Variety may be the spice of life. But when you’re in Dot and it’s dinnertime, it’s difficult to want to go anywhere other than Tavolo. First, it’s dependable. Trademark meatballs with a hint of fennel take homemade spaghetti to new heights. And it’s almost too easy to polish off the antipasto, a pleasantly crowded party of roasted red pepper, mozzarella and prosciutto. Above all, its ambience is laid-back and fun—the kind of place you could bring anyone, so long as they’re hungry.