Vespaio

Recommends

ek3113

Joined 9 years ago

OMG! The food is outstanding!. Okay! So the wine we ordered wasn't our favorite. That has more to do with my complete lack of knowledge about Italian wine. But the food...Oh My Goodness was it good. The Funghi con Polenta appetizer consisted of fire-roasted (almost smoked) mushrooms in the most amazing gorgonzola cream sauce. I literally said to the table that "I'd like a little privacy so that I can be alone with my food". I didn't think they could top the app, but the Kurobuta Pork Short Rib over Risotta was one of the best things I've ever tasted. It was on the nightly specials, so be sure to look for it. The hostess managed the news that we were 9 people on a busy Wednesday evening without a hint of panic. (grace under pressure) Our server, Kenneth, managed our large table consisting of both foodies and several who "don't get out much" really well. He made sure that as the specials began running short, we knew it and could get ours reserved. I don't know why I have never been to Vespaio before. I've always been meaning-to-go. Now! I wonder if I'll want to go anywhere else?

Doesn't Recommend

dp2me

Joined 5 years ago

maybe pretty ok. i thought it was ok (food). wife thought it wasn't too great.(food) we thought the server treated us like we should be lucky to be there (sunday night 3/2/08 - figure it out management..). he didn't know wine and was too hip for himself. a turn off for a pricey place - give me some pro's or people that can act the part. because of him, i wouldn't go back or recommend. i mean - i used to eat at italian restaurants in san francisco's north beach all the time and the servers and owners would treat me like their 2nd cousin and they were all young and hip too.

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carterpatron

Joined 6 years ago

simply amazing!. My favorite food in Austin. This place is great! Cost a bit more than I care to spend but you get what you pay for!

I love it!

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notacheapdate

Joined 5 years ago

Best Italian restaurant in Austin!. I am normally not a huge fan of Italian food, but Vespaio definitely changed my mind! Their food was prepared just right, whether it was the food temperature or how scrumptuous the calamari was. The service was a little shaky at first because they were extremely busy. It took awhile for us to receive our beverage or for the waiter to take our order, but by the end of the night, I think the manager realized the lack of service and jumped right in and ensured our night ended on a better note. I don't exactly remember the names of the dishes that my date and I ordered, but we were taking a risk in ordering things we normally didn't eat, and we were completely satisfied. If you have not visited this place yet, try going on a week day for less crowds!

Doesn't Recommend

elena_brod

Joined 6 years ago

NO take out ever. "I am giving a one star to this place for a terrible take-out service. It is a spendy place and not good for a take out. For some reason they treat you different when you take out food, and they should not. They missed my dressing for a $9 salad and a $26 stake was cold. I had to warm it up on the pan which erased the taste. My dessert was not what I ordered. I had to wait for my order which turned out to be cold. A complete waist of $50."

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luvfatty

Joined 6 years ago

Great food Average service. I "ve come here in several occasions,food is always consistence but service has been a bit random! Steamed mussels is a must ,calamari is always above par (crisp on the batter but tender inside) try their fettucine w/ grilled chicken in a white wine reduction, that was superb ! and for the choices of dessert, ! recommend next door, same ownership ,great place ! For those of you who prefer a dark , cozy ,romantic italian eatery, this is the one!!!

Recommends

rc5

Joined 6 years ago

what gives indeed!. I've written about how much I love Vespaio before, but had to respond when I saw the post below. Why is it that the angry, bad reviews all seem to have lasagna in common? But if it's lasagna that you cling to, as you venture out into the realms of fine dining and really try to broaden your eating experience, there is no better lasagna than Vespaio's. To call it Chef Boyardee is baffling-- it's homemade pasta, hand-layered to each order in a rich bechamel sauce. Not the basic frozen glop some may be used to, but without comparison, and topped with a freshly made and ground on-site Italian sausage using the highest quality local pork. If you want cheap, hormone-drenched pork that's trucked in frozen from a factory farm in Iowa... go to Olive Garden. And who complains about their wine being vinegar? That's why you taste it. Yes, wine can go bad, but if you accept it, you accept it. The staff at Vespaio would never let a table drink wine that had gone bad, or even wasn't to a customer's liking. Sorry to sound so snipey, but I love Vespaio, every guest I've ever taken there loves it, every out-of-town friend/family demands to return there each time they visit, and every chance I get I will be there. It is high quality ingredients served in a creative yet humble and back-to-the-basics style. If the veal tastes like "Luby's chicken fried steak" to you... stick to Luby's and don't venture out from the mall food court. We're all a little embarrassed for you.

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brobes

Joined 6 years ago

A little disappointing ... I give it a. This is definitely NOT the best restaurant in Austin. (I've heard many people claim that it is.) Atmosphere is OK ... service was OK ... food was tasty, but far from 5-star.

Suburbia has better choices for top-notch Italian, including Bellagio.

I'd give Vespaio a look if you're curious. It is in a neat part of town. However, be prepared to spend a few dollars.

Recommends

lovebluewater

Joined 6 years ago

Fantastic and very popular Italian restaurant, very hip scene, creative dishes that taste divine.. My husband and I love Vespaio, especially the bar for our date night. We always seem to get a couple of chairs without too much wait, maybe 10 minutes. We go during the week, after 7pm. We love the ahi tuna appetizer which has delicous tuna , endive, capers, fabulous & unique bread . etc. They serve a complimentary appetizer with bread, I think it was humus, but better than what you buy at the store. Their pizza is exactly how we like it; super thin, crunchy, and an outstanding flavor. They have traditional cannolli's for desert with pistatios, great! The veal marsala and garlic sauteed spinach is out of this world. It's loud inside, (people who having hearing issues may not be happy there) and has a great romantic ambience for adults; but do not bring the kids. Instead, take the kids a pizza when you leave. The staff is very busy, like the restaurant, so smile, enjoy, and be patient. It's worth it! Go when you can spend a couple of hours there.. Great for 2-4 people. Not great for a large group. Wonderful wine list.

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buddy2006

Joined 6 years ago

The best. I don't like in general Pastas, but to be honest far away the best restaurant experience. Great Food 10+++++++