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Tavola
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tavola
8.6
Chef-owner Nicola Accardi honors his Sicilian roots in the former Manganaro Grosseria Italiana space, featuring a dual-chambered wood-burning oven crafted from Mount Vesuvius volcanic clay. The NY Times-recognized menu spans Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and regional specialties from Sicily, Apulia, and Rome.
Must-Try Dishes:
Littleneck Clam Pizza, Pappardelle with Porcini Veal Ragù, Castelvetrano Olives
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Dual wood-burning oven from Mount Vesuvius clay for authentic Neapolitan pizza
Who should go: Pizza purists and families seeking authentic regional Italian
When to visit: Weekday lunch for lighter fare or dinner for full experience
What to order: Wood-fired pizza, pappardelle, pistachio biscotti
Insider tip: They import olive oil and tumminia flour directly from Sicily
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; typical Hell's Kitchen street parking or nearby garages. Restaurant is 5 blocks from Penn Station—subway recommended (A/C/E to 34th St)
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. The historic trattoria vibe welcomes jeans and relaxed attire
Noise level: Moderate to lively—the pressed tin ceilings and open layout create energy but conversation is manageable. Can get buzzy when packed
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; tables turn quickly but reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Typically seated quickly; opens 11:30am Mon-Fri
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta, pizza, and appetizer options including eggplant parmigiana
Vegan options: Yes—house-made vegan lasagna with Impossible meat, vegan mozzarella options, daily specials. GF/vegan substitutes available for all pizzas and pastas
Gluten-free options: Yes—GF pasta and square-style GF pizza (less cross-contamination). Staff knowledgeable; designated prep areas for GF items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the historic 1893 grocery store atmosphere with pressed tin ceilings, marble bar, and wood-burning oven creates a charming backdrop. Tables are close but noise level allows conversation. Wine and beer only (no full cocktails)
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky, especially weekends. Bar seating often available for walk-ins. The restaurant stays busy—described as 'always packed'—so reservations are recommended via Yelp or phone
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—Yelp marks it 'Good for Kids' and 'Good for Groups.' Pizza and pasta options appeal to all ages, casual atmosphere is welcoming, and prices are family-friendly for NYC
Best For
Better for: Pizza purists wanting authentic Neapolitan from a dual-chamber Vesuvius clay oven, families seeking regional Italian variety beyond red-sauce basics, and anyone needing solid gluten-free/vegan Italian options in Hell's Kitchen
Skip if: You want craft cocktails (wine/beer only), prefer quieter fine dining ambiance, or need upscale occasion dining—this is a neighborhood trattoria, not a destination splurge
Tavola
8.3
A Hell’s Kitchen Italian room that works best for date-night pasta-and-wine pacing, with a menu broad enough to accommodate gluten-free diners without turning the meal into a negotiation. Execution trends comforting and classic rather than experimental, and the crowd energy stays lively. If you’re optimizing for Midtown convenience with real sit-down polish, it fits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with veal ragù, Neapolitan-style pizza, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Full-service Italian with clearly supported gluten-free dining lanes.
Who should go: Pasta-and-wine people eating gluten-free
When to visit: Weeknights early before the rush
What to order: Ragù pasta, pizza, tiramisu
Insider tip: Flag gluten-free needs up front so pacing stays smooth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to date-night polished—jeans are fine, but lean slightly dressy for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at a two-top, louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one; tables turn smoothly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta, pizza, and salad options that don’t feel like afterthoughts.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not a core strength of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta and pizza available, with staff accustomed to accommodating requests when flagged up front.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—warm lighting, Italian comfort food, and wine-friendly pacing make it easy to linger without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends are much easier with a reservation unless you’re comfortable waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—older kids who can handle a lively room and Italian staples will be fine, but it’s more date-night than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free diners who still want a full Italian restaurant experience with pasta, wine, and sit-down polish.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic room or a deeply specialized gluten-free kitchen—lighter, more health-driven concepts may suit better.
Tavola
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
A Garment District Italian workhorse where fresh pasta and wood-oven pizza cover both kids and adults without turning dinner into a negotiation. It’s strongest when you treat it like a sharing table: one salad, one pasta, one pizza, and you’re out happy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Wood-oven Margherita pizza, Arancini
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Fresh-pasta-and-pizza comfort with a Midtown throughput rhythm.
Who should go: Families who want Italian without fuss
When to visit: Weeknight early dinner
What to order: Lasagna, Margherita pizza, arancini
Insider tip: Split one pizza and one pasta per two people—best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby but expect paid garage parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but manageable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; faster if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait during peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited – vegetable-forward dishes possible with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some gluten-free pasta options available; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want something relaxed and low-pressure. More casual than romantic, but easy and comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights or at lunch. Early dinner increases your chances significantly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Pizzas, pastas, and a flexible menu make it easy for kids; best for elementary-age and up.
Best For
Better for: Simple Italian meals that satisfy mixed-age groups quickly without overthinking the order.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic Italian dinner or a destination-worthy pasta experience.