La Tavola 183 West Main Street Sayville, NY (631) 750-6900 www.latavolasayville.com

la Tavola, meaning “The Table” and center of an Italian kitchen, is where creativity, preparation of the freshest food and nourishment of conversation unite. Opened in late-September 2008, this true trattoria focuses on simple, authentic, rustic Italian cuisine utilizing seasonal local ingredients and imported specialties.

la Tavola is the brainchild of four brothers – Joseph, James, Leo, and Douglas DeNicola who also own and operate Ruvo restaurants in Greenlawn and Port Jefferson, N.Y. The DeNicola children were inspired by their mother, who always prepared plentiful food while singing along to Sinatra, Crosby, Martin and other music greats, and their father, who crafted their kitchen table with his own hands. The restaurant’s insignia is an original hand-carved wood block of a farm scene that their late father, an accomplished artist, created in the 1960s. It is a symbolic representation of the DeNicolas’ philosophy and approach to la Tavola – that it feature handcrafted elements, use sustainable ingredients and offer affordable cuisine. To pay tribute to his memory, Douglas created the artwork adorning the walls and James, Leo and Joseph built the dining room tables from antique wood boards.

Executive chef and co-owner Joseph DeNicola delivers an inspiring menu featuring crudo, imported cheeses and dry-aged meats, antipasti and crostini, wood-fired pizza, unique pasta dishes and assorted secondi of meat, poultry, game and fish. Everything is made in-house from salad dressings to desserts. Appetizers range in price from $6 to $14, entrées from $16 to $25, and desserts from $6 to $7. Items include: sweet pea and mascarpone; roasted fig pizze with Catapano Farms goat cheese; homemade potato gnocchi; wood roasted rack of Colorado lamb; seared diver sea scallops. The beverage selection includes specialty cocktails made with local produce and freshly squeezed juices, aperitifs, beer, spirits, and a wine list with representation from Italy’s wine regions and Long Island’s North Fork.