With the promise of cloudless skies and long summer evenings drawing closer, it’s fair to say that the opening of Leamington’s newest Italian restaurant couldn’t have come at a better time.

Located just a short walking distance from the central high street on the site of the former Bar and Bistro Café 44, this bright, light and stylish addition to Leamington’s already thriving dining offer is as refreshing as a cool breeze off the Adriatic Coast on a hot summer’s day.

Inspired by the trattoria of Northern Italy - small, family-style eateries serving regional cuisine in a relaxed, social environment, Tavola’s modest yet effective menu of classic aperitivos, antipasti, Pinsa Romana Pizza and Salads, Pasta, Meat and fresh fish dishes brings together the best of Northern Italian cuisine with top-quality British produce and a laid-back ambience, just perfect for whiling away the time with family and friends.

Stepping through the doors of 200-year old Leamington Spa venue, I couldn’t help but be impressed by Tavola’s chic yet charismatic interiors; courtesy of the award-winning, Birmingham-based Faber Design.

Flooded with natural light from all sides and decorated in a bright colour palette of cool mint greens and salmon pinks, complimented with tones of burnished oranges and browns, the light and spacious interiors provide the perfect ambience for a uniquely Mediterranean dining experience - relaxed, unpretentious yet oozing a uniquely elegant, modernist charm. Added to this, was an eclectic portfolio of surrealist paintings which adorned Tavola’s exposed brickwork walls, as well as some seriously stylish chandeliers, all of which added to the cool, contemporary feel.

It was at this point that my attention turned to Tavola’s extensive cocktail menu; which was scrutinised over an aperitivo of Schiaccata Toscana (£4.50); homemade Tuscan flatbread, baked with fresh rosemary and sea-salt.

From new twists on tried-and-tested classics like the Negroni, Limoncello and Azure Aperativo right through to the unchartered delights of Tavola’s ‘Signature’ menu, there was no shortage of great choice on offer. Opting for the chef’s recommendation of a Frozen Bubblegum Daiquiri (£12), I could feel the cares of the world slipping from my shoulders with every sip of this candyfloss pink concoction; made with Bacardi, Apple Juice, Grenadine and bubble-gum syrup and served over crushed ice. Bellissimo!

And like all the best dining experiences, mine wouldn’t have been the same without the genuine warmth of welcome received from the whole Tavola team, who went out of their way to ensure our every need was catered for.

With our aperitivos consumed and the cares of the working day set aside, it was time for the main event. Tucking into a Roman-inspired starter plate of Supplí al Telefono (£7.50); arancini risotto balls in classic mozzarella and three-cheese and pistachio crumb varieties, a brief survey of Tavola’s simple yet well-thought out menu revealed both an earnest respect for the classics, such as Lasagne, Chicken Parmigiana, Spaghetti Carbonara and Sirloin Steak with Salsa Verde, as well as a healthy desire to try something new. Opting for a main course of spicy Spaghetti Gamberoni (£18.50); king prawns served in tomato and garlic sauce with parsley, the kick of fresh chilli married perfectly with the sweetness of the prawns and, as you’d hope for and expect, the spaghetti was cooked to perfection, just the right side of al dente.

My partner’s choice of Pan-fried Sea bass or Branzino (£16.00) served with a side order of roasted Patate Arrosto (£5.00) was, however, the star of the evening. Fried until crispy and served on a refreshingly light tomato, olive and caper sauce, the delicate flavour of the seabass married beautifully with the sharp and zesty notes of the capers, whilst the slight sweetness of the tomato sauce provided balance and roundedness to the dish. For day-visitors, look out for Tavola’s Bottomless Brunch Menu, served from 11am to 4pm daily. For two hours you can dine on a generous choice of Pinsa Romana pizza, pasta or salad whilst sipping from a choice of bottomless Prosecco, Windmill Hill Beer or selected cocktails - £35 all in.

After a quick pick-me-up in the form of a classic Americano, our evening drew to its leisurely close with one of my favourite dishes of the night - a heavenly slice of Torta Ricotta and Pear. Yes, it may seen pricey at £8.50 a slice but until you’ve tasted it, I urge you to reserve judgement. This dessert more than lives up to its description. Light as a feather, fragrant in flavour and infused with fresh notes of sweet pear and the earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts, this Southern Italian delight was worth the visit all on its own. And for a slice of alpine decadence, don’t miss the Black Forest (Foresta Nera) cake - a light sponge with lashings of fresh cherries and dark chocolate flakes.

In a neighbourhood by no means shy of culinary competitors, Tavola’s elegant, modern makeover is sure to stand this little slice of Northern Italy in fine stead for the future.

Vibrant, inviting and brimming with unique character, Tavola’s 5-star renovation offers the ideal canvas for Executive Chef Martin Serafino’s passion and talent, whilst its wide-ranging and flexible choice of eating and drinking packages, coupled with its easy and relaxed modern ambience, make it the perfect draw for day-visitors, evening diners and after-work outings alike.

Four stars

Reviewed by Katherine Ewing

Tavola, 44 Clarendon Street, Leamington, CV32 4PE. Tel: 01926 744 744