This beloved Italian spot dishes up homemade pasta, hearty meat plates, and delightful desserts in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for celebrations.
"Vespaio gives the feel of an old-school Italian restaurant without being too stuffy, with lots of dark wood, a wine wall, and fresh handmade pasta, plus a couple of tables outside. The menu is classically Italian-American, with dishes like cioppino, cacio e pepe, and pizza. Though the restaurant is more romantic, order to-go for an at-home date night." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury
"This Bouldin Creek Italian restaurant has been a staple on South Congress for over 20 years and exudes old-school vibes with its large booths, wine wall, and housemade pasta. The carpaccio is a classic order, and the creamy gelato is a nice end to the meal. Lucky diners can grab a table outside to people-watch. Order takeout online." - Erin Russell
"At this South Congress Italian standby, the private dining room accommodates up to 18 and guests can enjoy the full classic menu." - Erin Russell, Nadia Chaudhury
"An Austin staple, Vespaio Ristorante has been around since 1998. People have been coming to this Italian spot for a long time, for everything from anniversaries and birthdays to work dinners. It’s especially nice when your boss is paying. The menu changes pretty frequently, but you’ll find a few pizzas and large format dishes like lasagna bolognese, cioppino, and a risotto of the day. The dining room is romantic and dimly lit, but our favorite spot remains the cozy bar, where we’ll happily order a few of the fresh pastas that come in half sizes. " - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"A South Congress landmark for over 25 years, Vespaio has developed a reputation as one of the best spots in the area for both a romantic dinner and a classic Italian meal. The dining room is romantic and dimly lit, but there’s also a cozy bar that we sometimes like to post up at for a glass or two of wine and some pasta. The portions here are pretty big, but if you decide you do want to share a few smaller plates—despite coming to this very specific guide—all the housemade pastas are available in half-sized portions. But at least you can order knowing that it was your decision to make. " - nicolai mccrary
