A taste of Europe has just landed in Downtown Austin, where the new Gina's on Congress has flung open its doors at the historic 314 Congress Avenue—a site with a storied past including past lives as a jail, brothel, and most recently the Italian restaurant La Traviata. According to Austin Eater, Gina’s welcomed its first guests on December 9, ready to offer a blend of French and Italian culinary delights, from house-made mafaldine with mushrooms to seafood platters of mussels and frites, not to mention signature cocktails and a selection of wines and espresso drinks.
Restaurant aficionados will find comfort in Gina's diverse menu, with steak tartare paired with quail eggs and a veal chop amongst meat offerings, and desserts like affogato and cannoli poised to satiate sweet tooths. Meanwhile, the bar promises a vibrant atmosphere with cocktail creations including 'It’s Raining in My Champagne' and 'Kiss Kiss', as well as seven types of Negronis on the menu. The bistro not only takes its name from the Italian word for "queen" but also nods to Gina Lollobrigida, a famed Italian actress, as detailed in an article by What Now Austin, illustrating the dual inspiration behind the new establishment's identity as a nod to Italian royalty and celebrity.
The brainchild of Flavor Hospitality Group, Gina's culinary operations are under the leadership of Executive Chef Jason Tallent, previously at the helm of Gràcia and Clarksville’s Cipollina. The group, renowned for its other ventures, including Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar and Gràcia Mediterranean, has eyes set on expanding the bistro's services, with plans to add lunch and brunch in January 2024. "I’m excited to be the next steward of this historied address," said Cameron Lockley, the owner of Gina's, in a press release noted by What Now Austin. Lockley reminisced about his times at La Traviata and expressed a desire to perpetuate the legacy of warm hospitality and delectable culinary experiences.
Meanwhile, the original La Traviata has not been forgotten, as its owner, Marion Gillcrist, plans to take the cherished eatery to a new home in South Austin while maintaining its sister establishment, 68 Degrees. The buzz around Gina's is growing, with its neatly curated dinner times currently set from 4 to 10 p.m. daily, as per Austin Eater. With its proximity to hotels, offices, theaters, and venues, the new eatery aims to become a staple stop for city dwellers and visitors alike, offering a profusion of culture and flavor that Lockley and his team undoubtedly hope will crown Gina's new queen of Congress Avenue's dining scene.
