wine, flat bread, charcuterie plate, & pasta. good prices, lovely outdoor seating, and tasty food! don't miss this cute belltown gem.

Great all-round experience here on a Friday night before theatre stop. Made easy reservation using Opentable. The service was engaging, convivial and quite helpful navigating though the many delicious sounding options. Wine list had a nice variety with a great spread of prices. Apps were tasty - great salumi board. Entrees the perfect size and delectable - perfect pasta. This is going on our list of "gotta get back soon" places.

Had an awesome pre-fixe dinner during Seattle Restaurant Week. Tavolata had a wonderful selection with good sized portions. Really showed off the quality of the good and service. Will be going back.

This is my second visit and I really enjoy this place. Great Barrata appie and for dinner we enjoyed the Pappardelle, Pesto Ravioli. Service is always good and easy to walk to from center of city.

Awesome menu, there were 3 of us and we split three Appetizers and shared two pastas. We were all full and happy.

Our party of four had dinner last night--this restaurant was selected by our daughter for her birthday celebration. She and our son-in-law love this place and enjoyed everything. We started off with our ears bleeding from the decibels of music on top of the already loud ambient noise. It was so bad that our server agreed immediately to our request to have it turned down since neither she nor we could hold a conversation. In fact, we were going to order the branzino, but we thought she said it was served cold (repeated 5 times), so selected chicken instead, only to find out later she was trying to say the fish was served whole, and fileted at the table, which would have been lovely. We all ordered drinks, appetizers, and entrees. Appetizers were pretty good--pickled herring, burratta, both good, and a shared order of roasted corn, hard to eat and just little corn on the cobs. Dinner choices were also mixed. The blocks of polenta in tomato sauce that arrived had been billed as gnocchi....a weird interpretation in an uninteresting sauce. The chicken was reportedly good, as was a pasta choice, We shared a dessert order of the lemon zeppoli, which was a generous order, but the lemon flavoring was lackluster and just didn't pair well with a chocolate sauce (shift to orange and it would work fine). The service was fine, although our waitress would bring implements and the busboy had to be stopped twice from removing them before use. The overall experience was pricey for what we had and just not great food. Our kids will be back. Not us.

We managed to slip in a reservation an hour ahead of time on a Monday as a party of five which was kind of a coup, and got seated right next to the open view kitchen. As other reviews have mentioned, it can get kind of loud but we didn't find it oppressively so and didn't have to shout to have a conversation. The food was just plain excellent - sophisticated but not pretentious, well flavored and above all very fresh. We got the charcuterie as an app, and for $18 I had high expectations. They delivered - five different cuts of meat, including speck, mortadella, salami and I think bresaola, and one other (memory escapes me). It was probably the best I've had since leaving Europe. For the main I had the conchiglie nero. The squid was tender and tasty, the pasta perfectly cooked (and black with ink, in case that matters to you) and the zesty/tangy fresno peppers were a great accent to the buttery/garlic nature of the dish. Wife got the ricotta ravioli, which was solid and quite filling. Daughter had the gnocchi alla romana, with a bright fresh tomato sauce and gnocchi. It was her first time having that particular pasta and she really enjoyed it although she did say it was kind of heavy. The only knock was that it took a long time to get our food, which the waiter compensated for by bringing us some complementary burrata - a kind of very soft "unfinished" mozzarella with a berry sauce. It was an unexpected pairing - huckleberries and soft cheese with kosher salt - and delicious. Just a warning to families traveling with kids or those looking for "standard" Italian fare - the menu (at least the one I saw) has no pizza, no lasagna and is missing a few other usual suspects. Instead, Tavolata focuses on homemade pasta, fresh ingredients, and imaginative flavors. Great for those looking for a new approach to a familiar cuisine.

First time in Seattle and staying at Belltown Inn a 2 minute walk away found this little gem. We arrived in time for happy hour with great deals on food and drink. Everything was delicious, especially recommend the focaccia and olives. We all had pasta which was delicious if a bit more Al dente than I like. Our server a lovely blonde ‍ was attentive and very helpful. A definite find in this area!

Going here for past couple years, the food is always good with comparable service in dining room and bar. We went today and sat in the bar. The staff seems to be new and the restaurant adopted to add the tip in the check. The service was definitely degraded and the staff seems to be less experience and not as attentive.

It has a modern feel and the tables make it easy to mingle. If you like a corner booth off by yourself this place may not be for you. I had a great rigatoni meal. Good wine & beer selection. Good wait staff.

The food was soo delicious! A friend and I ordered the Bread Service (with Castelvetrano Olives, Aged Balsamic Vinegar), Fried Brussel Sprouts (with Bagna Cauda Aioli, Pangrattato), Rigatoni (with Spicy Sausage, Tomato, Marjoram, Parmesan) and Papardelle (with Ragu, Mint, Chili, Grana Padano). We were so impressed, everything looked simple but was really tasty. Our only complaints would be the cold (maybe it's the concrete interior), the cocktails (but some people are into the strong taste of alcohol, just wasn't what we expected) and the service (it was a bit slow, took us while to get the staff's attention). The total came up to quite a bit, but I guess, it's a cool restaurant in an expensive city, should be expected.

Called in as we needed somewhere to eat. The food was absolutely fantastic and we will definatley go back if we revisit Seattle. Nice service and busy restaurant with a good atmosphere. We both ate pasta and can't rate it highly enough. You will not be disappointed

Walked here from our hotel. We didn't have reservations but luckily dined alfresco. Glad we didn't dine inside as it was very noisy. Service was so so. It didn't warrant the automatic 20% gratuity they slapped on, to offset the $15.00 minimum wage in Seattle.

We were highly impressed with food and atmosphere. The food we had was amazing,my son had the Tonarelli which was similar to a Alfredo sauce I had the Pappardelle which mentioned orange in the ingredients so I was on the fence but it was delicious and the orange was just a hint. Highly recommend. My husband had the Rigatoni which was on the spicy side which he really likes. We finished with cappuccinos and delicious desserts. The staff went above and beyond and we would visit again for sure.

The spaghetti with anchovies was off the charts. Gnocchi Romana was very good too. As were the bruschetta and the beets. All in all a great night out.

This is one of Seattle's really good restaurants. The pastas are fantastic but don't miss the appetizers and salads. Once a month they have a "feast" which is a set menu full of great surprises. Good wine list and lots of help from the staff on selecting a good wine. The pasta with lamb ragout is a favorite. You will be bee go wrong with the rigatoni. The steak is always well-prepared. When available order the octopus salad. We go here pretty frequently. Pretty much a can't miss.

The area is full of little restaurants and this one attracted my attention due to the warm atmosphere it was suggesting from the outside. It offers what you would expect from an italian restaurant: pasta mainly. I had though a plate of ham, salame, speck etc...: good quality without being excellent. The place is basic but staff is friendly and helpful. It was a pleasant and quiet evening but next rime I need to really try the pasta.

Dined once again here at Tavolata during recent trip to Seattle. I believe Tavolata may serve the best pasta I have ever had outside of Italy. The food is just outstanding and also a very nice selection of Italian and WA wines.

Nice place but nothing exceptional. We ended up there by chance. Having read the menu we should have left but we were tired and hungry. “Pasta specializing” place in Seattle. It wasn't clear from the outside. It looked like a classic fake American place with burgers and fries. Good pasta, even if a little strange. Generous portions. Absurd account. 220 euros for 5 to eat pasta. 20% tip mandatory. Hidden taxes on the receipt. Spaghetti with tomato sauce. Pappardelle with ragù. Gnocchi with tomato sauce. 1 dish each. We drank beer and water. No bread. Nothing sweet. No coffee. Friendly service. Deafening noise in the background. Never again.

Love this restaurant, very enjoyable experience. Had the burrata for starters. Had the most perfect mozzarella on it. Ordered the carbonara and gnocchi alla romana to share. Loved both, so very flavorful. Freshly made pasta was cooked to perfection. Wonderful dishes. Love the pasta sample to take home! Highly recommend.

At the end of a long day exploring downtown Seattle we got lucky scoring the only open table in the restaurant. By 6 pm the place was packed. The Pappardelle was a wonderful combination of pork ragu, tomato, citrus and mint. The Gnocchi alla Romana were large by comparison to other iterations and perfectly prepared. Finish with their chocolate cake & gelato combination for a grand finale!

I would rate this restaurant higher if it wouldn't ended the way it did. The hostes was friendly and so was the waiter. I don't have any complaints about the food, it was good but the waiter ruined the whole experience. After I give him my money for the food he rounded up the bill without any explanation. It wasn't much but it was just enough to lose the trust. I wanted to tip him before (and I even did it afterward he has done that) but I wouldn't come back anymore.

Started with bruschetta smoked salmon pickled onions, then spaghetti main course. Wine selection great. Service awesome. Be sure to get reservations.

If you are looking for good homemade pasta, this restaurant has it. I had rigatoni with spicy sausage. It was delicious and a good portion size. I also had a chick pea salad that was delicious as well. Not much for decor, but zi went for the food. I would definitely go back when visiting.

the food is ok but what irritated me to most is being forced to pay 20% service fee on the bill....this is insane! its not that i wouldn't likely tip 20% anyway but being forced to give a gratuity without consideration of the level and quality of service is robbery. there is no incentive for the staff to be unusually kind or helpful since they will get the tip regardless of their attitude. basically, we the patrons are not paying Ethan Stowell's employees their salaries. never again will i visit your restaurants Mr Stowell. never again.

Friendly staff and delicious homemade pasta. Fremont craft beer was an excellent pairing. Worth a visit and not overpriced. Directly next to City Hostel Seattle.

Love love love this place eat there almost every time I am in Seattle. Excellent fooder and deserts.

The atmosphere made me feel like the restaurant was trying to hard to be hip. All of the staff we encountered were rude and less than helpful. My boyfriend's plate, the rigatoni, was good but the ravioli was not. I wouldn't go back here.

We had late dinner at this place, it opens till 11 pm. The staff were very excellent and accommodating. The outside seating in a street full of so many restaurants was a plus. Here is our review: Pros: Very good food quality Excellent service Excellent location, just 7 minutes walking distance from space needle Enjoyable terrace seating area Cons A bit pricy No WiFi

We really enjoyed the homemade pasta’s, two of us ordered Rigatoni (spicy sausage) and two of us ordered the Bucatini (Carbonara). The pasta themselves were very good and the sauces flavorful and perfect. We enjoyed the melon with prosciutto as a starter the roasted beet salad and the Tavolata salad. Definitely recommend.

My friend and I recently went twice to Tavolata for the amazing happy hour. Really nice atmosphere, delicious food and too much of it. Wonderful service especially the two new guys from Boise. We tried 3 different pasta dishes, two types of salad and a wonderful sorbetto.

A group of 3 friends had dinner in the lounge area on September 16th. The restaurant was busy upon arrival. Our server came by after we sat down and said that she'd be back in a moment to take our drink order. She came back more than 10 minutes later and that was the way the entire dinner went. This restaurant imposes an auto 20% gratuity. I'm fine with that but the restaurant needs to ensure that they are adequately staffed so that food, drinks and bills are delivered efficiently. The food (3 pasta dishes) was a touch above average but it was overshadowed by poor service. After waiting to get our bill, I asked that the $150 bill be split in 2. $100 for me and $50 for my friend was the request. After another 10 minute delay, we received 2 bills, one for $135 and the other for $15. Try again. Another 10 minute delay before we got our bills, right on the second try. Okay food but need to get more staff on the floor!

Fabulous meal and really cool venue. We fell upon this place on a Sunday evening and couldn’t have been more please. Friendly staff, excellent food and insane portion sizes. Really top notch fresh pasta. Loved it

We live in Southern California and were visiting Seattle. We were a party of 5 and sat at the communal table. Due to a variety if mishaps 3 of us were almost an hour late for our reservation. The waitress and manager could not have been more nice and accommodating to us. The service was friendly and prompt, but we never felt rushed even though we were so late. The food was really great. We started with the smoked salmon bruschetta which was delicious. We ordered 4 different pastas family style. Typically in Southern California many upscale restaurants are now serving fairly small pasta portions, but here the portions were much larger. We ordered the rigatoni with sausage. The sausage was mild, tender and really tasty with a light tomato sauce. We also ordered the spaghetti with olive oil, pepper and pecorino cheese. It was beautifully simply and delicious with a thick grate of cheese. We also ordered the ricotta knudi with rosemary. It was in a light olive oil and was so delicious. Finally we had the spaghetti with anchovies which was too fishy for most of us, except my brother-in-law who loved it. We finished with the doughnuts which were delicious with a chocolate sauce. Such a great Seattle experience for us all!

Lovely friendly ambience and warm welcome. Great food options and great happy hour value. Slight mishap with a tiny bit of mince meat in our pasta but this was comped! Super swiftly !! Thankyou for a great evening !

We chose this restaurant based off the good reviews and the vegan options offered, since half of our party was vegan. Upon arriving at the restaurant, we checked with the hostess to ensure they had vegan options, and was happily told "Yes, we have a vegan pasta". After that was confirmed, we proceeded to our table. When it came time to order, I ordered the vegan pasta, and was told by our server (Annie P according to the receipt) that there was no vegan pasta. I told her that we had checked with the hostess upon arrival and was told that they did have one, however I asked for other options since she told me they didn't have the pasta. This is when she developed a rather nasty attitude, and reluctantly said she would go and check with the kitchen to see. She came back and said that they did indeed have the vegan pasta and asked me which sauce I wanted. Since there are no sauces listed on the menu, I asked her which sauces were options and she snips "I thought you have been here before"... ummm no-one ever said we had been here before, and I simply would like to be shown my options for sauces. When it came time for the food to come out, we were in deep conversation and the person telling us a story didn't realize she had walked up behind him to serve our first dish, and she rudely and loudly snipped "hello I'm holding a hot plate here". Not excuse me, food is here, etc. Then when the check came, we were charged the most expensive of all the food in our party to get some vegan pasta, which included pasta, zucchini, and tomato sauce. $22 per bowl for that. I will say that the food was delicious, and we were very happy for the vegan option, and rather unfortunately the cause of our issues were a disgruntled employee who may have been having a bad day, not sure, but we will NOT be returning to this restaurant due to the extremely rude service we received.

4 of us went to Tavolata recently, during the week. My pasta was very good although a bit bland..needed something to perk it up. The spaghetti was below average in flavor; it needed fresh herbs and more seasoning. The diner actually had to ask for salt & pepper to enjoy it. My garbanzo bean salad was outstanding: lemony, bright and delicious. Two of us had the Panna Cotta which was the best version I have had since returning to Seattle. This is a very popular place and it gets very noisy quickly; conversation can be a bit difficult. That said, I will try it again because what was good here was very, very good.

This Italian restaurant in downtown Seattle has a good and tasty menu, nice setting, good service. Best options are the different types of pasta, but appetizers and deserts do not fall behind. The only reason I will award 4 stars rather than 5 stars is the mandatory 20% service fee. I actually had no problem with the service itself, it was knowledgeable and fast, but as a customer I hate to be obliged to pay for the service without differentiation for the quality. You either include it in the price and pay your personnel accordingly, or let the customer decide on the level of appreciation.

We decided to go to this restaurant because of all the good reviews and due to the fact that some of our party is Vegan. It clearly states vegan options on the description. After asking the hostess if vegan options were a choice and she confirmed; we proceeded to our table. Happy with the atmosphere and the other choices on the menu we waited for our server. (Annie P according to the receipt) This is where everything went downhill for us. From the get go we were confronted with very unfriendly service and here is some of the highlights: at first she stated there are no vegan options. Complete with attitude right off the bat. She said you could have salad. When our table mate told her the hostess had mentioned vegan pasta and after some hesitation she said she would ask the chef if there are pasta options. Lo and behold, they do offer vegan pasta. She then said pick a sauce. Our friends explained they have no idea which sauces are vegan. She blurts out, i thought you have been here before. ??? What? They settled on pasta with some zucchini/vegetables. We ordered. When delivering one of the dishes, she was above my husbands head who was in deep conversation. In lieu of saying here is your food, or just an ‘excuse me’ she borderline screams, ‘I have a hot plate of food here!’ Maybe next time use a towel and be a little more courteous to the patrons?! Just a thought. We were then charged the highest price on the menu for the vegan pastas. Why not the price of any other pasta dish on the menu with a simple sauce? Don’t get me wrong, the food is here is good. The service we received was atrocious. Maybe some training would be advisable.

The pastas at this place were so over the top good - we ordered three different pastas and each one was outstanding. Especially loved the spicy rigatoni. The only disappointment was our waitress, who acted like she couldn't be bothered with us. She also was not knowledgable about the wine - kept insisting to us that an "Extra Dry" sparkling was drier than a "Brut", which was what we wanted. Oh well. But we will be back because the food was so good!

Amazing Italian restaurant right in the heart of Belltown! Great Happy Hour, with large pasta dishes! Great wines and desserts! Favorite Italian restaurant in Seattle! Great patio seating in the summer as well!

Tavolata make basic/rustic dishes which would be great if they stuck to Italian flavours. However there was sugar in absolutely everything. My ravioli with black truffle was filled with lemon ricotta that tasted more like lemon meringue. Way too sweet. Even the sausage meat in the rigatoni dish was sweet. Everything tastes like they'd added a load of sugar. You expect that at McDonalds but not an Italian restaurant. Very disappointing. Would not go back, and based on this wouldn't even try one of the other restaurants in the group.

The food was ok. Wouldn't write home about it - I am writing this review only a week after our visit and already I can't remember what I had which is never a good sign in my book. Not bad, just not memorable. I also am not a fan of being charged for bread service. Also water never seems to have ice in it - is that a Seattle thing? Ran into that several times on our trip here. Nice location in Belltown with a nighttime view of the Needle. Service was okay. We ate outside, sprinkling just a bit. Music inside was very loud and seemed incongruous with the setting.

Pros - Our parties ranking for the 3 dishes ordered - Rigatoni, Radiatore, Gnocchi, wine options were good, fun outdoor seating (albeit limited # of tables) and lovely to sit outside on a beautiful August night. If I lived closer, I'd make this a regular place. Cons - Make a reservation (not really a con but rather common sense).

My daughter and I had a wonderful dinner in Seattle at Tavolata in Capital Hill (There are a few throughout Seattle). The bread course, though it is not complimentary, is delicious and a great way to start your meal. My daughter had the Ricotta Ravioli (Butternut Squash) and it is a MUST! We should have ordered two of these! I had the Gnocchi alla Romana that was also great. Understand, this is not your traditional gnocchi and you should ask questions to make sure you know what your getting. But very tasty.

I recently returned to Tavolata to sample some of the other dishes. My first visit was a happy hour/ bar seat and the menu/food/price was amazing. This time we had a booth in the main area. I found the salad tasty and the shrimp pasta excellent with a rich tomato sauce - but was disappointed in the scallops. Further the size of the portions was small. A pasta with shrimp had 3 shrimp on a small bed of pasta - more of a light meal than a "full" meal. And the 3 small scallops sitting on a dollop of sauce, seemed so lonely . Honestly if the waitress had suggested a side vegetable or had told us that the portions were small, maybe we'd have been better prepared. Bread being an extra charge, we felt that for the money, it undermined our appreciation for the meal. The service was great. But for the money, I'd suggest you sit at the bar and get in for the happy hour. I think you get a better value for the money!

Food was good. We especially liked the Rigatoni & Tagliarini Nero. The ambiance is edgy. Loud. It feels like they enclosed an alley. The automatic 20% service charge is a management cop out and a disincentive for good service. Service was average. We had two appetizers, 7 entrees, 7 drinks, no desert, $309 including tip.

I have been to Tavolata many a times , partly because my vegetarian daughter has a choice of appetizers and pasta. The pasta is good but in no way outstanding. During my first visit my ravioli was undercooked. The waiter first tried to dismiss my concerns with a haughty "it is al dente" However I made the cook taste it and he agreed, they tried to make up by giving us fresh pasta to cook at home. Since then the food has never truly disappointed. (trust me for Seattle that is the bar you judge most restaurants by.) We did not realize that the last week was Seattle restaurant week. The menu was fixed, the portions were smaller than usual, they had run out of popular items and the discount offered was minuscule or none.( i.e. it is a rip off, go visit them another nite, Seattleites). But what irked me was the quality. My pasta was over salted, the burrata appetiser came with burnt toast and the desserts were amateurish and immensely forgettable. The service was fair but the 20% mandatory tip in my opinion is a rip off. I do not know if it shall be a permanent feature but I am opposed to being forced to pay a tip,on principal. Pay your servers a real wage, increase the price of your food and if you believe in your food then they will come... and if they like the service they will not mind leaving a generous tip. 3 1/2 stars if I could.

Relied on the overall response average of over 4 so 3 is generous. Expected a family type charge with $$ as the price category . No bread and no salad included with ur dinner. Pasta alone was alone was over 20. Had to request ice for our water. Is ice part of being green? News to me. My cocktail was 15 dollars for a champagne size glass. See pict. The staff was not accommodating what so ever. The place required reservations but have to say the restaurant was not full. I felt like a sub par customer in this place. Food was good. I would not recommend for the value and attitude of the place.

It is unusual when all 4 orders of pasta were excellent. The pasta is the handmade, artisan style, toothy and chewy. The spicy rigatoni was perfect, the sauce on the thick side but completely coating the pasta. The Bucatini had little bits of clam, very subtle but well balanced with the pancetta. Papardelle ragu was rich and delicious. Out of all the dishes, the gnocchi was the least exciting but definitely acceptable. We started with the Salumi plate and the Sea Wolf Baguette. The baguette felt a little pricy at $7 but Seattle is not a cheap city. The salumi plate was generous, enough for 4 to share. The only downside was even at 2 hours before closing, it was very, very busy and the noise level meant everyone in the restaurant was speaking at a loud volume, which got tiring. The service was fine - a bit harried but the waiter did check in with us regularly and refilled waters as needed. Four of us with no alcohol was $162 plus tax and tip. Fair price for the high quality and trendy location.

In Belltown and stopped in without a reservation (I know, I know) and the hostess went out of her way to find room for three of us to have dinner at the communal table. No attitude, no hassle. Sampled from all over the menu and EVERYTHING was delicious, with pasta dishes being standouts. Nice wine menu. The spur of the moment decision to stop in was the highlight of our trip. Realized later it's an Ethan Stowell Restaurant and we had tried and failed to get a rez at Staple & Fancy. Had to laugh. Thanks Tavolata! We'll be back.

Excellent Italian restaurant! High quality pasta. Fast and friendly service. Good wine served by the glass.

In Seattle with a craving for Italian...where to go? We chose this restaurant after doing a bit of looking online and by the UBER driver’s comment when we got in the car , we knew we made the right choice...he said: “Tavolata is a great restaurant” and he nailed it! We had the grilled octopus appetizer which was mixed with fresh and crunchy string beans and faca beans in a lemony and oil marinade, simply delicious, followed by a rigatoni dish with anchovies, hint of mint, hint of chili, olive oil, garlic and loads of Pecorino cheese....need to say perfectly Al Dente...just fantastic! Next time in Seattle a definite must!

Me and my husband's main goal was to experience Seattle's Restaurant Week and Tavolata was the first place we visited. It's a nice space and very convenient location to our hotel. We were a block away from the Belltown Tavolata. I'll also have to agree with another reviewer here and note that the restaurant is very loud and dark. If I were to go back, I'd go during a slow time. That's the modern restaurant, I guess. Anyways, I had papardelle with meat sauce and it was pretty good! I enjoyed the wine, too. Tavolata is a good place for a date or a small group. I would be uncomfortable being with a large group and showing up here without a reservation.

My wife and I ate here for "date night" Saturday and loved the food! Everything we ate we enjoyed tremendously -- roasted beets, beef carpaccio, pappardelle, and the scallops. My personal fave was the roasted beets, served with whipped ricotta cheese and pistachios, and my wife loved the scallops, served with creamed farro and hazelnut. Prices moderately expensive but this is Belltown after all. Service quick and our server was happy to stick around answering all of our questions about the food. Only downer was that my glass of wine, a sangiovese, was a little bitter -- hopefully the bottles are better. Trendy atmosphere, good amount of noise but wasn't disturbed my any of the chatty neighbors or the Radiohead playing on the stereo. We will revisit!

1st time diner in an Ethan Sowell restaurant. Met a friend form the east coast. Made reservations in open table. Super easy. Nice 1.2 mile walk from the Seattle ferry. Great atmosphere. Tasty drinks. To die for melt in your mouth pasta dishes. Highly recommend the smoked fish brushettA and the fresh tomatoes mozzarella and basil for apps. The ravioli was the most tender with a decadent sauce and black truffles. The rigatoni and sausage was perfectly spiced. The shrimp Pasta had so many shrimp. Zeppoles are something I hadn't had since my days in NYc, and these were light and airy and the perfect finish to the meal.

We did not have reservations for dinner so we sat at the bar. As it was happy hour, we used that menu. Appetizers and pasta were excellent. Prices were very reasonable. The bartender was very attentive and made sure that our glasses were always filled. I would here again but I would make sure that I had reservations.

Some people we met during our journey in the US had recommended 'Tavolata', stating that "the happy hour was great there". We got there around 6PM. They brought us to something they called the 'community table' (or something like that). When the waiter gave us the menu and some water, we couldn't find anything about the happy hour, so I asked him if he could bring us the happy hour card. 'No problem', he said and told us he would get them for us. Another waitress came and asked us if she could bring us anything. We told her that the other waiter had already been there and would grab the happy hour card for us. She said that that wasn't possible, because we sat at the community table and happy hour was only served at the bar and outside. Well, that was something we'd never heard before. The girl at the front desk hadn't asked us anything and the other waiter didn't seem to know this as well, because he brought us the happy hour menu. The waitress went to the girl at the front desk, but there wasn't any room at the bar or outside so we had to wait 40 minutes, but we weren't allowed to sit at the table were we sat at that moment! It was the saddest thing I have ever experienced in a restaurant. They make a huge mistake (not asking us anything, just putting us somewhere) and then telling us to leave our table and just go stand somewhere for 40 minutes. We really felt like they didn't want us there. We just got up and left the restaurant. Terrible people.

This Ethan Stowell restaurant was recommended because of their focus on hand made pastas. Perhaps our expectations were too high but we were not impressed, especially for the price - one appetizer, two pasta dishes and two glasses of their least expensive wine cost us $90 including the mandatory 20% tip. Appetizer of essentially baby beets although tasty was not worth $11. My entree of rigatoni with shrimp was just ok - very small portion, lukewarm, and so so tasting sauce. My husband had the Papardelle which is a pasta with a wild boar meat sauce - he said it was just okay, and he did not have enough to eat. To have skimpy pasta entrees is just inexcusable. Service was just okay as well, and not worth the 20% imposed on us. Restaurant was very noisy - all hard surfaces, and tables were crowded together. Very disappointing overall.

On a recent visit to Seattle, my daughter and I wound up at Tavolata on a very busy Friday night. There were two concerts on, plus the usual summer tourism and we got miserably lost trying to find our top choice of eatery, even though they would have been unlikely to seat us. A quick GPS search suggested Tavolato and we lucked out with nearby parking. Our luck continued with good seats near the bar, though the joint was jumping, and luck knew no bounds when we were told that it was Happy Hour! Service was caring and pleasant and we had a great meal for a great price. Would love to be a local!

The menu offers a great variety of Italian food. We were a group of 3 and ordered very different dishes and all looked and tasted great.

Waiting much too long for dinner. They came and said the kitchen was backed up with large parties. Very hungry after a long day. Would bring bread for $7. When we requested to see the manager she only had excuses, was confrontational, and told us we were grouchy. She finally agreed to bring us bread gratis. The meatballs and spaghetti came with one hot meatball and one cold hard one. There was very little sauce and when we asked for more we were told it would take 7 minutes. When the sauce came the spaghetti was cold and soggy. To add insult to injury they charged $9 for the extra sauce .Very limited menu. Never offered dessert. We should have walked out.

The food is very good but a little pricey. The bread is worth it. The butter is amazing. I would go just for the bread. They do have happy hour so recommend going if you can.

After being out on the water all day, we were hoping to find some great food in a moderately quiet venue. We really enjoyed the food, and especially enjoyed the “chef show “ that was visible from our vantage point of a table along the railing in the loft. Not that the chefs were being showy, they weren’t, they were hard at work, but it was fascinating to watch how they prepared the meals. Overall, it was a nice way to end a very wonderful day!