Vespaio

Frommer's Review

Still one of Austin's trendiest restaurants, Vespaio doesn't quite draw the long lines that it did when it first opened in the late 1990s, but the weird policy for reservations -- they're accepted only for early hours on off-days -- ensures that the see-and-be-seen bar is always packed. The swanked-up old storefront with lots of exposed brick and glass is a fun setting, and the food is worth waiting for, but you can drop quite a bit of dough on expensive wines while you're doing so. Your best bet is to get an order of the crispy calamari (they're huge) while you're waiting for a table. The spaghetti alla carbonara is super, as is the veal scallopini with mushrooms. In the mood for a go-for-baroque pizza? Try the boscaiola, topped with wild boar sausage and Cambozola cheese. Among the 10 chalkboard specials offered nightly, the mixed meat and seafood grills are usually top-notch.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.