Enoteca Vespaio

Enoteca Vespaio Reviews

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4.5
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Tasty neighbourhood Italian. Great selection of ap...

Tasty neighbourhood Italian. Great selection of apps, pasta dishes + other specials. We've been to both Vespaio and Encoteca and think we prefer slightly more laid back Encoteca. Very friendly service and good wine and beer too. We'll definitely be back.

Best veal meatballs in town. I am Italian, so I wa...

Best veal meatballs in town. I am Italian, so I was raised on homemade meatballs and I know a good meatball when I eat one. Enoteca takes this staple to a whole new level. I have been here at least 6 times and is a perfect go-to for my family that visits often. You feel like you are at a good friend or family member's house when you are here. The tables are closely set together, but it fosters a hospitable atmosphere. The revolving menu always has a great meat dish, so be sure to check the little card on the table. Deserts are fantastic as well, and are more varied then your typical tiramisu and cannoli offering. Try the Lemon panna cotta, a great cap to a filling meal.

horrible service. walked in an hour before closing...

horrible service. walked in an hour before closing and was rushed out by a rude waitress. i had a dirty fork and as we were leaving, we decided we wanted dessert but once again rushed out but rude counter man. he didn t even let us order. not coming back ever. the only good thing was the busboy who keep filling up our waters and was kind to us.

I go here for for a delicious and affordable dinne...

I go here for for a delicious and affordable dinner. Try the small plates l and the split a panini or pizza for a great deal. I especially live the marinate mushrooms, the Greek salad, the stuffed mushroom, and the veggie panini. The fried garbanzo beans are great too as an unexpected side with the panini.

The pizzas are fresh with unique toppings and a lovely thin crispy crust. Try the Prosciutto with a sunny side egg for a yummy treat.

Very good food, huge portions. I had the chicken c...

Very good food, huge portions. I had the chicken cutlets parmesan and it was awesome. Very tight quarters but a very nice place. Loved the decorations and atmosphere. Quick and thorough service, busy night but we were not rushed at all. Definitely will be returning.

Best Italian in Austin, in my opinion.

Best Italian in Austin, in my opinion.

About a year ago, my girlfriend and I embarked on a quest to find the best pasta in town. We tried a number of places including most of the up-and-comers - but none of them could match the quality and consistency of Vespaio. We still try new spots on occasion, but keep coming back here.

Arrive early (before 7pm) and you can typically find a seat in the bar (where they will serve the full menu) with no wait. Try the eggplant pomodoro or the papardelle - both fantastic! The lasagna is incredibly rich, but also wonderful.

My friends and I came here after a recommendation ...

My friends and I came here after a recommendation from a different friend. This is by far one of my new favorite places to come for Italian food. I had the gnocchi and the arrabbiata sauce had the right amount of spice in it. The tomato Chuck's just felt right being there and the pasta itself was like eating little potato balls of heaven. While there, I also tried a slice of thin crust pizza and good liver mouse, which were almost as good as my gnocchi. The service we had while there was adequate and the price was good for what I got. Overall, I will be going back again to try something new, next time.

We didn't have any plans for dinner so we started ...

We didn't have any plans for dinner so we started driving down the street. The name of the place caught our eye and we found free parking less than a block away. Three food was wonderful. The service was great! Try the chocolate gelato. It was very tasty!

A superb Italian restaurant on SoCo, when by the v...

A superb Italian restaurant on SoCo, when by the volume of tourists, it could choose to be lesser quality and get away with it. Instead, the quality of the food is great, the prices reasonable and the interior is pleasant, if a bit crowded at times.

The happy hour is an excellent value.

The pastry shop arguably makes the best Italian pastries in town, and the cappuccinos are excellent.

Sometimes the table service can be spotty, but the counter-service at the bakery is also excellent.

The outdoor patio is pleasant on a nice day, but the window seating inside is great for people-watching.

Our pasta and fried zucchini were absolutely wonde...

Our pasta and fried zucchini were absolutely wonderful but within minutes of being brought to the table the calamari was mushy and chewy. Definitely not tasty without a crispy breading and tender meat inside. Super helpful and friendly waiter.

The service is always top notch and the food is wo...

The service is always top notch and the food is world class, though some of the old standards have been tinkered with and lack the juice they once had, still - you won't be disappointed - definitely the best Italian in Austin!

This was the best dining experience we've had sinc...

This was the best dining experience we've had since moving to Texas. We moved from the San Francisco Bay area where there are a lot of great Italian restaurants, Vespaio was the first Italian food we've found in Texas that is as good. When we told our waiter that it was our first time eating there he was very informative and took extra time to explain the dishes and give us suggestions. Vespaio was the first REAL risotto that I have found in Austin. The place has the real feel of an Italian restaurant with all the passion and love of food that is a big part of the Italian culture. We were seated right on time. We spent two hours eating our meal and at no time did we feel rushed, even though the place was packed on a Thursday night. The salads are large enough to split between 2 people. The entree filled the plates with plenty of delicious food , even the sides were great.We will be regulars from now on.

!WARNING! This atmosphere is LOUD!!! but it's Ital...

!WARNING! This atmosphere is LOUD!!! but it's Italian so what else can you expect. Very good pasta dishes that I believe are made from scratch. The wine selection is vast and very well curated. Do try their specials you won't be upset.

Really like this place, in terms of what I've got ...

Really like this place, in terms of what I've got around me. NOTICE: only reviewing the coffee house side. Fairly low coffee prices overall, especially for a nearly downtown Austin coffee shop and right on the SOCO strip. Coffees are good, fresh. Tasty cannoli that's not over-sweetened and some pretty wonderful other pastries. Atmosphere is comfortable, clean, and bistro-chic but small indoors. Patio.

Loved this place! Sat at the bar- had delicious bu...

Loved this place! Sat at the bar- had delicious burrrata , salad, and pizza. Our server, Destiny, was top-notch- attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Definitely a nice escape from the crowds on Congress.

I couldn't help but to also notice the waitress ga...

I couldn't help but to also notice the waitress gave this full presentation to customers when their meals were served, and she asked her customers if they wanted cheese on the pasta, etc., and served it to them. We had to ask for the cheese, spoon, etc., everything, and the waitress just placed a dish on our table with cheese in it and walked away. Overall, the meals were okay but not worth the price you pay.

I didn't have a good experience here. I had been w...

I didn't have a good experience here. I had been walking and fancied some good old Italian food with a nice glass of red. I just like meat sauce and penne or spaghetti with a little bread. When I saw the traditional style of this restaurant from the outside, I thought this would be just the ticket. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten my glasses, so when the bartender handed me the menu and I couldn't see my usual dish, I asked him if they'd make me ordinary meat sauce and pasta. He said he'd ask, then agreed but there was only spagettini and no penne. Then when I wanted a glass of Malbec, there was none on the wine list. I tried another but it wasn't as good. When my food arrived, I tucked in. I tasted fatty, gamey meat so I asked if it was beef. The bartender said their meat sauce is a mixture of veal, pork and beef. Yuk. Something to note if you don't eat those for religious purposes, etc. The hot bread from the oven was nice (served with olive oil), but the little portion of bread that comes with dinner was more like dense, sweet cornbread than something I'd have with Italian. When I said I couldn't eat it and I'd just have the check, he initially placed the bill in front of me and passive aggressively said "Safe travels." I think he expected me to argue but I didn't. He had a little attitude, explaining the way Italian sauces are made. Funny... when I was in Rome only a short time ago (or Venice the year before), I never saw dishes like these. When I put a score through the tip part of the $28 tab and was empty bellied, he then asked me if there was anything else he could've done. I explained that I should've chosen something without meat perhaps. His manager told him to get me the arrabiatta (another favourite of mine). The sauce was spicy, however, there were whole big pieces of tomato in it and it was very watery. So if you like 'new style' Italian, this is your place. If you don't want Italian messed around with too much, make your own. I should've. Three stars for (eventually) trying to help the customer. I did leave a tip at the end but not rushing back.

Vespaio has been around for many years. It's still...

Vespaio has been around for many years. It's still a wonderful restaurant. The food was excellent and the service was even better! There were three of us for dinner. Our server suggested that we might want to order family style - some small plates to share, in addition to our entrees. This enabled us to taste more dishes, all of which were thoroughly enjoyable! Since Vespaio in on South Congress, the parking can be a problem. There is, however, a small parking lot directly behind the restaurant which has a valet to take care of your car. The valet service is free, but it's definitely worth a nice tip to be so close to the restaurant!

Enoteca Vespaio is an institution on the rapidly c...

Enoteca Vespaio is an institution on the rapidly changing face of South Congress street here in Austin, and with good reason. The kitchen consistently puts out a wide variety of expertly prepared dishes ranging from classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza, to seafood and grilled items. The restaurant is warm and cozy and the staff all make you feel right at home. From the beginning with cocktails from the bar and the bread with signature white bean dip through the freshly prepared meal, to a variety of different and changing desserts, you will not be disappointed. The base menu is filled with classic items, all delicious, but be absolutely sure to check out the daily specials. I have been wowed every single time. Check out next door during the day or for a quick bite. They share the same kitchen and expertly prepared dishes.

I don't think I have had better pasta or Italian f...

I don't think I have had better pasta or Italian food in my life like what I get at Vespaio. The interior is clean and very homey, with a fantastic little bar set up with full service. The bar tenders and waiters are all fantastic. The food is exceptionally good, from in house made mozeralla they make as soon as you order it, along with great specials. With this restaurant I can point randomly to any dish on the menu and know I will like it.

Excellent food, excellent customer service, very m...

Excellent food, excellent customer service, very much attention to detail, excellent wine selection. The only feedback would be the calamari, it was a bit soft to my taste and needed a bit more flavor. Keep up the great job guys, well see you again really soon

GOT DISCRIMINATED AT THE BAR!

GOT DISCRIMINATED AT THE BAR!
I regularly went to Enoteca. On my last night in the city the bartender went out of his way to ignore me and serve the white couple that arrived after me. The two hostesses didn t even bat an eye. The dining room waiters/waitresses are wonderful just watch yourself at the bar.

A welcoming atmosphere. MICHAEL was awesome. Recom...

A welcoming atmosphere. MICHAEL was awesome. Recommended great wine and toured the menu so I would get the dinning experience I wanted. He didn't just try pushing high end menu items and offered half portions when I told him I wanted the tiramisu (awesome ). BEST dining experience I had in Austin in 5 days!!

Very little seating here, so the bar is the place ...

Very little seating here, so the bar is the place to sit :)
The gnocchi is AMAZING! I highly suggest getting the meat and cheese board as well. Cocktails are also fantastic, and the bar keep is very good at making drink suggestions based on your preferences.

Great place for a nice Italian meal with nice ambi...

Great place for a nice Italian meal with nice ambience and great service. They were very accommodating to make dishes without meat and also had veggie options that were tasty. Highly recommend having the gnocchi and vegetable panini.

One of the best pastry cases in town, right up fro...

One of the best pastry cases in town, right up front if you just want to do carry out. Friendly neighborhood bar atmosphere, as well as comfy, casual bistro table service with delicious Italian food.

Best from scratch food in Austin hands down! I vis...

Best from scratch food in Austin hands down! I visit this establishment for work multiple times a year and every time I'm in the kitchen its clean and smells lovely. If your out of town visiting you should make time to grab a bite here. Its well worth your money and time!

Some of the best, highest quality Italian food I h...

Some of the best, highest quality Italian food I have had in my LIFE. The restaurant is a little fancy-shmancy for my personal taste, but hey, if I wanted the food in a more casual setting I would've gone next door to Enoteca. My parents were in town so it called for something upper crust.
Recommendations: the Cioppino (I add pasta to it) is freaking to-die-for. So are the mussels. Oh, and the tuna tartare and beef carpaccio. And pretty much anything I've ever ordered. You are missing out on some delicious Italian fare if you don't try Vespaio.

Excellent food, very good menu, indoor and outdoor...

Excellent food, very good menu, indoor and outdoor seating, with a bar as well as tables. What impressed me, besides the delicious zucchini-eggplant dish, was the attentiveness of the wait staff.