La Tavola

We went on a Friday night and had reservations. We had to wait at least 20 minutes with no explanation. Once seated, we waited ages for our server to come to the table. Sat for at least 15 minutes with only water on the table. Eventually our beers showed up (LOVE that Peroni). We ordered the mussels, which were awesome. I asked for extra bread several times for the tomato sause, and eventually we got some. We then got our lobster bisque. I can honestly say it was the worst I have ever had. It was watery and didn't have a single chunk of lobster, veggie, etc. On the Specials board, it was stated that it had lobster, fennel, celery, carrots, onions, etc. Pureed into nothingness was not listed on the board. Ew. We both ordered pizzas for our meal and they were both good. Since it was my b-day, we told the server we were going to get dessert, but after looking at the choices, we decided against it. A very mediocre evening. more

After enjoying delicious meals at the Powell location, we were excited to try the new restaurant in Dublin. We were really disappointed! What happened to the flavorful food? The bread was the best part of the meal. The rest of the meal was bland or merely OK. The pasta was overcooked, the mussels,the house wine and even the coffee were flavorless. Next time we will head for nearby Figlio. Pros: bread Cons: overcooked pasta, bland food more

I love Italian food and have lived in Italy. This restaurant (Dublin- river location) was on our short list for many months until recently. We were aware of the menu shortcomings -- salty risotto, and a few other over seasoned dished and still went back because of other good menu options. Then, we took some out of town guests with well-behaved children and we all waited an hour and a half for our entree. This was inconvenient, frustrating and embarrassing. Then, after repeated warnings that our friend had a very severe pine nut allergy -- they were served at our table. Our friend could have died! This was followed by a curt apology and little else. And yes we still went back -- with an even worse experience the second time. They seemed unhappy when they saw children in our party and said they were unable leave cheese out of a dish (how odd) I wonder if there is new management because this place went from a favorite to a never go back in a matter of months! Don't go with children, allergies, or any time constraints. might try Powell in the future. Pros: Pasta, bread, location Cons: Service, rigidity, ambience, parking more

My family has been patrons of this restaurant since it was hidden behind the Wendy's in Dublin and followed it to Powell and now to Riverside Dr. Everytime my sister or I come home from the various cities in which we live we demand to go to La Tavola. Yes, it can be very busy, yes you must have a reservation, but it is worth it! To the person complaining that it did not have budweiser products-- you cannot truly think you deserve to write a review if you think that Bud goes with this quality of food! I, a beer love, skip the beer in favor of wine followed by coffee. Try the Gnocchi Al Forna [or whatever the current name is] with the proscuitto mixed in to a baked gnocchi dish. For those who have been to Italy, you will appreciate that the food is just as you remember it, not the ""americanized"" version that we so often get where everything is in huge pasty portions covered with red sauce. The bartenders have also been known to keep some Grappa in stock which goes down great after the meal. To be honest, I can only figure that those who complain think places like Buca di Beppo serve quality Italian food, or Olive Garden. This is THE place in Columbus [or honestly anywhere I've been] for Italian food. I have been to Italy, and rarely were my meals ever this good! Pros: fabulous food, typically good service, great wine list, speedy valet parking Cons: [not really a con] but gets very busy, make reservations, is expensive more

I was a bit skeptical after reading some of the terrible reviews here about La Tavola, but decided to give them a try nonetheless. We made reservations and upon entering were promptly seated at a beautiful riverside table, decorated with lovely spring flowers and a small candle. About one minute after being seated, ice water was brought to the table by our waiter who asked what we wanted to drink. About one minute later he brought us our drinks and the most delicious homemade bread I think I have ever tasted with a small bowl of oil to dip it in. I thought the bread tasted great just in itself, but the oil gave it a nice flavor. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and specials of the day, and answered my question about what exactly gnocchi was. After ordering our food it only took about 20 or 25 minutes to receive the food, which was fine with me considering this place hand-makes everything! My full-size portion of Gnocchi Alla Sugo de Carne was FABULOUS, I have never in my life tasted such velvety soft, smooth noodles. My husband's Lasagna was literally blanketed and swimming in a heavenly cheese. The sauce was delicious, though for anyone who is used to eating the sugar-added Prego and Ragu may not like it because there was no artificial anything here, just deliciously-prepared homemade sauce. And the meat in my Gnocchi was so tender and flavorful! I had to refrain from licking the plate when I was finished. I ordered Tiramisu for dessert which had a great espresso taste, and the lightest custard I have tasted. There was even a sliced strawberry on top. My husband's Chocolate Berry Cake had some sort of heavenly berry cream cheese icing (great with the strawberry), and the cake looked incredibly moist (by the time I finished mine I couldn't try any of his). Overall we had a great evening, and an even greater anniversary, all thanks to La Tavola. By the way, their new location is 6125 Riverside Drive in Dublin. Pros: Setting, food, service, efficiency! Cons: Chairs were a little hard. more

Over and over again I hear people rave about La Tavola. But I just can't understand why. I'd been to the former location in Powell a few times, and each time I was unimpressed, but I kept giving it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe I just didn't order the right dish. And since the owners are friends of a friend, each time the occasion arose we've gone back again (though I still wouldn't recommend it). At the new location, we were made to wait two hours for a table (on a Tuesday evening) because we didn't have reservations. It's that popular! Next time we had reservations and were promptly seated. The waitstaff is very good, and the overall atmosphere, while it ""seems"" as if it would be very chic and romantic, there's just something missing. Pros: Beautiful location. Cons: Awful-tasting food. more

We had a wonderful dinner at La Tavola last Thursday. And, we got to sit next to Jim Tressel! Bonus. The waitress was enthusiastic and knowledgable. We received our meals - piping hot. All of our food tasted delicious and dessert was to die for. The price was right. It was really excellent. Pros: Easy Parking, Great Food, Great Service more

I enjoyed a really nice evening with family at this restaurant. We received excellent service, as well as great food. more

Since mid-January 2006, La Tavola is now located at 6125 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43017, 614-760-8700 (the former Gibby's location). Rick and Krista, along with their courteous and attentive staff, have made a great move to this new location. The ambience is warm and inviting and the food continues to be superb. Pros: Food, Service, Value more

They do not sell Budweiser products. The restaurant was cold. The outside door opens directly into the eating area and it was a cold wintery night. The house salad was good but was overdressed and no fresh ground pepper was offered. The calamari was very tender but had little to no flavor. Three of us sat in an uncomfortabe booth. Two of our entrees came and five minutes later the third finally showed up. No offer of grated cheese. No offer of additional bread. We didn't want either but I noted the no offer. The eggplant parmesan was overbreaded and soggy. The red sauce wasn't good. I couldn't tell if the strong taste of garlic powder was coming from the sauce or the breading on the eggplant. Pros: Ambience, Tender Calamari, Friendly Cons: bread, tomato sauce, no budweiser more

The owner is very rude and made our dining experience very unpleasant. Pros: location Cons: service (owner), owner, owner more

One of my favorite restaurants in the Columbus area. I'm Italian American and Rick makes each dish just like Mama usta make! Bar is small, but bartender friendly and the wine list offers some appropriate Italian selection. Cute little patio out back during warm season. Nice people, not too expensive, great food! Pros: Great food, Reasonable Pricing, Nice folks more

Handmade fresh food, fresh spices, good wine. every dish bursting with discrete flavors. makes olive garden look like chef boyardee. Pros: taste, price, hidden Cons: parking, small more

We were brought to the back room which was small, but made to feel cramped by the presence of a large, rambunctious party. It is a poor management choice to accommodate a party which ruins the restaurant experience for all other patrons. It wouldn't have been devastating until a band began blasting music from the corner. I couldn't hear the waitress when she addressed the table; I couldn't even hear those seated across the table. The food itself was not what I expected for authentic Italian cuisine. It was luke-warm and the portions were small. Everything is served ala carte, requiring a hungry soul to order meat entrée, side of pasta, and house salad. Not at all a good value. It might be good to enjoy an early dinner on a Tuesday, but the seating, quality of food, and atmosphere is not worth a Friday night out. more

This is a casual but nice place. They have real Italian food and great wine prices. more

Excellent service, friendly staff who recommended a wonderful $19 bottle of wine, the Torteloni is the best pasta that I have ever had, and the soup was also great!!! Great bread, crayons on tables, reminds you of a loud family dinner atmosphere. We will be back for sure many times to try some more wine. Pros: Price of wine, Food, of course, friendly service Cons: hard to find at night, crowded, finding a des driver more

I tried La Tavola for the first time recently and was very impressed with the appetizers, wine list and entree selections. For lighter eaters, they offer half portions, which is just the right amount. If you're going with a few couples, make reservations - especially on Friday or Saturday. more