La Taverna

We stopped here on our way back from vacation.  I have found some great places through Yelp and I had very high hopes for this place.  I am torn in my assessment of the food.  My expectations were very high since it was reviewed all 5 stars.  If I didn't expect great I think I would have been blown away.  One doesn't expect to have great food in a strip mall just off the highway in Spartanburg SC.  Everyone was happy with their meal (myself included) but I did try everything and it wasn't all great.  The bread was wonderful and I had to hold off devouring it so I would have room for our meal.  We got some mozzarella sticks for the kids.  They needed something quick.

Penne

 At the table we had: Lasagna, 2 pizzas, Eggplant Parmigiana, Portobello Chicken and I had the Penne Del Boscaiola.   The menu stated that all was cooked to order and be patient, but all came out pretty quick. (the restaurant was fairly empty as it was an off time to eat) I loved my penne, but it was a tad on the salty side. It was still the best dish on the table in my opinion.  The eggplant was good but a little mushy.  The lasagna was enjoyed by the carnivore who ordered it, but I thought it was a little to heavy on the meat.  The pizza looked good, but I didn't try it until later when we reheated it and it was not good.  I know it was better when fresh, but I have tasted good pizza and it was way better than this.  The worst thing on the table (which was enjoyed by the person who ordered it) was the chicken portobello.  It wasn't horrible but I thought it was a little bland. I also didn't like that the vegetable side was 3 starchy veggies. (carrots, green beans and potatoes)  They were cooked well and tasty but I prefer my veggies to be veggies and not starches.  But that's just me. Perhaps the salt and the emphasis on starch are catering to the local tastes.

Eggplant

So the breakdown.  I would eat there again. I admit to having two prejudices that make it hard to give a fair review so I am trying to compensate for them. 1) I expect in a town of about 40, 000 in South Carolina, the chance of excellent Italian would be slim and 2) if a place got 5 stars across the board on Yelp, its really good.  Hopefully these conflicting preconceptions cancel each other out.

La Taverna
120 Dorman Dr
Spartanburg SC 29301
(864) 576-8660
http://latavernaitaliancuisine.com/



Portobello Chicken

Veggies

Lasagna