Best Italian in Austin

[Hook-ah]

I am dying for some good ol' Italian food! I want something other than Romeo's and I'm a firm believer in the "Keep Austin Weird" mantra. Gimme some suggestions!

 

[whickums]

I've heard Carmelo's is good. Personally, I LOVE Johnny Carino's, and I really enjoyed Carrabbas when I tried it for the first time. I also went to Mezzaluna last year and it was good as well.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

anyone who lists Johnny Carino's in the context of 'Best or even good Italian food' should never ever give dining advice again. Ever.

decent Italian places in Austin:
Vespaio
Bellagio
Siena
La Traviata
Reale's
Cafe Spiazzo (hit or miss)
Ciola's (in Lakeway, though)

 

[111]

I vote for Sienna. also a new place in Lakeway to check out is Rocco's grill. He basically built Lakeway and now he opens a rest.

 

[Campus Loop(y)]

If you are on campus, go to Nikki's pizza in the Dobie. Their other stuff like Manicotti, Lasagna and Calzone's are not bad. The price is good for what you get. It is not deluxe but it is better than alot of places in town that cost more. Plus, it is fast. Not the best but good.

 

[horn4life]

Try Vespio's on South Congress

if you want a high end dining experience try Sienna for atmosohere. I have heard mixed reviews on bellagio. Ate at reale's toningt and it was OK but not smoking good.

 

[Hook-ah]

I've been to Vespiao (Thank God they finally put their name on the front of the restaurant), Basil's, and Tree House. But the last time I had some Italian worth writing home or on hornfans about, was in San Antonio at this little hole in wall place called Fratelli's. Damn it was good! It was a true hole in the wall as far as atmosphere, but the meal made up for it by far! Has anyone been there? If so, what is most like that here in Austin?

 

[whickums]

In my defense,
Johnny Carino's always sticks in my head because they have the best tiramisu I've ever had.

 

[Texas Horn]

Bellagio is outstanding food. And Chris Simms voted it his favorite in Austin; most authentic marinara.

 

[FluffyToo]

I like the Hill Country Pasta House on 620 near Lakeway. Good Italian food in my opinion, worth the little extra drive out to the Lake.

Hook em

 

[crayon1973]

Vespaio is easily the best in Austin.

Fat Bastard prefers Buca De Bepo, but thats just him...

 

[RoysLeftAnkle]

Probably your best bet is to get in your car and drive north to Dallas or south to Houston.

 

[Professor Booty]

I would suggest heading east if you want to get to houston.

 

[utexas_61]

My girlfriend loves Johny Carinos, but Ive never been. What does everybody have against Romeo's. Ive only been there once and got some kind of Chipolte? Pasta stuff and it was really good.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

Johnny Carino's is ****.

 

[Texas Horn]

I can't believe Johnny Carino's got a nod on a thread of this title.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

In reply to:

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[wherzwaldo]

Romeo's?

 

[orangedragon]

fazolis because its less than half the price and still tastes good.

 

[jshorns03]

What's the best for someone looking to get out for about 15 per person?

Right now I usually go to Carraba's or Vinny's (I think that's the place on Barton Springs...) and can get out for about 10 bucks a piece.

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

The last time I went to Carraba's, I ordered whatever the "special" ravioli was. When it arrived, the ravioli was still partially frozen on the inside. I prefer places that don't just heat up frozen food.

 

[1990txgirl]

My favorite Italian place without a doubt is Asti Trattoria in Hyde Park (near Julio's). It's a locally owned neighborhood place with a relaxed atmosphere and great food. A top notch value.

Great: Vespaio, Carmelo's
Good: Siena, Basil's (romantic, too!)
Okay: Romeo's, Carraba's, Buca di Beppo
Don't bother: Mezzaluna, Johnny Carino's and the absolute worst--Romano's Macaroni Grill. Blech.

 

[Jeremiah]

Does anybody like Paggi House?

I've lived near this place for eight years and never eaten there and know no one who has or knows anything about it. It's sort of high end but even of that I am not sure. Anyone got a review? Is it even Italian food?

 

[theropods]

Vinny's absolutely sucks. The food is very marginal and there are people still waiting on their tab from last month. Vespaio's is awesome, but noone should go there. That will make the wait too long.

 

[1990txgirl]

Paggi House is continental food, not Italian. Good, not great; good service and charming atmosphere. You should give it a try.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

agreed

 

[1990txgirl]

Oh yeah, I second unpainted's suggestion of Reale's. That's a great neighborhood place.

 

[horn wiz]

has anyone ever tried "piccolo"?
little place @ 29th and essentially guadalupe.
it's about $10 a plate, but the owner is straight from italy and does great work.
although it's a sit down, relatively nice place, it's definitely not a carmelo's or romeo's type place.
good seafood pasta dishes.

-wiz

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

i really like Piccolo's. All things considered...price, taste, decor, service...it's a great place. Not excellent Italian by any means, but a nice low key date place that you can't go too wrong with.

 

[D_Wreck11]

Bellagio is my favorite. The calamari is outstanding! And the pasta is served al dente, like it's supposed to be. Looks snooty when you walk in, but the bartender is funny and laid back, the staff is friendly, and they give you quite a bit of food for the price. Vespaio's is my 2nd favorite.