The Phat Phoodies Guide to the Best Pasta in Austin (Updated for 2024)

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong affinity for pasta. It doesn’t even matter what kind – all noodles are welcome in my belly. When I moved to Austin, I wasn’t sure if the pasta game would hold up. After all, Texas is known for its BBQ and Tex-Mex. Pasta dishes aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. Sure, I might be able to find the best Italian restaurants near me, but would it really be great pasta?

Luckily, I was proven wrong. There’s a bountiful wealth of pasta in this fine city. And I’m here to help you find it as part of the Austin Food Blogger Alliance City Guide, which covers all kinds of things to do in Austin. Let’s hop in — and feel free to check out the map below!

Sapori Italian Roots

Juliet Italian Kitchen

1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

This little gem on Barton Springs is fantastic. The bread, ambiance, and dessert are all wonderful, but let’s be real – you’re coming here for the pasta, which is made in-house. And according to science, homemade pasta always tastes better.

There is no shortage of options at Juliet – standouts include the 17-layer lasagna (that’s a lot of layers!) and the fettuccine funghi, which features mushroom sauce, fried rosemary, spinach, and garlic sauce, plus breadcrumbs aplenty. As they say in Little Shop of Horrors, “Feed me, Seymour!” Although I suppose in this case it would be “Feed Me, Juliet!” but you get the idea.

Olive & June

3411 Glenview Ave, Austin, TX 78703

Olive & June is more north than I typically explore (I’m a South Austinite, what can I say?), but this is one place that’s absolutely worth the trip. You can’t go wrong with the Mezzaluna, featuring Texas lamb, pecan pesto, roasted sunchoke, and pecorino cheese; give the Fusilli a try for a more classic take on things. Just don’t make a small action figure out of the pasta like in Seinfeld. For larger parties of eight or more, you can get a mix’n’match of some of the top choices.

But wait, there’s more! Monday through Friday, from open until 6:30, you can embrace the Olive & June happy hour. Beer, cocktails, shared plates – they’re all half-price. Now that’s something I can get behind.

Patrizi’s

2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 (food truck outside the Vortex theater)

Patrizi’s has been around for more than 70 years, so it’s safe to say they’re doing something right. That something is pasta. Don’t let the food truck fool you – there are plenty of tasty options here for the hungry soul. The Cacio e Pepe is a traditional classic but a must-try. And, of course, the robust Patrizi’s Red Sauce will transport you to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Magical.

Once a month, Patrizi’s offers a Wednesday Dinner Night. The staff gets creative with a prix fixe menu. You crack open a bottle of your favorite wine and pair the two in a delicious, glorious combination.

Juniper

2400 E Cesar Chavez St #304 Austin, TX 78702

Perhaps it’s only fitting that Juniper is right by Blue Owl, one of my favorite breweries in good ol’ ATX. And though Juniper is closed on Mondays, it’s a prime source of amazing pasta the other six days of the week. Between regular dinner and a rotating tasting menu, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Special shoutouts to the Agnolotti with cauliflower and brown butter brodo and the Spinach Gnocchi with cavolo nero pesto and sunchoke. If you can do gnocchi well, you have the key to my heart. As a bonus, the Juniper Instagram page is full of puns, like “there cannelloni be one.” Magical.

Emmer & Rye

51 Rainey, Suite 110, Austin, TX 78701

Is it silly to include Emmer & Rye on this list when my favorite item of theirs is short rib carnitas? Maybe, but their pasta is good enough that I’ll allow it. Named for a pair of grains, it’s no surprise that E&R knows what’s up when it comes to pasta. And everything is served either on a small plate or dim sum style, so you’re highly encouraged to get multiple dishes.

A staple (besides the short rib carnitas, of course) is the Green Emmer Garganelli with pork belly(!), olive brine, arugula, and onion. Get it and enjoy your brighter outlook on life.

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Andiamo Ristorante

2521 Rutland Drive #325, Austin, TX 78758

I’m fairly certain Andiamo was my first pasta experience in Austin — I took my mom and dad here on one of their initial Austin visits — and it’s still one of the best. They’ve got that homemade pasta going and have a long history of serving up tasty dishes. My personal favorite is the orecchiette, with ground sausage meat, mushrooms, and spinach in a spicy tomato cream sauce, though I think you’ll be pleased with whatever you choose.

Also, I know this is a pasta guide, but my goodness, the freshly baked bread here is just phenomenal.

Sadly, our time together must come to an end – at least for now while we munch on some of the best pasta in Austin. Did I miss a place? Are you keeping a hidden gem secret from me? Don’t do that; I don’t like it. Spill it in the comments below or on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

And while you’re noshing on that pasta? Why not enjoy a nice book? Especially one written by me, which you can do RIGHT HERE!

View other Places here.