Tavola Nostra Pizzeria e Cucina is a wonderful Italian restaurant with a focus on wood fired pizza. The menu features two different pizza styles with a combination of classic and modern toppings. You can even sit at the bar and watch the chefs bake each pizza in their wood fire oven.Aside from pizza you’ll find authentic pasta dishes, meatballs, fresh large-portioned salads, and some of the best calamari around (non-greasy nor over fried). And the wine selection includes wines from both Italy and California.
Love this gem tucked away in the heart of Hillcrest. The Italian cuisine is fantastic and never disappoints. Please forgive me if I misspell it but the margherita pizza is top notch and doesn't get any better in my opinion. Service is very attentive and always makes sure your needs are met. The atmosphere is comfortable and pleasing. Don't forget the wine, and if you're not a connoisseur don't worry they'll recommend a nice house wine. A must go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jj s
amazing, had a great first date here, service was impeccable, food was outstanding, thank you ever so much!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nostra Salciccia E Broccolini Pinsa
Wes Shoemaker
Fantastic Italian in Hillcrest! The food is always amazing. I’ve never had a bad meal here. The lasagna is to die for. They usually let you know when ordering that the lasagna will take 15-20 minutes to make, but don’t let that deter you. It’s absolutely worth it. Some of the best I’ve had.The Chicken Parmesan is excellent, as are the pizzas that are hand-tossed right in front of you. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in everything they offer, and it’s very evident.My ONLY gripe is they don’t open for lunch until 12:00 noon, and not one minute earlier. LOL. If you work in the area and need to have lunch a bit earlier than noon-on-the-dot, be warned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mamma's Spaghetti with Meatballs, Classic Pepperoni, Lasagna Della Mamma
michael bayus
The owner and the wait staff are the best. They always remember the locals and the food is always perfect along with the service.
Prashant
The food was delicious and service was excellent but the ambulance was terrible due to how loud it is, been there for a Saturday dinner and I needed earplugs to avoid ear pain with how loud a few tables are. I understand it's out of control of the restaurant how the other patrons behave. The restaurant was spot on for their food and service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Tricky Nicky
I was drinking a glass of wine at the bar when I saw RAT POOP and COCKROACHES ALL behind the bar. This lady named Shara was very impolite and condescending when I complained about my order not being right. I used to love this place but it’s horrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
H. JN
Went here the other night, a tiny issue had arise. Everything was handled professionally & taken care of. Our server was a sweet old lady and she definitely gave me 5star “Nona vibes.” She was making sure we were comfortable and just honestly going out of her way & she didn’t even need to. Then we met the owner and Jeff’s an awesome guy. He comped our truffle fries (which by the way are delicious, highly recommend.) customer service was top tier. The food really does speak for itself. My Husband and I enjoyed it, we had a pressing engagement we had to get to so we only had time to order appetizers. However judging off the two starters that we ordered We can’t wait to come back to enjoy an actual entree from here. I already know it’s gonna be delicious. Clean, Old school Portraits on the wall , nice & relaxed atmosphere & To which I assume is “old Italia vibe.” I don’t drink alcohol ,but they have a wonderful selection of wine ? . Parking is available shared with other businesses in the plaza , of course there’s always street parking too. Anyways check this business out, Enjoy !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ann
First time trying out this restaurant. We ordered the patriotica pizza and truffles fries. The fries are 6/10 since potato wedges as truffles fries are not the best in taste. The pizza is an 8/10, we enjoyed it. One pizza for two people was enough. Tiramisu is an 7/10. Overall, food was good. I unable to say this about the ambiance of the restaurant. The restaurant staff did nothing to control noise from a table of rowdy guests. It was incredibly loud with people eating and shouting. We are our food fast and left because of how loud the noise was.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Lori Dusterhoft
Delicious food and best margarita pizza in California! We went on a Saturday eve and sat at the bar. Service was great!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mamma's Spaghetti with Meatballs, Pepperoni Pizza, Antipasto Salad
We just had dinner at Tavola Nostra and really enjoyed our time there. The owners are very welcoming and passionate about sharing their family story while they prepare excellent pizzas. We recommend the bar area where the action takes place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cannoli Siciliana, Nostra Salciccia E Broccolini Pinsa, Tiramisu
Dianne Plaisted
There is only one white wine for happy hour, pinot grigeo. We brought our own bundlets for birthday but was notified they would charge us $20 cutting cake fee. Ridiculous.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pepperoni Pizza
Samantha M.
Finally checked out this spot, and was not disappointed. First off, the Burrata on the Pinsa is A1! SOOO GOOD! If you want to have some of the best pizza- you found the place. The flavor, the crust, the toppings- just YUMMY- highly recommend getting the Nosta Salsiccia e Broccolini or even the classic Margherita (I saw multiple to by to different tables that looked delicious and perfect perfect)! I ordered the Pollo alla Parmigiana and cleared the plate clean. The sauce was great on the spaghetti so I can only imagine it paired with the meatball would be the perfect comfort dinner! Breading was great on the calamari fritti and the aioli paired with it was the perfect touch. Staff is friendly and welcoming- service was great and food came out quick. They offer seating both inside and their outside patio. Can't wait to come back and try more food here!
Kyle B.
Great spot. Just as good to grab to go. Full selection of Roman style pizza and plenty of Gelato flavors as well. Tiny place so not much room indoors.
Aron D.
This place is a gem. Food is always on point (arrancini and pinza are go-to's) and the service is terrific. We had a lever group to celebrate my daughter's birthday and the staff showed lots of love. Truly a great spot for any occasion!
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria e Cucina is a wonderful Italian restaurant with a focus on wood fired pizza. The menu features two different pizza styles with a combination of classic and modern toppings. You can even sit at the bar and watch the chefs bake each pizza in their wood fire oven.Aside from pizza you’ll find authentic pasta dishes, meatballs, fresh large-portioned salads, and some of the best calamari around (non-greasy nor over fried). And the wine selection includes wines from both Italy and California.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Mamma's Spaghetti with Meatballs, Pepperoni Pizza, Calamari Fritti, Antipasto Salad, Bruschetta
Love this gem tucked away in the heart of Hillcrest. The Italian cuisine is fantastic and never disappoints. Please forgive me if I misspell it but the margherita pizza is top notch and doesn't get any better in my opinion. Service is very attentive and always makes sure your needs are met. The atmosphere is comfortable and pleasing. Don't forget the wine, and if you're not a connoisseur don't worry they'll recommend a nice house wine. A must go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
amazing, had a great first date here, service was impeccable, food was outstanding, thank you ever so much!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nostra Salciccia E Broccolini Pinsa
Fantastic Italian in Hillcrest! The food is always amazing. I’ve never had a bad meal here. The lasagna is to die for. They usually let you know when ordering that the lasagna will take 15-20 minutes to make, but don’t let that deter you. It’s absolutely worth it. Some of the best I’ve had.The Chicken Parmesan is excellent, as are the pizzas that are hand-tossed right in front of you. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in everything they offer, and it’s very evident.My ONLY gripe is they don’t open for lunch until 12:00 noon, and not one minute earlier. LOL. If you work in the area and need to have lunch a bit earlier than noon-on-the-dot, be warned.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mamma's Spaghetti with Meatballs, Classic Pepperoni, Lasagna Della Mamma
The owner and the wait staff are the best. They always remember the locals and the food is always perfect along with the service.
The food was delicious and service was excellent but the ambulance was terrible due to how loud it is, been there for a Saturday dinner and I needed earplugs to avoid ear pain with how loud a few tables are. I understand it's out of control of the restaurant how the other patrons behave. The restaurant was spot on for their food and service.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
I was drinking a glass of wine at the bar when I saw RAT POOP and COCKROACHES ALL behind the bar. This lady named Shara was very impolite and condescending when I complained about my order not being right. I used to love this place but it’s horrible
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Went here the other night, a tiny issue had arise. Everything was handled professionally & taken care of. Our server was a sweet old lady and she definitely gave me 5star “Nona vibes.” She was making sure we were comfortable and just honestly going out of her way & she didn’t even need to. Then we met the owner and Jeff’s an awesome guy. He comped our truffle fries (which by the way are delicious, highly recommend.) customer service was top tier. The food really does speak for itself. My Husband and I enjoyed it, we had a pressing engagement we had to get to so we only had time to order appetizers. However judging off the two starters that we ordered We can’t wait to come back to enjoy an actual entree from here. I already know it’s gonna be delicious. Clean, Old school Portraits on the wall , nice & relaxed atmosphere & To which I assume is “old Italia vibe.” I don’t drink alcohol ,but they have a wonderful selection of wine ? . Parking is available shared with other businesses in the plaza , of course there’s always street parking too. Anyways check this business out, Enjoy !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time trying out this restaurant. We ordered the patriotica pizza and truffles fries. The fries are 6/10 since potato wedges as truffles fries are not the best in taste. The pizza is an 8/10, we enjoyed it. One pizza for two people was enough. Tiramisu is an 7/10. Overall, food was good. I unable to say this about the ambiance of the restaurant. The restaurant staff did nothing to control noise from a table of rowdy guests. It was incredibly loud with people eating and shouting. We are our food fast and left because of how loud the noise was.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 4
Delicious food and best margarita pizza in California! We went on a Saturday eve and sat at the bar. Service was great!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mamma's Spaghetti with Meatballs, Pepperoni Pizza, Antipasto Salad
Restaurantji Recommends
We just had dinner at Tavola Nostra and really enjoyed our time there. The owners are very welcoming and passionate about sharing their family story while they prepare excellent pizzas. We recommend the bar area where the action takes place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cannoli Siciliana, Nostra Salciccia E Broccolini Pinsa, Tiramisu
There is only one white wine for happy hour, pinot grigeo. We brought our own bundlets for birthday but was notified they would charge us $20 cutting cake fee. Ridiculous.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pepperoni Pizza
Finally checked out this spot, and was not disappointed. First off, the Burrata on the Pinsa is A1! SOOO GOOD! If you want to have some of the best pizza- you found the place. The flavor, the crust, the toppings- just YUMMY- highly recommend getting the Nosta Salsiccia e Broccolini or even the classic Margherita (I saw multiple to by to different tables that looked delicious and perfect perfect)! I ordered the Pollo alla Parmigiana and cleared the plate clean. The sauce was great on the spaghetti so I can only imagine it paired with the meatball would be the perfect comfort dinner! Breading was great on the calamari fritti and the aioli paired with it was the perfect touch. Staff is friendly and welcoming- service was great and food came out quick. They offer seating both inside and their outside patio. Can't wait to come back and try more food here!
Great spot. Just as good to grab to go. Full selection of Roman style pizza and plenty of Gelato flavors as well. Tiny place so not much room indoors.
This place is a gem. Food is always on point (arrancini and pinza are go-to's) and the service is terrific. We had a lever group to celebrate my daughter's birthday and the staff showed lots of love. Truly a great spot for any occasion!