Best Italian Restaurants in Austin

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

1. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(1350)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 65 times today

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Austin, Dean's Italian Steakhouse delivers an exceptional American dining experience with a delightful Italian twist. Renowned for its prime cuts of beef, including the exquisite Texas and Japanese A5 Wagyu, this steakhouse promises a culinary journey that's nothing short of spectacular. Guests rave about the "outstanding service and atmosphere," highlighting the authentic American flavors that are masterfully prepared. The homemade pasta and market-fresh seafood complement the steaks perfectly, ensuring a well-rounded menu that caters to all palates. With "wonderful food and a beautiful dining room," Dean's is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable American dining experience.

2. Red Ash Italia

4.9

Exceptional(3939)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 143 times today

Red Ash Italia, nestled in the vibrant warehouse district of Downtown Austin, is a seafood lover's paradise that never disappoints. The restaurant's exquisite seafood offerings are a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "frutti di mare pasta," which is described as "really, really good," and the octopus appetizer that is "a must try." The halibut has been hailed as the "best I have ever eaten," showcasing the chef's mastery in crafting flavorful and fresh seafood dishes. With its rustic modern ambiance, every meal at Red Ash Italia promises an unforgettable experience.

A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant

3. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

4.6

Exceptional(1718)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 69 times today

North Italia on Austin's 2nd Street is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an authentic and inventive dining experience that delights its patrons. With an emphasis on "Italian from scratch," the restaurant excels in crafting handmade pastas and pizzas with seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about the "delicious pasta and salads," and the signature "truffle cheesy garlic bread," which is noted as the "best Italian food appetizer" by enthusiastic guests. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, makes it a standout choice for any occasion. It's no wonder that patrons, charmed by the "stellar service" and "amazingly great food," keep returning to savor the modern Italian flavors.

A photo of Taverna - Downtown Austin restaurant

4. Taverna - Downtown Austin

4.6

Exceptional(1180)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 24 times today

Taverna, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, is an absolute gem for Pizzeria enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian flavors. Known for its "amazing" and "delicious" pizza offerings, Taverna captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The cozy ambiance inside, complemented by a charming wraparound patio, offers the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "wonderful atmosphere" and attentive service, making it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Whether indulging in a classic Margherita or exploring inventive toppings, every slice promises an exceptional taste journey. Taverna truly elevates the Pizzeria experience!

5. Sammie's Italian

4.8

Exceptional(1455)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 84 times today

Sammie’s is a little taste of old Italy in downtown Austin. It celebrates the great ‘red sauce’ institution—inspired by old school, legendary Italian-American restaurants. The menu offers classic dishes in a casual but sophisticated, retro-designed space that is both lively and comfortable, capturing the essence of a night out at your favorite neighborhood joint. The space consists of a central dining room overlooking Shoal Creek and 6th Street, polished wood bar, Mildred’s Room (a private dining/wine room), and wraparound patio dining area. Please note that patio seating is weather contingent. The menu offers riffs on standards including Housemade Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Casino, and Caesar Salad a la Tommy; timeless pastas like Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Linguine Vongole; and Sammie’s Classics: big portions of iconic plates like Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Baked Manicotti.

6. Poeta

4.7

Exceptional(377)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 35 times today

Nestled within The Frances Modern Inn on historic 11th street, Poeta offers a remarkable journey into the world of Contemporary Italian cuisine. The restaurant, a gem in East Austin, delights with a menu that constantly evolves to highlight seasonal ingredients, making every visit a flavorful adventure. Diners rave about their "unbelievable food, service, and ambiance," calling it "a journey of creativity and flavor." Signature dishes like the gnocchi, praised as the best outside of Italy, and the fresh mozzarella antipasti showcase their commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether for brunch or dinner, Poeta provides a memorable dining experience with "fabulous food and service."

A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant

7. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(1481)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria in downtown Austin is a true gem for authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Nestled in a historic 1876 building, it captures the essence of rustic Italian charm with its chic atmosphere. The highlight is undoubtedly their Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with naturally leavened dough and baked at 1000 degrees in a wood-fired brick oven. As one delighted diner put it, "First-rate pizza starts with the dough, and that's their specialty." The dedication to authenticity is evident in every bite, making it an "absolutely must-have" dining experience. With consistently fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, it's a pizzeria that truly stands out.

8. Il Brutto

4.6

Exceptional(1618)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 49 times today

Il Brutto is a neighborhood Italian restaurant located in East Austin with an emphasis on classic, multi-regional Italian dishes. The menu features fresh antipasti, daily home-made pastas, and pizzas baked in the restaurant’s Neapolitan wood-burning oven, in addition to house-made gelati, sorbets & desserts. The beverage program highlights an extensive selection of Italian wines from an on-site cellar, as well as local beers and handcrafted cocktails.

9. Juniper

4.6

Exceptional(2686)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 42 times today

Juniper in East Austin is a culinary gem that masterfully blends the flavors of Northern Italy with the unique, hyper-seasonal ingredients of Texas. Consistently ranked among the top 10 best restaurants by the Austin American-Statesman, it offers innovative yet comforting Contemporary Italian dishes that delight diners. The restaurant’s “authentic Italian cuisine with impeccable service” has garnered rave reviews, with guests praising its “immaculate” food and the standout cacio e pepe. Juniper’s world-class beverage program, complemented by a special 6-course pre-fixe menu, ensures a dining experience that's both memorable and delicious, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.

10. Vespaio Austin

4.8

Exceptional(1739)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 35 times today

Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
Kelley
Austin •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
I loved the lobster tails, scampi style & thought the pasta was a wonderful accompaniment. Also the chopped salad was crisp & had the perfect amount of salad dressing. The only downer was the red fish crudo. The main flavor was an overwhelming lime taste. It would've been much better in a "tears of the tiger" sauce or with some wasabi to make it more sushi-like. Serving it with crackers would help also and the avocados were unsalted. I've tried almost the whole Red Ash menu - the crudo is my least favorite dish. Try any of the other appetizers instead!
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Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
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4.9
D
DavidVIP
Austin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, excellent service and overall, an excellent experience…we will be back.
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Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.8
I
Isabelle
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Mateo was very personable and hilarious! We were celebrating two birthdays and he totally made our night! Will be coming back.
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Taverna - Downtown AustinPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
C
Carmelo
Austin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Perfect spot for a daddy-daughter date! Warm ambiance, exceptional service, and delicious Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the desserts were a sweet ending to a memorable evening. Highly recommend!
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North Italia - Austin 2nd StreetPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
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4.6
D
Dave
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Very friendly staff right through the door. Onion soup was ok, but the Texas Wagyu New York strip was phenomenal. Spendy, but is was cooked perfectly, had a great crust, and was a melt-in-your-mouth flavor explosion. The Japanese A5 Wagyu has too much fat in my opinion, but this Angus/Wagyu hybrid was perfect. Neat menu, but I didn’t have enough stomachs to try everything that I wanted.
More info
Dean's Italian SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8

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Best Italian Restaurants in Austin

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

2. Red Ash Italia

3. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

4. Taverna - Downtown Austin

5. Sammie's Italian

6. Poeta

7. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

8. Il Brutto

9. Juniper

10. Vespaio Austin

See what locals rave about

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