Pasta and pizza, seafood and soups, Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante in Austin is one of the best places in the state for delicious and hearty Italian cooking. With a menu that caters to nearly all dietary needs and palate preferences, there’s something for everyone at Carmelo’s.

Gluten-Free Gastronomy

If you’re eating Paleo or are going gluten-free for other health reasons, you’ll be thrilled by the fact that Carmelo’s offers a gluten-free menu with plenty of options. The top choices on this menu are: the avocado filled with seafood or the almond coated shrimp starters; the stracciatella and spinach soup; the corn pasta with zucchini, roasted garlic, broccoli, summer squash, and leeks; the Portobello mushroom topped with wild risotto, mozzarella, and broccoli; and the assortment of fresh berries for dessert.

Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly, Too

If your dietary preferences of choice happen to be vegan or vegetarian rather than gluten-free, you’re also in luck, as Carmelo’s has prepared a menu especially for you as well. Try the minestrone soup, the gnocchi pasta, the eggplant parmigiana, or the pizza Sciciliana.

More Seafood and Meat Lovers

The seafood gumbo here is out of this world, and is an interesting take on the Louisiana classic combined with Italian influence. If you like veal, the veal marsala will rock your mouth with tenderness and flavor, and is an amazing combination of meat with mushrooms, roasted potatoes, and seasonal veggies. Other favorites are the mixed grill, with Colorado lamb chop, Italian sausage, filet of beef, and veggies, and the Gamberi Ripieni, or shrimp filled with crab meat served over seafood risotto.

Fancy Ambiance, High Priced Menu Items

This isn’t a place for kids, and keep in mind you’ll see more couples than families when dining here. The atmosphere is upscale, and the attire is dressy—no jeans and t-shirts here. The ambiance is perfectly in line with the menu prices, which are pricier than other restaurants in Austin. Meat courses start at $24 and go up to $36, pastas start at $18, and the average starter is $14.

Elegant Patio Dining

While many restaurants in Austin have patios, few are quite as elegant as the outdoor seating area at Carmelo’s. With trees that provide shade and ambiance, stone walls that make you feel as though you’re dining within a castle’s courtyard, and wooden tables that are simple yet classy, this patio is romantic and picturesque—absolutely perfect for a celebration or an amorous evening.

Check for Events

There are always events going on at Carmelo’s, and checking their website regularly for updates about fun on-goings in recommended. In the past, Carmelo’s has hosted wine dinners, Sunday brunch buffets, Mother’s Day meals, Valentine’s Day celebrations, and more. If you’re looking for a unique event to splurge on, purchasing tickets to one of the wine dinners won’t disappoint!