Italian cuisine offers some of the tastiest dishes on the planet. From the sweet and pickled notes of antipasti to hearty spaghetti and meatballs, Bolognese, and gnocchi, Italian food is among our favorite tastes. If you’re in Austin looking for delicious Italian restaurants serving up sweet gelato or featuring an extensive wine list, you’ve come to the right place. Dig in and say “buon appetito” to your dining companions at these best Italian restaurants in Austin.
Best Italian Restaurants in Austin
Best Italian Restaurants in Austin1. Vespaio and Enoteca Vespaio
http://www.austinvespaio.com
1610 S Congress Ave
The name Vespaio literally translates to “buzzing” and as soon as you step into this classic Italian restaurant you’ll get what all the buzz is about. Each dish is made with locally sourced, handmade ingredients. The butchers on staff cut up all of the meat and use every part of the animal in the name of sustainability. Here, you’ll find extensive options including charcuterie, fresh pasta, Italian dessert, and a carefully chosen wine list.
2. Il Brutto
https://www.ilbruttoaustin.com
1601 E 6th St
Il Brutto is located in trendy East Austin and specializes in homemade pastas, pizzas, and bread. The Italian kitchen is run by executive chef Erind Halilaj, who was born in Italy. He brings an authentic flair to the restaurant’s dishes including Mediterranean flavors that are characteristic of Southern Italy as well as lamb and beef dishes famous in north Italia.
3. Andiamo Ristorante
https://andiamoitaliano.com
2521 Rutland Dr
Located in North Austin, Andiamo is run by owner Daniela Marcone. A native of Italy, every dish served in her restaurant is as authentic as the Italian fare you’d find in Italy. Everything is lovingly handmade from the fresh pasta such as their tasty carbonara to the hearty risotto and lasagna.
4. Juniper
https://juniperaustin.com
2400 E Cesar Chavez St
Juniper is an Austin restaurant serving up the culinary delights of northern Italy. The restaurant works with local ranchers and producers including Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and Olives Ranch for the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Try the gnocchi di semolina or the kampachi crudo antipasti salad.
5. Taverna
https://www.tavernabylombardi.com
258 W 2nd St
Taverna is a warm and welcoming restaurant serving dishes from northern Italy. They specialize in crafting exquisite risottos using Carnaroli rice. On the menu, you’ll also find sea bass, bay scallops, pesto pasta, truffle oil, and prosciutto.
6. Botticelli’s
http://www.botticellissouthcongress.com
1321 South Congress Ave
This Italian trattoria features a lively and fun backyard beer garden where you can enjoy local music from Thursday to Saturday. They also offer a hand-selected wine menu that goes perfectly with their authentic Italian meals. Try the Ravioli di Zucca Gialla or the Tagliatelle con Polpette and don’t miss their happy hour offerings.
7. Gusto
https://www.gustoitaliankitchen.com
4800 Burnet Rd
Gusto is a North Austin restaurant and wine bar that works with community partners and producers to offer fresh takes on classic Italian dishes. From handmade pizzas and freshly crafted pasta dishes to pressed paninis and dishes with farm-fresh meats, this restaurant has it all when you’re craving comforting and indulgent Italian food.
8. Numero 28
http://www.numero28austin.com
452 W 2nd St
Numero 28 has everything you could want at an Italian restaurant. With paninis, savory cold cuts, small plates, traditional entrees such as pasta and pizza, and gelato, you’re sure to find everything you want from starters to desserts. The friendly atmosphere and the sun-drenched patio make this the perfect spot to grab some Italian grub with your friends and family.
9. Asti Trattoria
9. Asti Trattoriahttps://astiaustin.com
408 E 43rd St
This trattoria is a beloved neighborhood favorite and it’s easy to see why. The restaurant’s menu changes with the seasons to offer the freshest ingredients from sustainable meats and fish to fresh produce. The restaurant also features a curated wine list offering more than 60 wines from every Italian region.
10. La Traviata
http://www.latraviatatx.com
314 Congress Ave
La Traviata is one of Austin’s best restaurants for date night. The dining room offers an elegant and romantic ambiance that pairs perfectly with their lovingly crafted Italian dishes. Indulge in a glass of Italian wine and fill your soul with meals from chicken piccata, calamari puttanesca, and their Pasta Norma featuring roasted eggplant, penne, and ricotta Salata.
11. Cipollina
http://www.cipollina-austin.com
1213 W Lynn St
This west Austin bistro offers a dining experience that blends the familiar, neighborhood-vibes of Italian eateries with an upscale —but not stuffy —atmosphere. Stop in for dinner and grab a tasty wood-fired pizza or freshly made pasta dish. Don’t miss their Austin brunch specials on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
12. Olive & June
http://oliveandjune-austin.com
3411 Glenview Ave
Olive & June is owned by chef Shawn Cirkiel and named after his and his wife’s grandmothers. The restaurant features a stunning 200-year-old oak tree and four different areas where you can enjoy your authentic meal. The pasta here is made fresh each and every day and you’ll also find the largest selection of wine, Grappa, and Amari in the Austin area.
13. Patrizi’s
https://www.patrizis.com
2307 Manor Rd
Patrizi’s has been serving Italian meals for more than 50 years out of their neighborhood food truck. The pasta is pulled to order and all the sauces are handmade. Try the Cacio e Pepe, a dish famous in Rome that’s made with Grana Padano cheese, pepper, and olive oil or opt for small plates such as garlic bread, bruschetta, and roasted beets.
14. It’s Italian Cucina
https://itsitaliancucina.com
1500 S Lamar Blvd #110
This Italian bistro serves up the best Piedmontese style dishes and culinary delights from neighboring regions on the northern reaches of Italy. Here. You’ll find classic favorites as well as specialty dishes along with an excellent wine list.
15. Red Ash Italia
303 Colorado St #200
Red Ash is all about wood-fired Italian delicacies. On the menu, you’ll find hearty wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, locally sourced meats, and seasonal vegetables that keep the menu fresh and ever-changing. Don’t miss the authentic Italian desserts crafted in-house at the Italian pastry kitchen.
16. Mandola’s Italian
https://mandolas.com
4700 W Guadalupe St #12 | 12815 Shops PKWY #400 | 4301 W William Cannon Dr E-1
Mandola’s is an Italian eatery and market run by Trina and Damian who have more than 50 years of combined experience in the food industry. From high-quality Italian coffee to entrees and desserts, this Italian restaurant is the real deal.
17. Siena Ristorante Toscana
N Capital of Texas HWY
“Fare Una Spaghettata” at the Best Italian Restaurants in Austin
Whether you’re looking for Tuscan-inspired dishes or fine Italian wines, you’ll find what you’re craving at the best Italian restaurants in Austin. From Barton Springs to downtown Austin and the furthest reaches of the city that likes to keep things weird, you’ll discover authentic Italian meals including fresh pasta, pizza, and charcuterie.
