Italian cuisine is a staple in many households. It is loved by people worldwide for its rich, bold flavors and comforting dishes. Austin, Texas, is no exception.
With so many restaurants, it can take time to determine which truly serves the best Italian food. We’re diving into some of the best Italian restaurants in Austin, TX.
Red Ash
Red Ash is definitely up there as one of the best Italian restaurants in Austin. Despite its price, it’s still an extremely popular go-to restaurant for Italian cravings.
Red Ash has an extensive menu where the star of the show is their custom-built wood-burning grill oven, which releases red ash — the inspiration for their name.
It’s a great option for special occasions; you’ll truly get a great experience.
Their popular dishes include Frutti Di Mare, Red Snapper Crudo, and Bruschetta Of Wood Roasted Dry Aged Steak Trimmings. Many also recommend you leave room for dessert!
With so many things going for it, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Austin.
Menu: Red Ash Menu
Top Review: “This is by far my favorite restaurant in Austin! I go whenever I’m celebrating myself or someone I care for. Service is always top-notch and I have never had anything on the menu I didn’t like. It’s kind of a pain getting in now and you have to make reservations weeks ahead but if there are just 2 of you, you can swing by and see if you can get a sitting at the bar… you still get full food service there so it’s worth trying. My favorite things on the menu are the octopus appetizer, bone marrow, country bread and spaghettini al frutti di mare. I will certainly go here again multiple times and highly recommend it.” – Elizabeth M.
303 Colorado St Austin, TX 78701, (512) 379-2906
Patrizi’s
With a commitment to authenticity and a passion for traditional recipes, Patrizi’s has become a staple in the Austin food scene and is considered one of the best Italian restaurants (Food Truck!) in Austin.
They use fresh ingredients with daily house-made pasta and sauces.
Visitors recommend Cacio E Pepe, Carbonara Alexandra, Coddled Egg, and, really, any of their pasta is a good choice!
Menu: Patrizi’s Menu
Top Review: “Just wow! The ambiance of this restaurant is so nice with the outdoor setting and ambient strings of light. The pasta is freshly made Al dente out of a trailer, so the wait was quite long. We had the seasonal cherry tomato appetizer, which was actually soooo good because of how refreshing it was. The pastas were all very tasty, my favorite being the red sauce. The meatballs were phenomenal. I realized the pasta was a bit too Al dente for my taste, but flavors were amazing. Highly recommend this place for great food and vibes!! The staff are also the sweetest as well!” – Nina V.
2307 Manor Rd Austin, TX 78722, (512) 522-4834
North Italia
North Italia’s convenient location in The Domain makes it a crowd favorite, but that’s not all there is to it.
Every day, their kitchen whips up new crave-worthy dishes made from scratch, like Chef’s daily pizzas. They also have an assortment of wines, beer, and house-made cocktails to pair with your meal.
Favorites include the bolognese (pictured above), strozzapreti, squid ink mafaldine, and a special shoutout to their Zucca Chips!
Menu: North Italia Menu
Top Review: “There are so many great places to eat in Austin (and at The Domain specifically) but this is one we find ourselves coming back to quite regularly and there is one main reason: the salted caramel budino! Is the pasta homemade and wonderful? Yes! Is the staff friendly and attentive? Yes! Does the bar make a mean espresso martini? Heck yes! But…there is something magical about the budino here. The flavors are well worth the calorie splurge. I’m also here for the wine list.” – Andrea H.
11506 Century Oaks Ter Ste 124 Austin, TX 78758, (512) 339-4400
Juliet Italian Kitchen
At Juliet Italian Kitchen, they bring the spirit of Little Italy right to your neighborhood. They pride themselves on delivering Italian comfort food to your tables with classic pasta dishes and hearty meat entrees.
They also have a beautiful patio with an outdoor bar and plenty of space for large groups.
We recommend getting the grilled octopus, fettuccine funghi, or spaghetti Bolognese.
Menu: Juliet Menu
Top Review: “Juliet is one of my favorite go to spots in South Austin for a date with my husband. We live a bit outside of Austin so it’s perhaps a blessing that we’re not closer, otherwise I’d be tempted to eat there more often than I should!Juliet’s menu could be described as an elevated Italian experience. The decor is very pleasant and the menu is well curated, with options for most diets. I’m a big fan of their tomato soup as well as their seafood dishes. Their sides are also worth ordering. I’ve never been disappointed. Consider visiting during lunch time if you want to save by ordering from their reduced lunch menu. Same goes for happy hour.” – Tina M.
1500 Barton Springs Rd Austin, TX 78704, (512) 479-1800
Andiamo Ristorante
Andiamo Ristorante is all about showcasing the freshest ingredients from local farms in a traditional European-style dining experience.
The menu changes with the seasons, with an extensive selection of wines you can pair with your meal. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The pumpkin ravioli, lamb chops, fennel salad, and Linguine ai Frutti di Mare are great dishes to try.
Menu: Andiamo Menu
Top Review: “A true hole in the wall place that deserves more recognition! It was my first time dining here for dinner, and I was a bit skeptical only because it’s not like other Italian restaurants in Austin right off of first impressions. However, the staff is extremely friendly and the food is AMAZING! Everything tasted so fresh, even the complimentary bread. The pasta is arguably some of the best that I’ve had – carbonara was delicious and not too heavy, and the orecchiette was so light and flavorful. The menu also changes seasonally. I need to come back and try one of their wine pairing dinners! Would recommend this spot for a date night dinner as well.” – Jin L.
2521 Rutland Dr Ste 325 Austin, TX 78758, (512) 719-3377
Austin has a great food scene to offer, and the variety of Italian restaurants you can find each has something special they can offer.
From pizzas to handmade pasta and family-run restaurants to contemporary hot spots, there’s something for everyone. So make sure to try some of the best Italian restaurants in Austin.
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