Austin's culinary scene is booming, and Italian food holds a significant place within its diverse landscape. Pasta, in particular, enjoys immense popularity, with restaurants offering everything from classic Italian-American fare to inventive modern takes. This comprehensive guide explores the top 27 pasta restaurants in Austin, categorized for easier navigation and discovery. Whether you crave rich, creamy sauces or crave lighter, fresher options, this list has something for every pasta lover.
Finding Your Perfect Pasta Dish: Categories to Explore
To help you navigate Austin's extensive pasta scene, we've categorized our top picks:
Classic Italian-American:
These restaurants offer comforting, familiar pasta dishes that evoke the warmth and simplicity of traditional Italian-American cooking. Expect hearty portions and satisfying flavors.
- 1. Via 313: While known for its Detroit-style pizza, Via 313 also serves up surprisingly delicious pasta dishes, especially their rotating specials.
- 2. Josephine House: This elegant restaurant offers a refined take on classic Italian-American pasta dishes, using high-quality ingredients and impeccable technique.
- 3. Odd Duck: This farm-to-table establishment features seasonal pasta dishes that change regularly, showcasing the freshest ingredients available.
Modern Italian:
These establishments showcase innovative twists on traditional pasta recipes, employing modern techniques and global influences. Expect unique flavor combinations and elegant presentations.
- 4. Oddfellows: Oddfellows is known for its creative pasta dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable.
- 5. Emmer & Rye: This acclaimed restaurant uses creative flour blends in their pasta and unique sauce combinations.
- 6. Uchi: While primarily a sushi restaurant, Uchi features a special pasta dish that is not to be missed.
Casual & Affordable:
These restaurants provide excellent pasta at accessible price points, perfect for a casual meal or a weeknight dinner.
- 7. Home Slice Pizza: This beloved pizzeria boasts a satisfying selection of pasta dishes to compliment their pizzas.
- 8. Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Beyond their famous burgers, Hopdoddy provides a selection of satisfying pasta choices.
- 9. Pinthouse Pizza: This Austin brewery features delicious and affordable pasta alongside their craft beers.
Upscale Italian:
These restaurants offer an elevated Italian dining experience, with exquisite pasta dishes prepared with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail.
- 10. La Piazza Ristorante: This sophisticated restaurant serves up authentic Italian pasta dishes, with a range of traditional sauces and preparations.
- 11. Juliet Italian Kitchen: Juliet Italian Kitchen provides a refined dining experience that features a wide selection of expertly prepared pasta.
- 12. Fonda San Miguel: While primarily a Mexican restaurant, Fonda San Miguel offers surprisingly delightful Italian-inspired pasta dishes.
Exploring Diverse Pasta Styles
Austin's pasta restaurants offer a wide array of styles, each with its own unique character.
Fresh Pasta:
Many establishments specialize in fresh pasta, made daily in-house. This results in a superior texture and flavor compared to dried pasta.
- 13. Pasta By Hand: This restaurant highlights house-made pastas in various shapes and sauces.
- 14. Sagra: Sagra is known for its fresh pasta dishes, showcasing regional Italian styles.
- 15. Enoteca Vespaio: This upscale Italian restaurant emphasizes fresh pasta made with exceptional ingredients.
Filled Pasta:
Ravioli, tortellini, and other filled pasta variations offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
- 16. Olamaie: Olamaie's menu features expertly crafted filled pasta dishes with regional Italian influences.
- 17. June's All Day: June's offers unique and flavorful filled pasta dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
- 18. Elizabeth Street Cafe: While specializing in Vietnamese cuisine, Elizabeth Street offers a notable filled pasta dish that blends cultures.
Regional Italian Specialties:
Several restaurants highlight specific regional Italian pasta traditions, offering a taste of Italy's diverse culinary heritage.
- 19. Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden: This lively spot offers classic German fare but includes some excellent pasta dishes.
- 20. Azul: This fine-dining restaurant features a daily pasta special that showcases seasonal ingredients.
- 21. Mattie's at Green Pastures: This upscale restaurant often incorporates pasta into their tasting menus.
Beyond the Classics: Unique Pasta Experiences
- 22. Dai Due: This farm-to-table restaurant showcases unique and unexpected pasta creations that change with the seasons.
- 23. Launderette: Launderette's modern menu features innovative pasta dishes that are both visually striking and delicious.
- 24. Justine's Brasserie: This upscale French restaurant occasionally features high-quality pasta dishes alongside its French specialties.
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites
- 25. The Peached Tortilla: While a fusion restaurant, The Peached Tortilla has surprisingly excellent pasta dishes.
- 26. Contigo: Contigo offers outdoor dining and a laid-back atmosphere, with well-executed pasta options.
- 27. Carillon: This fine-dining establishment incorporates pasta into its seasonal menus, showcasing fresh, local ingredients.
This list serves as a starting point for your Austin pasta adventures. Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and reservations, especially for the more popular establishments. Buon appetito!
