ASTI Trattoria — Restaurant in Austin

We decided we wanted Italian and decided to try this restaurant. When we walked in, they asked us if we had a reservation. We did not, but we were still seated immediately at the counter, which was fun because you were right next to the chefs and could see what they were doing. Our server came over to us right away to ask if we wanted waters to start. We said yes. He also brought us bread, which was a focaccia. It was delicious but it was also served cold, which I didn't like that much and it wasn't served with olive oil, which I thought was strange for an italian restaurant.

Scanning over the menu, the food seemed simple, delicious, and unpretentious, which we really liked. We ordered the mussel appetizer, the blanca pizza, and a simple pasta in red sauce to share. The appetizer came out immediately. The mussels were good, not great, but they were fresh and the tomato sauce complimented their clean flavor. The mussels came with more focaccia, but this time it was grilled and tasted a lot better warmed up. We waited a bit longer for the main courses but it was worth it. The pasta in red sauce was good, not spectacular, but again, simple with a clean flavor. The cute thing they did that we liked was, they knew that we would be sharing and the split the pasta for us and served it to us on two separate platters which was really nice. One of the highlights of the night was definitely the blanca pizza. It was a simple pizza with cheese, fried sage, and truffle oil but it was done extremely well. The crust was so delicious, light and crispy with a slight yeasty chew. My husband is still raving about it and he is a pizza fanatic. It was the best white pizza we have ever had.

We thought the portions were actually pretty good, especially for a trattoria-style restaurant. We were extremely full and had to take some pizza home, which we loved. We also wanted to save just a little room for dessert. The other huge highlight of the night was the ricotta brulee. My husband ordered it because he saw the chef making one. Both our server and one of the sous chef said it was their favorite dessert on the menu. It was absolutely delicious. It was light and sweet and decadent. Somewhere between a creme brulee and a cheese cake but way, way better than either. The sugar was the most amazing compliment to the filling. It was so, so good.

Overall, we had a great experience. Our server was excellent, he was friendly and engaging and made good recommendations. We loved seeing the chefs working and doing their cooking dance. The food was good, especially the blanca pizza and ricotta brulee. Overall, a nice little...

Some people might assume after over two decades in business, a restaurant may become stale. They could rest on the tried and true, deftly serving a loyal clientele favorite dishes, fine wines and sweet desserts.

ASTI Trattoria has been in business since 2001. Forget stale: Their menu is innovative offering true Italian cuisine, some straight traditional and some with a little twist of new ingredients and presentation.

Chef and owner Emmett Fox works in the front-facing portion of the kitchen line, making sure each dish looks beautiful before heading to the table. It also gives him the chance to greet guests and table check how the food tastes.

We had two courses going with the Stuffed Mushrooms ($14) and the Burata Caprese ($16) as an antipasti and the Grilled Rainbow Trout ($27) and a pair of pastas for the Primo course.

The mushrooms were stuffed with three cheeses - ricotta, goat and parmesan topped with bread crumbs and truffle oil. Six to an order. They go great with an opening cocktail.

The trout is served with skin on and plated with an eggplant caponada (sweet and sour Sicilian version of ratatouille) and herbed fregola (small round pasta). Also served with a grilled half lemon you should squeeze it on the fish. Trust me it a really good idea and tastes different than a raw lemon.

Our waiter Mitch did a fantastic job all night. I had a hard time deciding between the Seafood Risotto ($36) and the Saffron Spaghetti Carbonara ($21). Apparently I am not the only one who had a hard time choosing. As a result, he explained that ASTI offers half portions for half price. Problem solved. Note: The prices listed for pasta are for full portions.

ASTI's carbonara is as authentic and delicious as any you will find in bistro in Rome. They use real guanciale, not bacon or even pancetta. NO cream, and mixed with pepper, egg and parmesan cheese for that salty, creamy flavor. When I return, it's a full portion for me.

I equally love risotto, particularly when it is made properly. It takes time and attention. For those who cook it at home, you know what I mean. Topped with clams, mussles, shrimp and calamari. The full portion is the most expensive dish on the menu...worth every penny. Seriously, if love Italian seafood dishes you must try their version.

Getting long winded, so hop on line and make reservations as soon as possible. You need to put this on your places to visit. One trip and you'll be hooked. Grazie al cuoco!...

Upon arrival was greeted by a lovely woman at the front of the restaurant that informed me a member of my trio was already at the table and guided me to the dining room. Our server Justin welcomed us in and gave us a moment to say our Hellos and get situated. We opted to order more food than three people could eat but it was a special occasion and we wanted to try as much as possible. We kicked off the meal with the Texas Beet Salad that was incredible with a whipped ricotta that created this beautiful texture. Next we shared a delicious Margherita pizza that was a delight. It was clear the focus of the kitchen was elevating simple well sourced ingredients. For our entrees we shared the carbonara, rainbow trout, seafood risotto and a generous bowl of their shoestring fries. It would be nearly impossible to say which dish we enjoyed more as each one was executed to perfection. We finished the meal with a couple of deserts, tiramisu and affogato, the donuts that came with the affogato may have been the most delicious donuts I’ve ever had. That’s the good part of our visit. Let me tell you the great parts now. Both my wife and I are hospitality industry veterans, I rarely review unless an experience is absolutely incredible or insanely horrible, this experience was the former. Justin our server was knowledgeable, friendly, and executed the best silent service I’ve had in a long time. His ability to work his section as one table while serving my 3, another 3 top behind us, a couple on the other side of us and a large party of 10 was seamless. We never had to request anything as he was on top of everything at all times. Our food was delivered by the owner whose name we didn’t catch but was as friendly as Justin and excited and proud when he dropped the food off at our table. We received the level of service you would expect at any fine dining establishment on a busy weekend night despite it being a mellow Tuesday evening. Every member of the staff we interacted with were courteous and welcome. I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. It’s abundantly clear why they’ve been in business for twenty years and we hope they’re here for many many more years to come. Bottom line, one of the best restaurants in Austin and we will...