My main course consisted of lasagna with layers of spinach and meat covered in bechamel sauce while my companion ordered the fresh grey mullet fillet with spicy cherry tomatoes, white wine and black olives.
Ah lItalia. Le viste, il vino, lalimento. Cie niente come lItalia verso la conclusione dellestate. Um... sorry... I got a little carried away there. That is the effect that a visit to Tavola, the veteran Italian restaurant had on me. Located in the entrance to exclusive neighborhood of Herzliya Pituach, Tavola defines itself as a Trattoria – a non-formal Italian-style restaurant, with modest food and modest prices. While the prices are definitely reasonable, there is nothing modest about the food which is meticulously prepared and simply delicious.
My companion and I arrived at 20:30 to a packed restaurant. It seemed that everyone there was having a good time. The atmosphere was friendly and we eagerly awaited our meal with growing anticipation. We were shown to our seats and then provided with a special menu - the romantic menu as the waitress explained to us.
For starters we chose the lettuce salad with pasta croutons and sweet pomegranate vinaigrette – a very large and very tasty salad of curled lettuce in a tangy, sweet dressing, and the Carpaccio with parmesan flakes, a large plate of thinly sliced melt-in-your-mouth beef. We were also served a loaf of the house bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which was freshly baked on the premises.
My main course consisted of lasagna with layers of spinach and meat covered in bechamel sauce while my companion ordered the fresh grey mullet fillet with spicy cherry tomatoes, white wine and black olives. The lasagna was full of flavor and packed full of meat. The spinach added a unique nutty taste, which blended nicely with the whole dish. My companion’s fillet was succulent, the olives and tomatoes complimenting the fish to perfection.
After so much food, we had no room for dessert, but we couldn’t pass up the waitress’s recommendations – the apple pie with vanilla ice-cream – the chef’s specialty was irresistible and the tiramisu was one of the best I have had so far. The pie was the perfect size for one person. Served warm, the delicate crust contained a rich filling of fresh apples. Simply divine. The tiramisu was accompanied by a scoop of delicious cappuccino ice-cream and I ended my meal with a shot of a perfectly made espresso.
Tavola has an extremely attractive business lunch offered between 12:00 and 17:00, which includes an appetizer, main course, cold or hot drink and a dessert all for the price of a main entr?e. Two small rooms which can seat 10 and 20 people are also available for business meetings.
To sum it up, Tavola can certainly hold its own compared with fine Italian restaurants in Tel Aviv. From the carefully chosen d?cor, to the prompt and friendly service, this restaurant is definitely a welcoming destination for a big family meal or an affordable intimate dinner with that special someone. It is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Israel. Come prepared to have a good time.
Tavola
75 Hanassi & keren Haysod St.
09-9574404, 09-9573818
