Tavola Italian Kitchen- Novato
By
Carol & Joe Davis
Dining Detectives
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We
love Italian Cuisine and are continually amazed that
there are so many unique offerings at Italian Restaurants in The
Bay Area. We had heard that East Coast Restaurateur Jon Paul Pirraglia
had recently opened Tavola Italian Kitchen in
Novato and knew we had to taste their take on Modern Italian Cuisine.
The restaurant is charming, as there are candles on each table
and multiple seating options including a round dining room with
floor to ceiling windows. Outdoor seating is also available weather
permitting. We appreciated the privacy between tables, light music
in the background and that there is a low noise level for easy
conversation. The focal point is the Exhibition Kitchen with Pizza
Oven where you see Chef Rob Hurd and Chef Ryan
Favini creating interesting Italian dishes using local
sustainable ingredients and artisan meats. There is also a large
chalk board on one wall where Tavola proudly lists their local
purveyors.
We
started out with a bottle of S. Pelligrino Sparkling Water, ordered
Italian Wines by the glass and a small dish of delicious Olives
with lemon rind. Our Antipasti starters were all excellent! We
shared the Mussels and Clams Combo which was in a fabulous
calabrian chili, dried oregano, white wine and garlic broth. We
quickly filled the metal pail which was provided for our shells.
Next, we had the Herb and Ricotta Meatballs which had
flavorful tomato sauce with a kick of spice and plenty of freshly
grated parmesan. We also enjoyed the Chickpea "Fries"
which were a unique light starter that was served with black truffle
aioli for dipping. We noticed that there were a number of other
"Happy Diners" having the rustic hand stretched pizzas
but knew we'd have to wait for a return visit, as we needed to
save room for our other courses. House Made Pasta was next and
we chose the Hen & Pancetta Ragu Orecchiette Arugula
which was wonderful and stimulated our appetites for our entrees.
The
entrees are all perfectly portioned and were so tasty that we
finished them! You must have the Porcini Rubbed Seared Flatiron
Steak with mandori balsamic and a side of your choice. It
was cooked rare, as ordered, and tasted fabulous! We chose polenta
for the side and it was creamy and wonderful. We also loved the
Braised Lamb Shank served on a bed of polenta with olives. This
was also perfect and the meat was luscious, falling off the bone.
Try a side of the Braised Black Kale with crispy prosciutto and
bread crumbs. We really appreciated that the menu is focused but
also gives you a wide enough variety of options.
Tavola
Italian Kitchen features an all Italian Wine List with
options of 6 oz. glass, 18 oz. carafe or full bottles. We enjoyed
the Bisol NV Jeio Prosecco from Veneto which was sparkling and
light and the crisp and fruity 2010 Bortoluzzi Sauvignon
from Friuli with our starters. The 2008 Paggio Pinot Nero
from Veneto which was fruity and light and the heartier 2010
Pecchenino Dolcetto Di Dogliani San Luigi from Piedmont paired
perfectly with our entrees.
The
dessert that we really enjoyed was the Mill Valley Noci Coffee
Gelato. It was smooth, refreshing , had an amazing coffee
flavor and was the perfect light finish along with a piping hot
double espresso to our fabulous dinner. Tavola Italian
Kitchen is a great new restaurant with excellently prepared
healthy and hearty Modern Italian Cuisine. Our server Alex, a
Sommelier, had also lived in Florence so his knowledge of Italian
Wine and Food made our dining experience very enjoyable. Tavola
Italian Kitchen is open seven days a week for lunch,
dinner, offers Sunday Brunch and has a Happy Hour weekdays. We
look forward to returning soon to enjoy the outdoor dining for
Lunch.
Tavola
Italian Kitchen
5800 Nave Drive
Hamilton Marketplace
Novato, CA 94949
415-883-6686
www.TavolaItalianKitchen.com
