Austin Italian Restaurants: 10 Best Spots Right Now

Last Updated On – 11th October, 2025

Jump To: Downtown | East | South | North & Central

You don’t need to hop on a plane to taste different flavors. Austin Italian restaurants can transport you to different regions of Italy with their delectable dishes. They’re also great for any occasion– birthdays, family gatherings, and dates. No matter the event, our list will show you the many great Italian restaurants in Austin.

Hungry for more international flavor within Austin? Explore our latest picks for where to eat, sip, and explore around the city.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Additionally, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.

Also, check out our articles on Austin Tacos, Austin BBQ Restaurants, and Late Night Food Austin!

Downtown & 2nd Street District

Red Ash Italia

Red Ash Italia is arguably the best Italian Austin restaurant. Known for its wood-fired specialties, this upscale restaurant serves handmade pastas and prime steaks. You’ll be getting a fusion of fine steakhouse quality with Italian flair. Plus, they have an extensive wine list, giving you a lot of choices that would perfectly pair with your meal.

Must-Try: Tagliolini with Blue Crab Pasta
Price Range: $$$$
Dietary Notes: Has gluten-free and vegetarian options
Reservation Link
Location: Colorado Tower, 303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701
Hours of Operation: Daily 5 pm – 10 pm

Sammie’s Italian

Image credit: Sammie’s Italian Facebook

Sammie’s Italian in Austin is a classic Italian-American “red sauce” restaurant. Their old-school vibe and Italian dishes make it a great spot for date nights.

Must-Try: Mafaldine with Funghi & Tartufo, Sammie’s Lasagna, and the Chicken Parmigiana
Price Range: $$$
Dietary Notes: Accommodating dietary needs
Reservation Link
Location: 807 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Hours of Operation: Sunday & Monday 5 pm – 10 pm | Tuesday & Wednesday 5 pm – 11 pm | Thursday & Saturday 5 pm – 12 am | Friday 12 pm – 12 am

East Austin & Mueller

Il Brutto

Image Credit: Il Brutto FB Page

You can enjoy the Italian food Austin offers at Il Brutto on their big patio. That makes this spot ideal to have a great meal with a big group. Plus, enjoy their happy hour as they offer 50% off on all alcoholic beverages and $18 pizza and pasta at the bar.

Must-Try: Cacio e Pepe, Lamb Ragù & wood-fired Margherita Pizza
Price Range: $$$
Dietary Notes: Accommodating dietary restrictions, particularly for vegetarian and gluten-free diners.
Reservation Link
Location: 1601 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 4 pm – 11 pm | Happy Hour Sunday – Thursday 5 pm – 7 pm & Friday – Saturday 4 pm – 5 pm

Intero

Of the many Italian restaurants in Austin, Intero is proud of its zero-waste approach. Their menu can change as they use seasonal ingredients. This just guarantees its freshness and gives you delicious dishes. They even welcome your furry friends on the patio. During their happy hour, enjoy $2 off all pizzas and small plates, as well as craft cocktails and wine by the glass.

Must-Try: When available, Sourdough Focaccia with House-Made Ricotta and Artisan Chocolates/Truffles
Price Range: $$$
Dietary Notes: Generally accommodating to various dietary needs
Reservation Link
Location: 2612 E Cesar Chavez St, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702
Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 5 pm – 9 pm | Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm | Closed on Monday | Happy Hour: Tuesday – Thursday 5 pm – 6 pm

L’Oca d’Oro

L’Oca d’Oro is an Italian-inspired restaurant that serves house-made pastas. They also use seasonal ingredients, so their menu changes. That just means that you’ll get something different every time you visit. More than that, they have a deep wine program. For happy hour, get 25% off pastas, spritzes, and select bottles of wine.

Must-Try: Any Fresh, Handmade Pasta
Price Range: $$$
Dietary Notes: Generally very accommodating to various dietary restrictions
Reservation Link
Location: 1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
Hours of Operation: Bar & Patio: Tuesday 4 pm – 9:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 4 pm | Happy Hour 4 pm – 6 pm | Dining Room: Wednesday – Thursday & Sunday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 5:30 pm – 10 pm

Juniper

Image Credit: Juniper FB Page

Delicious food and a beautiful setting make for a great evening meal. Juniper leans towards Northern Italian cuisine. And with the intimate dining room, it’s a great place to take your partner for a lovely date.

Must-Try: Cacio e Pepe, Brisket Bolognese, and Grilled Octopus (Pulpo)
Price Range: $$
Dietary Notes: Generally regarded as being accommodating to various dietary restrictions, with many vegetarian options
Reservation Link
Location: 2400 E Cesar Chavez St UNIT 304, Austin, TX 78702
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm

South Austin & SoCo

Vespaio

Image Credit: Vespaio FB Page

Vespaio Restaurante is a long-running icon for handmade pasta & classics. And it’s more than just a Cucina Italiana (Italian kitchen), they also serve specialty cocktails. This cozy spot is perfect for a Sunday brunch. Or, if you want to get dressed up, it makes for the perfect dinner before you hit the streets of Austin.

Must-Try: Lasagna (Lasagna Alla Bolognese) and Pansoti di Zucca
Price Range: $$$
Dietary Notes: Generally accommodating for dietary needs, particularly for vegetarianism and gluten-free
Reservation Link
Location: 1610 S Congress Ave S, Austin, TX 78704
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Monday 5 pm – 10 pm | Tuesday 5 pm – 10:30 pm | Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 6 pm

Juliet Italian Kitchen

Modern and spacious, the Italian restaurant Austin houses is in the heart of Zilker Park. While Italian food can be fancy, this is a more relaxed experience for those who truly just want some Italian food in Austin.

Must-Try: Spicy Rigatoni (alla Vodka) and Duck Confit Ravioli
Price Range: $
Dietary Notes: Has vegetarian and gluten-friendly options, and potential vegan/dairy-free dishes
Reservation Link
Location:1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704, and 10000 Research Blvd, Building C, Austin, TX 78759
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11:30 am – 9 pm | Friday 11:30 am – 10 pm | Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday 11 am – 9 pm

Central & North Austin

Reale’s Italian Cafe

Image credit: Reale’s Italian Cafe’ Facebook

Must-Try: 16″ Cheese Pizza and Meat Lasagna
Price Range: $$
Dietary Notes: Offers a variety of options that can accommodate special dietary needs, particularly for vegetarian and gluten-free diners
Reservation Link
Location: 13450 Research Blvd Ste 230, Austin, TX 78750
Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm | Sunday Closed

North Italia

North Italia is a top Italian Austin restaurant. It has an enjoyable atmosphere for a delicious meal. North Italia uses fresh ingredients to create each meal from scratch, and they also have beautifully crafted cocktails.

Must-Try: Bolognese and Spicy Rigatoni Vodka
Price Range: $$
Dietary Notes: Offers options for vegetarian, gluten-free, and some choices that can be made vegan and dairy-free through modifications
Reservation Link
Location: 500 W 2nd St #120, Austin, TX 78701, and 11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Suite 124, Austin, TX 78758
Hours of Operation: Times vary by location