Already a hit with locals since rebranding completely earlier this year, new Italian eatery Tavola has had a smaller change with the introduction of its new Autumn menu.

The 200-year-old venue on Leamington's Clarendon Street was given a stylish rebrand this year inspired by the Italian surrealist painters of the 1920's.

And with a new menu - inspired by Tuscan executive chef Martin Serafino - the restaurant continues to combine comfortable surroundings matched by its equally enjoyable food.

Having ordered yet another pint of the very drinkable Windmill Hill session IPA and a rather drinkable Cranberry and Clementine Daiquiri from the new cocktail list, we took a recommendation for our starters.

Coccoli al Prosciutto e Ricotta

Described by our waiter as "much better than Pizza Express dough balls" we started things off with the Coccoli al Prosciutto e Ricotta. Crispy on the outside and light on the inside, these balls of fried dough were served with prosciutto crudo and ricotta for a very rich and enjoyable starter.

I opted to attack them with cutlery rather than the 'all in one method' as suggested!

We also tried the Pollo Fritto Alla Fiorentina.

These crispy small bites of chicken were served with homemade lemon mayonnaise and made for a slightly lighter but equally enjoyable first course.

Pollo Fritto Alla Fiorentina

advertisement

For our main courses I enjoyed another excellent Tavola pizza - this time the Diavola.

A thin and crispy base topped with a fantastic san marzano tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella and generous helpings of Italian sausage and nduja, this was the right side of spicy and did not last long.

Diavola pizza

My companion opted for the Bistecca al Ferri (rib eye steak to you and me). Covered in lots of rosemary and garlic, this generously sized joint was fantastically cooked and served with a portion of crispy fries and an intriguing mashed aubergine salad and crispy onions. 

The mashed aubergine was a first for me, but its smoky flavour and smooth texture made it an intriguing and enjoyable extra.

Bistecca al Ferri

And with the Bistecca al Ferri priced at just £21 (£39 if T-bone is preferred) it struck me as great value for money.

For desert I opted for the trio of profiteroles, pistachio, white and dark chocolate filled with cream - all very moorish and leaving you wanting more.

Meanwhile my companion opted from probably the booziest hot chocolate I have ever tried - dark rum in this case!

Yet again it was a delightful meal, in comfortable surroundings and we were well looked after by our attentive hosts.

advertisement

If you're already thinking about planning a pre-Christmas get together, I would heartily recommend Tavola.

And there is even more to sample now as the eatery has launched a new bottomless brunch and a new breakfast offering!

The new Italian breakfast offering - including the Tuscan Breakfast, packed with sautéed porcini mushrooms, Italian sausage, and baby roasted potatoes - has seen the opening hours extended. Breakfast now served daily 8.30am to 12pm.

Head to the website to find out more.

Tavola breakfast and sandwiches (image supplied)