A Tavola Restaurant - Winchester, Massachusetts

Laura Z.

Wow! What a pleasant surprise! My friends told me about this place as one of their favorites, and did Joe deliver! Their menu is constantly changing, but Joe still made me a carbonara that wasn’t on the menu that night. A carbonara with a little hit of wine and a little bit of onion to make it their own! Had a bite of the branzino, which had a marvelously crunchy exterior and a perfectly cooked interior. Finished with the sticky toffee. Also highly recommended!

Hilary E.

10 stars out of 5! This was the first place that my husband and I ate at mid-pandemic, after recently moving to Winchester. And it was such a great experience that we've never stopped going back - no really, we're there at least once a week. It's got a small, family vibe with staff and food quality that rival much bigger, fancier joints with higher price points. Fresh ingredients, thoughtful and creative menu planning, family-friendly, reasonable prices, options for those with food allergies, engaging cooks and servers that know us like family -- and all of this right in downtown Winchester! They also host amazing wine dinners where you get the chance to sample a range of lovely beverages that aren't easily found in liquor stores, and have done a fantastic job catering for our family holiday meals and parties. We honestly never expected to find a place like this in the Boston area, it's a true gem and a source of community, and we take all our friends there.

Cheeney M.

Wonderful family owned restaurant with a staff that really cares. Joe and David are the secret sauce in the kitchen that make this Italian restaurant cook like clockwork. We sat at the chefs table and got an inside look at the teamwork behind this little slice of old school heaven.

Xin Z.

Food
The appetiser was certainly the highlight of my dinner. I was impressed with the smashed white bean (not sure if that’s how they call it). I couldn’t tell what it was because even though it had a mild flavour, it was good. For entree, I ordered risotto, and I didn’t like it very much. The taste was fine, but it was too bland and plain to me, which made me feel like I was just eating some saucy rice.

Everything else
It is a cozy family style restaurant and the service was great.

Everything

Erika B.

When it's *this* hot out, all I want are 'summer light' bites

Luckily A Tavola in Winchester fits the bill! What I love is that everything was so fresh and the menu is everchanging; the night I dined there, Chef Joe spoke highly of the fisherman he got the branzino from and the farmers market he got some of the produce used in that night's dishes from.

Some of the dishes I was able to taste (& my phone ate first) were:
* Beet Salad - horseradish crema, cucumbers, whole grain vin
* Branzino - blistered shishitos, shaved artichoke salsa verde
* Halibut - olive oil poached herloom tomatoes, basil, oregano & garlic
* Strawberry Shortcake - vanilla white cake, fresh and macerated strawberries, cream cheese whip
* Blueberry Ricotta Cake - ricotta, blueberry glaze

All of these dishes were complimented by my two craft beers - Bent Water Brewing's Premium Lager on Draft and Lone Pine Brewing's Summer Lights Citrus Wheat Ale. A Tavola, like their food menu, has a rotating beer & cider menu featuring new brews from New England craft breweries and cideries.

Incredible food in a warm, intimate space featuring an open kitchen, newly opened expansion and a patio space to take advantage of this beautiful weather!

A neighborhood restaurant that is truly invested in the community through collaborations, giving back and even partnering with the local elementary school to run a Seed to plate program to educate children about how to harvest ta garden and turn it's bounty into food for the table - a true seed to plate full circle! They also offer cooking classes, wine dinners, BBQ & Bourbon Dinners so keep an eye on their Instagram and website for upcoming events!

David B.

Food was fairly good although portions on smaller side especially the fish. Main issue was when the check came there was a 4% charge for the kitchen help. It was explained that since the kitchen help didn’t receive tips that was added to make up for the disparity. I don’t feel clientele should have to subsidize the pay for the help due to a cheap owner. Better to add the 4% into the cost of the meal and pay your help a livable wage.

Susan M.

Joe and the staff at A Tavola go above and beyond at every turn to make you feel at home. Super cozy space, great outdoor patio and cute bar set up that looks into the kitchen. The cocktails, wine list and menu are ever changing, always fresh and interesting. From wine dinners to burger nights + cocktail classes they have done a wonderful job putting together a community of fun loving foodies.

Joe took over the space just prior to the pandemic and I admired his proactive approach and efforts to engage the community. He never takes his foot off the gas and does everything to ensure each person who steps through the door walks out happy.

A few of my fav dishes are the rabbit, the roasted pork, Bronzino, tuna tartar + believe it or not the chicken is outstanding and of course the cookies for dessert (get the adult version). The pastas are all homemade and the bolognese is my husbands fav. I’m realizing I just listed their entire menu. So just go, eat, laugh with the staff and be happy!

Stacey Q.

Table was not ready when arrived. but the hospitality made up for it. Complimentary prosecco and at the end of dinner a dozen chocolate chip cookies. The antipasti is fantastic. Chicken is delicious. Excellent service.