A Tavola — Restaurant in Panglao

This unassuming treasure is easily driven by. Just a few minutes walk from Alona Beach proper, this Italian Restaurant has an actual Italian owner. The owner is kind, polite and willing to answer questions about his menu. The food was the best Italian food I have ever had. I ordered a calzone and lasagna. My wife ordered chicken and garlic bread. The portions were generous, dare I say Western in size. The garlic bread was a unique spin on it. Basically, it is pizza dough snipped into various finger long and shaped crispy on the outside and soft on the inside mini breadsticks. It was drenched in garlic and either canola oil or butter. It was not clear to my taste buds. We dipped these magnificent morsels in malt vinegar and oil. So good. They then brought out our Banana Shakes. These too were excellent. Thick shake with a rich banana flavour. The shake was not watery at all as so many tend to be. We had barely started eating the garlic bread when my calzone was brought out. I could not believe my eyes! It was twice the size I expected it to be. The crust was crisp and thin. The mozzarella was heavenly. It was perfectly melty. Silky in my mouth. The tomato sauce was not runny or overpowering the dish in drench. The ham was western style ham of some kind. It all came together perfectly. I finished only a third of it. The lasagna came out within 5 minutes of the calzone. It was a generous portion topped with sauce and parmesean. The sauce was either a ragu or a bolognaise. I am not expert at the types of sauce beyond red being tomato based. This lasagna was outstanding, absolutely outstanding. Served piping hot and full with as many flavour's as in the other two dishes. Next up my wife ordered chicken breast. Unfortunately she did not eat it as she was inhaling the food I had ordered. This place has been present for the last 5 years. If in Panglao Island near Alona Beach, drop in, you won't forget it. To top off our experience, the bill, was only a meager 1750 pesos....?!?!?!? I was flabbergasted that it was as frugal as it was. This restaurant should be on your to do list when coming to Bohol Island or to...

A Tavola – A Slice of Italy in Alona, Panglao

If you’re searching for authentic Italian cuisine in Panglao, Bohol, stop scrolling, stop searching — A Tavola is the place to be. Nestled right in the heart of Alona, this cozy, welcoming gem offers more than just a meal — it delivers a full-blown Italian experience without the 16-hour flight.

Owned and passionately run by a true Italian maestro now residing in Panglao, A Tavola is not your run-of-the-mill tourist trap. This place screams authenticity in the best way possible. From the smell of wood-fired pizza wafting out the door to the rich aroma of simmering pasta sauces, every element transports you straight to a trattoria in southern Italy.

Let’s talk pizza: A Tavola serves what can only be described as pizza perfection. Thin, crispy, slightly charred crusts with that perfect chewy bite — topped with real-deal ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and freshly picked herbs. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for chain pizza in your life.

As for the pasta — mamma mia! Fresh, handmade, and tossed in sauces so rich and balanced, you’ll want to write a love letter to your plate. Whether you go classic with a creamy Carbonara or adventurous with their seafood Linguine, each dish is crafted with serious skill and genuine Italian soul.

The owner himself is often around, greeting guests, checking on tables, and sharing stories about the food, the culture, and the art of living well. It’s that personal touch that reminds you: this isn’t just business — it’s passion on a plate.

In summary: • Authentic Italian flavors, straight from the heart of Panglao • Best pizza and pasta this side of the Philippines • Warm, family-style atmosphere that feels like home — but better, because you don’t have to do the dishes

Pro tip: Get there early — A Tavola fills up fast because word travels when the food’s this good. And trust me, it’s not just hype; it’s a culinary mic drop.

A Tavola isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a destination. You don’t just eat here — you live here, one unforgettable...

L.E: This is why I should wait and post reviews later if I know I will eat at one place more times. The second time we had the very same pizza they brought it just warm (it came out of the kitchen and then went back and brought it 5 mins later) But that is not why I am downgrading the score. Today we had 2 portions of pasta here and in one of the there was a tiny piece of metal, possibly broken off the utensils. We told them about it and all we got was an apologyx they haven’t even offered to cook a new portion. And of course we were charged for it. For me these are really important things, knowing what to do when you make a mistake. It’s not about the 350 pesos, but I find it distasteful to not offer to replace a meal that had metal in it and also add it to the bill. We ate here a total of 4 times. The steaks were good. The tiramisu is tasty too.

Initial review after the 1st visit: Awesome authentic Italian food. After 2 months here in the Philippines, we tried a few Italian restaurants, but gotta say this was the best. The pizza dough is...