09/29/09

Great dining experience

by sonjabarclift

My daughter and I had dinner last night at Ciolo's (my fav place!). I just wanted to say thank you...the braised short rib was amazing...and the beautiful mousse for my birthday was wonderful. A great dining experience and a very happy birthday for me! Love you guys....

07/10/09

This is now our favorite place!

by PastaLover

We've been going here for a while because the food and service are top notch, but always hated the smoke. We heard they were doing some renovations so we went in to check it out. The bar is now non smoking and I can finally enjoy my favorite Italian food and watch a game with all their new flat screen tv's. It also looks like they're making a nice patio outside with a big screen tv out there as well. We are looking forward to lounging out there the next time we're in!

• Pros: No More Smoking in the Bar!!!
• Cons: None

03/28/09

A PLEASANT surprise

by gweasley

We found this restaurant by a happy accident, driving down 620. Don't be fooled by this place's location in a strip mall. It's elegant and has great ambience. We ordered their salad special (with arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, and pecans with a citrus vinaigrette), one of their entree specials (osso buco ravioli), their spaghetti and meatballs, two glasses of wine, and their panna cotta. We were even served a very delicious chickpea concoction for an amuse bouche. Everything was very delicious,and I must say I'm not a fan of chickpeas, save for this chef's dish. The wine list is extensive. We left that place thinking our bill would be $100 or more but it turned out to be significantly less. Our server was very attentive and gave us all his recommendations as it was our first time. They specialize with their freshly made raviolis and award winning desserts. Their panna cotta was absolutely divine, and our server indulged me by serving me with more apples to go on top of it. A great place for a romantic dinner or if you want to have just some delish Italian food!

• Pros: great service, excellent food, reasonably priced
• Cons: None

03/24/09

The pizza is great!

by SioBlackburn

I just wanted to let you know that I ate there on Saturday, with my mother. And, we thought that your pizza was AMAZING. I have been to Italy many times, and am from New York city, so pizza is a serious deal to me. And, after years of disappointing pizza experiences in Texas, you have made me very happy. You're pizza is great, and I have told everyone here at work. My boss will actually be meeting some friends there tomorrow night. Thank you so much! I will be back, again and again and again......

02/20/09

Impressed!

by SFuquay

Ciola's Staff: Went for the first time on Valentine's evening, and was thoroughly impressed. Amazing food and service with Dana was fantastic. Will be back soon!Thanks for a great experience. - Sarah Fuquay

10/17/08

The Best Dinner Party!

by straightcookin

WOW! That was the BEST Big Night dinner party! I know the Timpano was supposed to be the star but every dish was standout. The anti-pasta plate with authentic Italian meats, the so clear and flavorful chicken consomme, the tri-colored risotto, did I mention the authentic Timpano...just like in the movie but probably better (the marinara was delicious), the salmon with the oh so delicious butter sauce and smoked veggies, the chicken with marsala sauce, the roast pig (picture perfect), the cannoli and that chocolate cookie .......Outstanding! I hope I left enough wine for the other guests. Ending the evening with the house made Limoncello was just over the top! I felt like I was in the movie. The owner's Dan and Le Anne made me feel like I was part of the family (although I am northern Italian in heritage). My hats off to the chef! I had a great time with everyone I met at my family style dinner table. The staff went out of their way to service us....never a dry wine glass. Melissa, you were great. Worth the drive from anywhere. (girl from Dallas becoming an Austinite). When can I put my name in for reservations for the spring Big Night? I'm ready. This is my first post ever but was touched so much by your food and service, I just had to get online!

10/15/08

Great food, atmosphere and service

by davidmusselman

I live in Lakeway and am familiar with the quality of your food. I have lived in NY and Chicago and love good Italian food. So my sister just passed her real estate test and I could think of no better place to celebrate. My brother in-law came too. They loved it, great food, atmosphere and service. I knew that that is why I brought them there in the first place. Keep it up! David (Customer for life)

10/07/08

Great food and great people!

by jkjk01

On behalf of my entire team, please accept and extend my gratitude for a fantastic evening hosted by you and your team. And on such short notice, fantastic work. If you would please, let the entire staff and management team know that that type of service is what makes the experience! Great food and great people. We will be doing upcoming outings with you all.

10/06/08

mediogre, opverpriced, smoke

by austincitysearch

i totally agree with the previous reviewer - averge food and the smoke really turns me off just like all the other lakeway area restaurants that still allow smoking.

• Pros: just ok
• Cons: mediogre, overpriced, smokie

10/05/08

It's OK, but not great

by mm57553

After living in the area for 3 years, we finally made it to Ciola's. Being a Northeast transplant who desperately misses good Italian food, I was excited to try it. But I have to say I was a little disappointed. It was OK, but not great. The calamari we had to start was really good, but the rest of the food was mediocre. The bread was laden in oil, as was my linguini with red clam sauce, which wasn't very "red." It was mostly olive oil and garlic, with very little tomato.

The service was good, but it took a while for our food to come out. And I HATE the fact that you can still smoke in restaurants in Lakeway. It would be much more appealing if you walked in and smelled the food rather than the smoke (the bar is right by the front door).

I also think it is overpriced. Dinner for 2 with an inexpensive bottle of wine was $98. And we only had pasta dishes and one appetizer. $10 for an appetizer of basically fried calamari is a little steep, especially considering this is not an upscale restaurant.

• Pros: Extensive menue
• Cons: overpriced, mediocre food, smoke