Southern Italy’s Deliciousness in the West End
When something simple is done well, the words to describe such artistry are: elegant, refined, sublime, exquisite, perfect. In the West End, the perfect, simple meal of elegance is embodied in a neighbourhood tradition at the Tavola Restaurant on Robson Street.
Pasta Perfection — Shared Plates with Friends
Imagine a fine Italian wine paired with appetizer plates and friends gathered around the table. Or, a family dinner with platters of fresh pasta and cheese, raised glasses, and celebration. At Tavola Restaurant, everyone is treated like family. From the long table serving the finest scratch-cooked meals, to gentle evenings on the outdoor patio — exquisite memories happen every day of the week.
We asked Jessica Hoong, owner, to tell us why the restaurant has become a beloved West End destination. “Originally, it was a simple vision for great food with a warm welcome, inspired by experiences in Europe and California. Our meals are spectacular. The quality, the flavours and textures, the excellence and simplicity — we have a significant following of regular diners who come in from our West End neighbourhood and across the city. They’ve become dear friends to our restaurant and its ideals — folks who value the quality of the Tavola tradition we’ve built,” Hoong explained.
Seasonings & Pairings, Savory & Sweet
Tavola, is the city’s perfect spot for authentic Burrata (mozzarella cheese surrounding curds with olive oil and sea salt accents) and fresh pasta. Entrée plates feature Brick chicken rubbed in fennel pollen — the height of fennel’s aromatic beauty, caramelized with a traditional weighted roasting method and served au jus. You’ll find white anchovies, arugula with lemon and parmesan, and walnut pesto Crostini. Ricotta Gnocchi, Rigatoni, Dry Aged Steak with salsa verde — Tavola specializes in the freshest ingredients cooked to perfection.
“Creating something elegant and simple looks easy, but it takes skill. For example, we know exactly how to create Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti with cheese and cracked pepper in an exceptional light sauce,” Hoong said. Tavola is the kind of place that hums with the soft, warm ambiance of elegance — a restaurant where you feel you can relax into the pleasures of life, knowing your evening will be filled with a sublime meal and beautiful memories.
Espresso, Grappa, Dessert Wines & Brandy
Tavola’s menu has happy hour features, plus a daily specials sheet. Corporate events and private parties are classy events to remember. There’s a bar for drinks and bites after work, and room for the whole gang to celebrate your next special occasion.
Tavola Restaurant has a red awning, just east of Denman on Robson Street. The sidewalk patio is the last commercial frontage before Stanley Park, on the ground floor of the Times Square Suites Hotel. Plan a quiet meal of superb taste — stop in to experience the warm service regulars have enjoyed for years. There’s a seat at the bar waiting for you, with Amaro or Negroni calling your name