Max Menlow
Atmosphere- I have been in the Austin area for over a year now and would not suspect such a gem to be hidden right off the old capital of Texas highway. The outside of the building is beautiful, brick and mortar with tasteful masonry, and once you step inside the story continues. This feels much like somewhere you’d walk into off of the street in Sorrento or S’ant Agnello, with a warm, romantic but exquisite atmosphere. The building has so much personality, character, and life. No other fine dining restaurants in Austin, with heavier price tags than this place, come close to what this restaurant is. Astounding. Wine/Food- Easily the top fine dining restaurant in Austin. As for the food, Tuscan, but the drink menu comes with a very descriptive map that lets you “try wine from all over” the different parts of Italy, all while providing brilliant literature on where the different kinds are all derived from. I have had weeks worth of food in Italy and Sicily and was always bummed I would never have Italian dishes in the US that even came close, I would just have to wait until I went back. But wow, this place, truly had my wife and I in awe the whole time. Joanna suggested us the Brushetta; a very savory hog dish paired with lightly charred bread that tasted like something you couldn’t even dream of, then the Mrs. And I had the Capellini con Gamberi, which was presented and tasted exactly like something I would have had on the water in Positano. The pollo parmegiano is also something that will have you wanting more. The best chicken I have ever had hands down. Finished off with the Tiramisu, topped with thinly sliced almonds instead of the conventional cocoa powder you’re used to. But wow, it was the best tiramisu we have ever had. Each dish was better than the last, especially when paired with the proper wines (servers are beyond helpful at offering suggestions) and really make this night out turn into a memory, seamlessly. Service- Joanna was our server and incredibly genuine and helpful. Most high end restaurants around Austin all have that feeling of slight arrogance coming from the servers or just disconnected. Not here. Everyone here moved and spoke with passion for the restaurant. I can see why they have been able to retain their employees so well, because it felt like you were in somebody’s home and they were genuinely excited to see how you’d react to certain foods and wines. This restaurant deserves every bit of respect and business that comes their way. Absolutely great dining experience, we will be returning. 10/10 in every aspect.
