Americans have traditionally thought of Italian food as heavy red sauces poured over flour-based pasta. Maybe served with garlic bread or deep fried mozzarella sticks. In reality, Italian food can be much lighter and fresher, which is what you can expect at the newly opened La Tavola overlooking Pewaukee Lake.
Only recently opened at 161 W. Wisconsin Ave., across from Pewaukee Lakefront beach, La Tavola has indoor and outdoor seating.
Greek-born Owner Llazar Konda describes the dishes as modern Italian. The restaurant specializes in pinsas, a traditional Italian dish to which he puts his own twist. He describes pinsa as a Roman-style pizza that is "very light and delicious." Pinsas are also available gluten-free, as well as some of the other items on the menu.
The one-page menu is divided into four sections: pinsas, antipasti, entrees, and insalate. Antipasti include bruschetta tradizionale, smoked beef carpaccio, and polenta fries. Entrees include classics like chicken parmesan and lasagna di carne, as well as lombo di maiale (pork loins with polenta and a tomato herb sauce). Insalate options include Caesar, caprese and burrata.
Since opening earlier this month, Konda said business has been good and he’s happy to be in Lake Country. He also owns The Beach House Bistro next door to La Tavola and previously owned Meli in downtown SMÌìµØÂÛ̳.
(Have a SMÌìµØÂÛ̳ County restaurant news tip? Email Katherine Beck at kbeck@conleynet.com.)