Overview

TAVOLATA, nestled on Plenty Road in Preston, VIC, offers a genuine taste of Italy with a modern twist. The restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene, focusing on hearty, well-crafted dishes that speak of traditional recipes combined with refined execution.

The heart of TAVOLATA’s appeal lies in its pasta. Signature dishes such as the Gnocchi Ragù deliver tender, homemade gnocchi bathed in a rich slow-cooked beef cheek ragù, while the Cacio e Pepe showcases the elegance of simplicity with perfectly balanced cracked black pepper and pecorino. These highlight the kitchen’s commitment to honoring Italian culinary roots with high-quality ingredients and meticulous technique.

Pizza lovers will find themselves spoiled with choices like the Porcini Mushroom Pizza and the Meat Lovers Pizza. Chef Francesco’s touch is evident, especially with the Porcini Potato pizza celebrated by patrons for its depth of earthy flavors and the classic Margherita for its delicate balance of fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The pizzas offer a perfect harmony of crispy crust and thoughtfully curated toppings, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

The welcoming atmosphere complements the cuisine beautifully. The space is cozy yet lively, reminiscent of a bustling neighborhood trattoria where friendly service and genuine warmth are part of the dining experience. This makes TAVOLATA an ideal spot not only for intimate dinners but also for groups looking for an authentic Italian meal. The attentive, engaging staff adds to the inviting vibe, making guests feel at home and well cared for.

Beyond the savory, the dessert offerings like the Pistachio Tartufo or Nutella Pizza round off the meal with indulgent, creative sweetness. The balance between savory and sweet reveals a considered menu designed to provide a complete culinary journey.

Targeted towards lovers of Italian cuisine seeking authenticity and quality, TAVOLATA thrives as a local gem in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion, the restaurant delivers an experience marked by rich flavors, stellar service, and a warm, familial ambiance.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

Prakriti Rajbhandari
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I had the ravioli, the prosciutto pizza, and the tiramisu, and every single dish was perfect. The ravioli was cooked beautifully with the most flavourful filling, the prosciutto pizza was crispy, fresh, and absolutely delicious, and the tiramisu was the perfect end to the night. The service was warm, and the atmosphere felt authentically Italian. Best in Melbourne! Highly recommended.
David N
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Such a great little spot! The food is pretty delicious here, really great authentic Italian food. All the dishes were full of flavour and super tasty. The gnocchi was a standout for me - melted in your mouth, and full of flavour. The service was also really good. Family owned busy, so the staff were super friendly and really attentive. always around when needed. Also really fun and had great banter. The venue is also really nicely presented. Small, but cozy. Really enjoyed the experience, and will definitely go back. Give it a go !
Wendy Kim
Dec 11,2025
5/5
Best Pizza in this area! I am so glad that we have a great place for a real Italian pizza! Lovely staffs and service! Definitely will be back again to try other different pizza!
Amy
Dec 11,2025
5/5
The PERFECT day night spot and one of my favourite dinner spots in the north. I always find a way to order the carbonara with pork sausage - best dish on the menu. We tried the truffle prosciutto and mushroom pizza which was DIVINE Surprisingly the fries were a highlight - crispy, crunchy and salty and the entrees were delish (arancini and burrata & focaccia). Service is also fantastic and we were pleasantly surprised by the cocktails too 9/10, I’ll see you again !!
Wooyoung Kim
Dec 11,2025
5/5
I love chef Francesco’s pizza! Best pizza in Melbourne for sure. Porcini potato pizza was amazing but also always love the simple, classic margherita.. We were two but nearly ordering the third pizza, it was that much incredible..

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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