You will often hear Austin referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. The city is known for its vibrant music scene, which gives it an open-minded, fun, and exciting environment. But that is just a complement to everything that lies beneath the fine art.
Austin has a rich history directly linked to its cultural traditions and exquisite food scene. This city is truly the epitome of “everything is bigger in Texas”, and the restaurant scene lives up to that. The food is varied, fun, and just delicious.
One thing that continues to keep the city on its toes in its restaurant scene is the influx of new and exciting chefs and Italian restaurants. There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in Austin, and they can be found on practically every street. If you have ever had a deliciously prepared Italian dish in Austin, Texas, you know that it is hard to keep track of them all. Don’t worry we are going to help you out with that.
Here are our best Italian restaurants in Austin, Texas.
Intero Restaurant
If you visit Intero Restaurant, you will have to agree that Austin is blessed with a wealth of incredible restaurants. And Intero has earned a spot at the top of that list, thanks to its commitment to sustainability and farm-to-table Italian cuisine.
The menu features fresh, locally sourced meats and produce from Texas ranches and farms, as well as a delicious selection of house-made artisan chocolates and classic Italian desserts. The Italian menu is constantly changing to reflect the availability of seasonal ingredients and the yields from their in-house whole-animal butchery program. While some say you can’t improve on classic Italian food, the team at Intero is proving that you absolutely can with their inventive and delicious dishes.
Address: 2612 E Cesar Chavez St, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://www.interorestaurant.com/
Taverna Austin (Downtown)
Taverna Austin is more of a casual Italian chainlet that offers some of the best Italian-style pizzas and risottos. They source authentic Italian flavors to masterfully create delicious and memorable dishes. The restaurant is designed with a cozy, neighborhood vibe in mind, making it the perfect spot for family gatherings or special occasions. Whether you choose to dine inside or on the large, wrap-around patio, Taverna Austin is a great option for any meal of the day. They are open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. They are mostly known for their amazing risotto dishes and that’s why you will often hear people calling them the “risotteria”. The music they play here has, however, been an issue to some customers – keep that in mind.
Address: 258 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Website: https://www.tavernabylombardi.com/
Siena Ristorante Toscana
The story behind this next Italian spot says it all: from the romantic setting to the upscale, seasonal Tuscan plates and award-winning wine cellar, Siena Ristorante Toscana is the perfect romantic destination for food lovers in Austin. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and traditional Tuscan recipes, they have captured the authentic flavors that have made Italy famous for its cuisine. Their 20-year history in Austin speaks to the quality of their food and service, making them a top choice for anyone looking for an authentic experience that is sure to please. For unique tastes and preferences, Siena lets customers customize their dining experience with a variety of options, from the menu to their wine cellar.
Address: 6203 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78731
Website: https://sienaaustin.com/
Reale’s Italian Cafe
Reale’s Italian Cafe is a true family Italian Restaurant in the heart of Austin, TX. It’s a place you can get some delicious NYC-style pizzas and plenty of red-sauce standards. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1981 when it started out as a simple pizzeria. Over the years, Reale’s has evolved and expanded, offering a full menu of Italian favorites, from hearty pasta dishes to decadent desserts. Now, the locals know Reale’s for its cozy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and fantastic food. The Reale brothers, who run the restaurant, have transformed it into a true family affair, with plenty of love and hard work put into every dish. Apart from the delicious food you get here, there is live entertainment every night of the week and a cocktail lounge that is perfect for happy hours and special occasions.
Address: 13450 Research Blvd Ste 230, Austin, TX 78750
Website: https://www.realespizza.com/
Juliet Italian Kitchen
From modern and classic Italian fare and drinks to a spacious, multiroom setting with luxe flourishes, Juliet Italian Kitchen offers a destination for anyone seeking a relaxed Italian experience. With locations in Barton Springs and the Arboretum, this acclaimed restaurant boasts traditional flavors and comforting staple dishes that are made entirely from scratch. The restaurant doesn’t have a long history as it opened its doors in 2015. However, during this time, it has quickly become a favorite among locals for its authentic Italian flavors, warm atmosphere, and excellent service. The most popular dishes on the menu include chicken piccata, seafood pasta, and fried calamari.
Address: 1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://www.juliet-austin.com/
Red Ash
Juliet Italian Kitchen has built a reputation for serving some craft Italian fare, with a focus on wood-fired specialties and housemade pasta. Using locally sourced ingredients, Chef John Carver has created an exciting menu that offers something for everyone, from fresh seafood and prime steaks to wood-fired pizzas and hearty pasta. Located in Austin’s trendy warehouse district, Juliet offers a rustic-modern setting that is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and our delicious Italian cuisine. They have a wine list that most customers consider one of the best in Austin, offering wines from top winemakers around the world.
Address: Colorado Tower, 303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701
Website: http://www.redashgrill.com/
Mandola’s Italian Kitchen
At Mandola’s Italian Kitchen, they bring decades of culinary experience and passion for authentic Italian cuisine to every dish. This place has some of the best pasta, salads, and sandwiches in town, as well as a wide selection of pre-prepared and packaged foods to go. Mandola’s Italian Kitchen is the place to satisfy your cravings for a true taste of Italy in Texas, with its homestyle cooking, bustling atmosphere, and warm hospitality. With over 30 years of experience, Damian and Trina Mandola are committed to creating unique and delicious dishes that have earned them a name for themselves throughout Houston.
Address: 4700 W Guadalupe St #12, Austin, TX 78751
Website: https://mandolas.com/
North Italia
Are you craving some seasonal flavors and new reasons to dine? You might want to check out North Italia, an upscale restaurant specializing in delicious, made-from-scratch food. From their delicious daily pizzas and handmade pasta to their selection of craft cocktails, wines, and beers, the restaurant takes pride in offering a truly handcrafted dining experience that will satisfy every taste bud. It’s one of those spots where everything screams, “You’re in for something special!” The good news is that if you plan to dine with a group of 14 or more, you can book a party at North Italia and enjoy the same amazing handcrafted cuisine with your friends and family.
Address: 500 W 2nd St #120, Austin, TX 78701
Website: https://www.northitalia.com/
Maggiano’s Little Italy
In the first place, we have Maggiano’s Little Italy, a one-of-a-kind chain of upscale Italian restaurants known for serving classic family-style Italian fare in a polished, relaxed setting. It deserves its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country, offering diners a memorable experience that truly captures the spirit and flavors of old-world Italy.
With its delicious, home-style dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere, Maggiano’s has become a favorite choice for celebrating special occasions and gathering with friends and family. Since its founding in the early 1990s, Maggiano’s has grown into one of the most well-known and highly regarded Italian restaurants in the United States, with locations across the country. Some of the popular dishes offered here are the family-style Ruffino Chianti or Pinot Grigio and Maggiano’s Italian Sangria. Once you try these, you’ll understand why it’s diners’ favorite.
Address: 10910 Domain Dr Suite 100, Austin, TX 78758
Website: https://www.maggianos.com/
For more top food choices in Austin, Texas, check out our guides to the Best Tex-Mex in Austin, Texas, Where To Find The Best BBQ Restaurants In Austin, Texas, Where To Find The Best Pizza in Austin Texas and Where To Find The Best Hot Dogs In Austin, Texas.
