It's Italian Cucina

The story

It's Italian Cucina: Northern Italian Dining in Austin, TX | Wine Spectator Award

A Northern Italian Evolution in Austin

It's Italian Cucina sits on South Lamar Boulevard, a place where the restaurant's own description—"an evolution in the concept of Food and Wine with a refreshing twist"—is lived out daily. The kitchen draws from the best of Piedmontese style and specialties from neighboring Northern regions: Lombardy, Friuli, Valle d'Aosta, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto. The result is a menu that balances simple ingenuity with cosmopolitan sophistication.

That same care extends to the wine list. It's Italian Cucina earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2018, a recognition that speaks to the thoughtfully curated selection of Italian grape varietals and vinifications. The restaurant's enoteca next door offers a more casual space for happy hour and World Cup matches, while the main dining room and patio provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for a full meal.

What to Expect on the Plate

The menu is an exuberant celebration of Northern Italian food. Start with small plates like the Capesante—pan-seared scallops with crispy pancetta and brandy peppercorn cream—or the Prosciutto e Melone, featuring four-year-aged prosciutto with aged balsamic glaze. Pastas are made fresh daily: the Fettuccine Tartufo tosses truffle with wild mushroom cream and shrimp, while the Pappardelle al Ragù di Cinghiale offers a Bolognese-style wild boar ragu. Regulars also praise the lobster ravioli, the veal piccata, and the focaccia bread.

Secondi include a Branzino with garlic oil, capers, olives, and tomatoes; a Bistecca alla Fiorentina USDA Prime T-Bone; and Ossobuco, braised veal shank in rosemary red wine sauce with creamy polenta. Desserts are made in-house: the tiramisu layers mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and the flourless chocolate cake has earned its own following.

Atmosphere and Service

The restaurant aims for "superb cuisine, seamless service, and an expertly curated wine selection in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere." Reviews consistently mention attentive, unobtrusive service and a welcoming environment that works for both special occasions and casual outings. The outdoor seating and private party options make it a flexible choice for any gathering.

In short, It's Italian Cucina delivers the kind of Northern Italian cooking that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern—with a wine program to match.