Really disappointed - Probably one of the worst meals I have ever had. We ordered dinner last night for what we had planned to be a special dinner at home for our wedding anniversary. I got the Carbonara and it was awful! It smelled badly when I opened it and tasted worse. The pancetta tasted spoiled/rotten and that taste flavored the whole dish. I couldn't eat it, and ended up throwing it out after one bite. My husband got the sword fish - it was not fresh and smelled very fishy and was a mushy consistency. I did not like all the pickled items on my salad (personal preference as my husband liked that) and the dressing was mostly just balsamic vinegar. I really NEVER leave reviews .....but $80 dollars for this meal ?? ... At least I got beautiful flowers and a very nice card from my husband. read more

Had the kind of meal tonight you hope becomes a regular on the menu. Grilled Rack of Pork Ribs in a Molasses Brine. Wow! Juicy, tender, delicious. As usual the staff made the dinner a joy. They always suggest the right wine pairing and Neal, our chef, took the time at a peak hour, to talk to us about the food. A+ again on date night. Grazzie. read more

A Tavola - Had the kind of meal you hope becomes a regular on the menu. The molasses brine made these ribs tender and juicy. A+. Grazzie A Tavola - Italian Near Me - Winchester, Massachusetts

Pretty average at best, not sure if it was because they were trying to pull a fast one on the atypical clientele during chaotic restaurant week or if they just consistently put out underwhelming grub. My entree was supposed to come with hazelnuts and came with raw almonds instead, which didn't blend well at all. In fact, it was terrible. And the rabbit was definitely overcooked. The cheese platter appetizer was terribly overpriced. The grilled calamari app was blatantly overcooked (the giveaway is when you can't easily cut it with a butter knife). The calamari portion was laughable as well. For a place that's just as uncomfortable as it is small, I'm expecting a somewhat positive experience. A Tavola fell well short. Jon Taffer would've been breaking plates in the kitchen. read more

A Tavola - An underwhelming cavatelli with rabbit. Advice to restaurant: drop the almonds - Italian Near Me - Winchester, Massachusetts

See all

Service and the kitchen are both super slow, hard to tell who was more at fault. From the time we sat down to the time our entree arrived it was almost an hour. It took about 10 minutes before someone came to our table for the first time, 15 minutes before we had water or bread. Once we ordered from the Piattiani menu, which were uncooked appetizers took about 20 minutes to get our table. If the service had been better the food would have made it a 3 or 4 star contender. Duck Proscuitto - Thin, small slices glazed in balsamic. They almost had a bacon like taste Burrata - Smooth and creamy mozzarella, always a solid choice at a nice Italian restaurant Cured Salmon - If you like smoked salmon then this will be up your alley. If not then pass on this. Why this and the above appetizers took so long to come out I'll never know... Cavatelli with Braised Rabbit - I ordered the half portion. For $13 it was the perfect small portion. The pasta and the rabbit were good read more

A Tavola - Duck prosciutto, Burrata, and cured salmon - Italian Near Me - Winchester, Massachusetts

See all

Our experiences at A Tavola were always fantastic. This review has long been overdue. Great food, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine selection. Great people ! read more

Where to start?! We had been meaning to go to this place for a while and finally got around to it, and I'm only sorry we didn't go sooner. We started off with the burrata with apples and a cider glaze and it was the perfect combination of sweet and creamy. The decadence of this appetizer could even be classified as a dessert to some. Then I got the ragu bolognese and my husband got the gnochi and both were delicious. Perfectly cooked pasta and perfectly seasoned! We ended the night with two desserts because we could not make a decision and everything on the dessert menu that we read made us salivate. We went with the dozen warm, soft chocolate chip cookies which is perfect if you want some leftovers and the sticky toffee pudding which had a coconut marscapone whipped cream that was to die for. They had a great selection of wines that were reasonably priced and we absolutely loved sitting at the bar overlooking the kitchen and talking to the chef throughout our meal. Highly recommend!!! read more

See all

Small place nice atmosphere and great food. We had the eggplant appetizer and the entree was the pan seared swordfish. Both were delicious. Our server Pam was friendly and took great care of us. Very happy would recommend. read more

This place was recommended by a friend, so I made Valentine's Day dinner reservations for my husband and I. The staff quickly greeted and seated us. The tables were close but that's kind of expected for this type of restaurant. The food was amazing - best olive oil and best calamari I've ever had. However, they had one major downfall. Our server did not acknowledge my husband once throughout the dinner. His back was facing my husband while only asking me for my drink order (never asked my husband). When ordering dinner, I told my husband to go first, and our server didn't look at him and just said "ok" then went on to ask me for my order. The food was slow to come out, but they were clearly very busy. Our server never said a word to us about it but repeatedly apologized to the couple next to us and was explaining why they were so slow. After dinner, we even had to ask for our check after waiting for some time. We both felt so uncomfortable, unwelcome and couldn't help but think it was because my husband was the only Black patron in the restaurant. We had never experienced anything like that before. The food was delicious, everyone else was friendly and their service was on point. Unfortunately, I wouldn't return or recommend due to our treatment. read more

First visit - Very nice, small family style, Italian place. The food is very good - as good as Bistro 5. Arugula salad, black seafood risotto (with squid ink) was very good; al dente. The piattini were most amazing. The wine selection - essentially all Italian - looks good. I picked a bottle of red from Veneto, which exceeded expectations. Skipped desert in favor of espresso and grappa (Barolo). Cannot wait to go back and sample more. A clear candidate for the fifth star, but I need to sample more first ... Didn't care for the 20% gratuity added for a party of 6, although the amount was deserved through pleasant service. I still prefer to make the call. read more

Was able to eat hear during Covid. Had a nice evening with their outdoor seating that they have makeshifted from parking spots in front of the building. The service was nice and food was good, I am picky about skin on my salmon so that was my only con. I also felt the price of a small glass of sparkling wine was overpriced. This place was definitely busy! read more

My first impression when I walked in was its small and very loud. We were seated promptly for our reservation so that was nice. They have an interesting menu. They have a list of 3 types of Tapa's for appetizers ranging from $6-$7 for one plate. They have a good dinner selection and nightly specials as well. I had pan seared Cod with fingerling potatoes and cherry tomatoes. It was all cooked perfectly. The snafu with dinner was my dads bolagnaise. It was cold and had no flavor, to the credit of the restaurant they re-made it and it was much better. All their pasta is fresh which is a bonus and the tapas were delicious (wild boar pancetta). They do have a few small deserts and after dinner drinks as well. Worth a try, but if you are looking for a cozy, quiet place to have dinner I would chose another venue. read more

We had dinner twice here in 2021 - the last time in August 2021. Each time the food has to be returned either because it was not cooked well or had no taste. We sat outside which was not great because the tables are in a busy street. The service was sub par. You don't inexperienced wait staff. When asked we were told that the chef/owner is new - not The owner of Bistro Five where we have always had great meals. Since August I have meet two other couples who had negative experiences at A Tavola. It used to be a good place although very crowded and noisy inside and overpriced but a good local place to go for an innovative interpretation of what many would call Italian. I would not recommend this restaurant for any reason and don't plan to return. read more

A brief story of my visit to chef/owner Joe Carli's exquisite and newly adopted A Tavola restaurant. I walked in and was greeted like family, not only by the chef himself but by more than one table of happy, fellow guests eager to share tips about the completely revamped menu. We sat at the bar, which provides an intimate encounter with the entire kitchen and a view into the meticulous preparations of food artistry practiced by chef Carli's team. We were served in a wine and food pairing experience unlike any other. The food was incredible, the kitchen staff sharing their stories and process as they cooked in front of us. Every dish was unique and the fascinating collection of dishes was crafted to perfection with clarity in their design. Old classics and clearly original creations gave the eater an exquisitely painted portrait of his carefully sourced ingredients, which were on display directly in view, with each having a story that the chef was excited to share The meal was incredible. The wine pairing excellent, and the company was the standout feature One of the guests remarked that it was funny to see so many people coming from Cambridge and Somerville to Winchester for fine dining. Nonetheless, I'll be making a habit of it read more

Enjoyed our recent visit to A Tavola. Sat at the bar and had a great meal while the kitchen staff entertained us. Have had almost everything on the menu; it's all great. Nice to have a top flight restaurant in town. read more

Our absolute go to for an easy and always delicious dinner in town. Pasta is amazing, and the menu is constantly changing. Consistently great. Wine list is also different and special, service is friendly! read more

I enjoyed a delicious meal with my family this evening. This was my first visit to Atavola. Upon my arrival, I was greeted with a friendly face and warm welcome. Once we were seated, we were immediately approached by the bartender who took our drink order. The bartender was friendly and conversational. We ordered the octopus and the beets for appetizers. For dinner, we ordered the Spaghetti Carbonara, Ravioli (which my son wanted to lick the plate clean) Ragusa Bolognese and my mother-in-law had the Salmon which she found delectable. Expressing to the owner, Chef Carli, his food gave her an F.O (food orgasm) For dessert. We each had the By the Scoop enjoying the vanilla ice cream, salted caramel gelato as well as the lemon sorbet all served with a pizzelle. I love the open kitchen concept where the chefs engage with the customers. Over all, the amazing cuisine, ambiance and friendly atmosphere will have me return time and time again! read more

Really disappointed! We ordered takeout for our anniversary dinner. I ordered the carbonara, the pancetta tasted rotten and spoiled the whole dish. It smelled horrible when I opened it, and tasted worst. I threw it out. My husband got the swordfish, very fishy and mushy. Even my side salad had to be thrown out- pickled items tasted terrible and the dressing was pure vinegar. 80 dollars for two awful dinners. read more

Wonderful night at this restaurant with a great vibe!! We decided to stay local for our anniversary. Very happy with the casual atmosphere and friendly staff. We were treated to a glass of Prosecco and Happy anniversary wishes from Lindsey. Our starters were excellent a burrata with honey crisp apples with a cider glaze and rosemary. Roasted eggplant with garden herbs and goat cheese My wife had perfectly prepared swordfish with creamy roasted garlic polenta brussel sprouts and chili I enjoyed the Bucatini grilled escarole red onions anchovies with herbed breadcrumbs We shared the Torta a warm chocolate cake caramel gelato with salted caramel The only problem was we only ordered one. So I had to share. Schedule this place for your next night out Casual atmosphere with Great food. Enjoy! read more

Food was subpar - which would have been okay with us but waiting over 40 mins between your appetizer and main course is ridiculous. Killed the whole mood of the evening and ultimately we just wanted to get home. Super disappointed and not impressed. However they did comp our entrees for making us wait so they got an extra star for that. read more

Disappointing. Very limited menu -- the 4 entrees were heavy dishes for summer. Two pasta dishes we ordered were pretty bad -- a Bolognese Ragu and a Pesto dish. Bother were dry. The potatoes in the "vegetarian" Pesto dish was a fail combination and texture. They were out of asparagus even though it was on the menu and they didn't have cream for coffee. The desserts were ok. Overall not worth the price. Will not be returning. read more

Simple atmosphere, not very clean, the wooden tables had a sticky sheen on them. They were uneven when combined together, which made seating uncomfortable. I ordered a pasta dish with a meat sauce on it. My dish did not have much flavor to it. It was mediocre and overpriced. My wife had the sword fish with rice, which she liked. The waiters and waitresses were nice and attentive. Overall I felt this restaurant was overpriced. We could have gotten our meals for 2/3 rds of the price had we gone some where else read more

Love A Tavola - small, unassuming but excellent Italian. Menu is limited and changes frequently so make sure to check what's being served before you go. The "chef's counter" is a fun place to watch the kitchen staff while you eat. read more

Food was absolutely perfect. This was the best steak I've had in a long time and my family loved their meals. The chef was accommodating with some modifications for us and the food could not have been better. I will absolutely return. The service was a bit slow, we found out our waitress was training. read more

The most delicious food from start to finish. The staff was extremely friendly and inviting, like we were all part of the family! I went with my friends for dinner one night during the week and we ate on the spacious patio for a nice relaxing dinner. We had a pasta primavera appetizer, with veggies fresh from the garden! We also had the prosciutto wrapped melon that melted in our mouths. For the main course, I had Bucatini with Pancetta, did not disappoint. My friend had the chicken entree. The chicken is not your average restaurant chicken entree! Seasoned and cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, and no bones to deal with! Paired with fresh and delicious seasonal sides, it was the perfect dish that she can't wait to have again! For the little room we had left for dessert, freshly made chocolate chip cookies and a pineapple upside down cake! Yes, it's as amazing as it sounds!!! All in all, mouth watering food with even better service! 10/10 highly recommend :) read more

Many great experiences here.They always have creative specials, the food is fresh. Very cozy atmosphere-would recommend sitting at one of the 6 bar seats where you view the chefs at work. Kitchen is very clean. The antipasto plate is amazing-photo attached. Great service also.. read more

See all

Terrible experience. Been meaning to try it for a year and had heard great things, but hard to believe this was just an off night. First we had to wait 20 minutes past our reservation. They comped a round of drinks (assuming they did it on purpose) so I have to give them that. The dining room was sweltering with no air circulation. The service was the slowest I've experienced in as long as I can remember, which went especially well with the hot-box-no-air thing. For all this, the food was just passable and the server seemed taken aback when I only tipped 15%. The shock should have been that I tipped at all. Definitely not going back. read more

I would almost give The Tav four stars if it weren't for a few glitches that are too big to ignore. First, the tables are so close together that you literally have to avoid bumping elbows with other diners. It really makes it unenjoyable atmospherewise. The second one is that when my GF and I were given one paper menu and they never brought another even though they saw us plainly sharing/passing the menu. Number three was the food was VERY salty, not just the meat, everything. The fourth was that when the diners next to us left, the staff left the table uncleared with their dishes and trash and drinks just sitting there during our entire meal -come on, bro -this is supposed to be a nice place. Other than that the food is pretty good and the service is pretty attentive. Not much more to say other than skip The Tav and go to Bistro 5 (same owners) for a better experience. read more

See all

This is one of our favorite spots on the Northshore. Every restaurant that has been in this location has been terrific and I am so happy A Tavola has sustained itself. The staff are like family- Lindsay and Sarah are wonderful and always make you feel welcome. We heard the chef bought the restaurant and we couldn't wish him enough success. Well thought out wine list, delicious food choices and the best charcuterie we've had anywhere. We have been ordering take out during quarantine for the Covid-19 virus and the meals have been exceptional. So much love goes into the food and you can taste the difference.Our personal favs- charcuterie plate (pickles, ricotta and bean purees are amazing), porchetta, homemade cavetelli w/sausage and broccoli rabe and any fish dish!! read more

We love A Tavola! It is our "go to" place for great quality, fresh, authentic Italin meals. I have three "foodie" tween children who ask to go there...by name. The Bolognese sauce will surely be one of the best you've ever had. Be sure to start with the antipasto for 2 or 4 - a combo of freahly sliced prosciutto, fresh ricotta, olives, etc served on a wood slab. Tasty gluten free options too!! read more

A Tavola - Antipasto - Italian Near Me - Winchester, Massachusetts

The only unfortunate thing about A Tavloa that I can possibly think of is that, A Tavola will always ring out as 'John Travolta' or 'John Travolta's' when I try to remember the name of this little (sorta) hidden treasure. This place is a gem. A real diamond in the rough. Because, you know - Winchester is such a den of iniquity and shame. I mean honestly, I've never driven through such a terrible place. It's like Hell opened up shop on the Mystic Valley Parkway....whoa is the traveler who comes this way. Whoa. Indeed. Make a reservation at the last minute on a Friday night. Throw on your finest, nice-ish, but not fancy jeans and let your lady get all dolled up. Jump in your car of your choice and putter along to A Tavola. Sit down. It's busy. Not too loud. A packed, smallish, dining room in wood tones. Rustic. But not quite 'I'M IN A BARN' rustic. Lot's of good people watching. Look up, quit staring. Look at the specials board. Be a dirty birdy and order the duck liver pate. Nosh on, Bro. Swoon...I digress. Order your wine. Get a big ol' serving of hearty red to go with your entree to be. Just do it. Or. Perhaps a bottle? You know you can take it with you if you don't finish it? Dope. Don't see tons of that around these days. Personally, I would never offend a bottle of wine like that - but that's me. Now order an entree. Smoked pork and wilted greens served under glass? Get the hell out my face. I mean. Stop. Just. I can't. Smoky perfection. Pasta with light creamed sauce a la cute fuzzy bunny? Sorry Bugs. Don't even talk to my hand about desserts involving fine liquor and sweet, sweet, sweets. Talk my Travolta accent a la Pulp Fiction. Guys, all in all. A Tavola is one of my favorite, rusticy, Italian-comfort-gastro spots that I have been to in years. read more

Ate outside here on a chilly and overcast Friday. The food was outstanding. The antipasti was overflowing with food, olives, meats; homemade ricotta, bean spread, and awesome pickled veggies. The burrata and Caesar were also great. Our mains included chicken with panzanella; bolognese; and veal chop. Everything was well seasoned, fresh, and delicious. We had cookies, gelato, and a chocolate torte for dessert and they were a great way to end the meal. We have eaten here before, but it had been awhile. We left wondering why we had let so much time go by and vowing to come again soon. read more

Had dinner here with a group of 4, located where Parsons Table used to be. We started with some apps... The server advised they were small portions and recommended we order 2 per person - seemed a bit much, so we ordered 4-The buffala mozzarella, eggplant, prociutto, and porchetta. The apps were disappointing, the prociutto was the best by far and I'd recommend that highly. The mozzarella was pretty goodbut had some really heavy seasoning on it that overpowered it, the eggplant and porchetta app were awful and everyone took a taste but they sat untouched after, they were just unpleasant. I had actually planned on ordering the porchetta dinner but based on the app decided not to - though I'm sure it would have been cooked much differently. The dinner was much better, we had a seafood pasta plate with thick, delicious noodles, the spaghetti pomodoro, the skirt steak, and the bolognese. Very small portions especially the spaghetti pomodoro and bolognese plates, the steak and seafood plates were larger however. All of the dinner plates got great reviews - so I'd recommend any of them for sure. For dessert we split the homemade doughnuts, and someone joked they tasted like fried Chinese chicken fingers, which they sort of did! Not much on the dessert menu here, so if you have a major sweet tooth, don't plan on being satisfied - you're better of grabbing something when you leave. All in all it was a nice experience - the ambiance is nice, and service was good, though for the prices ~$60pp (incl wine) I'd expect all courses to be exceptional and unfortunately they weren't. read more

Food is Amazing, staff was top notch. Would recommend to anyone. Great meal. Great experience. We will be back.

Having been to Bistro 5 many times and loving each time that we eat there, we had high expectations for this restaurant. Maybe too high. We went on a Friday evening at 7pm with a reservation for my "fellow's" birthday. This is what we ordered: Piatinni - Sliced Duck Breast with Fois Gras Shavings - Porchetta - Yellow Fin Tuna - Grilled Calamari Antipasta - Sautéed Mussels Specials - Clams & semolina gnocchi - 1/2 Portion Le Paste - Bucatinni In regards to the Piatinni we really liked the sliced duck breast and yellow fin tuna. We were told that this was a small dish but honestly all you really got was a taste. The calamari could have had more flavor to it, it was pretty much just tasted grilled. And the Porchetta needed a sauce drizzle or something to dip it in because it was lacking some flavor. For my meal I got a half portion of the clam special and the sautéed mussels. This was really good. The flavors were spot on and what I expected. One thing to note was that the gnocchi was not light and fluffy like a pillow. It kind of tasted like it had been cooked to long. But other than that the sauce was great and there was enough sauce on the bottom of the mussel's pan, which allowed for some bread dipping. My beau had the Bucatinni, which he really loved. The pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauce was spicy, and the shellfish were fresh. He really liked this dish and ate all of it. He also enjoyed dipping his bread in it. The two white wines we ordered were exactly what we were looking for. We were unfamiliar with the wine list and the server was able to make a great recommendation. Please note that they come as a glass and half in a carafe, but unlike other reviewers we were perfectly fine with this. No complaints at all. In regards to the décor of the restaurant, it was comfortable with ambient lighting. Where we had a problem was that the restaurant was so small and when it filled it up it got very hot and very loud. Having been a 90 degree day didn't help but the restaurant should have prepared for this and cranked up the heat. I was in a dress and sweat was pouring down my face at one point. This actually became so uncomfortable we ended up leaving to have desert elsewhere. In conclusion, the food was good not outstanding, service wasn't the best, and the location was too small. Because A Tavola is a restaurant we would go for a special occasion, we will just stick to Bistro 5. read more

Big city taste in a little town! This place is great. Right in the center of town in Winchester. Went with my wife and my M-I-L on a Thursday night in late September. The menu was perfectly seasonal and the staples were great too. My wife had the Rigatoni Bolognese and I had the Pollo Al Mattone which came with brussel sprouts and grilled polenta (I swapped out the alien beans for a portion of the kale). My MIL got the Monthly Regional menu, started with a burrata dish follwed by a Porchetta dish and a dessert. They a variety of wines by the glass and a few beers on tap. Also the house charcuterie appears to a big seller. I think it is all house made. Enjoy this cozy place in the burbs! read more

The front house was very friendly and attentive. I know nothing about wine and my server paired a nice red to go with my meal. The brussel sprouts with bacon appetizer was delicious and the portion was really satisfying. I'll order them again gladly. The menu all looked so good, but there was a venison special that I couldn't turn down. It's not easy finding game meat at a restaurant in northeast MA, let alone a staff that can cook it to such perfection. The venison was cooked mid rare, and the sear/seasoning on the outside is making my mouth water just thinking about it. The venison was over red cabbage cooked with apples and bacon...classic and delicious! Eat here, and you'll be happy. I can't wait to go back and have the tagliatelle bolognese. read more

The place is tiny and the tables are really close together, but the food is excellent. It's perfect for a romantic dinner for two, and we've also had dinner for 5 there (though that was a bit tight). The apps and entrees are decently sized - I almost always have some leftovers. The pasta dishes I've tried have been excellent. read more

Went for dinner. They had a pre-fixe menu as it was Valentine's Day. Starter was a savory cannoli. She'll was a crisp of fontina cheese (per waitress) crisped and rolled and stuffed with a filling of fresh ricotta and basil with a hint or prosciutto and balsamic drizzle. Really?? Yes, it was totally ridiculous. For the primi I chose the espresso braised short rib with root veg purée.....yes it was as good as it sounds..lol. Per il secundi (main course) the sirloin with potato gratin and fried kale leaves, carrot and beet was totally on point. Fried kale??? Who knew??!! So good!! A trio of small deserts wrapped everything up. And they paired each serving with the perfect wine! Don't overlook this hidden little gem. Can't wait to experiment with their regular menu items. read more

The food is amazing and the ambiance is great, but what really made my experience was the STAFF. They were all so kind and accommodating.

Beautiful restaurant . Can't believe I lived near this place but never got in before. The pasta is freshly made and made me remember Italian rustic restaurants. The salmon was a special of the day and was made to perfection. Highly recommended read more