We were having cocktails down the street when someone at the bar recommended this restaurant, so we walk down and were lucky enough to get a table however I would recommend making reservations because it was pure luck we got a table. Everybody from the owners to the wait staff were extremely Pleasant and nice to talk to they sat as quickly. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very pleasant. Started off the dinner with a pleasant salad and then we ordered the Fettuccine Del Borromeo and the Torelloni Bufalina. And finished up with a Torta De Mele Alla Pia and another desert which I don't remember the name of, nevertheless all the food was simply amazing, from the salad to the entree to the deserts!!! This is definitely a place you want to visit if you love Italian food. We will definitely be coming back

Don't let the price of a meal scare you away! -- This place is a MUST Visit - if you can get a table. We sat outdoors and enjoyed the fantastic CA evening. The Carciofi ai petali di parmigiano salad was unbelievable! -- Simply put - one of the best salads I have ever had. Definitely worth the price and I will be making this at home too. We went to dinner on 1/2 price bottle of wine night; so we splurged and got a Super Tuscan wine! It was a fantastic complement to both meals my friend and I selected. (Crognolo - for those interested) - very nice mild red. It was a perfect compliment to seafood pasta special, I enjoyed. Then OMG their Crema Di Vaniglia Della Buona Tavola and Fior di Seta deserts were simply unforgettable! -- Presentation matched the flavor and tastiness of each. Be sure to come here with an appetite -- you won't be disappointed.

We wanted to find a nice restaurant to celebrate my birthday. We made reservations at Buona Tavola. Glad we did as it was mothers day! We started with bread and olive tapanade. Very good. The Cesar Salad was unique and special. It came as two small romaine lettuce heads with the dressing, cheese, and whole Anchovy's toppings. My wife ordered a couple of samplers of pasta. She first ordered the Spaghettini aglio olio e peperoncino. She also the Tortelloni di zucca alla salvia e mascarpone, both thought was very flavorful. I had the Bocconcini Portobello which was very good. I had pasta in the marsala sauce instead of mashed potatoes. It was very good. The service was good and Paulo, (the owner?), took great care of us. You know you choice the right Italian restaurant when the staff are speaking Italian! All in all a great place!

The owner, Andrea, greeted us at the door. Even though they were crowded, we were seated with no wait. The menu has a very nice selection of appetizers, salads, pastas, and main courses. The two of us split a pear salad special, and our main courses were risoto with shrimp and pasta with vegetables and pesto sauce. The portions were large, and the food was perfectly prepared and delicious. I had a chocolate desert with strawberries and fresh whipped cream that was terrific. The food was fresh and high quality. The service was friendly, efficient, and outstanding. This was our first visit, and we are looking forward to returning soon. I think this is the best Italian restaurant we have been to in the greater SLO area.

MUST TRY!!! I may be biased as I used to be a team member at this restaurant back from 2006 to 2008, but this spot has my favorite type of Northern Italian cuisine on the entire Central Coast of California. I have eaten at Buona Tavola SLO countless times throughout the years, yet I have never once had anything, but an exceptional experience, superb service by each team member, freshly and deliciously prepared meals. So many years later (almost 32 I believe), this restaurant's quality has not changed one bit. Even under the new ownership, they strive to make you feel like you are in Italy by offering the most unique and authentic food items such as Bruschetta ai funghi trifolati, Insalata di Mare, Minestrone Soup and Tagliata di bue salutare - some of my favorite items. Unexpectedly, prices are surprisingly affordable considering the fact that inflation is outrageous right now yet Buona uses the freshest seasonal ingredients + many items are shipped straight from Italy. For our main course we opted in for Fettuccine al sugo di carni miste and Pesce del giorno alla griglia - both 10/10. As for dessert we chose Crema Di Vaniglia Della Buona Tavola and of course, the famous Tiramisu. My husband dreams of Buona's Tiramisu quite often. We try it at every restaurant we go to that offers it, and nothing compares to Buona Tavola's one. Service by Hailey G. was fantastic as she welcomed us and made us feel special. The main busser was so friendly - loved him, too! Thank you to the new owner and management for making sure that old patrons still receive outstanding experience when visiting this authentic Italian restaurant. Like Antonio Varia used to say: "I cook with love and I feel love in the air" vibe is still here and I am so thrilled to be able to experience it!