Our Story
At Tavolino, we believe in the power of food to connect people. More than just a restaurant, Tavolino is a home away from home—a place to slow down, gather, and share authentic Italian cuisine rooted in tradition yet alive with modern spirit. Here, true hospitality means more than service. It’s about creating moments of warmth, belonging, and genuine human connection—something more valuable than ever in a world full of noise and technology.
The Legacy of Massimo Tenino
Founder and chef Massimo Tenino grew up in San Remo, Italy, where family life centered around the table. Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking and the rhythm of simple, fresh meals, Massimo carried this devotion across the ocean when he moved to the United States. In 2003, he opened Tavolino in Tucson, blending the intimacy of a neighborhood trattoria with an elegant, modern setting. His vision was clear: to celebrate the flavors of Italy while welcoming guests as family.
The Heart of Tavolino: Karla Rodriguez
Karla Rodriguez embodies this vision. She began her journey at Tavolino in 2004 as a busser—her very first job. With passion and perseverance, she grew alongside the restaurant, learning every aspect of hospitality and embracing Massimo’s philosophy. Twenty-one years later, Karla leads as General Manager, her loyalty a living testament to the lasting power of Tavolino’s story. In a city as close-knit as Tucson, where connections often feel just two degrees apart, Karla represents what Tavolino is all about: timeless hospitality and the kind of experience found nowhere else in Arizona.
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Coming Home: Justin Fernandez
Director of Operations Justin Fernandez, born and raised in Tucson, first joined Tavolino as General Manager from 2017–2020. A lifelong musician and performer with the Latin rumba flamenca band Tesoro, Justin knows how to blend tradition with innovation. After gaining further hospitality experience with Fox Restaurant Concepts, Justin returned to Tavolino, unable to stay away from the place that first felt like home. His passion for hospitality, music, and community brings fresh energy to Tavolino’s next chapter.
Tavolino Today
Together, Massimo, Karla, Alexis, and Justin carry Tavolino into the future. Their shared loyalty ensures Tavolino remains what it has always been: a place where simple, classic Italian food meets genuine hospitality. Where old world flavors unapologetically collide with new world energy. Where guests can step away from the bustle of everyday life and experience the richness of human connection—over a plate of fresh pasta, a wood-fired pizza, or a glass of wine from Massimo’s brother Paolo’s vineyard in Piemonte.
Welcome to our table. Welcome home.
