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: high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, keto, low-carb, pescatarian, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-sodium, low-fat, whole30, paleo, mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, low-cholesterol, gerd, south-beach, atkins, high-fiber, zone, volumetrics, tlc, carnivore, alkaline, renal, aip, slow-carb, lectin-free, macrobiotic
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, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Mushroom Bruschetta - $19.75: Grilled garlic bread, sautéed local and imported mushrooms Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian 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, Pescatarian 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: High-Protein, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Alkaline, Slow-Carb 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: Pescatarian 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-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dante Salad - $22.75: Baby spinach, roma tomatoes, pine nuts, red onions and gorgonzola cheese dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Caprese - $19.75: Mozzarella, roma tomatoes, red onions, capers, basil and extra virgin olive oil Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach 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: 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 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne Arrabbiata - $22: Short tube pasta, garlic, Italian parsley and lightly spicy tomato sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, 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, Pescatarian 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, Low-Sodium, Zone, Volumetrics, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Scampi Agnolotti - $28.25: Homemade half moon shaped ravioli stuffed with scampi, braised sweet onions and prosciutto with saffron sauce 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: 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, Carnivore 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 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veal Portobello - $43.5: Veal scaloppini with braised portobello mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine sauce Dietary tags: Lectin-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, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb 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 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Fish of the Day: Fresh fish of the day Dietary tags: Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Tiramisu - $12.75: Lady fingers dipped in espresso, layered with mascarpone cream and covered with imported chocolate crumbles
- Vanilla Cream Custard - $12.75: Vanilla cream custard topped with your choice of rich caramel sauce or creamy chocolate sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Berry Sorbet - $13.25: Two scoops of mix berries sorbet with a splash of Prosecco wine Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Italian Chocolate Truffle - $13.25: Dark chocolate gelato covered with cocoa powder, chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts, topped with espresso Dietary tags: Vegetarian, 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, Pescatarian
- Apple Tart - $15.25: House made country apple tart with a polenta crust and served with a cinnamon zabaione Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, 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, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-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.
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