7 Best Italian Restaurants in Austin for Authentic Italian Cuisine
Austin, a city known for its lively music scene and diverse culinary offerings, also boasts a vibrant Italian restaurant scene. Whether you're craving a rich bowl of pasta or a perfectly crafted pizza, Austin has no shortage of exceptional options to satisfy your Italian food desires.
For those seeking authentic Italian flavors in the heart of Texas, this guide covers seven of the best Italian restaurants in Austin. Each of these establishments brings something unique to the table, offering a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Italy. From casual neighborhood spots to sophisticated dining venues, there's an Italian eatery for every occasion in this dynamic city.
1) Il Brutto
Il Brutto stands out in East Austin with its authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its house-made pastas, pizzas, and gelato. Patrons can enjoy a variety of gluten-free options, which makes it accommodating for different dietary preferences.
The beverage selection is extensive, featuring Italian wines from an on-site cellar, local beers, and handcrafted cocktails. The menu includes Italian classics such as crudos, crostinis, and confited tenderloins.
The sleek, dark dining room creates a perfect atmosphere for dates or special occasions. Il Brutto's ambiance and menu make it a top choice for those seeking a genuine Italian dining experience in Austin.
Contact Details:
Address: 1601 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: 512-580-8779
Website: ilbruttoaustin.com
2) Olive & June
Olive & June, nestled in Austin, impresses with its authentic Italian flavors. Named after the grandmothers of Chef Shawn Cirkiel and his wife, the restaurant opened its doors in 2012. It quickly raised the bar for Italian cuisine in the city.
The menu features an array of piccolo piatti, antipasti, and daily homemade pastas. Each dish showcases the chef’s dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Entrees are often grilled over Texas wood, adding a unique twist to traditional Italian recipes.
The restaurant is housed in a charming, three-story building wrapped around a 200-year-old oak tree. This setting offers diners multiple options for seating, both indoors and outdoors. The ambiance complements the culinary experience, making it a great spot for special occasions.
Olive & June maintains a reputation for offering vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring a delightful meal for all kinds of diners.
Address: 3411 Glenview Ave, Austin, TX 78703-1448
Contact: +1 512-467-9898
Website: Olive & June
3) Italic
Located in the heart of Austin's downtown entertainment district on 6th Street, Italic is a go-to spot for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. The restaurant offers daily service for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, making it a versatile dining option.
Their menu features farm-to-table selections including seasonally rotating pastas. Guests can enjoy dishes like spaghetti carbonara and bucatini all'amatriciana. These options pair well with a cocktail or a choice from their all-Italian wine list.
The rustic Italian bread, created exclusively for Italic by Easy Tiger, complements their crispy polenta and burrata. The ambiance at Italic is both inviting and sophisticated, perfect for various dining occasions.
Contact details:
Address: 123 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 660-5390
Website: Italic
4) Red Ash
Red Ash offers a sophisticated dining experience in downtown Austin. This restaurant is known for serving some of the finest Italian cuisine in the city. The menu features classic dishes crafted with a modern twist, ensuring every meal is memorable.
Located at 303 Colorado Street, Red Ash is easily accessible and is surrounded by various parking options. The ambiance is both elegant and inviting, making it suitable for special occasions or a night out.
Guests often rave about the attentive service and high-quality food. Dishes like their handmade pasta and wood-fired meats are particularly popular. The restaurant's interior design, with its warm tones and intimate setting, enhances the overall dining experience.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for larger groups. For booking, diners can use OpenTable or contact the restaurant directly.
Contact Details:
Address: 303 Colorado Street, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: [Insert Phone Number]
Website: [Insert Website]
5) Patrizi's
Patrizi's offers some of the best pasta in Austin, accompanied by an affordable price point. Patrons can indulge in a dinner for two, which includes garlic bread, salad, three pasta dishes, and a couple of sides.
The food truck atmosphere means ordering can take some time, as customers have to stand in line.
Service is noted for being incredibly kind and efficient. Patrizi's has a strong following, praised for both its flavors and customer experience.
Their location at 2307 Manor Rd is convenient for both locals and visitors. Patrizi's is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Italian cuisine in a casual, welcoming environment.
Contact Information:
2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Phone: +1 512-522-4834
6) Juliet Italian Kitchen
Juliet Italian Kitchen offers authentic Italian comfort food in Austin. The menu features over 265 recipes made entirely from scratch. The restaurant caters to a wide range of tastes with dishes like chicken piccata and fettuccine pasta.
The ambiance at Juliet includes a beautiful patio with an outdoor bar, making it an ideal spot for gatherings. The daily Happy Hour menu ensures a pleasing experience for those seeking a relaxed evening.
Juliet Italian Kitchen has two locations: Barton Springs and the Arboretum. Both locations offer ample space for large parties, making it a popular choice for events and celebrations.
Address: 1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
Phone Number: (512) 479-1800
Website: juliet-austin.com
7) Enoteca Vespaio
Enoteca Vespaio offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere on South Congress Avenue. Known for its authentic Italian dishes, the restaurant stands out in Austin's culinary scene.
The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes. Popular choices include house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood. They also provide vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that all guests find something to enjoy.
Enoteca Vespaio emphasizes quality and freshness in their ingredients. The use of locally-sourced produce and authentic Italian imports sets them apart. Their wine selection, featuring both local and Italian wines, complements the dining experience perfectly.
Address: 1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704-3522
Phone: +1 512-441-6100
Website: Enoteca Vespaio
Authentic Italian Atmosphere
An authentic Italian atmosphere goes beyond just the food. It encompasses the decor and the ambiance that transport diners to Italy.
Interior Decor
The interior decor of an authentic Italian restaurant in Austin plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. Many feature rustic wooden tables, brick walls, and wrought-iron accents reminiscent of a traditional Italian trattoria. Soft lighting from antique chandeliers or candles adds to the intimate feel.
Displays of vintage wine bottles, Italian artwork, and ceramic tiles often adorn the walls, adding to the genuine ambiance. The use of red and white checkered tablecloths is also a common element that recalls a classic Italian setting. Each detail is thoughtfully chosen to provide diners with a true Italian experience from the moment they step inside.
Ambiance and Music
Music and ambiance are pivotal in enhancing the Italian dining experience. Soft Italian classical music or contemporary Italian folk songs often play in the background, creating a soothing and authentic environment. The hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses further adds to the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
The staff often contributes to this feeling by greeting diners warmly, sometimes in Italian, and offering attentive service with a personal touch. Outdoor seating areas, when available, might be designed to mimic a Tuscan villa courtyard with soft lighting and potted plants, completing the immersive experience.
Signature Dishes and Specialties
Austin's top Italian restaurants boast a variety of signature dishes, from homemade pasta to wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood delicacies. Each venue offers its unique twist on traditional recipes, ensuring a culinary experience that is both authentic and memorable.
Homemade Pasta
Homemade pasta is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, and Austin's finest establishments excel in this art. L’Oca D’Oro in Mueller features Tomato-Braised Meatballs paired with their handmade gnocchi, creating rich, hearty flavors. Red Ash in Downtown Austin shines with its selection of pasta dishes, notably featuring tender pasta in authentic, flavorful sauces.
At Patrizi’s, house-made tagliatelle is a standout, often topped with a bolognese sauce made from brisket and bacon. These dishes highlight the restaurant's commitment to combining freshness with tradition.
Wood-Fired Pizzas
Wood-fired pizzas bring out a rustic flavor that is hard to replicate. Locations like Mandola’s Italian offer a variety of pizzas that are perfect for a casual dining experience.
L’Oca D’Oro offers a crispy thin-crust pizza that remains a favorite among locals. This pizza, topped with fresh ingredients, reflects the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking. Meanwhile, the pizza at Patrizi’s includes classic toppings enhanced by the nuanced flavors imparted by the wood-fired oven.
Seafood Delicacies
For seafood enthusiasts, Austin’s Italian restaurants deliver spectacular dishes. Red Ash provides a luxurious selection of seafood options, harmoniously blending freshness with bold Italian flavors. Whether it’s seafood pasta or a delicate fish entrée, the seafood dishes at Red Ash are highly praised for their quality and taste.
Mandola’s Italian also offers seafood dishes that complement their menu, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience. These dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste.
With each restaurant offering unique specialties, Austin stands out as a hub for exceptional Italian cuisine that is both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition.
Wine and Beverage Selection
Austin's Italian restaurants take pride in offering a robust selection of wines and beverages that complement their culinary offerings. Patrons can expect a variety of carefully curated Italian wines and skillfully crafted cocktails and aperitifs.
Italian Wines
Italian restaurants in Austin boast an impressive array of wines hailing from various regions of Italy. Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco are commonly featured.
Many establishments, like Il Brutto, maintain a wine list that includes both well-known and rare finds. Regional favorites such as Sangiovese from Tuscany and Nero d'Avola from Sicily offer diverse flavor profiles.
Experienced sommeliers or knowledgeable staff are often available to help diners choose the perfect wine to enhance their meal. Wine tastings and pairing events are also popular, allowing guests to explore and appreciate the nuances of Italian viticulture.
Cocktails and Aperitifs
In addition to wines, Italian eateries in Austin often feature a variety of Italian cocktails and aperitifs. Classic options include Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, and Bellinis.
Red Ash is known for its creative cocktails that blend traditional Italian spirits with modern mixology. Signature drinks might include Limoncello-infused cocktails or an inventive take on Campari-based drinks.
Aperitifs, often consumed before meals to stimulate the appetite, such as Vermouth and Amaro, are also popular choices. These beverages provide a delightful start to an authentic Italian dining experience, reflecting the rich heritage and craft of Italian drink culture.
