Indulge on Italian fare at these top Austin eateries

Indulge on Italian fare at these top Austin eateriesPhoto: Red Ash/Yelp
Hoodline
Published on March 24, 2020

In search of a new favorite Italian spot?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best high-end Italian restaurants around Austin, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when cravings strike.

1. Red Ash

Photo: red ash/Yelp

Topping the list is Red Ash. Located at 303 Colorado St. downtown Austin, the upscale restaurant, which offers seafood and tapas, is the highest-rated high-end Italian spot in Austin, boasting 4.5 stars out of 632 reviews on Yelp.

"Chef Carver’s menu features fresh handmade pastas, pristine seafood, locally-sourced prime meats roasted on the wood-burning grill and plancha and an abundance of seasonal fresh vegetables," states the restaurant's website.

Dinner menu highlights include cold water lobster tails, roasted chicken, handmade pastas and aged steaks, and Happy Hour runs from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

2. Gino's Vino Osteria

PHOTO: vonia p./YELP

Next up is RMMA's Gino's Vino Osteria, situated at 1239 E. 51st St. With 4.5 stars out of 347 reviews on Yelp, the Italian restaurant and wine bar has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. 

"Italian cuisine, full bar, extensive wine list and house-created specialty drinks," states the restaurant's Yelp profile. "We also have with great singers on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights."

The menu features classic Italian dishes like stuffed ravioli, risotto pesto with chicken and linguine with white or red clam sauce, as well as soups, salads and sandwiches. 

3. Olive & June

PHOTO: olive & june/YELP

Rosedale's Olive & June, located at 3411 Glenview Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy Italian spot four stars out of 591 reviews.

Yelper Michelle C., who reviewed Olive & June on March 18, wrote, "Olive & June have the best happy hour deal and menu in town. ... I recommend the fritto misto (large platter of fried seafood) and beef carpaccio."

Look for steaks, grilled chicken, roasted striped bass and pastas on the menu. (Check out the calendar of events here.)

4. Vespaio Ristorante

PHOTO: brian w./YELP

Vespaio Ristorante, an Italian spot in Bouldin Creek, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 552 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1610 S. Congress Ave. to see for yourself.

Yelper Lauren M., who reviewed Vespaio Ristorante on March 12, wrote, "This restaurant absolutely floored us. From the service ... to the excellent food - the lasagna is a must try."

The dinner menu features classic Italian dishes like sauteed jumbo Gulf prawns, (imported) linguine with clams, grilled steak and wood-fired pizzas, and there are daily specials served every day.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.