Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » TavolĂ ta – Seattle
TavolĂ ta - Seattle
Photo from TavolĂ ta
TavolĂ ta at a glance
Seattle Fremont
- đ Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51â$60
mentioned by 100 of the guests
#623 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#29 Italian Restaurant out of 32 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
708
Reviews
63.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Pasta
- Value Deals
- Attentive Service
Frequently criticized
- High Cost
- Service Variability
- Atmosphere Issues
The restaurant TavolĂ ta, an Italian Restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood, invites you to experience a memorable meal. At TavolĂ ta Fremont, you’ll discover a truly exceptional dining spot known for its great wine list, perfect for pairing with your dinner.
Whether you’re seeking a casual evening or a romantic escape, this cozy and upscale eatery offers a trendy atmosphere that makes every visit special. Itâs a place where you can unwind and savor authentic Italian flavors.
Overview: Introducting TavolĂ ta
TavolĂ ta offers a dining experience where the culinary creations often take center stage, with many finding the food to be a highlight. Guests frequently appreciate the attentive service, contributing to a generally pleasant visit.
However, some aspects of the overall experience might vary. While the happy hour deals are often praised for their affordability, regular pricing can be a point of contention for some diners.
The atmosphere also receives mixed feedback, with some finding it welcoming and others noting a less inviting feel.
Good
6.8
out of 10
708
Reviews
63.8%
Satisfaction
214
negative
42
neutral
452
positive
Looking at the numbers, TavolĂ ta holds a solid Restaurant Score of 6.8, which places it firmly in the good category. However, customer satisfaction sits at 63.8%, indicating a more mixed reception among diners.
This suggests that while many have positive experiences, a notable portion finds areas for improvement, based on 708 customer observations. Delving deeper, the Food (7.1) is clearly a strong point, consistently earning high marks.
Service (6.9) and Ambience (6.9) also perform well, contributing positively to the dining experience. The primary area for consideration appears to be Value (4.4), which falls into the average range, reflecting some concerns about pricing, despite 452 positive remarks against 214 negative ones.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic pasta
- Excellent happy hour deals
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High prices, added fees
- Inconsistent service quality
- Variable dining atmosphere
With a Recommendation Score of 6.9, TavolĂ ta generally earns a nod for its culinary offerings and attentive staff. If you prioritize well-prepared pasta and a welcoming service experience, this spot could certainly be a worthwhile visit, especially during their noted happy hour.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a significant consideration outside of special deals. While the food often shines, the overall value and occasional service inconsistencies mean it might not suit every expectation for a higher-end experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on TavolĂ ta
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners generally find a lot to love! With a solid 7.1 score, the culinary experience is often described as good, and customer satisfaction sits at a respectable 67.8%, indicating a mixed but mostly positive reception. Out of 385 comments, 261 praise the delicious homemade pastas, fresh ingredients, and authentic Italian flavors, making it a go-to for many.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 95 comments pointing out areas for improvement. Some guests have encountered overly salty dishes, bland flavors, or even cold food. There are also mentions of inconsistent quality and occasionally undercooked pasta, suggesting some room for refinement in certain areas.
Food
385
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
95
negative
29
neutral
261
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Homemade fresh pastas
- Authentic Italian flavors
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Overly salty dishes
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavors
Often praised
- foodOur experience at Tovalata was absolutely one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. From the fantastic service to the incredible food, we were welcomed and pampered like VIPs and savored every bite. Server Jane was fantastic, pasta master Cameron stopped by and showed us his handiwork, bartender Ray literally put a smile on our drink, and manager James thanked us for choosing Tovalata.
- pastaFrom the fantastic service to the incredible food, we were welcomed and pampered like VIPs and savored every bite. Server Jane was fantastic, pasta master Cameron stopped by and showed us his handiwork, bartender Ray literally put a smile on our drink, and manager James thanked us for choosing Tovalata. The rare, joyful team spirit where everyone went out of their way to make us feel welcome made our date night even more special.
- portionsI had a very lovely, tasty dinner with excellent service. Every dish was perfectly seasoned and the portions were just right. The atmosphere is welcoming and the location was easy to get to.
- rigatoniI assumed the dishes would be smaller for the deal, but I had leftovers! The rigatoni was authentic And delicious. The paparadelle had orange and mint.
- cocktailsThe service was also great. We hadn't planned on ordering cocktails, but we're glad we did!
- drinksThe food and drinks were top notch
- pappardelleThe pappardelle was the best dish.
- Tavolata saladAppetizers were mostly incredible. The Tavolata salad was superb, and I'll be back. I tried the beets, which were also delicious and flavorful, as well as the burrata, which was somewhat of a letdown; the cheese was fine, but what came with it was a bit odd (mustard and collard greens?).
- dishesI had a very lovely, tasty dinner with excellent service. Every dish was perfectly seasoned and the portions were just right. The atmosphere is welcoming and the location was easy to get to.
- happy hourWe went for happy hour and everything was absolutely delicious.
Frequently criticized
- pastaThe salad was served with a nasty creamy spicy dressing, and the lettuces clearly indicated that the ingredients were not fresh or of high quality. The pappardelle also proved to be a disappointment; while the flavor was okay, the pasta itself was not great, and the sauce was just alright. I will not be going again.
- foodfood is supremely average for the price
- potato gnocchiThe restaurant is known for its fresh pastas. The food was generally good, but the potato gnocchi with short rib was a bit dry and could have used more sauce. I would recommend sharing a few dishes as the portions are family style.
- food qualitymake tour food worthwhile
- main coursetook over an hour to receive our main course
- meatballsThe meatballs came out 15 minutes earlier than my pasta dish
- pasta entreespasta entrees were screaming spicy, like SUPER spicy
- pastasthe two pastas felt like something you'd get from those chain pasta places
- ravioli dishMy ravioli dish was cold on one part of the plate and warm on the other.
- rigatonithe rigatoni was salty
If you're craving authentic Italian with a focus on fresh, homemade pastas, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while many dishes shine, some guests have noted inconsistencies in seasoning and temperature, so manage your expectations.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 6.9 score. Many guests, accounting for 114 positive remarks out of 176 total, consistently praise the friendly host , attentive staff, and even stellar service from specific individuals. Theres a real sense of team spirit and often fast service , making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, the customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.8%, indicating some room for improvement. With 56 negative comments, some patrons reported a slow experience , waiter attitude , or feeling rushed through the meal . There were also concerns about the restaurant being short staffed and even a managers behavior towards employees, suggesting inconsistencies despite the generally good score.
Service
176
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
56
negative
6
neutral
114
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Stellar personal service
- Fast food delivery
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Unprofessional staff attitude
- Manager harassing employees
Often praised
- serviceOur experience at Tovalata was absolutely one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. From the fantastic service to the incredible food, we were welcomed and pampered like VIPs and savored every bite. Server Jane was fantastic, pasta master Cameron stopped by and showed us his handiwork, bartender Ray literally put a smile on our drink, and manager James thanked us for choosing Tovalata.
- staffWe were also taking advantage of the Monday-Tuesday special. While the staff was very friendly, there were significant issues with the meal and atmosphere. Our two pasta entrees arrived about 20 minutes apart, meaning my dish was getting cold by the time my husband's arrived after we inquired about the delay.
- serverThe dessert cake was hard and tasted like something from a grocery store. Our server was friendly and apologetic, but the food came out of order and very late, and we had to repeatedly ask for water refills. Given these issues, especially after the dinner rush, I can't give it more than two stars.
- ServiceService was great
- experienceIt was a hard day and my dining partner had to cancel, but the staff was wonderful and helped me celebrate the start of my new job. I apologize for trying to pay with cash, but thanks to the staff for being patient and making my experience and night lovely. ESR is always a favorite.
- wait staffwait staff seemed super friendly
- Enrique and AvelEnrique and Avel were lovely and friendly and knowledgeable
- JimmyJimmy is hands down awesome
- Julia and MichaelJulia and Michael came out at the end of the dinner and spoke with us personally
- Lilythanks to Lily was just remarkable
Frequently criticized
- serverShe was harassing employees about seemingly trivial things so loud the entire restaurant could hear. At one point, while we were in the middle of speaking with our server, she interrupted and asked our server to follow her and berated them about the size of plate stacks the moment she thought they were out of earshot. I haven't been a server before, but it seemed like a weird thing to interrupt us over.
- servicemakes the service feel a bit hit and miss
- employeesI went in for happy hour and drinks with some friends the other day, and our good time was ruined by the petit brunette manager. She was harassing employees about seemingly trivial things so loud the entire restaurant could hear. At one point, while we were in the middle of speaking with our server, she interrupted and asked our server to follow her and berated them about the size of plate stacks the moment she thought they were out of earshot.
- additional foodthe server grumbled when guests ordered additional food
- alcohol optionsthey all kept telling us about the alcohol options
- appetizersthey forgot our appetizers twice
- attention to detailnot greater attention to detail
- bartenderThe bar tender told us to leave a good review
- boxed up leftoversleft someone elseâs boxed up leftovers at our table
- bringing own winethey were irritated that we brought our own wine
Overall, service here can be a bit of a gamble. While many rave about friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like slower service or occasional attitude. If you value a consistently smooth experience, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The vibe here often hits the mark, with many guests praising the good 70.9% customer satisfaction for its atmosphere. With 56 positive remarks, people frequently enjoy the modern space, great atmosphere, patio, and spacious feel. It seems to be a go to spot for a memorable evening, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment.
However, the overall score for ambience is an average 6.9, indicating some areas for improvement. Out of 21 negative comments, some found issues with bright lights, loud music, metal tables, or an unusually cold restaurant temperature. These elements occasionally detract from what could be a higher-end dining experience.
Ambience
79
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Modern, spacious feel
- Great atmosphere/vibe
- Comfortable outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud, harsh music
- Uncomfortable bright lights
- Unusually cold temperature
Often praised
- atmosphereEvery dish was perfectly seasoned and the portions were just right. The atmosphere is welcoming and the location was easy to get to. Overall, a very nice experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceWe also enjoyed the great wine and cocktails. The staff was very attentive, and we loved the space and its great ambiance.
- ambienceI visited for the late night happy hour and had what was arguably the best cacio e pepe I've ever tasted, and I've enjoyed many great pastas in my life. The bartender was very nice and the ambience was good. However, I was bothered by the automatic 22 percent service charge.
- spaceBetter space in this location
- environmentthe environment is very interesting
- patiolittle patio outside is perfect
- seatingEven if the food and wine weren't delicious, which they are (!), the people and atmosphere make it worth a visit. The portion sizes are quite big for a fancier restaurant, and the seating is plentiful, so I can't imagine you'd ever have to wait long for a table. Sadly, I did not get any pictures of the food because we ate it too quickly :)
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- barOnly nice thing in their decor might be the bar
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereI went in for happy hour and drinks with some friends the other day, and our good time was ruined by the petit brunette manager. She was harassing employees about seemingly trivial things so loud the entire restaurant could hear. At one point, while we were in the middle of speaking with our server, she interrupted and asked our server to follow her and berated them about the size of plate stacks the moment she thought they were out of earshot.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- Restaurant temperatureRestaurant temperature is unusually cold
- air conditioningThe food quality was excellent, earning a perfect score. However, the experience was slightly marred because the air conditioning was broken on a very hot day. If not for this issue, it would have received a full 5 stars.
- bright lightsBright lights angled right into the eyes of diners
- celebratory eveningThey did nothing to make our celebratory evening feel special
- coveredthe covered is quite dark along the sidewalk
- experienceThe dessert menu was also very bland and boring. The fact that Ethan Stowell plasters his name everywhere cheapens an already average experience.
- forksOne of the forks was dirty
- higher end dining experiencetrying to market this as a higher end dining experience but miss the mark
If youre looking for a generally pleasant and spacious setting with a good vibe, this place is often a solid choice. Just be aware that some guests have found the lighting or music a bit off, so it might not be perfect for every occasion, especially if youre sensitive to noise or temperature.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright moments, especially if you know how to play your cards right. Many guests rave about the Happy Hour deals, calling them unbelievable and a bargain, offering great value for your money. Special pricing like the 3 for $45 or 2 w/ a bottle of wine also gets a thumbs up, contributing to an average score of 4.4.
However, the overall sentiment around value is quite poor, with customer satisfaction at a low 30.9%. A significant number of the 68 comments highlight concerns about mandatory tips and service charges, often feeling like hidden costs. Many find the regular menu overpriced, with additional surcharges and unexpected fees like for cake cutting, leading to a feeling of being gouged.
Value
68
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
42
negative
5
neutral
21
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great Happy Hour
- Special menu deals
- Gratuity often included
What people don't like
- Mandatory service charges
- Overpriced regular menu
- Unexpected extra fees
Often praised
- happy hourThey offer a happy hour menu with drinks, pastas, and salads. I highly recommend going during the happy hour as most things, especially the pastas, are extremely overpriced but somewhat reasonable during happy hour. Overall the food always tastes great when I come here.
- pricesThe prices were unbelievable
- 3 for $45 or 2 w/ a bottle of wine on Monday and TuesdayThe 3 for $45 or 2 w/ a bottle of wine on Monday and Tuesday is a great deal!
- Happy HourGood for Happy Hour
- TipTip is included in dinner prices, not added on at the end, which was nice
- automatic 20% gratuitydonât mind paying the automatic 20% gratuity. They deserve it
- dealYears ago, we had a HORRIBLE experience at the other location, so we were hesitant to go back. HOWEVER, they had a âtwo dishes and bottle of wine for $45â deal so how could we not? Our server, Kelly, was funny, helpful, and very energetic.
- great valueGreat value for the money
- happy hour menuWhile it was a bit more expensive than some places, the food quality was better than many. I'd recommend trying the happy hour menu for small discounts. However, the atmosphere was sterile, with a concrete floor.
- late night dealsunbelievable happy hour and âlate nightâ (9-10pm) deals
Frequently criticized
- priceThey offer a happy hour menu with drinks, pastas, and salads. I highly recommend going during the happy hour as most things, especially the pastas, are extremely overpriced but somewhat reasonable during happy hour. Overall the food always tastes great when I come here.
- pricesunderwhelmed, particularly given the prices
- checkreceiving a $400+ check
- service feeThe kicker was the 22% service fee. I understand this is a thing but we really had poor service.
- $22 spaghettiThe $22 spaghetti
- $30 for 6 semolina gnocchi dumplings$30 for 6 semolina gnocchi dumplings is flat out a ripoff
- 4% surchargeA 4% surcharge will be added to your bill
- amount of moneyhow disappointing for that amount of money
- automatic service chargeautomatic 22 percent built in service charge
- cake cutting feethere was a $50 fee for cake cutting
If you're savvy and stick to the happy hour or special deals, you might find some decent value here. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially high regular prices and automatic charges that can quickly add up, leaving many feeling disappointed.
How are the prices at TavolĂ ta?
Youâre looking at roughly 54 per person â reported by 100 diners. That puts it in the $51â$60 category. For an Italian Restaurant, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a pretty wide spread. While the average is 54, many guests spend less, and there’s also a good number who opt for more premium experiences, showing a diverse mix of price points.
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 100 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for an Italian Restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those wanting to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about TavolĂ ta
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! The food was outstanding, with pasta being their specialty. I also want to highlight the service, as Ray was an excellent and friendly server.
I always love going here for happy hours.
- food10
- Pasta10
- Ray10
Price per Person
- $21â$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6â15 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Amazing Food and Service at Tavolata!
We absolutely love Tavolata and this particular location! We've had the pleasure of being served by Ray multiple times, and with the help of your friendly manager and bar master, we consistently enjoy great food and service. As we have two little ones, Ray and the kitchen team are fantastic at getting our food out quickly, preventing any meltdowns.
The food is amazing, and the service keeps us coming back. We also appreciate the in-kind partnership! Thanks for another amazing meal!
- food10
- service10
- friendly manager9
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Favorite Spot for Food & Late Happy Hour!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be my favorite spot in my new hometown. The people were the best, contributing to a wonderful ambience.
The food was also excellent. What truly stood out was their late happy hour, which conveniently matched my dinner time.
- people10
- ambience10
- food10
Price per Person
- $41â$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Homemade Pasta Perfection with Friendly Service
This is a really nice place with delicious homemade pastas. While my polenta was just fine, the fresh pastas ordered by others at my table looked soooo good, I had food regrets! Our waiter was super friendly and welcoming, even offering a friend a free dessert to celebrate a milestone.
The atmosphere was rated a 4, and the food a 4, with service a perfect 5.
- homemade pastas9
- polenta6
- fresh pastas9
Price per Person
- $91â$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Amazing Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was top-notch. The service and staff were as amazing as the food. If you're lucky enough to sit in his section, Jimmy is hands down awesome.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the food and service also received perfect scores.
- food10
- service10
- staff10
What TavolĂ ta offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at TavolĂ ta Fremont?
At TavolĂ ta Fremont, you can anticipate a dining experience that is both casual and upscale, with a cozy and trendy atmosphere. You’ll find a great wine list, hard liquor, beer, and cocktails, alongside happy hour drinks and food. They also offer late-night food and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
What service options and amenities are available at TavolĂ ta Fremont, and can you make reservations?
TavolĂ ta Fremont provides various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The establishment is wheelchair accessible and features gender-neutral restrooms. You can definitely make reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your table for an enjoyable evening.
How does TavolĂ ta rate overall?
TavolĂ ta achieves a Restaurant Score of **6.8**, indicating a generally good dining experience. Its **Food** (7.1), **Service** (6.9), and **Ambience** (6.9) are well-regarded, though **Value** (4.4) is considered average.
Are there good value options at TavolĂ ta?
Yes, many customers highlight the **happy hour** and late-night deals as offering excellent value, making the otherwise higher **prices** more accessible for drinks and pasta.
What can I expect from the service at TavolĂ ta?
Service at TavolĂ ta is often described as fantastic and attentive, with staff making guests feel pampered. However, some experiences indicate occasional **inconsistencies** or issues with attention to detail.