Vespaio Ristorante

In the 90s, an active beehive was unearthed when restoring a vintage Austin building into a restaurant. The owners adopted this discovery into their name, and since it was to be an Italian eatery, they settled on the Italian for "wasps' nest." And voila! Vespaio Ristorante was born!

This eatery opened in 1998 in the South Congress area, home to attractions like The Paramount Theatre and restaurants like Perla's and Red Ash Italia.  

Vespaio Ristorante's commitment to utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures every dish bursts with flavor and supports the local community and farmers.

The dedication to crafting homemade pasta, in-house charcuterie, and artisanal bread speaks volumes about their ethos of quality and craftsmanship.

With over two decades of delivering memorable dining experiences, Vespaio Ristorante blends traditional Italian flavors with the eclectic Austin spirit, making it a standout choice on an Austin vacation.

Vibe

When guests step up to Vespaio Ristorante, they're greeted by an atmosphere that is as inviting as it is elegant. With its classic charm, the exterior sets the stage for an authentic Italian dining experience, mirroring the warmth and hospitality that await inside. 

The ambiance engages with dim lighting, rustic wood finishes, and vintage decor, creating a cozy yet sophisticated setting.

The open kitchen is surrounded by the dining space and is thoughtfully designed to accommodate romantic dinners and family gatherings. 

The vibe at Vespaio Ristorante balances being upscale yet unpretentious. The unassuming elegance enables patrons to relax, indulge, and savor the meal and the moment on an Austin getaway. 

Vespaio Ristorante: Menu & Drinks

Aside from using fresh ingredients and making the food in-house, the menu changes daily. This ensures that every visit to Vespaio Ristorante is a road to new discoveries. 

Begin your dining journey with an artisan appetizer like the Peeler Ranch Wagyu Beef Carpaccio. This tasty starter features thinly sliced raw wagyu beef served with horseradish dijon, arugula, Reggiano cheese, and crispy capers.

With a revolving menu, the pizza options change daily. However, one standout that has been featured several times before is the Toscano. This hearty pie showcases house-made pork sausage, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, grana padano, cambozola, spinach, and rosemary. 

For a unique taste sensation, the Pansotti Filled with Butternut Squash is a standout. The triangular-shaped ravioli is stuffed with butternut squash cooked in brown butter, toasted walnuts, crispy sage, and Grana Padano cheese. The symphony of flavors will have your taste buds dancing!

On the drinks front, a local favorite that will get you energized is the South Austin Speed Ball. Laced with espresso, vanilla vodka, and Kahlua, this libation will launch you into the night like Cape Canaveral!

For a more traditional approach, Taking Tiger Mountain is a creative spin on a classic cocktail. Using mezcal, Amaro Nonino, Aperitif Contratto liqueur, and lemon produces a smoky libation with signature notes. 

Diners will also be pleased with the wine offerings and the non-alcoholic selections. In short, there's something for everyone at Vespaio Ristorante.

Vespaio Ristorante is more than a meal; it's a memorable foray into Italian cuisine, where tradition meets innovation, and every bite celebrates flavor.