Austin Restaurants

Though Mexican, Tex-Mex, and barbecue are the default cuisines, everything from Brazilian to Pacific Rim fusion has made headway here, and there are strong vegetarian and natural-food followers.

To find the best barbecue, local consensus tends to be that you've got to head out of town to Lockhart, Luling, or Llano, in the Hill Country. Nevertheless, there are several fine options within the city limits, the bulk of them simple places.

In some venues the music and food share nearly equal billing, like Threadgill's, whose massive chicken-fried steak is as much of a draw as the well-known blues and rock acts on stage. Stubb's Bar-B-Q hosts a popular gospel brunch on Sundays.

Austin is a casual city, and the dress code is almost always "come as you are"; a few restaurants require a jacket for men. Tips are generally 20%. Smoking is prohibited inside restaurants and bars, though some allow smoking on their outdoor patios.

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  • 1. Enoteca Vespaio

    $$ | South Congress District

    Known for its tantalizing deli counter of antipasti, charcuterie, and pâté, this bistro café has an authentic trattoria feel, complete with cheerful Italian countryside tablecloths and patio seating. Sink your fork into a bowl of plump gnocchi bathed in garlicky tomato-arrabiata sauce or nibble on a slice of classic margherita pizza studded with garden-fresh basil. Juicy hanger steak and crispy fries leave you wanting more, but don't fill up on dinner. The patio is a popular spot to enjoy an espresso and phenomenal homemade desserts, from tiramisu to lemon panna cotta.

    1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
    512-441–7672

    Known For

    • Lively atmosphere that can get a little overwhelming at peak hours
    • Homemade Italian desserts
    • Pasta made from scratch
  • 2. L'Oca d'Oro

    $$ | East Austin

    The Mueller development has welcomed several eateries over the last few years, and this top-notch neighborhood Italian restaurant, which means "the Golden Goose," might be its most delicious addition. Whether it's date night or a quick happy hour with friends, dishes like Texas Wagyu tartare and from-scratch cavatelli al pomodoro will dazzle. 

    1900 Simond Ave., Austin, Texas, 78723, USA
    512-212–1876

    Known For

    • Frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Texas
    • Great for groups and celebratory dinners
    • Italian classics made from scratch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch
  • 3. Mandola's Italian Kitchen

    $ | North Austin

    Houston restaurateur (and cofounder of the Carrabba’s restaurant chain) Damian Mandola brought his "neighborhood grocery store" and Italian ristorante to The Triangle apartment and retail complex, just north of the UT campus, and the cafeteria-style café has become a favorite for families and hungry college students looking to carbo-load on a budget. Hearty portions of southern Italian specialties, from pizza to daily-rotating raviolis, hit the spot at the right price. Fresh artisanal bread, various antipasti, and seasonal cheeses are available for grab-and-go diners in the deli-style market. Homemade gelato in flavors like pineapple and pumpkin is popular among the dessert options.

    4700 W. Guadalupe St., Austin, Texas, 78751, USA
    512-419–9700

    Known For

    • Family-style takeout and package meals
    • Leaving stuffed college students with leftovers
    • Feeding everyone on a budget
  • 4. Olive & June

    $$$$ | North Austin

    Whether you're grabbing a cocktail at the bar, sharing a few appetizers with friends on the treehouse-like outdoor patio, or settling in to one of the elegant-yet-cozy booths for a romantic dinner with your honey, this Bryker Woods locale in northwest Austin serves up a satisfying lineup of fresh, Italian-inspired fare. Top picks from the popular picolo piatti (small plates) menu include scallop crudo with butternut squash and thinly sliced zucchini involtini wrapped around a decadent mushroom filling. 

    3411 Glenview Ave., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
    512-467–9898

    Known For

    • Popular daily happy hour, especially on the shady patio
    • Homemade gelato
    • Very limited on-site parking

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 5. Sammie's Italian

    $$$$ | West Austin

    Located in the former home of historic burger joint Hut's Hamburgers, on the western edge of downtown, Sammie's specializes in classic Italian cuisine in a lively setting. The cozy digs (restored to preserve the original art deco design) get loud during peak hours, but this homage to the great "red sauce institutions" of New York City is still a wonderful option for a modernized "Taste of Old Italy" date night. And the Friday happy hour (3 to 5 pm) is an ideal time to indulge in discounted small plates like roasted veal sweetbreads piccata and broiled clams.

    807 W. 6th St., Austin, Texas, 78703, USA
    512-474–2054

    Known For

    • Noisy atmosphere
    • Signature arrabiata sauce featured in most dishes
    • Long wait-list for reservations

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.–Thurs.
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  • 6. Vespaio

    $$$ | South Congress District

    This buzzing Italian bistro consistently attracts hordes of South Congress Avenue’s heavy foot traffic, with patrons crowding the narrow, warmly lit bar while waiting for a table in the small, tawny-hued dining room. Noshing on the gratis white-bean puree with basil-infused olive oil makes perusing the menu of delicate handmade pastas, thin wood-fired pizzas, and robust northern Italian–inspired entrées an even greater treat. Chef specials change daily, including soul-warming risottos of the day—perhaps one with braised veal and black truffle oil. Smoky, prosciutto-wrapped prawns never disappoint, nor does the savory veal scalloppine wrapped with sage, prosciutto, and wilted spinach.

    1610 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78704, USA
    512-441–6100

    Known For

    • Traditional, straight-forward Italian staples
    • Usually bustling throughout the evening thanks to SoCo foot traffic
    • Cozy ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch

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