Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Downtown Austin | Upscale Italian Food

10 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Downtown Austin | Upscale Italian Food

• Quattro Gatti Ristorante — Italian · rated 4/5: This intimate Italian sanctuary envelops guests in a warm, amber glow, where the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and hand-kneaded dough drifts from a bustling kitchen. Velvety ribbons of pasta and bold, sun-ripened flavors celebrate the art of the slow meal, inviting diners to lose track of time over shared bottles of wine and soulful, rustic plates.
• Shakespeare's — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into this literary-inspired sanctuary feels like a journey back in time, where dark timber beams and the soft glow of candlelight create an intimate, theatrical atmosphere perfect for spirited conversation. Hearty, soul-warming fare takes center stage, featuring succulent roasts and artisanal ales that invite guests to linger amidst walls lined with classic volumes and old-world charm.
• Via 313 Pizza — Italian: This vibrant eatery pays homage to the Motor City with its signature Detroit-style squares, where airy, thick-crust dough is baked to a crisp and finished with a distinctively caramelized cheese edge. Each pie is a masterclass in texture and flavor, topped with rich stripes of savory sauce and bold ingredients that range from the spicy kick of buffalo chicken to the decadent layers of "The Cadillac." The atmosphere hums with casual energy, inviting guests to pull up a chair and indulge in a soulful dining experience where every bite offers a satisfying crunch and a taste of authentic Midwestern tradition.
• Sammie's — Italian: Brimming with mid-century charm and the lively energy of a bustling dinner party, Sammie’s invites guests into a space where every meal feels like a festive homecoming. Heaping platters are passed hand-to-hand across linen-topped tables, encouraging a communal feast that celebrates the simple, timeless joy of sharing a table with friends and family.
• Arlo Grey — Italian: Arlo Grey unfolds as a sophisticated culinary sanctuary where the elegance of French and Italian traditions meets the vibrant, sun-kissed spirit of Veracruz coastal flavors. The space transitions seamlessly from the morning hum of artisanal Alfred Coffee to an evening of whispered conversations over botanical Cantero cocktails at the chic, glowing lobby bar. Every plate and pour reflects a masterful blend of global artistry, creating an atmosphere that is as effortlessly stylish as it is soulfully inviting.
• Roppolo's Pizza — Italian: This iconic corner haunt pulses with the energy of the city, drawing passersby with the irresistible aroma of garlic-herb crust and bubbling, golden-brown mozzarella. Each hand-stretched slice serves as a crispy, savory tribute to Sicilian heritage, offering a comforting refuge where the simple joy of a perfect fold meets the vibrant spirit of a late-night adventure.
• Favorite Pizza — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with the nostalgic energy of a classic pizzeria, where the warm glow of neon and the irresistible aroma of toasted yeast invite guests to linger. Artisanal pies emerge from the oven with perfectly charred, leopard-spotted crusts and molten layers of premium cheese, elevated by bright, herb-flecked sauces and bold toppings. It is a place where the clink of cold beer bottles and the communal joy of sharing a steaming box of pizza transform a simple meal into a spirited, soulful celebration.
• Red Ash — Italian: Bathed in the warm, amber glow of a custom wood-burning grill, this high-energy Italian eatery captures the soul of craft cooking through the intoxicating scent of charred oak and sizzling prime cuts. The open kitchen serves as a theatrical centerpiece where chefs transform seasonal ingredients into silken handmade pastas and flame-kissed seafood, creating a dining experience that feels both primal and profoundly sophisticated.
• Gina's on Congress — Italian: Bathed in the golden glow of its bustling downtown setting, Gina’s on Congress invites guests into a chic, sun-drenched space where the clinking of cocktail shakers harmonizes with the lively hum of conversation. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into vibrant, Italian-inspired plates, from delicate crudo to bowls of pasta tossed in rich, aromatic sauces that evoke the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether settling into a plush booth for an intimate evening or enjoying a breezy lunch overlooking the street, diners find a sophisticated sanctuary that celebrates the art of slow, soulful eating.
• Via 313 — Italian: Via 313 honors the industrial spirit of the Motor City with its signature square-cut pizzas, where a thick, pillowy crust is encased in a golden, caramelized perimeter of crispy cheese. Each pie is finished with vibrant "racing stripes" of savory tomato sauce, offering a nostalgic yet elevated dining experience that celebrates the bold textures and soulful flavors of authentic Detroit-style craftsmanship.