La Tavola is a cozy trattoria in Virginia Highlands that serves up amazing takes on traditional Italian dishes. On any given night, the space will be crowded with families celebrating a no-dishes night and couples cozying up for their anniversary. Things get so snug inside the restaurant you can almost feel the heat coming off the next table’s plate of tagliolini as you walk by. That’s why we love eating on the spacious rear balcony. And after an amazing bite of the basil-speckled spaghetti and veal meatballs or black pepper-rubbed roasted chicken, you won’t mind the cramped digs nor the views from the neighboring shopping center’s parking lot.