Best Italian Restaurants in Barton Creek

27 restaurants available nearby

1. Laurel

3.8

Excellent(133)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Austin / Westlake

Booked 8 times today

At the heart of West Lake Hills in Austin, Laurel stands out not just for its authentic coastal Italian cuisine but also for its exceptional cocktail bar. Nestled in the scenic Hotel Viata, Laurel offers a cocktail experience that is both innovative and delightful. Guests rave about the handcrafted cocktails, curated by expert mixologists, which perfectly complement the flavors of Italy. One guest exclaimed, "The cocktails were delicious," emphasizing the quality and creativity behind each concoction. Whether it's during the vibrant happy hour or a serene dinner under the stars, Laurel's cocktail bar crafts an atmospheric charm that invites both locals and travelers to indulge in beautifully mixed drinks, making every visit a memorable one.

2. Red Ash Italia

4.9

Exceptional(3833)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 112 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.

3. Sammie's Italian

4.8

Exceptional(1415)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 58 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 Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant

4. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

4.8

Exceptional(1290)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 48 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.

5. Juniper

4.7

Exceptional(2651)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 27 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant

9. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

4.6

Exceptional(1690)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 46 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 Taverna - Downtown Austin restaurant

10. Taverna - Downtown Austin

4.6

Exceptional(1155)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Taverna in Downtown Austin is a beacon of authentic Italian cuisine, offering a delightful neighborhood bistro vibe perfect for both casual meals and special celebrations. Diners rave about the "homemade pasta" and the "risotto topped with parmesan and black truffle cream sauce," highlighting the mastery of traditional Italian flavors. The restaurant's "risotteria" section is a testament to its authenticity, making it a standout choice for anyone seeking genuine Italian dishes. Patrons often applaud the service and ambiance, noting that Taverna is their go-to spot in Austin for Italian fare. As one glowing review puts it, "Truly one of the best meals we’ve had in a while," emphasizing the consistent quality and inviting atmosphere of Taverna. Whether you're enjoying a meal on the scenic wraparound patio or indulging in a brunch with $3 bellinis, Taverna promises an exceptional Italian dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
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.
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Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.9
T
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!
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Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.8
N
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.
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Il BruttoPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.6
C
Carla
Chicago / Illinois •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Exceptional as always. The oysters were great and bread additive. Steak was perfect, Billion Dollar potato always very good. Husband enjoyed his salmon. Service by Josh was on spot on. What a delightful person. Celebrated a birthday with this thoughtful dessert. Just right after a full meal.
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Dean's Italian SteakhousePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
A
Annaleevip
Houston •28 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 26, 2024
If you are staying at the hotel, definitely eat at Laurel. The outside setting is beautiful the cocktails are delicious and we really enjoyed the charcuterie board. We also had octopus that was really good, salmon, shrimp scampi, and the duck. I thought everything was a little too expensive but that’s just me. A $25 glass of wine that was yummy but was still $25.
More info
LaurelPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Austin / Westlake
•
3.8

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Barton Creek

Italian

Best Italian Restaurants in Barton Creek

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27 restaurants available nearby

1. Laurel

2. Red Ash Italia

3. Sammie's Italian

4. Dean's Italian Steakhouse

5. Juniper

6. Il Brutto

7. Intero

8. Vespaio Austin

9. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

10. Taverna - Downtown Austin

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