Mandola's Italian Market & Trattoria Lisina Review

My daughter got married at the Trattoria Lisina on Saturday(10-19-13) afternoon. I was a small family only wedding. It was perfect. The weather was beautiful, the bride was beautiful, everyone in attendance was very happy for the bride and groom. The main ingredient in this being a perfect day was the staff, especially Jesse our waitress, the food and the calm, flexible atmosphere of Trattoria Lisina. I have been to this restaurant many times, I drive from Georgetown to have dinner there and always, always I have a great meal and a relaxed wonderful time. Oh and by the way I am 100% Italian ancestry, I cook and make my own pasta and sauces from scratch so I think I can honestly say that the food at Trattoria Lisina is great. I also love to visit Mendola's at the Triangle in Austin. Whenever we have company from out of town to visit we go to Mendola's or Trattoria Lisina.

This place is the go to for anniversary and birthday. Pretty spot, good food. You can be either inside or outside. They have a nice playground and good parking. The view the the vineyard is a nice touch.

Honestly food is like macaroni grill but the place is very nice

No downside: an upbeat staff with excellent cuisine - go soon and give yourself a relaxing treat - fine wine and food on hand - innovative appetizers as well!

I had the Cod special with citrus butter; it was amazing . The service , food and atmosphere were excellent .

Went here for a rehearsal dinner. The atmosphere is wonderful and charming. The food is decent but not exceptional. I was impressed with how well they handled a large party and would recommend them to anyone looking to host an event.

Entire visit could not be any better. Everything was great. Service is fantastic.

The atmosphere, the food, service - all were excellent and over the top! We had the lobster risotta, asparagus dish, argula salad, and ordered a pizza. All delicious and paired with the perfect wine. Our server (I'm sorry I don't recall her name) was very knowledgeable and made several great recommendations. It was a wonderful evening meal on the eve of our wedding. Will go back and recommend this restaurant to everyone.

The food and the staff are amazing! I ordered the porkchop and the entire dish came together beautifully with the crispy brussel sprouts and polenta. Alex was superb in his knowledge of the menu and paired the food excellently with the drinks and the casual atmosphere was so comfortable to be in. So whether it be your birthday, a graduation celebration, date night or you just feel like treating yourself to some amazing food, this is the place to be!

Fantastic food and atmosphere! We also had a wonderful server

We decided to eat at this restaurant because it presents wonderfully on the outside(and inside) and the delicious odors you smell when you walk by really will make your mouth water. With that said once we were seated and the food was brought to our table,, well we were sadly disappointed. Was it terrible, not at all, it was ,,ok,, just ok. I am not speaking from my personal opinion on Italian food as much as from my wife's opinion, you see i'm not really a pasta kinda guy, but my wife really really is, and she thought the food wasn't worth the drive out there, that plus the premium cost of that food. But if you are looking for a place to drink some wonderful wine or alcohol, relax in a beautiful restaurant (inside and out)It is worth the drive, me and my wife agreed that the drinks they served were great. we just kicked back and had drinks under one of their old Oak trees that are spotted around the property, we sat at a table under one near the water fountain, that was great. We will be going out there for drinks again someday.

We love it here. Sit at the kitchen counter and watch them cook. Just get everything on the specials menu.....dont even ask what they are.

Always a lovely experience at Trattoria! -- service, food, and ambiance are phenomenal.

Always awesome food and a wonderful atmosphere at the vineyard.

Never a bad dinner here. It's a short drive to Italy with the amazing menu here.

Normally my go-to in this area, but recently the hostest declined my patronage because I needed to my meal as take out. I can only presume this was because their kitchen was overloaded, but still, as a regular and a long time Carrabba's key, I'm sure that's not the call Mandola would have made. Last time I drive out here from Austin.

Food was great and server was awesome. The Sicilian margaritas were the best.

Fantastic food, great ambiance, superb service and excellent wine selection. Great date night or friend gathering.

Outstanding food. Can't recommend this place enough

This. Place. Is. Amazing.

Simple and straight forward, this place is top notch! I was truly not expecting such a great meal and evening when coming to this place. Honestly, I thought it was going to be an overhyped Olive Garden with bland and standard Italian dishes, but wow was I glad to be proven wrong.

Everything from the start was just magnificent. Driving in, to walking into the restaurant, from our interaction with the waitress, and the meal itself...it was all just great. The staff is highly knowledgeable about the kitchen and menu, and provides very clear and concise information.

While we dined at night, I can only imagine the views just being spectacular during the day by getting to see the vineyard in its full glory. I definitely can see this place as special as it has a romantic/dreamy vibe and atmosphere about it.

I wish I could describe the meals in their full glory, but just trust me when I say you won't be let down. Their fresh baked bread is mouthwateringly soft and fresh, and the portafino dish I ordered was nuts. Another member at our table also got the lamb chops which were insane as well.

Go here!

Food and wine was excellent. Staff was friendly, helpful and attentive. COVID-19 restrictions played a part in the rating. Would still recommend.

Always great food and ambiance. A little noisy, but there were several large parties.

Best Italian you will find. Everything from the professionalism of the staff to the quality of food to the lovely views is worth the, honestly, mid-level price range of everything available.

Order the lamb if you have the room left after the antipasto, it's one of the few places that knows how to treat a good cut.

Bartender absolutely fantastic! Knowledgeable about the industry and terrific drinks. Service impeccable. Food delicious. Not much of a variation but that makes the place truly unique. Will return.

My wife and I had a great experience here. When we arrived, we asked to sit at the kitchen bar, and it was awesome! The Momma's Meatballs were simply out of this world. Lasagna Bolognese was perfect, as was the Ravioli that was the special. Our waitress was very friendly, making great conversation, and making sure my wife and I had a lovely evening. We will definitely be coming back on our next visit to Wimberley!

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lovely. The service was prompt, and the wine was reasonably priced and tasty. Such a great place for a nice date.

I have been looking forward to having dinner here for quite a while. My husband and I visited recently for the first time for dinner. Beautiful scenery and beautiful restaurant. Lots of seating and plenty of space between tables. Our waiter was attentive...a little too attentive...it was awkward. He read the specials to us instead of telling them to us. Suggestion to management: make a plate of main entree special and let wait staff taste it so they can describe it to diners. I had a cappuccino after the meal and it was the worst cappuccino I have ever had. I've been to Italy and know what it should taste like. Even Starbucks makes a better cappuccino than Trattoria Lisina. For an Italian restaurant, you would think they could get a signature drink right. Their gelato on the other hand was delicious! Many gelato selections too! The food is delicious and I would recommend but know that it is pricey.

Food came cold. Service was delayed to no end. Waiter apologized but did not do anything to rectify our dinner

Good food, service is okay, place and surroundings are excellent. Good for families with kids as it has a fully shaded playground.

Atmosphere is great and authentic. We have never been let down by a meal and the service is always great. Don't go without a reservation.

Always great food and helpful happy staff. Beautiful facility. A special warm place.

Very nice ambiance. My recommendation would be to not order anything on the menu that has chicken in it. Their chicken is very tuff and has no flavor.
Just a heads up.

Looooved this place! The menu was incredible, it really felt like a little piece of Italy.

The decor was awesome; very warm and cozy while still being elegant. The food was excellent. The service was solid. There is a playground and plenty of outdoor space.

Unbelievable atmosphere! Like you are in Italy, not Texas. Then, the food and wine are amazing! Take a walk to the winery after. Like a dream! Casual or formal occasions.

The food was great, the service was great. I'll definitely go again. I recommend it.

This place looks like an Italian rustic town. Food was good too

Great wine, amazing food, beautiful atmosphere...very romantic.

Wowzer! Amazing. Food was very good but the red pepper flakes are way spicy then your average and we weren t warned about them Haha. So we all kinda ruined our meal.. but the view and the establishment is too beautiful for words.

Hidden jem, little taste of Italy in Texas. Great food and wine.

Best Italian food & service! A little off the beaten path, but gorgeous drive! Russ was our server & he was AMAZING!!!

Excellent food and superb service. This will now be my favorite place to go get authentic Italian food. The atmosphere alone is a winner, add in excellent appetizers great wine and wonderful entrees and you really have a winner here.

Little piece of Italy in Texas... The food was awesome. If you go, make reservations. We didn't know, but we were able to order to go and were able to out side. They have a lot.of seating tables outside. Winery right next door, so go have a testing, buy a bottle and enjoy it outside with dinner. Great place, we'll be back, and we'll make reservations next time.

When in season, the rabbit is succulent amd delicious. The atmosphere is great for any dining setting. Intimate or casual, they are awesome!

One of the nicer restaurants I've been to in Austin, great food, great service, great menu.

Wonderful food and excellent service. Great decor and in a nice neighborhood.

You really can not beat this beautiful Italian-inspired restaurant in the Texas Hill Country! From amazing food to the rich inside lighting and outside grounds which allows for a spacious pre-meal wait, we are never disappointed. Great service and meal selection. One of our go to's for special occasions.

I can't say I was impressed. My wife and I ordered takeout. When I got the portions home and saw them, we were definitely unimpressed. The food tasted good, but when you take into account the price I paid, and the fact that the pasta in both our dishes was rather dry, I can't say that I would recommend this establishment. The portion size reminded us both of appetizers not entrees.

Excellent food and service. Amazing ambience with fantastic view. We will definitely be back soon!

The food and atmosphere was great. Sadly, I got very sick afterwards so I cant give it five stars. I will probably give it another try to see if it was a fluke.

Second time we've been here for my husband's birthday. Such a wonderful experience from the gorgeous setting to the amazing food. Definitely get the Brussels sprouts!

Amazing wine lidts a must try the food is very good but food need to be tweeted to make it a really tasty menu I love the fettectine and grilled chicken is very good but too salty otherwise a great variety menu.

This restaurant nails it! Absolutely stunning property, fantastic selection of Italian options, incredible wait staff, literally one of the best restaurants in Central Tx.

Great food and service in a delightful atmosphere... Almost feels like you're in the Italian countryside.

Beautiful grounds and building. Good food even if it is a bit inconsistent.

Our absolute favorite restaurant! We love to celebrate any special occasions there! Food is incredible!

Best restaurant-steak i've ever had! Exceptional!

- and Very Classy

The most dissappointing experience to date: 40 minute seat after making reservation: excuse; wreck] The server had to have been new...talked my 25 yr old birthday son out of filet to speghetti...he loves filet! Never came back to table, I said he and I will both have pasta with shrimp and she brought 1 to share: NOT AT ANY TIME DID I SAY SHARE. Busman were fricken awesome. 250 bucks AND such a negative negative night! They lost me tonight.

The setting is absolutely beautiful and the service is very good. We had calamari as an appetizer which was excellent. Their bread is so fresh and delicious. I had one of the specials of the day, Bision Ravioli, which was just incredible. We love this place and will definitely be back even though it's about an hour drive to get there.

It was one of our favorite places to eat but these last few visits the service has gone a bit downhill. From attitude from the hostess and drinks being dropped on several of the people at my table. I understand that's going to happen but my real complaint is that a wedding party/reception happened in the main eating area. The biggest issue I had was that people were coming up to congratulate the couple or talk to them but were crowding and leaning on our table while we were trying to enjoy lunch.

I think this may be my favorite Italian in Central Texas. I have never been disappointed here and they have some of the silkiest perfect pasta I've ever had anywhere. Perfect to goto after visiting Duchman Vineyards.

Dining at Trattoria Lisina is an experience. My wife and I love it and love taking people there to experience the great service and fantastic food as well as the great scenery around the restaurant and vineyard. One of my favorite places to go, we never leave disappointed. Its great from the bread and olive oil to the appetizers (the artichoke fritters are a favorite), the entrees(hard to pick a favorite but the prosciutto fettuccine is so delicious), and the dessert is all good. The chocolate caramel and sea salt cake is decadent and the tiramisu is amazing. I dont even really typically like tiramisu but theirs is the best I've ever tried and will certainly get again.

First time here. I normally don't care for extravagant stuff or settings, so their seating arrangements by the kitchen was PERFECT! We ordered a antipasti. It was very well proportioned enough to fill you up while your meal comes. You dont want to ruin your appetite with their awesomeness of the focaccia homemade bread. Our order arrived! Yes! Yes! The juicy soft Oso bucco was falling of the bone sitting on top of steamy garlic mashed potatoes.
The house red wine chianti was just perfect as well..not to sweet nor to bitter.
The legs running on that glass were nice!
We will be back!! Dessert is next because my birthday is coming up and I must try their desserts! TY to your Employees as well whom did an outstanding customer service!

Really a nice atmosphere. The service was fine, but not exceptional. Unfortunetely, the food was not great either. Wine was overpriced.

Wonderful dining experience just outside of Austin. The restaurant sits adjacent to the vineyard and has a spacious outdoor patio and picnic area. It's the one place to go an hour before your reservation and just grab a glass of wine and walk around. Service, food, and atmosphere were incredible!

Definitely good stuff. Be prepared to drop some coin though.

Hard to go wrong here. The food is oversized, but wonderfully flavored. The views are amazing, and the restaurant is nice, but not unapproachable. Get some wine and don't worry about paying way too much for it than it's probably worth. Consider it part of the experience. There is also a great play scape for the little ones.

I would have given 5 stars but this time, my vegetables were so over cooked it was mush. Great service and atmosphere!

Very nice Italian restaurant in quiet area next to their Mandola's vineyard. Excellent food an deserts. Strongly recommended.

Exceeded expectations...superb food and service. Care about repeat business. Practicing social safe protocols. Thanks

Food and service is very good. Highly recommend. Though there can be a long wait @ times

If you like over-priced food that doesn t taste that good, come here.