Ready to indulge in the best pasta in Austin?
Guest article by Ashley Alkek
Pasta. Arguably the greatest creation involving flour, water and eggs. There are literally thousands of ways to prepare and enjoy each flavorful shape.
Some talented folks in the Austin culinary community are serving up dishes that are designed to rip you away from reality and into a glorious food coma. Here is a handful of restaurants to check out around town!
Best Pasta in Austin
1/ Enoteca Vespaio
Lasagna Alla Bolognese at Vespaio (Credit: Alan Lazarus)
Located in the heart of South Congress, one might expect Enoteca Vespaio to feel rushed. Quite the opposite, it turns out. They’ve got all the elements of a solid Italian restaurant: handmade pasta, freshly-baked bread with olive oil to dip and wine for days.
I ordered the Tagliatelle con Funghi, beautifully made with spinach, truffled crema, button mushrooms and parmigiano reggiano. Needless to say, I cleaned the plate.
1610 S. Congress Ave. – Website
2/ La Traviata
Wowzers. La Traviata has it going on when it comes to the pasta department. This charming Italian bistro has some of the most wonderful flavor combinations. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Fettucini con Funghi were insane.
I would recommend going with at least one other person, so you can order a variety of dishes and share the goodness. La Traviata refers to the three-act opera from the 19th century, so don’t be in a hurry to finish this meal.
314 Congress Ave. – Website
3/ Mandola’s Italian Kitchen
Mandola’s is an authentic Italian grocery and eatery with great food, bustling atmosphere and warm hospitality. They are famous for their spaghetti and meatballs, caprese and the mista salad. Also, remember to check out their vegetarian options. Pictured above is the Spaghettini Ortolano.
4 locations in the Austin area – Website
Other Austin Pasta Joints to Try
Word on the street is these restaurants are also making amazing pasta dishes:
- Patrizi’s (food truck at Vortex Theatre)
- Asti
- Juniper
- North Italia
- Olive & June
- Italic
- Osteria Pronto
- Andiamo Ristorante
- 360 Uno
- Il Forte
- Vino Vino
Go forth and try them out! As the famous Italian film director, Federico Fellini, wisely said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.”
Check out our post on the Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Austin
