Take a trip to Italy by way of north Austin: Andiamo Ristorante

 

By Marika Flatt

Italy is on my bucket list so the name of this north Austin restaurant caught my attention. The Italian word “andiamo” means “let’s go!” This authentic Italian eatery boasts the freshest ingredients and traditional family recipes on their website, https://andiamoitaliano.com.

Owner Daniela Marcone did not disappoint! With her thick Italian accent, she visited our table several times throughout the night, explaining what each dish was and where the recipe came from. As she brought out the hot homemade artisan bread, I melted. Infused with spinach and cheeses, the soft bread was perfecto to kick off this little visit to Italy.

On their website, you can learn the story of how this little restaurant came to be in the hands of Marcone. The Cliff Notes version is that she was about to return to her homeland of Italy and went to try the restaurant, came to know the owner and started working as a hostess. She worked her way up, and when the owner needed to sell it, the young woman bought it, committing to share her family’s traditional Italian dishes with the Austin community.

With a story such as this, touting a young female entrepreneur, I quickly emailed friends, saying “let’s go!” Our table of four was treated to fabulous customer service during our delicious 2.5- hour dinner.

When you visit, make sure to try these culinary creations:

• Photo: Andiamo

  Salsiccia della casa—This appetizer is their house-made sausage, packed with flavor, and paired with pickled peppers. So savory

• Involtini di Melanzane—Consider this a healthy cheese stick! This appetizer is breaded eggplant (how can you go wrong?) stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta, covered with a light tomato basil sauce.

• Ravioli ai Funghi—Don’t let the funghi turn you off! Each bite is a testament to their fresh ingredients. I chose a house-made ravioli off the special-of-the-day menu and practically licked my plate clean.
  Photo: Courtney Pierce

• Filetto alla Griglia– If you’re not a pasta fan (I don’t understand these people but know they exist), you can’t go wrong with this grilled beef tenderloin topped with a gorgonzola cream sauce.

 

Andiamo’s wine list highlights small vineyards from the hills of Italy. You might not be able to pronounce the name of the wine, such as Napolini Montfalco Rosso, but you won’t have any problem enjoying it! Finish off the dinner with a dessert, such as their cheesecake, and you’re sure to be getting in touch with friends again to say “let’s go” to Adiamo Ristorante again.  Ciao!