Annas Tavolini Ristorante

We'd passed by this place a few times and finally tried Tavolini and are we ever glad we did. The atmosphere is quaint and the reception from our server was wonderfully pleasant. Even though this was our first visit, we felt like we'd been long time customers.

The waitress even took some extra time with my girlfriend because she is a vegetarian and by the end of the conversation, the kitchen had no problem putting together something that wasn't even on the menu to accommodate her.

Dinner portions were ample and the food was fantastic. Over coffee and desert the owner/manager actually came out to make sure the meal was to our liking.

Great service... we'll be returning for sure.

We had booked a group for lunch. Despite the fact that there was nobody else in the place, they complained that they were unable to accomodate the extra person who decided to join us at the last minute. The food itself was excellent, but following that those of us who had to pay debit were given a sigh and rolling of eyes by the waitress (who we found out later is the manager) and then while we were doing debit, she had the nerve to complain to us about the other people at the table.

The service was great and the burger was much better than I had hoped for (clearly homemade and how the bun was prepared was wonderful). This visit was basically perfection but I was hesistant to come back here because of a previous bad experience. That time, we were told to rush because they were closing (and it didn't seem that late). I'm not a lingerer and am a fast eater as it is, and so making me feel rushed is unnecessary and is a HUGE TURN OFF. The other thing was that we ordered spaghetti and were delivered linguini. I'm not that picky but when my wife orders spaghetti, that is what she wants--not a substitute. We were told they ran out of spaghetti were not informed--just substituted. Not a good move, almost cost you our business forever but I would go back based on the recent experience. Server was great.

We have been to this restaurant several times, and will continue to return. The food is consistent and of good quality, but not spectaculor. A little more spice and imagination to traditional dishes would be nice, and would set this restaurant apart from an Italian franchise type. Portions are ample though, and well-priced.

This is bound to be a biased review, as I have been a fan of Anna's cooking at the Tavolini for more than a decade. I first encountered her restaurant when it was downtown, and followed her after her move to the north end four or five years ago.

I have never had a bad meal at the Tavolini, and yesterday's experience was no different.

The menu is simple, with mostly pasta dishes mixed with various basic but tasty traditional sauces and meat options. I have usually stuck with the excellent garlic bread and caesar salads as appetizers, and highly recommend the tartufo (ice cream balls in two flavours) for dessert.

The Tavolini is a small place, so service is a huge factor, and there is no disappointment here. We are welcomed warmly each time we visit and always enjoy catching up with Anna on what's going on in town.

There are two suggestions I might offer.

First would be to somehow make the outdoor frontage on the restaurant more inviting - on many, many occasions I have suggested the Tavolini to acquaintances in Brantford, and most believed that the restaurant was no longer in business due to the shuttered look of the front windows. (This, and the fact that everything good closes in Brantford.) This is one area where Anna's good taste should be replaced by a bit of gaudy outdoor decoration - a lit-up, neon-type OPEN sign would do the trick. Open windows and doors and perhaps some signage near the street would also help. (The Tavolini is set well back from the road and is easy to drive past without even noticing it.)

Second would be to establish a web presence. The Tavolini would not stick out in an online search for places to eat in Brantford, and this is such an easy thing to fix!

All in all, I love the Tavolini, enjoy the food and decor every time, and wish nothing but the best for Anna and her staff. Recommended!

This was a very relaxing evening. I think, because this restaurant is located in a strip-mall, I expected them to go a little farther to make the dining experience exceptional. The food was good but not exceptional, and servings on the small side. Very friendly. Thanks.

We, along with our friends attended on a Saturday evening. We love it here as the restaurant itself is small, quiet, with a lovely rustic decor and classical music playing softly in the background. You can carry on a conversation without having to shout at one another. We have been here before and Anna remembered and greeted us warmly. She makes you feel that your business is appreciated. The server was friendly, helpful and very attentive without overdoing it. Two of us ordered the ravioli special topped with chicken breast and shrimp in a parmasean cream sauce. The ravioli tasted homemade, and the sauce was beautifully balanced & flavorful. Both of us thorougly enjoyed it. The other couple both had the Grilled Basa fish almondine with roasted potato and a vegetable medley. They both said the fish was grilled to perfection and the almonds had been toasted to really bring out the flavor. Both said they would order it again without hesitation. I finished with a cappucino which was great. All of us were too full to order dessert. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food you receive. In all, this is a place to go when you want to relax, not feel rushed, and have some great, authentic home style Italian food. We will be attending again soon. Thanks Anna.

Anna has created a little gem in the north end of Brantford. The place is intimate with a nice Mediterranean decor and friendly efficient staff, and the food is excellent, but without and stuffiness. The pastas and sauces are home made and while the menu is limited it covers all the bases and everthing we have tried has been thoroughly enjoyed. For true home style Italian food give it a try. It is one of our favorites.

We were looking for a restaurant near by and found one after getting some licence issuses resolved next door. The decor is terribly dated, the food was bland, unimaginative and "Western Italian". Meaning that it is very North Americanized. Nothing to do with authenticity. Don't dare show up at 1:00 or later or the staff will treat you like it's 3:00 am. Not happy to seat, see, or serve you. If we weren't so hungry I would have grabbed a chocolate bar next door at the convenience store. Wish I had!

Dinner out with friends was extremely enjoyable. The food was very good and the ambience was perfect. We will all be back!

Watch out for the humming waitress there! She's a real pleasure!