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Best Italian Restaurants in East Austin

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Il Brutto restaurant
1. 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 Red Ash Italia restaurant
2. Red Ash Italia
4.9
Exceptional(3833)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 113 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
3. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1415)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 61 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 Juniper restaurant
4. 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 Intero restaurant
5. 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 Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
6. Dean's Italian Steakhouse
4.8
Exceptional(1290)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 46 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 Poeta restaurant
7. Poeta
4.6
Exceptional(349)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 27 times today
Nestled in the heart of East Austin, Poeta redefines Contemporary Italian cuisine with its artistic flair and exquisite dishes that make each meal feel like a poetic expression. Patrons are consistently impressed, describing the atmosphere as "charming and very insightful," complementing the "superb" food. With its modern twist on Italian classics, the restaurant boasts a menu that features standout dishes like gluten-free pasta, described as "incredible" by guests with Celiac disease, and a branzino that's rated as one of the best. The service at Poeta matches the quality of its dishes, with staff members receiving high praise for their friendly and knowledgeable approach. Whether it's the "life-changing" avo bruschetta or the creatively presented wafflegato, Poeta promises a memorable dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.
A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant
8. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria
4.7
Exceptional(1462)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria in downtown Austin stands out not just for its exceptional Italian cuisine but also for its impressive wine bar, which splendidly showcases Italy's diverse wine regions. Nestled in a historic 1876 building, this family-run gem offers a cozy bar atmosphere where guests can indulge in meticulously chosen wines that beautifully complement their authentic Italian meals. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and selection, noting, "the wine was excellent—a Nero D'Avola," and celebrating the overall dining experience as "delicious, with yummy wine too!" This spot is a must-visit for both wine connoisseurs and lovers of genuine Italian fare, making every visit a delightful journey through the tastes of Italy.
A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant
9. 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.
A photo of Vespaio Austin restaurant
10. 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.

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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
  • Nicole
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Sitting at the bar, both bartenders took amazing care. The wine recommendations, the added dinner digestives, and the overall guidance through the menu made this an exceptional experience. Thank you to the manager Erik and to the incredible team for the recommendations on the heirloom tomatoes and pizza bread, followed by an incredible lasagna. But the after dinner amaros brought this experience from a 8 to a 10. Shout out Juan for introducing us to this place and continuing to bring exceptional service.
    More info
    Il BruttoPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
    •
    4.6
  • Nic
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    My wife and I just had the best meal for her birthday. We were led to the table by the friendliest staff and then served by a wonderfully personable waitress. She had insightful recommendations as well as knowing ingredients I hadn't heard of. And she seemed genuinely excited to tell us the dishes she enjoyed as well as regularly checking in on us. The focaccia and ricotta cheese with honey was light and delicious. I had two cocktails that tasted complex and great. Better Idols and the Pomona were both lightly sweet, like I like. I had the Wagyu NY strip with Polenta. It was a great cut of meat cooked medium rare with every bite being a satisfying velvet texture. But the star for me was the polenta. It had a great subtle flavor behind a very pronounced buttery taste. The texture was great. I hoped that I would be hungry enough to eat all of it because it tasted so good. And for dessert, we shared a delightful brown butter cake with cinnamon gelato. A terrific end to a terrific night.
    More info
    InteroPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
    •
    4.8

Discover best Italian restaurants in East Austin

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in the heart of East Austin, a burgeoning hub for food lovers seeking authentic and innovative dining experiences. Italian restaurants in this vibrant area of Austin offer a delightful blend of traditional Italian flavors fused with local Texan influences, creating unique and memorable dishes that cater to a variety of palates. From the rustic, farm-to-table offerings that showcase locally sourced ingredients to the creative culinary techniques that bring out the depth of Italian cooking, each restaurant serves up a distinct taste of Italy. The dining scene in East Austin is renowned for its diversity and quality, with Italian eateries standing out for their commitment to authenticity and excellence. These establishments are celebrated not only for their exquisite menus but also for their inviting atmospheres, combining elegant interiors with warm, friendly service. Whether you're in the mood for a classic pasta dish, a gourmet vegan Italian feast, or a fine dining experience with expertly paired wines, East Austin's Italian restaurants promise an enchanting culinary journey. Each dining spot contributes to the lively culinary culture of the area, making East Austin a must-visit destination for anyone craving the flavors of Italy in Texas. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, innovative recipes, and impeccable service, these restaurants offer a truly spectacular dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.

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