Taverna Rossa

Back in 2017, Joanne and I were house hunting in the Westlake/Southlake area as we made the move from Scottsdale for her job. Some longtime friends introduced us to Taverna Rossa, and it quickly became one of our favorite restaurants in North Texas. It has remained a regular go-to for our family ever since — eight years and counting — and that says something, because we've tried a lot of restaurants in this area over the years.

The Vibe

Taverna Rossa is a tavern-style Italian restaurant at 1151 E. Southlake Blvd, Suite 300. The interior is warm and lively — exposed brick walls, wood accents, and a big American flag mural that gives the place a distinctly Texas personality. It's the kind of spot that feels comfortable the moment you walk in. Lively enough to be fun, but relaxed enough that you're not rushing through dinner.

The menu was developed in collaboration with Chef Brian Luscher, the 33 Restaurant Group's Director of Culinary Operations — which explains why the food consistently punches above what you'd expect from a neighborhood pizza bar. Locally sourced ingredients, handmade dough, and a craft beer program that rotates regularly. They also do live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., which adds a lot to the atmosphere if you time it right.

Why We Keep Coming Back

One of the hardest things about eating out with kids is finding a place that genuinely works for everyone. Taverna Rossa is one of the few spots that does. The kids love the pizzas and pastas, and Kaitlyn has a thing about sitting upstairs when possible so she can watch the pizzas rotate in and out of the massive wood-fired oven. The pretzel appetizer is also a hit — minus the queso, because they're kids and kids are complicated. The portions are generous and the menu has enough variety that nobody ends up staring at their plate wishing they'd gone somewhere else.

It also strikes the right balance for adults. Nice enough for date night, relaxed enough for a Tuesday with the family. The craft beer selection on tap rotates regularly with local and regional brews, which makes it fun to try something new while you wait for the food. They also offer handcrafted cocktails and wine for those who prefer something different.

The Bee's Knees — My Consistent Order

I've been working my way through the menu for years, and I keep coming back to the same pizza: The Bee's Knees. Spicy red sauce, hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of Texas honey. That sweet-heat combination is exactly what I want in a pizza, and the tavern-style thin crust here is always spot-on — crispy, flavorful, and just the right thickness. I've tried other pizzas on the menu and liked them, but I always end up back here.

Menu Highlights Worth Trying

While the pizza is the star, there's plenty more on the menu worth exploring:

• The Bee's Knees Pizza — Spicy red sauce, hot soppressata, fresh mozzarella, basil, Texas honey. The sweet-heat combination is hard to beat.
• Pretzel with Beer Cheese — A crowd-pleaser for the whole table. The kids skip the queso, but the pretzel itself is excellent.
• Calabrese Cavatappi — A spicy pasta with a good kick, served with garlic bread. One of the better non-pizza options on the menu.
• Meatballs — Multiple reviewers have called these out as some of the best they've had, including better than some fine dining spots.
• Build Your Own Pizza — Available anytime, not just happy hour. Great for picky eaters.
• Gluten-Free Crust — Available for pizzas (cauliflower-based). Well-reviewed by guests with gluten sensitivities.
• Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie — The dessert worth saving room for.

What Other People Are Saying

Our Take

From that first introduction during our 2017 house-hunting days, Taverna Rossa has been part of our life in Texas. It's a true comfort spot — whether we're celebrating, grabbing an easy family dinner, or just want good pizza and a cold beer. The combination of quality food, great atmosphere, and the ability to make everyone happy is what keeps us coming back year after year.

If you're in the Southlake area and haven't been, go. Order The Bee's Knees and grab a local beer on tap. You'll understand why it's been our go-to for eight years.

Tips Before You Go

• Make a reservation on weekends — it gets busy, especially when live music is playing.
• Live music Friday and Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Plan around it if you want a livelier experience, or come earlier for a quieter meal.
• Happy hour runs all week — check their website for current specials.
• Gluten-free crust is available for pizzas — cauliflower-based and well-reviewed.
• Covered outdoor patio with a fountain — a great option when the weather cooperates.
• Free cookie for first-time visitors — more than one reviewer has mentioned this. Worth asking about.