Today we went to Bondi but it was really hot and the beach was so packed that I couldn’t even see the sand. So we went for lunch at A Tavola instead. I was happy about that because it wasn’t so busy and the air conditioning was on and I’d rather eat than swim anyway.
A Tavola was kind of open and relaxed with big round lights that looked like shiny planets that dangled over the tables. It was so cool because there was a man making pasta in the restaurant and I could watch and there were stacks of fresh pasta in baskets and hanging on racks.
But when I saw the big fat streamers of pappardelle I knew I was going to have to eat them.
The starters were a fluffy focaccia and an antipasto plate piled with the yummiest soft prosciutto, bresaola and two different kinds of salami. One had a nice spiciness and the other was mild but they were both just the best. There were some pickles too but I didn’t try those. Mama said they were good.
Next we had a dish of white polenta with crab. I’ve never tried polenta before and it was a bit like runny porridge. It had a yummy lemony flavour and there was crab all over the top of it with bits of salty lemon (preserved lemon). I love crab so you have to know I loved this.
The pasta dishes were enormous. We had the Pappardelle with wagyu beef shin which mama says is A Tavola’s signature dish.
The pasta really nice. The beef had a really sticky, soft texture. I liked it.
My favourite dish was the tagliatelle with Moreton bay bugs which I LOVED. It was really light and perfect for a hot day. Moreton Bay bug tastes like the best crab I ever ate met a lobster and they both had a party in my mouth. Only better.
I was supposed to split the pasta with mama but I forgot so she only got a tiny taste. She must have forgiven me though because she took me for a gelato after.**
Reviewed by Raffles – aged 6
* I’d stake a guess that the ragu’s cooking time would be closer to several hours than 10 years. Regardless of the technical details, Raffles is right. It is amazing!
** He wasn’t forgiven, I just felt like gelato and there is a Messina next door.
A TAVOLA BONDI
5-79 Hall Street Bondi NSW 2026
http://www.atavola.com.au
Ph:(02) 9130 1246
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 
Little Munch
January 28, 2015 at 9:10 am (9 years ago)Raffles I’m with you – I’d eat at A Tavola any day over swimming at Bondi Beach – it looks delish!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 28, 2015 at 7:05 pm (9 years ago)It is delish. You should try it Rx
Kate
January 28, 2015 at 10:35 am (9 years ago)You’ve added another place we just must go to! I don’t think we’ll ever be able to catch up with you though!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 28, 2015 at 7:05 pm (9 years ago)You could if you eat 10 times a day. Rx
Lisa
January 28, 2015 at 10:44 am (9 years ago)The pasta and bugs looks absolutely fantastic and I don’t blame you for not sharing with your Mama, I wouldn’t want to share that bowl of deliciousness either!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 28, 2015 at 7:06 pm (9 years ago)I’m glad someone gets it. You can’t share something that tastes that good Rx
Amy @ HandbagMafia
January 30, 2015 at 8:50 am (9 years ago)That beef papardelle looks amazing. I can’t resist fat, glossy pasta like that!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:12 am (9 years ago)This fat pasta is the yummiest. You should try it. Rx
yinyangmother
January 30, 2015 at 10:32 am (9 years ago)Just yum – love Raffles bowl of awesomeness and party in his mouth – he has such a great palette – bugs, crabs, everything. PS – I’m still on cleanse BTW so this is sort of sweet torture.
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:13 am (9 years ago)He continues to surprise me with his love of food and words, Kathy. Promise we’ll post a salad recipe next 😉
mammarajsays
January 30, 2015 at 12:42 pm (9 years ago)Yum!!! My mouth is watering!! I’ve never been and now I want to go!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:13 am (9 years ago)You totally should. It’s epic Rx
Jody at Six Little Hearts
January 30, 2015 at 8:50 pm (9 years ago)Drool!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:11 am (9 years ago)It made me drool too. Rx
Malinda (@MBPaperPackages)
January 30, 2015 at 8:56 pm (9 years ago)Ha ha – Typical guy not sharing his food! Great review.
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:10 am (9 years ago)Thanks Malinda Rx
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me
January 30, 2015 at 9:14 pm (9 years ago)Gosh he has a way with words, I wonder where he gets that from ?? x
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:10 am (9 years ago)He’s a total word nerd, Em. But he still wants to be a Ninja when he grows up. 😉
Eva @ The Multitasking Mummy
January 30, 2015 at 10:30 pm (9 years ago)That looks absolutely delicious and I just love to watch people making pasta! A great review, Raffles!
BOYEATSWORLD
January 31, 2015 at 8:08 am (9 years ago)Thank you Eva. I like watching it too Rx
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
January 31, 2015 at 6:55 pm (9 years ago)The pasta there is great! And you got great pics! When we were there, they were very suspicious of us taking photos even when we asked and explained. But then again we didn’t have Raffles 😉
BOYEATSWORLD
February 1, 2015 at 10:47 pm (9 years ago)I still found it hard to photograph. The pasta may be delicious but it’s a tough thing to get a good shot of. Enter curly haired boy as a prop! 😉
Seana Smith
January 31, 2015 at 8:00 pm (9 years ago)Have never been – must go… wonderful pix and I’d have what you had!
Grace
February 4, 2015 at 4:48 pm (9 years ago)I’ve heard how great A Tabovola is but you know, I’ve never been! Shame on me! Raffles, you are soooo lucky you got that gelato afterwards 🙂