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Those of you searching for an authentic Italian dining experience in Austin need to try Ciola’s Italian American Restaurant in Lakeway.  Carrying on a family tradition that began fifty years ago in Virginia Beach by Dominic Ciola, the menu is filled with family recipes that have been handed down for generations.  The current chef is Louis Ciola, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, who trained throughout his youth with his great Uncle Dominic.  He’s added several new items that have met with universal acclaim, and each month he prepares a special menu for a multi-course dinner which is proving to be so popular that reservations are now required.

Ciola’s takes great pride in presenting an authentic Italian-American dining experience; at times you will feel like you are in a nice restaurant in NYC’s Little Italy.  The wait staff is experienced and professional, with vast amounts of knowledge concerning the menu and wine list.  Ask any of them to help you select one of their 75 wines from Italy on their five-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list.  With each dish made to order, you will find no more satisfying experience as you enjoy your meal in the comfort of their dining room.

With a menu filled with authentic Italian-American dishes, it’s tempting to just recommend everything.  Ciola’s has a unique take on the calamari appetizer with their Calamari alla Fabbio: lightly breaded and fried calamari tossed in a sugarosa sauce with diced pepperocinis.  Follow up this acclaimed appetizer with their famous brick of Lasagna, which has been praised as some of the best lasagna in Texas by Austin American-Statesman food critic Dale Rice.  Fresh seafood abounds on the menu, as do Angus steaks and Neiman Ranch pork.  Traditional Italian dishes are interspersed between the many signature items created by Chef Dominic and Chef Louis.  And make sure to try the Limoncello Cheesecake or the Chocolate Mousse Martini for dessert, maybe with a cordial or cappuccino.

The atmosphere is casual and pleasant, with light Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin music softly played, complementing your conversation.  And each Sunday evening, the restaurant hosts a singer and guitar player from Italy who serenades the dining room with classics from both sides of the Atlantic.  Ciola’s accepts reservations daily, and offering such a quality experience means they are almost always busy, so make sure to plan a visit as soon as possible.