Buona Tavola – Italian
Buona Tavola captures the essence of a sun-drenched Mediterranean escape, where the vibrant colors of fresh tomato bruschetta and the savory depth of artisanal cured meats set the stage for a convivial feast. The kitchen masterfully bridges the gap between rustic comfort and elegant innovation, offering delicate beef carpaccio alongside hearty eggplant parmigiana and unique duck and turkey dumplings. Every meal feels like a celebration of the sea and soil, inviting guests to linger over bowls of briny mussels or crisp, garden-inspired salads in an atmosphere of effortless warmth.
1037 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo 93401 http://btslo.com/san-luis-obispo/Rating: 5/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Buona Tavola
Dairy-Free at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne Arrabbiata, Clams and Mussels in Tomato Sauce and Berry Sorbet. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 4 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Veal Portobello, Clams and Mussels in Tomato Sauce and Homemade Olivata Jar. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 16 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Caprese, Grilled Fish of the Day and Sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 7 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Asiago Chicken, Flat-Iron Steak and Seafood Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Flat-Iron Steak and Veal Portobello. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 2 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Flat-Iron Steak and Veal Portobello. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 4 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne Arrabbiata, Berry Sorbet and Homemade Olivata Jar. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Buona Tavola
Buona Tavola in San Luis Obispo has 14 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Caprese, Sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta and Vanilla Cream Custard. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Buona Tavola
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine with Mixed Meat Sauce | 9.6 g | 94.4 g |
| Seafood Salad | 33.8 g | 56.3 g |
| Linguine Fra Diavolo | 5.8 g | 38.6 g |
| Asiago Chicken | 30.7 g | 35 g |
| Parma Salad | 0.6 g | 26.3 g |
| Grilled Salmon | 0 g | 23.6 g |
| Pumpkin Tortelloni | 35 g | 23.2 g |
| Mixed Cured Meats | 25.3 g | 23 g |
| Flat-Iron Steak | 0 g | 17.4 g |
| Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta | 66.7 g | 16.8 g |
| Caprese | 10.7 g | 16.3 g |
| Risotto del Cusio | 6.4 g | 15.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Friday
- 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- Saturday - Sunday
- 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its welcoming neighborhood feel and attentive service, guests rave about the mouth-watering chicken dish that is consistently praised for being perfectly prepared. Reviewers highlight the helpful staff and warm ambiance, noting that the inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for special occasions.
Menu
Appetizers
- Mixed Cured Meats - $25.5: Piemontese salami, artisanal imported cheeses, bagnetto and nduja spread Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta - $16.75: Grilled garlic bread, roma tomatoes, basil, and extra virgin olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta - $19.75: Grilled garlic bread, sautéed local and imported mushrooms Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggplant Rolls Parmigiana - $19.75: Grilled eggplant rolled with mozzarella and Grana Padano cheese, baked with a lightly spicy tomato sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Duck and Turkey Dumplings - $22.75: Duck and turkey dumplings with an onion confit marmalade Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, GERD-Friendly, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Carpaccio - $24.5: Raw beef filet, arugula, Grana Padano cheese, and celery root, horseradish mustard dressing Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Clams and Mussels in Tomato Sauce - $26.25: Manilla clams, black mussels, lightly spicy tomato sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Seafood Salad - $27.25: Sauteed shrimps, sea scallops, clams and mussels, organic arugula, roasted bell peppers, capers and garlic in a lemon mustard dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Parma Salad - $24.75: Arugula, red apples, walnuts, roma tomatoes, balsamic dressing, Grana Padano cheese on imported prosciutto Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dante Salad - $22.75: Baby spinach, roma tomatoes, pine nuts, red onions and gorgonzola cheese dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caprese - $19.75: Mozzarella, roma tomatoes, red onions, capers, basil and extra virgin olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Artichoke Heart Salad - $21.75: Artichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, petals of Grana Padano cheese and balsamic vinaigrette dressing Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $19.25: Romaine lettuce, roma tomatoes, rosemary garlic croutons, Grana Padano cheese and caesar dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta and Risotto
- Risotto del Cusio - $32.5: Carnaroli rice with freshwater shrimp, porcini mushrooms, organic herbs and white wine and chicken broth Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne Arrabbiata - $22: Short tube pasta, garlic, Italian parsley and lightly spicy tomato sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pumpkin Tortelloni - $29.5: Homemade tortelloni stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta cheese with sage, mascarpone sauce and walnuts Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fettuccine with Mixed Meat Sauce - $28.5: Fettuccine pasta with braised chicken, duck, veal, pork and beef and herbed meat sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Scampi Agnolotti - $28.25: Homemade half moon shaped ravioli stuffed with scampi, braised sweet onions and prosciutto with saffron sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Linguine Fra Diavolo - $36.75: Linguine pasta with Manila clams, black mussels, shrimp, garlic, white wine and lightly spicy tomato sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Flat-Iron Steak - $43.5: 10 oz flat-iron steak grilled on fresh arugula with shaved Grana Padano cheese and balsamic reduction sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Asiago Chicken - $36.75: Chicken breast and wing stuffed with Asiago cheese, wrapped in Prosciutto di Parma with white wine sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veal Portobello - $43.5: Veal scaloppini with braised portobello mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine sauce Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Low-Sodium, Atkins, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Salmon - $39.75: Fresh filet of salmon simply marinated with sea salt and black pepper, grilled with lemon and extra virgin olive oil Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetable Timballo - $28.75: Layers of grilled eggplant, red and yellow bell peppers, green and yellow zucchini, mozzarella, and tomato sauce baked Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Fish of the Day: Fresh fish of the day Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Tiramisu - $12.75: Lady fingers dipped in espresso, layered with mascarpone cream and covered with imported chocolate crumbles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Vanilla Cream Custard - $12.75: Vanilla cream custard topped with your choice of rich caramel sauce or creamy chocolate sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Berry Sorbet - $13.25: Two scoops of mix berries sorbet with a splash of Prosecco wine Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol
- Italian Chocolate Truffle - $13.25: Dark chocolate gelato covered with cocoa powder, chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts, topped with espresso Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Flourless Chocolate Cake - $13.75: Home made flourless chocolate cake served over a bed of vanilla cream and raspberry puree Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Apple Tart - $15.25: House made country apple tart with a polenta crust and served with a cinnamon zabaione Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Renal
Beverages
- Espresso - $4.75
- Cappuccino - $6.75
- Caffe Latte - $7.75
- Hot Tea - $5.75
- Limoncello - $8.75: Home made
Sides
- Homemade Olivata Jar - $6.5: 6oz jar of black olives, mustard seed, organic herbs, Italian olive oil and balsamic vinegar Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Buona Tavola
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include penne arrabbiata and berry sorbet, while keto, gluten-free, and low-carb choices feature mixed cured meats, seafood salad, and beef carpaccio.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The restaurant accommodates diverse diets with options like keto-friendly beef carpaccio, vegan penne arrabbiata, and gluten-free seafood salad.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a perfect 5.0/5 rating and moderate ($$) pricing, guests find excellent value in the mouth-watering dishes and attentive service.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact the restaurant by visiting their website at http://btslo.com/san-luis-obispo/ for more information.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This restaurant is unique for its welcoming neighborhood feel, attentive service, and distinctive menu items like duck and turkey dumplings.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere for special occasions will enjoy this Italian restaurant's diverse menu and attentive service.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Mixed Cured Meats, Seafood Salad, and Beef Carpaccio all work for multiple diets including keto, gluten-free, low-carb, and sugar-free.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The restaurant is suitable for families due to its welcoming neighborhood feel, warm ambiance, and attentive staff that accommodates guests.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Customers highly praise the welcoming neighborhood feel, attentive staff, and warm ambiance, specifically raving about the perfectly prepared chicken dish.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- Buona Tavola is a moderately priced ($$) Italian restaurant that offers a range of high-quality dishes in an inviting atmosphere.
- Is Buona Tavola dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Buona Tavola has 6 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne Arrabbiata, Clams and Mussels in Tomato Sauce and Berry Sorbet.
- What can I eat at Buona Tavola on a dairy-free diet?
- Penne Arrabbiata, Clams and Mussels in Tomato Sauce and Berry Sorbet carry the dairy-free tag, out of 6 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Buona Tavola have vegan options?
- Yes. 4 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Penne Arrabbiata and Berry Sorbet.
- Is Buona Tavola gluten-free?
- 4 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Buona Tavola?
- Fettuccine with Mixed Meat Sauce, at roughly 94.4g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Buona Tavola
- Bob Cantu's Pizza & Sports Bar — Italian
- Giuseppe's Cucina Rustica — Italian
- Mama's Meatball — Italian
- Mistura — Italian
- Bravo Pizza Plus — Italian
- Quesadilla Gorilla — Mexican
- Kreuzberg — American
- Petra Mediterranean Pizza & Grill — Mediterranean
- New Earth Superfoods — American
- Sweetie Cup Tea House — Chinese
- Blackhorse Espresso & Bakery - Uptown — American (Bakeries and coffee shops in
- Goshi Japanese Restaurant — Japanese
