---

---

Best Italian Restaurant in Austin

Austin’s Italian dining scene balances classic comfort with modern flair: handmade pasta, well-crafted pizza, and ingredient-driven menus that suit everything from quiet nights to big celebrations. This guide highlights consistent local favorites and clarifies which to choose for a particular mood: date night, family dinner, or a relaxed bite with friends. Expect plenty of pasta, pizza, macaroni-style shapes, and pairings that shine with red wine.

Asti Trattoria

A Hyde Park neighborhood gem known for housemade pasta, clean flavors, and a relaxed, intimate vibe. The al dente precision stands out, and the compact menu makes choosing easy. It’s a dependable choice for a low-key evening or a simple date night with a glass of red wine and a comforting bowl of pasta.

What to order: Rigatoni all’amatriciana or a seasonal pasta; A by-the-glass red wine to complement tomato-forward sauces.

Best for: Cozy nights, solo bar bites, and weeknight pasta cravings.

L’Oca d’Oro

A modern, seasonal take on Italian dining with a strong commitment to local ingredients. Expect housemade bread, cheeses, and pasta with peak-produce finesse rather than heavy red sauce. The experience is thoughtful yet welcoming, ideal for diners seeking a lighter, refined expression of Italian cuisine.

What to order: Seasonal pasta and housemade cheeses; A balanced red wine that flatters delicate, produce-driven dishes.

Best for: Date nights, food-focused outings, and celebratory yet understated dinners.

Patrizi’s

Casual, handmade pasta with serious comfort-factor roots. Whether at a patio seat or a buzzy counter, the joy is in the simplicity: freshly extruded noodles, classic sauces, and generous portions that scratch every pasta itch.

What to order: Cacio e pepe, red-sauce rigatoni, or a rotating special; A crisp salad and shareables for a friendly group spread.

Best for: Laid-back hangs, group nights, and fast, satisfying pasta.

Cipollina

A cozy, bistro-style spot that bridges pizza and pasta in a welcoming neighborhood setting. The menu is approachable, making it easy to split a pie, a pasta, and a bottle at a comfortable pace.

What to order: Margherita or seasonal pizza and a mid-weight pasta; A light-bodied red wine to pair with herb-forward sauces.

Best for: Casual dinners, mixed pizza-and-pasta cravings, and relaxed meetups.

Sammie’s Italian

An ode to classic Italian-American red-sauce dining — think booths, martinis, and big-hearted portions. The energy is celebratory, the plates are nostalgic, and the pasta is made in-house. Come ready for lasagna, chicken parm, and spaghetti with meatballs.

What to order: Lasagna, rigatoni bolognese, chicken parm; A bold red wine or a classic cocktail to match the mood.

Best for: Birthday dinners, group celebrations, and nights craving comfort and nostalgia.

Red Ash

A destination for wood-fired intensity: pasta, steaks, and seafood kissed by live flame. It’s a power-dinner setting where the table can split saucy noodles and serious mains in one sitting. Expect rich flavors that pair beautifully with robust red wine.

What to order: Wood-fired pasta and a grilled main to share; A structured red wine to stand up to the smoke and char.

Best for: Special occasions, business dinners, and big nights out.

Il Brutto

Lively, versatile, and East Side cool, with handmade pasta and pizza that leans Neapolitan in spirit. It’s as good for a group as it is for a date, and the menu delivers crowd-pleasers without sacrificing craft.

What to order: Margherita or a seasonal pie plus a classic pasta; A medium-bodied red wine for tomato-based sauces.

Best for: Mixed groups, shared plates, and evenings that start casual and end celebratory.

How to Choose the Best Italian Restaurant in Austin

• Date night: Asti Trattoria or L’Oca d’Oro for intimate, seasonal plates; Sammie’s for a lively, old-school evening.
• Group dinners: Il Brutto or Patrizi’s for flexible seating, shareable pizza and pasta, and a friendly price range.
• Big celebrations: Red Ash for live-fire drama and destination vibes; Sammie’s for maximalist red-sauce classics.
• Pasta-first cravings: Asti for al dente detail; Patrizi’s for handmade comfort; L’Oca d’Oro for ingredient-led finesse.
• Pizza plus pasta: Il Brutto and Cipollina deliver both — great when the table wants variety.

What will pleasantly surprise you among the dishes: Pasta, Pizza and Pairings

• Pasta: From amatriciana and bolognese to cacio e pepe, Austin’s scene covers both rustic comfort and refined, seasonal plates.
• Pizza: Build a meal around a margherita or a rotating seasonal pie, then share a pasta to compare textures and sauces.
• Comfort cravings: Baked al forno dishes echo the cozy vibe of mac and cheese—creamy, bubbling, and perfect with a peppery salad.
• Wine: A versatile red wine—Sangiovese, Barbera, or Montepulciano — will flatter tomato-based sauces and wood-fired flavors.

Wine Pairings That Make Italian Classics Shine

A well-chosen Italian red can elevate everything on the table, and most of these restaurants make it easy to explore by the glass before committing to a bottle. For tomato-driven pizza and pasta, reach for Sangiovese (including Chianti Classico) or Montepulciano for bright acidity that cuts through sauce and cheese.

With richer, wood-fired mains or baked al forno dishes reminiscent of mac and cheese, a structured Barbera or a silky Nebbiolo adds depth without overwhelming the palate. If leaning into seafood pastas or vegetable-forward plates, medium-bodied reds with gentle tannins, or even a chillable Lambrusco — keep flavors lively and refreshing. Each of the spots in this guide curates thoughtful lists with approachable pours, so it’s easy to taste, compare, and find a pairing that makes the pasta, pizza, and sauces sing.

Keep Exploring Austin’s Food Scene

• For a flavor detour, broaden horizons with indian restaurants Austin.
• Love tacos and pozole? Dive into mexican food Austin.
• Craving casual variety? Check out Austin food trucks.
• Pizza-focused night? Start with the best pizza in Austin.
• Planning a romantic evening? Browse the best date night restaurants in Austin.
• Feeling lighter? Explore healthy food Austin.

Conclusion

Find your perfect table tonight. Install the Loca app and read real reviews from other diners — discover the best local restaurants near you, including the best Italian restaurant in Austin.

---