Tabla Mediterranean Bistro

02/11/08

They're back!!!

by segway

We have been loyal fans of Tabla for years - when they dropped the 3 course prix fixe dinner option we lost our enthusiasm and it felt as if the energy of the place took a dip as well - we went this past weekend and were so pleasantly surprised that not only is the 3 course prix fixe option back but the food is better than ever - it is and remains our favorite

• Pros: service
• Cons: parking

06/26/09

We left the place very happy

by Snickerdoodle

We got the 3 course dinner for $24 and the wine pairing - everything we tried was wonderful. Delicious sweetbreads, mouth watering agnolotti, good wine. We are definitely going again.

• Pros: Good food, good wine

06/18/09

Good food - horrible manager/owner

by TheJenkins

My husband went to Tabla last night with a long time friend. When he came home he told me that he was excited about finding this wonderful restaurant with good food and a lovely ambience. He said all was well until he and his friend were concluding their meal. They both had paid separately with their respective credit cards. My husband and his friend always leave the tip in cash. Well the manager/owner came out and demanded to know if everything was ok. He was advised three separate times that everything was fine. finally the manager asked why no tip had been left. Excuse me??? Had he bothered to not ASSUME no tip was left and shut his big mouth he might have seen the money laying on the table for the tip. He then demanded my husband and his friend leave immediately and never return. Well I can assure you that will not be a problem - what an unprofessional immature restaurant owner. We will be sharing this incident with everyone we know.

01/04/09

A gem of a dinner.

by ratwood

My daughter is a student at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, CA. She came up for vacation over Christmas and was advised by one of her chef teachers to try dinner at Tabla. We made the trip on her last night in town. It was wonderful.

They have a great menu. Their $24 three course meal is one of the best bargains in town for those who want variety and great taste. Five of us had dinner and we all enjoyed ourselves. The beet salad was appreciated by three of us at the table (not me) and the truffles were enjoyed by all. I particularly enjoyed the wine list. It has good variety of region, quality and price. Almost anyone can find something to enjoy at a price that is fair. Their presentation was excellent. The service was great without being pretentious.

I will go again and anticipate another enjoyable evening. This is a real neighborhood gem. Go! Try it!

Ron

• Pros: Wonderful food, excellent service, fair price.
• Cons: Parking on NE 28th.

08/15/08

perfect pick

by djwilsted

on one of the hottest nites this summer who wants to be sitting near the kitchen?? I DO... since that's the very best spot at this fantastic restaurant to watch the passion that goes into their amazing cooking. Watching the chef prepare their signature raviolis was both fun and enlightening. Even more so when she stopped to answer questions, and then prepared a special one for us to taste. It was a mix of flavors that balanced perfectly. But most of all we apprecited the obvious care and joy that went into making it. We went for the happy hour but will return for dinner any time we get the chance.

• Pros: food, service, ambience, drinks, happy hour

06/07/08

Love It!!

by ladybugtea

We have been going to Tabla since they first opened and we love it!!! Its a great place with awesome service! Love IT!!

This Northeast eatery's Mediterranean fusion fare makes for a globe-trotting dining experience centered on Europe's culinary world.

by Contributor

In Short
In an L-shaped dining room brightened with warm Tuscan hues, an open kitchen, and food focused art, this bistro's menu taps the seasons and Europe for inspiration. Neighbors from near and far come to tuck into menu mainstays of fresh, handcrafted pastas such as Tabla's famous chard, ricotta, and egg yolk filled ravioli in an inventive poppy seed butter; families and friends also pop by toexpand their culinary knowledge with seasonally-driven dishes focused on a monthly theme, be that Moroccan cuisine or French Bistro fare.

10/30/07

an exceptional restaurant!

by pomegranates

I had to write this review after reading the previous one. We also went to Tabla on our anniversary this month and had wonderful service and exceptional food. We sat at the bar by the kitchen and met friendly Paul, who gave us great recommendations and made our food. All of our appetizers and entrees were unique and delicious with the whole farm to table philosophy. Our waitress was friendly and also brought us a special complimentary dessert wine and chocolates for our anniversary. They also served very good and affordable half bottles of wine for those wanting cocktails/beer AND just a LITTLE wine with dinner. I wish more restaurants in Portland were like Tabla and we will definitely be back for more!

• Pros: attentive service, quality of food
• Cons: none!

10/20/07

What's Changed at Tabla?

by himaintenance

What?s up??? We have been a good customer of Tabla , and have enjoyed the food and atmosphere since it opened in 2003. We were patrons in July of this year and the experience was fabulous. But after picking Tabla to be the place of our anniversary dinner the other night, we were shocked, dismayed and thoroughly disappointed. The menu was average, the staff slow, the electricity and energy from this place was gone. What changed since July??????? We really don?t know if we will return.

04/23/07

We will absolutely return, many times I'm sure!

by deliciojones

Right after Tabla opened a friend described it as grossly over-priced with miniscule portions. Years later, after much prodding from the significant other, I finally went. How silly of me to take a review to heart right after the restaurant opened! As a result I?ve been missing out on the joy that is Tabla for years! Let me start off by saying that while the service was charming and fine, they clearly aren?t focusing on dropping appropriate silverware prior to delivering the food, or crumbing the table, and the like. However, you barely notice since the food is absolutely incredible? oh the food. I salivate as I type. I?m sure the menu changes frequently, as they introduce regional specialties from around the world each month, however, I will cross my fingers that the perfectly prepared Hawaiian ono remains on the menu indefinitely. The prix fixe menu is an incredible bargain, which might make one hesitate, quantity over quality, but rest-assured those fellas know their way around the kitchen. If you can, go on a Tuesday ? as we randomly did ? they have a special $20 wine list, bringing our 4 course, truly special meal w/wine to merely $100! I thought I might get arrested for robbing them blind on our way out, but alas, I made it home safe.

• Pros: Ono, value
• Cons: ambiance and service a bit casual compared to the exemplary food