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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
1. Red Ash Italia
4.9
Exceptional(3833)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 121 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.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
2. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1415)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 63 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
3. Vespaio Austin
4.7
Exceptional(1706)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 28 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. Dean's Italian Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(1290)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 47 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.
A photo of Juniper restaurant
5. Juniper
4.7
Exceptional(2651)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 26 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 Il Brutto restaurant
6. Il Brutto
4.6
Exceptional(1594)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 26 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
7. It's Italian Cucina
4.8
Exceptional(850)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • South Austin
Booked 3 times today
Situated in the vibrant South Austin neighborhood, It's Italian Cucina shines as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. Praised for its "first-rate delicious" meals and "varied and well-thought-out menu selections," this restaurant captures the essence of Northern Italian flavors with a modern twist. Guests rave about the handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and the exceptional wine list, making every dining experience memorable. The ambiance, described as "cozy, quaint, and classy," complements the exquisite dishes, ensuring a perfect dining atmosphere. Regulars and newcomers alike celebrate the "remarkable" seafood tagliatelle and insist on returning for the "best Espresso Martini's." It's Italian Cucina, with its award-winning patio and heartfelt service, truly embodies "Una Passione Grande" for Contemporary Italian fare.
A photo of Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs restaurant
8. Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs
4.7
Exceptional(997)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Juliet Italian Kitchen in Barton Springs, Austin, is a treasure for those craving authentic Italian cuisine in a vibrant, welcoming setting. Established in 2015, Juliet has quickly become renowned for its traditional Italian flavors and homemade dishes. Guests rave about the "excellent scratch Italian pasta" and the "best homemade bread," highlighting the care put into every meal. With glowing reviews, one diner exclaimed, "It was the best Italian food I’ve ever had. It was to die for." Whether it’s a casual brunch or a special dinner, Juliet Italian Kitchen delivers an exceptional dining experience with its "terrific food" and "outstanding service," making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors in Austin.
A photo of Intero restaurant
9. Intero
4.8
Exceptional(1648)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 41 times today
Intero in East Austin stands as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence, capturing the heart of Italian cuisine with a local Texan twist. Celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and fresh, local ingredients, Intero offers a menu that evolves with the seasons, showcasing the region's best produce and livestock. Diners rave about dishes like the "best duck breast I’ve ever had" and the "amazing pizza," affirming the quality and innovation behind each meal. The restaurant's dedication to authenticity is further highlighted by their house-made artisan chocolates and desserts, earning it glowing reviews as "one of the few truly exceptional food and service experiences in Austin." Whether it's the "magical" fried cabbage or the "spectacular" bucatini, Intero provides a culinary journey that's both delightfully familiar and excitingly innovative.
A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant
10. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street
4.6
Exceptional(1690)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
At North Italia on 2nd Street in Downtown Austin, the essence of Contemporary Italian cuisine is celebrated with a flair for culinary invention. Known for its handcrafted pastas and pizzas, North Italia impresses with "tremendous food" and an atmosphere that makes every dining experience special. Guests rave about the "delicious Italian food," particularly highlighting the Bolognese and Funghi pizza as standout dishes. The restaurant's dedication to freshness is evident, using seasonal ingredients that bring "inventive flavors" to every dish. Reviewers consistently mention the welcoming staff and vibrant ambiance, making it a favorite in Austin for those seeking an authentic and innovative Italian meal. Whether it's the hand-crafted cocktails or the praised Italian doughnuts, North Italia delivers an unforgettable dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Antoinette
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We love coming to red Ash. The food in the service are always great. We had the pleasure of having Brandy serve us. She was the best.
    More info
    Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.9
  • Juston
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The experience was great! Best italian restaurant in Austin!
    More info
    JuniperPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
    •
    4.7
  • Tyler
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I could not be happier with our many experiences at Sammie’s. The food is consistently fantastic, the service is incredible and the atmosphere is so fun! It’s always a treat to come here and cannot wait to come back!
    More info
    Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Marcellevip
    New York City •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food is tasty, innovative, and rich (option for smaller portions for the pastas). The service is friendly and attentive but not intrusive. The restaurant is busy and not quiet, but the room in the front on the left is good for smaller parties of 4-7 because you can still have conversation above the background noise. This is my third visit to Vespaio, and I plan to return for their fresh, rich, innovative Italian dishes. Note: the entree sizes are huge and shareable.
    More info
    Vespaio AustinPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Carla
    Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Exceptional as always. The oysters were great and bread additive. Steak was perfect, Billion Dollar potato always very good. Husband enjoyed his salmon. Service by Josh was on spot on. What a delightful person. Celebrated a birthday with this thoughtful dessert. Just right after a full meal.
    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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