Ciola's Italian-American Restaurant

05/10/2008 Posted by jaybird255

Ciola has such a nice atmosphere, and the service is so good, too. However, recently, we had the veal rollatini and it was TERRIBLE----the marsala sauce was watery and wimpy, and the pasta would have been better out of a Chef Boyardee can. What a shame such a nice place had such less-than-mediocre food. I see all the positive reviews, and I wonder if those people have ever had really good Italian food, like at Reale's Italian Cafe, or the Treehouse!

Pros: Less-Than-Mediocre Italian Food

Cons: Good Service, Nice Atmosphere

03/05/2008 Posted by pumpkininaustin

This was our first time in the restaurant. My wife took me here for my b-day. The food was great. So was the service. I felt like I was back in New Jersey. We will definitely return!!!

Pros: Atmosphere, Steaks, Winelist

Cons: Distance from Austin

10/28/2007 Posted by bigdaddylynn

My wife and I wre in town for the weekend and met some "local" friends at Ciola's. I had the Snapper Cartoccio (wrapped in paper) covered with shrimp and peppers. It was very juicy and flavorful. We all 4 had a great meal and our waiter was spot on. He was actually the Sommelier and our waiter. I ordered an inexpensive Chianti ($42) and when he brought the bottle to the table, he had prechilled it. He said that it seemd too warm to serve. Great restaurant.

Pros: Everything you would expect from a great restaurant

Cons: It's in a strip center. But that may be a positive since some people wouldn't find it.

08/29/2007 Posted by realtrdude

Growing up on the east coast we just assumed all Italian food was great.....until I moved to Austin. It has taken me 20+ years in Austin to find real true Italian cuisine. It's one thing to say that you have been to a restaurant and had a great meal but, I've been to Ciola's about 7 times and every single time the meal was not just great but, memorable. It's been so good that we had our monthly wine dinner there last month. 15 of us in the back dining room. 5 coarses pared with great wine. Everybody loved the food and our waiter (Tommy) made the night a blast. I highly recommend getting a group together and make an event out of your meal....like the real Italians do!

Pros: Real authentic Italian Food

Cons: None

08/25/2007 Posted by tiffertiff

Fabulous! Great food, pleaseant setting, i usually wouldnt have dinner in a shopping center, but i said what the heck. to my surprise, it was great. nice litle crowd, and the pine nut crusted snapper made me crazy! i will be back

Pros: very good

Cons: older looking restaurant

07/02/2007 Posted by seefingo

Visited from Southern California. This dining experience really made my trip special. The steak marhgerita was tender and delicious. Perfection.

Pros: Spectacular food

Cons: none

06/28/2007 Posted by alomonte

the last 3 visits deserve 5 stars the new chef (the nephew) and wine stewart are first class, try it you'll like it, I know I'm Italian.

Pros: wine list, steaks, service

Cons: back room

06/27/2007 Posted by richd74

We use to go to another restaurant here in town, but the quality of food and the service went down hill tremendously. We decided to give Ciola's a try and we have a new favorite! The service is impecable and the atmosphere is truely Italian. The FOOD is out of this world. The nightly specials are wonderful and unique. If you are a true Italian connoisseur, Ciola's is a must!

Pros: Wine List, Food, Atmosphere

Cons: None

05/20/2007 Posted by vino_tinto

I would have to agree with "mikemaggio", the bartendar in question is RUDE. I placed an order for pick up once and he was not pleasant at all when I approached the counter. When I paid for my meal I inquired about the gift basket that was for sale and he said he couldn't help me and that he didn't know how much it was. How incredibly rude. He could have at least call for assistance, but it was obvious that he didn't want to be bothered. It's unfortunate that this wonderful restaurant has this type of employee.

Pros: Excellent food, fun atmoshere, friendly proprietor!

Cons: Unfriendly Bartender!

02/27/2007 Posted by larry_weg

No doubt the best Italian restaurant within fifty miles of Austin and worth the drive. I recommend the baked lasagna, but all the dishes are really great. The baked littleneck clams is a wonderful entry into any of the steak, chop, chicken or fish entrees. There's ample parking.

Pros: It's all good!