Tavolata is not for the faint of heart. Others might be turned off by the soaring conversations and if a hostess wasn't at the door the exact moment the guest arrived but isn't it about more than that? Tavolata is not about pretentions. I have dined at Tavolata many times now and overall it's a feeling and a taste. It is the revolution on the idea of the modern restaurant and frankly, some don't get it. Yes, the Tbone is perfection, yes, the bucatini is truly al dente, and yes, the veal cheeks are the best appetizer I've ever eaten (4 times). If you go, you must try the octopus salad, share the lamb strozzapretti and gorge on the pork chop over fiddle head ferns. Yes, you may have to wait for a table. Yes, your dinner may run long and no, the cooks are not afraid of a little cheese (grated extremely finely often looks like more than it is). When it comes down to it, Tavolata is a great restaurant for those with great attitude and a willingness to try something new.
Pros: it's in the center of Seattle, good portion sizes, good value
Cons: reservations for 6 or more
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