Trattoria Lisina — Restaurant in Dripping Springs

Actually pretty disappointed and irritated with this place. We went here for the first time last night for our 10 year anniversary. We typically go to a nice steakhouse but decided to give Trattoria Lisina a try this year after our friends told us how much they loved it. The outside of the restaurant is gorgeous. We made a reservation days in advance and that ended up being the first downfall of our night because we weren’t seated until almost 30 minutes after our reservation time. They gave us the excuse that the longer wait was because they were making room for the stroller that we had with us but I could tell as soon as we walked in that it would take a while because there were tons of people still waiting on their tables before us. We finally get seated and it takes another 15-20 minutes for us to get bread (the waitress finally brought it after taking forever to get our drink orders and returning to the table 3 other times to bring plates (had to replace one too because it had random crumbs on it) and waters. We finally got our drinks and I couldn’t even enjoy mine because the puréed watermelon that was in it was left way too thick and full of seeds so I couldn’t even get any of it through the straw. I later ended up letting the waitress know that I didn’t like it and ordered a glass of wine instead. We ordered the stuffed shrim as an app and that was pretty decent. I also asked for a small Caesar salad as an appetizer which she forgot and had to be reminded of after our entree’s got there. My husband ordered the taglierini alla portofino and I ordered bistecca alla fiorentina, both of which were awful. His pasta tasted of nothing but fishy seafood and no other flavor. My steak tasted like a hamburger patty and not a $62 prime ribeye and the mashed potatoes were way too salty. We were so disappointed we didn’t even bother with ordering an dessert. Got the check and that pretty much sealed the deal for us on how much we disliked the entire experience since the drink that I couldn’t even enjoy was still charged on our ticket as well as the appetizer salad that I didn’t even get until way late because the waitress forgot it. Overall, this experience pretty much ruined our 10 year anniversary dinner. I feel like it was more of a big deal to me because this was also supposed to be our first time being able to unwind and enjoy our time and each other after having a newborn baby 6 weeks ago. I was really looking forward to this night and this dinner only to be extremely disappointed and having to go home still hungry. It’s hard to believe all of the great reviews based on our experience alone but maybe we just caught them on a bad day and ordered the...

Went here with my husband on a Friday evening a couple weeks ago. I’ve had several friends go, so I was aware that it’s great food and service at an upscale price ahead of time. I made a reservation for 6:30, but I’m not certain I would’ve needed one - definitely would have by the time we left though.

The drive out to the place is amazing, and adds to the experience. You drive past the Mandola’s vineyard on your way in, and the hills and trees help create a perfect atmosphere.

We started out with the artichoke fritters, and they were GREAT! Our server (Alec) was always right on time, and the entire experience was exactly what you’d want if you were looking for a truly magical date night. Also, one of us is a recovering alcoholic, so I called ahead of us heading there to ask if they could remove wine menus from the table by any chance (it’s never expected that the place will actually do it, but I just try to relieve pressure when I’m able to), and they did! At such a nice Italian restaurant, wine is definitely a part of the service. But they didn’t bring it up once! That kind of service is superb, and I sure appreciate it!

I’m glad I looked at the website ahead of our visit - they had an off-the-menu item - halibut topped with lobster in a lemon butter sauce. That’s what I finally decided to get. It was exceptional.

If you’re looking for a truly special place to take someone on a date, this place will exceed your expectations. It’s a little on the pricey side, but way worth it. I’m a person who doesn’t like to not have a plan, so I’d recommend that you reserve a table so you don’t have to wait. Not sure it’s always necessary, but when you can make sure everything goes well ahead of time, it’s probably worth the few minutes it takes. If you do have to wait, the outside area (if it’s not too hot) is stunning, so you’ll still be able to enjoy your time. If you’ve ever been to Mandola’s, this place is like the finer side of the already delicious food at Mandola’s. But comparing it directly to Mandola’s isn’t really a thing - the atmosphere, menu, and overall experience are vastly different. Both are great, but the experience you’ll have at Trattoria...

We decided to have our Valentine’s Lunch at Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood. We had visited before the pandemic and thoroughly enjoyed the superior food, outstanding service and gorgeous grounds. The day was in the low 70’s, sunny and clear. There are very few locales in the Texas Hill Country that replicate Italy as accurately as Trattoria Lisina!

We arrived 10 minutes late (taking pictures in the garden!) and were greeted by the hostess and promptly seated. Our server Brett was superb! A young man of 22 years, his professionalism, knowledge and attentiveness were that of a much more experienced and mature man, I will ask for him specifically when we return!

We started off with a bottle of Pelligrino sparkling water ($7) and complimentary homemade Focaccia bread with Olive oil and Italian herbs…. Fantastic! We then ordered a bottle of their house Mandola Vineyards Montepulciano ($36), a mid-bodied wine from Abruzzo near the Adriatic Sea side of Italy, which was absolutely delightful. We ordered their Insalata Caprese ($15) which had a single ball of incredibly fresh Burrata that when split open released a rich-flavored heavy cream and curds of fresh Mozzarella, combined with fresh Texas heirloom tomatoes and basil and their own balsamic vinegar and olive oil from Mandola Vineyards it was incredible and not to be missed!

We then ordered a Margherita Pizza with Anchovies ($20), again scrumptious with fresh ingredients that paired perfectly with the Montepulciano! Their pizzas make great appetizers for two couples or more…. Just try a slice and you will be hooked! We then split a plate of their Fettuccini Alfredo with Prosciutto, Mushrooms & Scallops ($28), also excellent with a creamy Alfedo sauce.

Dolce? We finished up with a Caffe Latte ($4.50) and a Tiramisu ($11) which was delicious but HUGE…. easily enough for two people to share! This restaurant is truly worth the hour drive from our home, if you live in central Texas make sure you plan a trip to Trattoria Lisina and then take the opportunity to taste at a number of the...