Massimo Tenino, the owner of Tavolino Italian Restaurant at 7090 N. Oracle Road, is moving his well-reviewed restaurant to the former VinTabla location at 2890 E. Skyline Drive, just across the street from La Encantada.
Tenino said yesterday that he’ll close the Oracle Road location when the move is complete, ending a six-year run at the place. Diners will find the same quaint atmosphere and a similar but expanded menu at the new location.
“I get a lot of people that say, ‘When we come to Tavolino, we feel like we’ve been transported to Italy,’” said Tenino. “We want to transmit the same feeling at the new restaurant as much as we can.”
A bigger, better-equipped kitchen will allow Tenino to expand the menu beyond what he was capable of doing at the original location, and an open kitchen will let diners watch fresh pasta being made. Tenino also wants to add a salumeria where guests can watch prosciutto, cheese and salami being sliced for appetizer plates.
Wood-fired pizzas will be available for lunch and dinner (they’re only on the lunch menu at the original location), and a rotisserie will be installed to produce slow-cooked chicken, pork and duck. A private dining area and deck will also be available.
Tenino will also make use of the ample bar area at the location, where he’ll offer a special menu of pizzas and appetizers.
He hopes to have the new location open by the end of March.
