Each week, we want to highlight one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson!
Two decades ago, Massimo Tenino introduced Tavolino Ristorante Italiano to Tucsonans, delivering the charm of an intimate neighborhood trattoria reminiscent of family gatherings.
Fresh pasta is made daily, the wood-fired oven cranks out belly-warming pizzas, handcrafted cocktails are made with fresh ingredients, and the wine list is curated from Massimo’s brother’s winery — Azienda Agricola Pietro Rinaldi in Italy.
If you’re not too familiar with wine but curious, Tavolino’s servers are well-trained and will help you find the perfect combo.
Their menu is diverse, offering a mix of inventive and traditional Italian dishes, and the portions and the prices also make Tavolino a solid option for an upscale lunch outing.
Tavolino’s lunch menu (11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday – Sunday) includes a spectrum of choices, spanning from antipasti to pasta, pizzas, entrees, and desserts. The servings are generous and each dish is presented with artistic flair, and you even get complimentary bread and oil to begin your meal.
Interested in learning Italian?
If you’re in the mood to learn Italian, the restaurant hosts Tucson Italian classes and is taught by Dr. Theresa Levy, Ph.D.
Plus, the classes include lunch!
There are two Tucson Italian class levels available: “No Experience Necessary” and “Non-Beginners.” The beginner sessions utilize handouts crafted by Levy over her extensive teaching career, covering everything from basic vocabulary to grammar and usage. Levy employs a whiteboard to enhance the learning experience, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Tucson Foodie Insiders
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $20 off their meal every six months.
For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano is located at 2890 E. Skyline Dr. For more information, visit tavolinoristorante.com.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
