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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Central Austin

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14 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Juniper restaurant
1. Juniper
4.7
Exceptional(2797)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Austin
Booked 32 times today
Juniper in East Austin is a culinary gem that masterfully blends the flavors of Northern Italy with the unique, hyper-seasonal ingredients of Texas. Consistently ranked among the top 10 best restaurants by the Austin American-Statesman, it offers innovative yet comforting Contemporary Italian dishes that delight diners. The restaurant’s “authentic Italian cuisine with impeccable service” has garnered rave reviews, with guests praising its “immaculate” food and the standout cacio e pepe. Juniper’s world-class beverage program, complemented by a special 6-course pre-fixe menu, ensures a dining experience that's both memorable and delicious, making it a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.
A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant
2. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street
4.6
Exceptional(1777)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 60 times today
North Italia on Austin's 2nd Street is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an authentic and inventive dining experience that delights its patrons. With an emphasis on "Italian from scratch," the restaurant excels in crafting handmade pastas and pizzas with seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about the "delicious pasta and salads," and the signature "truffle cheesy garlic bread," which is noted as the "best Italian food appetizer" by enthusiastic guests. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with exceptional service, makes it a standout choice for any occasion. It's no wonder that patrons, charmed by the "stellar service" and "amazingly great food," keep returning to savor the modern Italian flavors.
A photo of L'Oca d'Oro restaurant
3. L'Oca d'Oro
4.7
Exceptional(1601)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • North Central
Booked 6 times today
L'Oca d'Oro in North Central Austin offers a remarkable journey into the heart of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Known for its commitment to a farm-to-table philosophy, each dish "reflects the season" with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that elevate every meal. Patrons rave about their "phenomenal" handmade pastas and cheeses, which showcase the authenticity and creativity of Italian culinary traditions. The restaurant's ever-evolving menu ensures "there's always a new and interesting flavor" to explore, making each visit a delightful surprise. With a warm, welcoming staff and an inviting atmosphere, L'Oca d'Oro is a "gem" in Austin's dining scene, perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Intero restaurant
4. Intero
4.8
Exceptional(1779)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Austin
Booked 52 times today
Intero, situated in the vibrant East Austin, offers a remarkable experience in Contemporary Italian cuisine that consistently delights its patrons. Embracing a genuine farm-to-table philosophy, Intero ensures every dish is crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, epitomizing the heart of Italian cooking with "innovative, yet familiar dishes." The menu is a delightful showcase of seasonal produce, deftly paired with traditional Italian techniques. Diners rave about the "incredible handmade pasta" and the "phenomenal brown butter cake," while the house-made artisan chocolates provide a sweet finale. With exceptional service in a modern casual atmosphere, Intero is a must-visit for any Italian cuisine enthusiast.
A photo of Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs restaurant
5. Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs
4.4
Awesome(1108)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 32 times today
Juliet Italian Kitchen - Barton Springs is a gem in Downtown Austin, offering an exquisite Contemporary Italian dining experience that combines authenticity with a modern twist. Diners rave about the "absolutely delicious" and generously portioned dishes, all crafted from scratch to ensure the freshest flavors. The Chicken Marsala and Pasta de Mare are particular standouts, praised for their outstanding taste. The ambiance, both indoors and on the charming outdoor patio, is warm and welcoming, making every visit feel like a special occasion. With attentive service and a varied menu that includes delightful surprises like complimentary Italian gelato, Juliet Italian Kitchen is a must-visit for true Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Il Brutto restaurant
6. Il Brutto
4.5
Awesome(1701)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Austin
Booked 32 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.
A photo of Revue restaurant
7. Revue
4.2
Awesome(104)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Revue offers a family-style dining experience that showcases locally-sourced ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere. Explore a bountiful menu of shareable Italian favorites and craft cocktails. Named one of the 34 Best Italian Restaurants in America by Thrillist, expect delicious house-made options for all tastes.
A photo of Casa Bianca restaurant
8. Casa Bianca
4.6
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Austin
Booked 17 times today
Named one of Austin Monthly's 2024 Best New Restaurants, Casa Bianca is a full service restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on high quality seafood, handmade pastas, and local ingredients. Executive Chef/Owner Joseph Zoccoli's maximalist take on contemporary Italian-American cuisine presents a new and exciting addition to the Austin culinary landscape. While the flavors and names of Chef Zoccoli's dishes come from his family’s origin in Italy, the forms and techniques he employs are informed by a decade of experience cooking Japanese cuisine. Sporting Bauhaus and Art Deco influenced interior design and centrally located just east of Downtown Austin, Casa Bianca offers reservations for bar, dining room, and al fresco patio dining. *Note for Happy Hour: we have a limited quantity of oysters available for happy hour each day and they are first come first serve until we sell out!
A photo of It's Italian Cucina restaurant
9. It's Italian Cucina
4.8
Exceptional(937)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • South Austin
Booked 5 times today
It's Italian Cucina in South Austin is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its exceptional Northern Italian cuisine. The seafood dishes here are crafted with "fresh ingredients and authentic Italian flavors," ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. One standout dish is the seafood tagliatelle with squid ink sauce, described as "remarkable" by delighted patrons. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of Italy. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with attentive service, enhances the overall experience, promising a delightful culinary journey for all seafood enthusiasts.
A photo of POETA at Swoop House & Garden restaurant
10. POETA at Swoop House & Garden
new
4.8
Exceptional(10)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • East Austin
Booked 15 times today
Escape to the heart of Central East Austin, where a hidden gem awaits at Poeta... This captivating Italian inspired restaurant offers a new Chef's Tasting-Menu each month, crafted by award-winning chefs with seasonality and approachable in mind. Re-established in 2025, and embraced within the inviting, 1930’s historic bungalow “Swoop House”, Poeta exudes rustic charm combined with modern sophistication. From dinner to happy hour, specialty brunches and events, Poeta provides an unforgettable dining experience. Wander through the garden space for extended evening drinks and dessert...Poetry / like food / is meant to be shared. Our words can evoke, comfort, inspire, fulfill, provoke, ultimately adding meaning to our lives and nutrition to our souls. Akin to putting words on a page, bringing ingredients together on a dish is our poetry; the love of preparing and sharing food from the heart is what brings out the poet in us…
‘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.

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