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Best Italian Restaurants in South Austin

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3936)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 167 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 Sammie's Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1455)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 67 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 Vespaio Austin restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1738)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 37 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.
A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1349)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 62 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.
A photo of Juniper restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2686)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 45 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.
A photo of Il Brutto restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1618)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 33 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.
A photo of It's Italian Cucina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(872)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • South Austin
Booked 12 times today
It's Italian Cucina in South Austin is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its exceptional Northern Italian cuisine. The seafood dishes here are crafted with "fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. One standout dish is the seafood tagliatelle with squid ink sauce, described as "remarkable" by delighted patrons. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Italy. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with attentive service, enhances the overall experience, promising a delightful culinary journey for all seafood enthusiasts.
A photo of Poeta restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(375)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 39 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 Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1019)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 27 times today
Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs is a gem in Downtown Austin, offering an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that combines authenticity with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "absolutely delicious" and generously portioned dishes, all crafted from scratch to ensure the freshest flavors. The Chicken Marsala and Pasta de Mare are particular standouts, praised for their outstanding taste. The ambiance, both indoors and on the charming outdoor patio, is warm and welcoming, making every visit feel like a special occasion. With attentive service and a varied menu that includes delightful surprises like complimentary Italian gelato, Juliet Italian Kitchen is a must-visit for true Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1717)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 53 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kelley
    Austin •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 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!
    More info
    Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.9
  • Tony
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This is our third time to visit and it was 5 stars like the others. Rose was our waitress and can say she was probably top 5 for all of the restaurants I’ve ever visited in the last 30 years!
    More info
    Vespaio AustinPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • AdamVIP
    Austin •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Just fantastic. Tried the tasting menu (and wine pairings) on a whim. Was not disappointed. A really unexpected, really fantastic meal.
    More info
    JuniperPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
    4.6
  • DavidVIP
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food, excellent service and overall, an excellent experience…we will be back.
    More info
    Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Dave
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 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

Discover best Italian restaurants in South Austin

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in South Austin with a variety of top-rated restaurants that cater to all your Italian food cravings. From authentic dishes like handmade pasta, seafood, and rich cheeses to innovative menus that blend traditional Italian flavors with local ingredients, these dining spots offer a truly immersive experience. The dining scene in South Austin is vibrant and eclectic, featuring establishments that not only serve up excellent food but also create inviting atmospheres reminiscent of a cozy European bistro or a classy Italian café. Whether you're in the mood for a classic Italian meal or looking to explore a menu with a modern twist, South Austin's Italian restaurants promise an unforgettable culinary journey. Patrons frequently praise these venues for their impeccable service and the ability to maintain high standards in both food quality and dining experience. Enjoy a meal in beautifully designed spaces or opt for a delightful outdoor patio setting that adjusts with the seasons. Ideal for both casual outings and special occasions, these restaurants stand out in South Austin for delivering consistent value and authenticity in every dish.

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