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What is Austin known for besides being the capital of Texas?
- Austin may be the capital of Texas, but it is known for much more than its place as the state’s seat of government. The town hosts world-famous festivals such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits.
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What is Austin’s food scene like?
- Austin has a growing foodie scene, which includes a broad array of Italian restaurants and bistros.
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What types of Italian dining experiences are available in Austin?
- These range from trendy boutique cafes with interesting decor and experimental cuisine to family-owned restaurants that have been neighborhood staples for decades.
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Do Italian restaurants in Austin offer outdoor dining?
- In addition to offering top-notch cuisine, many have comfortable interiors and even outdoor patio spaces for open-air dining.
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1. Andiamo Ristorante
Savor classic Italian dishes and enjoy a romantic dinner in a cozy setting.
Andiamo Ristorante is a North Austin establishment run by Naples, Italy native Daniela Marcone. The restaurant prides itself on the authenticity of its dishes, which capture Italian flavors as they exist in the Mediterranean country itself. The trendy venue has a shabby chic décor and has both lunch and dinner services, with menus including antipasti, salads, first-course dishes such as pasta, and of course, main course and dessert offerings. Andiamo sets itself apart from other nearby venues with its many special events. The restaurant hosts wine dinners, “meatless Mondays,” and champagne tastings for singles, all of which occur on a regular basis.
2521 Rutland Drive, Austin TX 78758, Phone: 512-719-3377
2. Juliet Ristorante
Taste refined flavors and admire elegant décor on a stylish couples night out.
Conveniently located right on Barton Springs in central Austin, Juliet Ristorante has a neighborhood eatery feel while offering the excellence of a fine dining establishment. The restaurant has both an indoor seating area and an outdoor patio space tucked under the lush greenery of this part of the city. Juliet also has a wide marble bar where guests can enjoy a meal or gather for happy hour, which includes specials on the restaurant’s beer, wine, and artisanal cocktail selections. On the menu for lunch or dinner are pizzas, pastas, full entrees, and dedicated cheese and olive oil plates served with homemade bread.
1500 Barton Springs, Austin, TX 78704, Phone: 512-479-1800
3. Mandola's Italian
Order hearty pasta and enjoy a fun family meal in a lively space.
MMandola's Italian represents the true spirit of a local Italian grocery and eatery. Owners Damian and Trina Mandola themselves hail from the Mediterranean peninsula and do their best to bring the Italian atmosphere to the Texas heartland. This multifunctional space combines a restaurant, grocery store, deli, bakery, and café all into one, delivering quality in all these areas. Mandola’s Italian is family friendly and has a specialized kids’ menu for the little ones. Its wide-ranging menu includes every Italian dish imaginable, including of course, pizzas, pastas, and paninis. Customers can even indulge in Mandola’s pizzas at their events as well, as the market has a pizza oven on wheels that can be rented for parties.
4301 W William Cannon Dr E-1, Austin, TX 78749, Phone: 512-524-2222
4. North Italia
Share fresh plates and explore modern Italian flavors on a weekend outing.
North Italia is a reputable chain of Italian restaurants spanning five different states. Its owners commit to creating flavorful, fresh Italian dishes that include handmade pizzas and pastas. Austin’s North Italia is open every day for lunch and dinner and has happy hours on weekdays excluding Fridays. The fun, rustic-inspired space is a welcoming venue perfect for both families with children and gatherings of friends. In addition to pastas and pizzas, North Italia also incorporates small plates, traditional mains, and salads into its menu. The restaurant has an exquisite selection of desserts to be enjoyed over an espresso or digestif.
11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 124, Austin, Texas 78758, Phone: 512-339-4400
5. Numero28
Bite into wood-fired pizza and enjoy a quick, affordable Italian lunch.
Numero28 is a bistro dishing out southern Italian fare in bustling downtown Austin. Eschewing all things snobbish, this restaurant masterfully creates wood-fired pizzas, tasty paninis, hearty sandwiches, and other filling dishes from the Italian repertoire. Numero28 has an extensive pizza menu that dwarfs those of other venues in the city, and it also features a specialized taglieri selection from which customers can create their own meat and cheese plate. Also on the menu are other Sicilian specialties that make use of ingredients specific to the region. In addition to its main dining room, Numero28 has an outdoor patio that looks out onto one of Austin’s most happening streets.
452 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701, Phone: 512-494-5510
6. Olive & June
Dine under twinkling lights and savor a romantic evening of Italian favorites.
Olive & June is a newcomer to the Austin Italian food scene, having opened its doors not long ago in 2012. The focus of this restaurant is on a simple, yet important feature—pasta made fresh in house every single day. The venue grows outward from this concept to deliver fresh, quality Italian food to its customers. Olive & June has four separate dining areas in its Austin location, which is surrounded by a large, stunning oak tree for a romantic, homey feel. The venue serves dinner, including a chef’s special Sunday dinner service, and it has a happy hour. Olive & June has a wide selection of grappas, amaris, and Italian wines.
3411 Glenview Ave., Austin, TX 78703, Phone: 512-467-9898
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