Pasta|Bar Austin — Restaurant in Austin

On a mission to find the best restaurant in Austin and also to eat superior pasta in my hometown, I decided to give Pasta|Bar Austin a try.

Booking Process

Pasta|Bar offers three seatings per evening in timed, two hour sessions: 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm.

Reservations are released on the first of the month at 12pm for the following month's availability.

When I booked two weeks in advance, the only time slots available were at 5 and 9:30, and I selected the early time slot.

You can make your Pasta|Bar reservations via Tock here.

A $25 deposit to make the reservation will be charged for each patron, the amount of which is deducted from your final bill.

Location/Parking

Pasta|Bar Austin is located a few blocks east of I-35 on the busy East 6th Street. Metered street parking is available immediately in front and in the vicinity of the restaurant (if you are lucky to find it).

The actual location of the restaurant is challenging to find.

There is no signage for Pasta|Bar, only the number of the street address. In fact, their sign is empty. Obviously this is on purpose, although for what purpose I am not exactly clear.

Atmosphere

Guests are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled reservation time for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic free “tipple” in the sumptuous Pasta|Bar Austin lounge.

At precisely 5pm, the six guests are escorted from the lounge into the dining area, a U-shaped counter table adjacent to the kitchen where five chefs and two waitstaff welcome you to your culinary adventure.

The room is dark except for lights on the kitchen area so you can see your food being prepared, and the musical playlist leans heavily on Texas country stars such as Robert Earl Keen.

Your seating is assigned in advance, and Pasta|Bar welcomes you with a trio of amuse bouche and a special message from the chefs at your selected spot.

Head Chef Jeremy greeted us and informed the six diners that we would be enjoying eleven courses for a price of $195. Optional wine pairings are an additional $145 per person or $225 per person for the reserve pairing.

The Food

The eleven dishes over 120 minutes (the three seatings per evening are timed in two hour sessions, 5:00pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm) averages to approx. ten minutes per dish; however, I never felt that the meal was rushed until the end of our allotted time, when we were asked nicely to vacate the dining area so that the next diners could enter.

Pasta|Bar's seasonal menu changes every ten weeks or so, and the menu card provided informs you of the treats you are about to sample over the next two hours.

Overall Impression

Like the Greek legend Icarus who flew too close to the sun and failed, Pasta|Bar Austin aims high and ultimately misses its lofty target.

In its favor, the menu is incredibly inventive and many of the dishes are truly spectacular. Furthermore, I am happy that Austin now offers intimate group dining experiences such as Pasta|Bar. However, the price for two people including tax and tip (without any alcohol) is over $500, which means that Pasta|Bar Austin needs to be held to the highest standards.

Finding a hair in my food early on in the meal does not bode well, and the supper club vibe is not enough to save Pasta|Bar when you spend this kind of money on a meal.

I think Pasta|Bar Austin needs more than its creative dishes, group dining concept and LA restaurant’s Michelin star to truly provide a transcendent dining experience that justifies its jaw-dropping price.

That being said, if you are a foodie and have an important client to entertain or are looking for a special occasion restaurant while in Austin, Texas, Pasta|Bar Austin will certainly provide an unique, luxury experience that keeps you guessing.

If you are interested on my reviews of actual Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, check out my article here on the Social Musings by Austin website or Google...

If you and your loved ones are into perfectly portioned dishes, multiple coursed meals, pared with amazing wines, open kitchen service, and well lets just say some amazing pasta, bring your zero balance credit card...your gonna gets some points for this amazing meal at Pasta Bar. Reservations are hard to come by, so you are lucky enough to get one. Grab it, come a little early for a craft cocktail, the bar tender is a literal mixologist. Had a unique take on an old fashioned that was stellar. Once all parties arrive they lead you into the kitchen/dinning room, you have assigned seating. Room for 12 people a seating and they try for 3 seatings a night. From the moment you sit down, the reality of the dining experience is apparent. It's not stuffy, as they were playing Robert Earl Keen Jr when we sat. The Sommelier was wonderful, knowledgeable but far from pretentious. If you drink I highly recommend the wine paring, they have standard and reserve aka Boujee. We all had the standard and she pared wonderfully, providing some detailed but not overall exhausted discourse about each wine. Every chef comes out and serves a course. The Chefs Phillip and Margarita ware fun, friendly, and eager to please with a joke or a little more wine. Not a ditry fork, and folded napkin was missed, the staff is exceptional and I felt like a king. Ok ok the food. There are 10 courses, most pasta based, but with a sprinkling of Crudo, soup, and dessert. Overall it's very balanced. Starting off smooth and subtle with 3 bites to prep your palette. Zappa or a cream based soup with a raw Oyster starts you off, pared with a lite champagne. Beautifully subtle. Next is the Crudo with fried chicken skin a top wow...oh the sourdough bread. Try to eat it slowly or you run out of room...next 1st pasta dish the Agnolotti, it was this amazing with tons of black truffle...like tons! Then cavatelli, with the amazing trout on top was smoky like bacon. Best Mac n chez I've had....the gnocchi was fluffy and delicious then the Chefs flame liquid bone marrow over the top...yes that really happened watch the videos. But the best dish hands down was the Pesce. A red snapper over some beans and this sauce wow what an amazing bite off perfection. Last 2 savory were good and great wine to go. Then the palette cleanser lemon granita. But the fun finish. An amazing chocolate dessert with marvelous showmanship and delicious notes finished with a Twany port. What a fantastic meal and experience. Sometimes you get to go to dinner with friends and loved ones, I highly suggest you just let loose, have fun, no rules, just say yes! Everything else will work out in the end. I know we were the fun corner that night, talking about anything and everything, making conversations with the kitchen, challenging the people at the end of the table to get tattoos with us, I could not have picked better company to enjoy this meal with and the whole time by my side is my love, smiling at me reaching over and grabbing my hand when a dish is so good you just have to share it with someone you love. Everything with you is better thank you for your trust in your love I can't wait to do this again love you now and...

Our New Year’s Eve dinner at The Pasta Bar was an unforgettable culinary journey from start to finish. The evening began with a warm welcome featuring exquisite canapés and expertly crafted cocktails, setting the tone for what would be an extraordinary dining experience.

We then moved into the main dining room, which featured an open kitchen that allowed us to witness the artistry and precision of the chefs as they prepared each course. The 12-course tasting menu was a masterclass in creativity and flavor, showcasing innovative takes on pasta dishes alongside other luxurious offerings. One standout was the Wagyu steak—easily one of the best I’ve ever had—perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.

The use of exceptional ingredients, such as caviar and shaved truffle, elevated the meal even further, adding layers of indulgence and sophistication to every dish. Each course was carefully crafted, highlighting the chefs’ attention to detail and dedication to quality.

One of the most impressive aspects of the evening was the personalized service. The staff not only recalled personal details from our previous visits but also addressed us by name, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made us feel truly special. This level of attentiveness added an extra layer of luxury to the entire experience.

The evening was made even more memorable by the outstanding wine-tasting menu. The sommelier’s thoughtful pairings and captivating stories about each wine brought the experience to life, making it not only delicious but also highly entertaining. It was the perfect complement to the meal and kept the evening flowing beautifully.

After the main courses, we concluded the evening in the parlor, where the chef presented final bites. This thoughtful finale provided a relaxing and intimate end to the night, leaving us feeling pampered and satisfied.

Given the level of talent, creativity, and attention to detail on display, it’s hard to believe The Pasta Bar doesn’t already have Michelin stars. This restaurant is more than deserving of that recognition, delivering a dining experience that rivals some of the best restaurants in the world.

Overall, The Pasta Bar provided a truly remarkable and luxurious experience. From the warm welcome to the final moments in the parlor, it was a night filled with impeccable food, outstanding wine, and genuine hospitality. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge in...