When you think of Italian cuisine, pasta is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And while Austin has no shortage of Italian restaurants serving up heaping plates of noodles, there’s much more to explore when it comes to eating Italian food in this city. SEE ALSO: 11 […]
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When you think of Italian cuisine, pasta is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And while Austin has no shortage of Italian restaurants serving up heaping plates of noodles, there’s much more to explore when it comes to eating Italian food in this city.
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From wood-fired pizzas and classic risottos to handmade pasta and gelato, these eateries will make you feel like you’re dining in Italy. Below is a list of the best Italian restaurants in Austin.
Il Brutto
For authentic Italian cuisine, check out Il Brutto- home to classic pasta, wood-fired pizza, delicious gelato, and a great selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. They’ve got a schedule of events, including live music, so check out their calendar before heading over. Martini nights are on Tuesday and Jazz night on Thursday, both weekly events. Those looking for a fun atmosphere in an East Austin neighborhood spot can’t go wrong here.
Dean’s Italian Steakhouse
For those looking for a classic American steakhouse with a touch of Italian flair, look no further than Dean’s Italian Steakhouse. This downtown Austin hotspot offers an impressive menu of market-fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and house-made pasta, all under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Matt Riccardo.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak. There are also local Texan options, so regardless of what kind of meat you want, Dean’s has got you covered. The chefs in the kitchen know how to cook a steak! Beyond steak, there are classic pasta dishes. The restaurant is perfect for celebrating a special event or going out on a date.
The veranda is a great space view of Austin’s Tau Ceti mural with a cocktail in hand. If you’re looking at the wine or bourbon lists, you’re in for a treat as they’ve got a wide selection of both.
110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 deanssteakhouseaustin.com
Red Ash
I had the pleasure of dining at Red Ash, an Italian restaurant in Austin, TX, and it was an amazing experience. The restaurant is located in the warehouse district and has a rustic modern open space setting. The menu is influenced by the culinary traditions of Northern and Southern Italy, and the food is absolutely incredible. Some of the dishes I tried include bone marrow risotto, White Truffle Garlic Bread, and broccolini. Each dish was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. The service was wonderful as well, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. Overall, I would highly recommend Red Ash to anyone looking for a fantastic Italian dining experience.
Backspace
No pasta at Backspace but I love the Neapolitan thin crust pizza – specifically the bianca with arugula and pepperoni americano.
507 San Jacinto Blvd, backspacepizza.com
Sammie’s
Sammie’s is a great Italian restaurant in Austin. They have affordable prices and a casual but sophisticated atmosphere. Their menu offers classic dishes like pasta and pizza, and their central location makes it a great place to eat downtown.
807 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703 sammiesitalian.com
L’Oca d’Oro
L’Oca d’Oro is a great Italian restaurant for a date night. The restaurant has a cozy and romantic atmosphere and delicious food. L’Oca d’Oro also has a great wine selection, so you can find the perfect bottle to complement your meal.
The food is made from fresh, sustainable ingredients, and the menu offers something for everyone. Be sure to try the wood-fired pizzas and the garlic bread – they’re some of the best in town. If you’re stuffed, go for a walk at Mueller Lake Park. This neighborhood restaurant is sure to charm.
1900 Simond Ave Austin, TX 78723 locadoroaustin.com
Artipasta
If you’re looking for a unique Italian dining experience, Artipasta is the place to go. With handmade pasta and inventive dishes, this restaurant is sure to please. Located at Thicket Food Park in South Austin, Artipasta is the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. Try the tagliatelle or lasagna.
7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745 artipasta.com
ASTI Trattoria
ASTI Trattoria dishes up a modern Italian cuisine with homemade pasta in a casual setting. As a neighborhood Italian restaurant, this is filled with locals from Hyde Park. Go out on the patio for brunch or on a sunny day, or pick up curbside if you want to tuck away at home.
408 E 43rd St C, Austin, TX 78751 astiaustin.com
Patrizi’s
They recently added a physical restaurant in Austin Lake Hills this May (2022), open for all three meals. They’ve got great Italian breakfast tacos as well as scrambled eggs. If you’re there for lunch, try their red sauce pasta and add meatballs.
Patrizi’s Food Truck 2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 Patrizi’s [Austin Lake Hills]
1705 Cuernavaca Drive North, Austin, Texas 78733 patrizis.com
North Italia
Located in the trendy Domain, this modern Italian restaurant has some of the best Italian food in town. Start with the Tuscan Kale salad or the white truffle garlic bread with mozzarella. Then move on to your main and try the bolognese or carbonara. With a long heavy meal, you’ll appreciate the great ambiance. If you can’t finish your dish, just take out the rest.
11506 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 124, Austin, TX 78758 northitalia.com
Numero28
If you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal in the heart of downtown Austin, look no further than Numero28. This charming restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh pasta, oven-fired pizzas, and pizza-style panini. You can also relax with a glass of wine on their beautiful patio and take in one of Austin’s most vibrant street scenes. And don’t forget to try their great Margherita pizza or ravioli! Tuesday’s are great if you’re looking for value as selected wines are 50% off by the bottle.
Andiamo Ristorante
Andiamo Ristorante is a proud supporter of local farmers and artisans. All of our pasta, salads, fish and meat dishes are sourced from nearby farms and businesses. We believe that by supporting our local community, we are not only providing fresh, quality food but also contributing to the overall sustainability and growth of our region. They offer a European-styled course menu that pairs great Italian wines with seasonal dishes.
2521 Rutland Dr #325, Austin, TX 78758 andiamoitaliano.com
Taverna
Another fantastic choice for Italian cuisine is Taverna. The restaurant is located in Domain Northside and specializes in Northern Italian cuisine. The most popular item on the menu is risotto. In the farm-to-table business, they source locally and provide a rustic atmosphere.
3120 Palm Way Suite 160, Austin, TX 78758 tavernabylombardi.com
Intero
If you’re looking for a delicious and sustainable Italian dining experience in Austin, Inferno is the perfect spot. Chocolatier/Pastry Chef Krystal Craig and Chef Ian Thurwachter are the masterminds behind Intero, an Italian restaurant in East Austin. Self-taught, the duo has worked for some of the city’s most reputable establishments prior to opening Intero in 2018. They decided to open their own place so they could share their mutual love of Italy and its cuisine while also promoting sustainability, zero waste practices, and whole animal butchery–all causes they believe in deeply.
This charming restaurant features pasta and artisanal chocolate dishes that rotate on a regular basis, ensuring that you’ll always have something new to enjoy. This Italian restaurant in Texas is special because it only uses whole, local ingredients from across the state. This means that their dishes are creative yet familiar, and they’re able to adjust their menu to showcase what seasonal ingredients are available.
What’s more, Inferno supports local producers and reinvests in the local economy, making it a great choice for those who want to eat ethically. If you’re looking for a great wine bar to complement your meal, Inferno is also the place to be. Make sure to stop by on Wednesday or Thursday night for happy hour!
2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702 interorestaurant.com
Juniper
Located off of Pedernales in East Austin, Juniper is a popular restaurant specializing in Northern Italian fare. Its contemporary vibe combined with locally sourced ingredients for its Italian dishes consistently keeps itself in the top restaurants each year. Try the gnocchi, focaccia, pappardelle, or negroni and expect great service.
2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304, Austin, TX 78702 juniperaustin.com
Olive & June
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience in Austin, look no further than Olive & June. From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Southern Italy – and the food doesn’t disappoint either. All pasta is made in-house, and every dish focuses on locally-sourced vegetables and meats. The beverage program features Italian-inspired cocktails and also includes a diverse selection of Italian wine, Amari, and Grappa. In other words, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or special occasion. Buon Appetit!
Birdie’s
The family-operate Birdie’s is a local neighborhood joint serving seasonal American fare paired with excellent wines. Even with its counter service you can expect high quality food and exceptional service. The menu here changes each day providing a fresh, local meal each visit.
2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702, birdiesaustin.com
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Lolo
The natural wine and bar shop Lolo has been open since 2020 and provides a great atmosphere for relaxing over a glass of wine. They’ve got a great bottle selection at reasonable prices. Weekends are quite busy, so get a reservation. This is a great spot for pre-drinking into the weekend or post meals. While the wine list has French and Italian influences, there are also California bottles and local Texan wines. The patio in the back is the best place sit.
1504 East 6th Street Austin, TX 78702, lolo.wine.com
Vespaio
If you’re looking for a great Italian dining experience in Austin, Texas, Vespaio Ristorante is a must-visit. This restaurant takes Italian cuisine seriously, from pasta and bread made in-house to butchering all proteins. And if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Vespaio also operates Enoteca Vespaio – a wine bar with equally delicious and authentic Italian food and a great wine list.
1610 S Congress Ave Austin, Texas 78704 vespaioristorante.com
Juliet Italian Kitchen
Juliet Italian Kitchen on Barton Springs Rd has great Italian comfort food with a huge menu complete with gluten-free options, with the chicken piccata and veal piccata being popular choices. There’s a daily Happy Hour menu and space for families and larger groups.
1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 juliet-austin.com
Mandola
Originally starting in Huntsville, Texas, in the 1970s, family-run Mandola’s owes its recipes to the late Mamma Grace. Warm food and great hospitality are expected here. Check out their Italian grocery before heading home if you’d like takeout.
4700 W Guadalupe St. Ste 12. Austin, TX 78751 mandolas.com
Whether you find yourself in South Congress, downtown, Burnet road, or really any spot in Austin, look out for the local neighborhood Italian eatery. If you’re craving Neapolitan pizza, some amazing lasagna, or spaghetti and meatballs, Austin has it all!
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