Best Italian Restaurants in Old West Austin

30 restaurants available nearby

1. 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.

2. Sammie's Italian

4.8

Exceptional(1455)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 83 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(1350)

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.

4. Poeta

4.7

Exceptional(376)

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."

5. Cipollina

4.8

Exceptional(1212)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 28 times today

Cipollina in Downtown Austin is a standout destination for Pizzeria cuisine, offering an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Texas. Renowned for its dedication to quality, Cipollina crafts wood-fired pizzas that are both "amazing" and "absolutely delicious," as echoed by glowing reviews. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, handmade ingredients ensures each pizza bursts with flavor, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere and a menu that consistently delights, Cipollina is the perfect spot for anyone seeking a true Italian pizzeria experience in a warm and welcoming setting.

6. 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.

7. Juniper

4.6

Exceptional(2686)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 43 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 North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant

8. 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 Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant

9. 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.

10. Fabrik

5.0

Exceptional(266)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 7 times today

Fabrik in East Austin is a culinary gem that elevates plant-based dining to an art form with its exquisite Italian-inspired offerings. Known for its "absolutely exquisite" dishes, this intimate restaurant expertly marries the flavors of Italy with a sustainable, plant-based ethos. Diners rave about the "symphony of flavors" and the "fantastic seasonal flavors" in each meticulously crafted course. Chef Je Wallerstein's innovative approach ensures that every meal is a memorable experience, with creative, "delicious" dishes that showcase the finest local ingredients. Fabrik’s commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique Italian dining adventure.

‘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

A
AnnVIP
Austin •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
First time dining at Poeta. Food and service was excellent!!! Our server (Devlin? Female) was friendly and prompt with everything. Highly recommend.
More info
PoetaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.7
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
•
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
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
B
Briam
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
The staff was very welcoming, and the food was absolutely exceptional
More info
Il BruttoPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.6

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Old West Austin

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Best Italian Restaurants in Old West 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. Cipollina

6. Il Brutto

7. Juniper

8. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

9. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria

10. Fabrik

See what locals rave about

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