Fodor's Expert Review Tavolàta

This Belltown favorite is helmed by superstar-chef Ethan Stowell (also of How to Cook a Wolf and Staple & Fancy), who is known for his way with fresh pasta. Serving up Italian goodness by the plateful in an industrial-chic bi-level space, Tavolàta is a decidedly lively, loud, and delicious night out on the town. The bar serves simple, elegant cocktails (Campari or Cynar with soda never fails). Start with a chickpea salad, buffalo mozzarella, or chilled heirloom tomato soup. Homemade pasta is the main draw here, such as fresh campanelle with mussels, squash, preserved lemon and pesto, or linguine with clams, garlic, and chili. Meat offerings are traditional with flair: the pork chop is vivified with currants and grilled radicchio; fresh halibut is poached in olive oil with escarole and mushrooms. A second location serves Capitol Hill.