a variety of Italian favorites —a gourmet feast! Carmelo’s Restaurant 504 E. 5th St. (512) 477 7497 This romantic 19th-century “railroad house” is perfect for canoodling over cannoli. Don’t miss the old-school pastry cart. Cipollina 1213 W. Lynn St. (512) 477 5211 Mediterranean fare with an Italian accent. Crispy woodfired pizzas remain the headliner, along with signature items like stracciatella soup and lamb-braised-onion sandwiches.
within a well-stocked gourmet grocery. There’s a deli, bakery, espresso and gelato bar, too. NoRTH 11506 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 124 (512) 339 4440 Guests enjoy modern Italian cuisine in a sleek interior at this Domain standout. Quatto Gatti Ristorante 908 Congress Ave. (512) 476 3131 This Congress Avenue newbie is dishing up an array of mouthwatering Italian dishes, from 4 Formaggi Pizza to Agnello Al Forno, oven roasted rack of lamb.
the bustling Second Street District. Taverna’s menu boasts sophisticated salads, pastas, pizzas, grilled meats, and trademark risottos in a variety of flavors. Trattoria Lisina 13308 FM 150 W. Driftwood, Tx. (512) 858 1470 Located at the gorgeous new Mandola Estate Winery in Driftwood, this inspired restaurant is the newest addition to celebrity chef Damian Mandola’s sprawling estate. Expect hearty portions of rustic Italian food. Vespaio 1610 S. Congress Ave. (512) 441 6100 Remains at the top of many critics “Best of” lists for divine Italian fare after 10 years. Daily rotating menus offer the best of the season and freshest from Vespaio’s bountiful garden.
Enoteca 1610 S. Congress Ave. (512) 441 7672 A venture from owners of Vespaio—Enoteca, right next door, offers a superb bistro menu with panini, salad, pasta and pizza, handmade pastries, fabulous deli counter and grocery selling imported Italian meats, cheeses, olives.
Red House Pizzeria 1917 Manor Rd. (512) 391 9500 With an interior designed by Joel Mozersky, The Red House is hardly your average pizzeria. Sit inside and admire the ranch-styled decor or enjoy your pizza al fresco at one of the many picnic tables. Happy hour specials include half-priced pizza.
La Traviata 314 Congress Ave. (512) 479 8131 A long-loved Austin spot for its fine Italian fare. Perfect spaghetti carbonara. Always consistent and fresh.
Sagra 1610 San Antonio St. (512) 535 5988 Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are a standout. Cozy atmosphere. Tuesdays are all-youcan-eat mussels for $12.
Bar Chi Sushi 206 Colorado St. (512) 382 5557 While this upscale, fanciful sushi bar offers mind-blowing sushi rolls and innovative, flavorful entrees, what makes it a standout is its killer seven-day happy hour menu.
Maggiano’s Little Italy 10910 Domain Dr., Ste. 100 (512) 501 7871 The family-style dining and the classic Italian cuisine make this the perfect location for large groups.
Siena Ristorante Toscana 6203 Capital of Tx. Hwy. (512) 349 7667 Set in a Tuscan-style villa, Siena’s dishes, which emphasize grilled seafood, wild game, and roasted potatoes, capture the essence of the region.
Dragon Gate by Phoenix 3801 N. Capital of Tx Hwy., (512) 732 7278 Don’t miss the savory, homemade pot stickers. Extensive menu filled with both Japanese offerings, like sushi and a nice Bento Box, as well as Chinese favorites.
Taverna 258 W. 2nd St. (512) 477 1001 In the middle of the action in
Enzo Austin 801 W. 5th St. (512) 250 3696 Embracing the upbeat
Mandola’s Italian Market 4700 W. Guadalupe St. (512) 419 9700 Celebrity chef Damian Mandola (of Carrabba’s fame) serves up casual Italian fare
JAPANESE
ambiance of downtown, Enzo Austin is the all in one place to dine, lounge, and party.
ed black cod and Kobe beef that you cook yourself on searing hot rocks.
Imperia 310 Colorado St. (512) 472 6770 One of the culinary highlights of the Warehouse District. Delectable Peking Duck and memorable specialty cocktails all in a sleek, modern setting.
Mikado 9033 Research Blvd. (512) 833 8188 Recent raves about this Japanese eatery, where robata (Japanese tapas) are grilled before the guest, and lovely entrees of sea bass and duckling are available all day long.
Kenichi 419 Colorado St. (512) 320 8883 Popular downtown spot for some of the best sushi in town. Give the menu a look too; don’t miss the Ishiyaki hot rocks or teriyaki specials. Kenobi Restaurant and Sushi Bar 10000 Research Blvd., Bldg. A (512) 241 0119 Innovative sushi in a beautiful setting. Try the lobster, shrimp, and creamy goat cheese dumplings. Kona Grill 11410 Century Oaks Ter. Ste. 144 (512) 835 5900 The Asian-inspired cuisine, ranging from sushi to steak, draws a swinging singles scene at this IBM and Dell after work favorite. Kyoto Japanese Restaurant 315 Congress Ave., #200 (512) 482 8108 Nothing fancy here: solid sushi masters, little closedoff rooms for sit-on-the-floor dining. Maiko 311 W. 6th St. (512) 236 9888 Maiko offers both classic sushi choices and original creations like miso-marinat-
Mizu Prime Steak & Sushi 3001 Ranch Rd. 620 S. (512) 263 2801 A blend of both traditional and contemporary takes on Japanese cuisine, Mizu serves the freshest fish from all around the world. Musashino 3407 Greystone Dr. (512) 795 8593 The locally famed Musashino is where die-hard sushi lovers flock when they crave near perfection. Piranha Killer Sushi 207 San Jacinto Blvd. (512) 473 8775 An oasis of calm and cool in the Warehouse District. Modern sushi with fresh dishes and fun drinks. Uchi 801 S. Lamar Blvd. (512) 916 4808 Garnering national attention (and awards) chef Tyson Cole has created and maintained a highly inventive menu in the little house that could: Uchi. Uchiko 4200 N. Lamar Blvd., #140 (512) 916 4808 Under the reign of Chef Paul Qui, Uchiko is the sensational sister creation of Chef Tyson Cole’s Uchi. From hot and cold appetizers to sinfully delicious entrees like rabbit
FEBRUA RY 2011 ROMANCE & BRIDAL TRIBE Z A 97