Vespaio is a popular South Congress restaurant drawing long lines with rustic cooking, great wines & elegant space. Vespaio offer amazing Italian food, incredible specials and stellar service. They use local produce and meats when available and tailor the specials to the season. Vespaio opened its doors in 1998, long before South Congress was the bustling shopping promenade it is today. It had once been a Western wear shop and a grocery at the turn of the century. The building had history, and the owners had a vision. Enjoy our gorgeous curved bar, open kitchen, original tin-tiled ceilings, wood fired oven and walls of wine bottles. What other restaurants buy, Vespaio makes. The kitchen is driven wholly by handmade and locally-sourced ingredients. The chefs do all of their own butchering and use every part of the animal. Vespaio makes stocks, charcuterie, fresh pasta, breads, desserts and cheese in house. Their wines are specifically chosen to compliment our food. Essentially French and Italian, their wine list is primarily from boutique, family owned and small production producers.

See the Menu.

Sort By

Our wait was an hour and a half because they do not take reservations on weekends. We did not mind at all, they call you when your table is ready so you can browse shops around South Congress or get a drink at the designer South Congress Hotel across the street (we opted for this, frat choice!). The mushroom appetizer was phenomenal! Everything I tasted was great! My only regret was not ordering the carpaccio. Next time!
Nettie T. , 9 years ago
Goodness gracious. Let me start of by saying that I am a butternut squash ravioli snob. If it’s on a menu I am ordering it. I have had more butternut squash ravioli in my lifetime than I care to admit so when a co-worker said that Vespaio had the best one around I knew I had to go. I ordered the half portion which came with 3 large raviolis. Did I want more? Yes, but they were so rich that 3 sufficed. Everything from the sauce, to the pasta, to the filling was amazing.

Everything else was fantastic as well. We had the mozzarella appetizer, Bolognese, and bundini (sp?). All were fabulous. Service was on-point too!

Counting down the days till I get to go back.
Lauren K. , 9 years ago
This restaurant delivers on all counts, every time. I go here almost every time I’m in Austin and it’s stupendous.

Highlights:
The seemingly simple pasta dishes… they are WAY underrated. Don’t overlook them.

And, if you want a full belly, order the lasagna… it’s like no other and it’s HUGE.

Wine selection is excellent with reasonable prices as well.

Service is always top notch and I can’t say enough about the quality of the food. This brings Italian food dining to a new level.

Lastly, if you arrive and have to wait for a table, the bar is delightful and the hand crafted cocktails and winelist will not disappoint!
John H. , 9 years ago

HeyAustin

With a tent stake planted firmly in the underbelly of Austin's downtown life.

Vespaio Ristorante

Verified Listing

Vespaio Ristorante

Login