Oh, pasta! We can count on you for a meal that makes everyone in the family happy. Italians know a thing or two about delicious, hearty comfort food. So where’s the best Italian food in Austin? We’ve rounded up some of our family-friendly favorites for homemade pasta, zesty pestos and red sauces, warm breadsticks, and more. Mangia!
— Juliet Italian Kitchen
Everything at Juliet’s two Austin locations is made from scratch to perfection. They have an outdoor patio, a daily happy hour menu, and can accommodate large parties. Try the butter lettuce salad with its perfect dressing, and the spicy rigatoni alla vodka. See all their delicious menus here.
— L’Oca D’Oro
Located just steps from family hot spots, Thinkery, and Mueller Lake Park, this authentic Italian spot is a great place to pop in pre or post-playtime. Relax with a glass of vino and your choice of dishes like spaghetti carbonara, rigatoni, and more. They also have 1/2 off all pastas for happy hour every day from 5-6 pm. Get more info here.
— Patrizi’s
Two Locations Here
Patrizi’s food is SO good. We’re talking homemade Italian fare, a cozy atmosphere, and affordable prices. We recommend their garlic bread fully knowing it’s still on our breath a few days later because it’s so worth it. Plus, Patrizi’s on Manor has covered outdoor seating space and is an Austin gem (and a food truck!)
— Cannone Cucina Italiana
Another delicious and casual food truck option for the family is located just down the street from Zilker Park at the Picnic at Barton Springs food truck area. Try the housemade gnocchi, or the focaccia with fresh homemade pork and beef meatballs with parmesan cheese.
— Mandolas Italian Market
Mandola’s offers an authentic Italian grocery store as well as a fast-casual ristorante with four locations in the Austin area. The vast menu offers delicious pizza, pasta, salads, warm focaccia, and a great selection of desserts. Kids love it because they can get a free scoop of gelato after their meal. The Cedar Park location has a playscape on site, and the Triangle, Bee Cave, and Arbor Trails locations all have a nearby play area as well as bocce courts the whole family can enjoy.
— Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar
Located in the Rosedale neighborhood of north-central Austin, Gusto Italian Kitchen offers dishes from hand-formed pizzas, salads, pressed panini, fresh pasta, and entrees featuring local farm-raised meats. Take the kids on Sunday night for Family Night, from 4-10 pm when children can select an item off the kids’ menu for free, with the purchase of an adult entrée.
— Trattoria Lisina
Travel south to Dripping Springs where you’ll feel like you’re worlds away at Trattoria Lisina, situated in a Tuscan-inspired setting that even includes a playscape and a neighboring winery with a large open yard for spreading out and playing lawn games. Check out a daily ravioli special along with a wide variety of Italian dishes.
— Olive & June
With a more formal flair, Olive & June is suited for a special family occasion, like Grandma’s birthday, a graduation, or another celebratory occasion. Their Italian cuisine has an emphasis on handmade pasta made in-house, daily. Check out the menu and specials here.
— Home Slice Pizza – North Loop
While we aren’t diving into the giant list of Pizza Places in Austin right now, we just can’t share a list of Italian favorites without including Home Slice. We love the North Loop location’s outdoor patio with a children’s play area that’s equipped with a unique space to run off some wiggles and play some games of cornhole with mom and dad! Kids are offered a big ball of dough to play with before the meal to keep those little hands busy at the table. Beyond their famous New York-style pizza, the menu includes thick Sicilian-style pie, chicken wings, calzones, salads, and more.
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