Best Italian Restaurants in Central Austin

30 restaurants available nearby

1. Red Ash Italia

4.9

Exceptional(3911)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 163 times today

Dive into the heart of Downtown Austin at Red Ash Italia, where the seafood is as mesmerizing as the atmosphere. This culinary gem stands out not only for its vibrant, modern setting but also for its exceptional seafood offerings, expertly prepared on a wood-fired grill. Guests rave about the freshness and quality, with dishes like the "very fresh red snapper crudo" and the "tagliolini with blue crab" frequently highlighted as favorites. As one reviewer aptly puts it, the seafood here has a "wow factor of 100!" The commitment to excellence is evident, making every dish a celebration of authentic Italian flavors with a special focus on what comes from the sea. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Red Ash Italia promises a seafood experience that's not just a meal, but a memorable event.

2. Sammie's Italian

4.8

Exceptional(1441)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 55 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.

A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

3. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(1335)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 57 times today

At Dean's Italian Steakhouse in downtown Austin, the fusion of classic American steakhouse flair with authentic Italian culinary tradition creates a unique dining experience. Celebrated for its “house-made pasta” and “market-fresh seafood,” this establishment stands out not just for its prime cuts but for its true Italian essence. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, noting dishes like the “Wagyu Bolognese” which one diner described as making the pappardelle “soaked in the San Marzano sauce making the dish a 4/5.” The ambiance, combined with “outstanding service,” ensures each meal is more than just dining, but a memorable Italian indulgence right in the heart of Austin.

4. Poeta

4.6

Exceptional(372)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 42 times today

Nestled in the heart of East Austin, Poeta redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artistic flair and exquisite dishes that make each meal feel like a poetic expression. Patrons are consistently impressed, describing the atmosphere as "charming and very insightful," complementing the "superb" food. With its modern twist on Italian classics, the restaurant boasts a menu that features standout dishes like gluten-free pasta, described as "incredible" by guests with Celiac disease, and a branzino that's rated as one of the best. The service at Poeta matches the quality of its dishes, with staff members receiving high praise for their friendly and knowledgeable approach. Whether it's the "life-changing" avo bruschetta or the creatively presented wafflegato, Poeta promises a memorable dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

5. Il Brutto

4.6

Exceptional(1612)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 43 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.

6. Cipollina

4.8

Exceptional(1206)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

Cipollina, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Austin, is a haven for wine enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. This charming Wine Bar boasts an authentic neighborhood bistro vibe, specializing in Italian cuisine that pairs exquisitely with their curated wine selection. Patrons rave about the harmonious blend of flavors, with one guest noting, "Friendly staff, high quality food—I got the Alfredo. My friend got the Prosciutto pizza. We shared a bottle of wine—would recommend." This spot is celebrated for its commitment to quality and consistency, offering a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that complements its exceptional food and wine offerings. Perfect for a casual outing or a special occasion, Cipollina stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a top-tier Wine Bar experience in Austin.

7. Juniper

4.6

Exceptional(2674)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 39 times today

Juniper in East Austin is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, brilliantly blending Northern Italian culinary traditions with Central Texas flair. Frequently celebrated by the Austin American-Statesman as one of the city's top 10 restaurants, Juniper's menu showcases locally-sourced, hyper-seasonal ingredients prepared with old-world techniques. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one stating it's "just the absolute best restaurant in Austin. Give it a damn Michelin star." The restaurant offers a special 6-course Pre Fixe Menu that epitomizes fine dining, alongside a complementary 5-course wine tasting, making it a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional Italian meal with a unique, local twist.

A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant

8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(1477)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria in downtown Austin stands out not just for its exceptional Italian cuisine but also for its impressive wine bar, which splendidly showcases Italy's diverse wine regions. Nestled in a historic 1876 building, this family-run gem offers a cozy bar atmosphere where guests can indulge in meticulously chosen wines that beautifully complement their authentic Italian meals. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and selection, noting, "the wine was excellent—a Nero D'Avola," and celebrating the overall dining experience as "delicious, with yummy wine too!" This spot is a must-visit for both wine connoisseurs and lovers of genuine Italian fare, making every visit a delightful journey through the tastes of Italy.

9. Fabrik

5.0

Exceptional(256)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of East Austin, Fabrik stands out as a pinnacle of Japanese cuisine with its innovative, plant-based approach. Led by the talented Executive Chef-Owner Je Wallerstein, this intimate micro-restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience, highlighted by a 5 and 7-course tasting menu that artfully blends Japanese flavors with Nordic and Italian influences. Reviewers rave about the unique and delicious dishes, noting the "exceptional taste combinations" and "Michelin star level" quality. One diner exclaimed, "This tasting will exceed all of your expectations," praising both the food and the saké pairings. Fabrik’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing further elevates the dining experience, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and superbly crafted Japanese cuisine in Austin.

10. L'Oca d'Oro

4.5

Awesome(1544)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • North Central

Booked 11 times today

L'Oca d'Oro, nestled in North Central Austin, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a delightful tasting menu that showcases Chef Fiore's innovative seasonal dishes. This gem is renowned for its commitment to farm-to-table ingredients, crafting its dishes with locally sourced produce and meats. Not only do diners rave about the freshness and creativity of the meals, but also the "incredible food at a great price point" and the "amazing experience" provided by the accommodating staff. Highlighted dishes like the handmade pastas and artisan cheeses illustrate the authentic, yet modern Italian flair. L'Oca d'Oro truly stands out as a culinary treasure, where each visit promises new flavors to explore, making it a must-visit for anyone craving exceptional Italian fare in a vibrant atmosphere.

‘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

X
Xavier
Austin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great service, great food, great vibes, overall great experience
More info
Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Daryn
Austin •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had the most amazing meal! We shared the Caesar salad and filet with lobster and bone marrow butter and all was delicious. The star of the show was the bread service. Don't pass that up. Dayna our waitress and Holly in training were both awesome. A great experience!
More info
Dean's Italian SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
C
CarlaVIP
Nashville •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
First time: Made reservations about two months in advance— the place was packed! Everyone was either celebrating something or spending time with loved ones. A great atmosphere! The food was outstanding, a great selection of wines and liquors at the bar. Service was faster than expected, especially considering how busy the place was. Reasonable prices all-around and excellent experience from the staff and the atmosphere.
More info
Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.9
L
Linda
Houston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
If pizza is your thing the margherita pizza with fior di latte mozzarella takes you back to the wonderful pizzas in Northern Italy. The swordfish was outstanding. The service superior. What else could you want.
More info
Il BruttoPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.6
V
VincentVIP
New York City •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Really enjoyed all aspects of our evening at Poeta. Antipasti Salad and Roasted Cauliflower were great starters. Seared Bass was fantastic with the tomato pesto...will be thinking of how to recreate that at home. Exceptional value for the service and quality.
More info
PoetaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.6

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Best Italian Restaurants in Central Austin

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. Red Ash Italia

2. Sammie's Italian

3. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4. Poeta

5. Il Brutto

6. Cipollina

7. Juniper

8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

9. Fabrik

10. L'Oca d'Oro

See what locals rave about

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