Tried L'Oca d'Oro on one of their pay-what-you-will nights (they do this on Tuesdays) and had mixed feelings. The tomato salad was my favorite -- really fresh, simple, and well done. I also tried the mozzarella, which was good but fairly straightforward. Honestly, I probably would've been happier just sticking with those two dishes. Unfortunately, the pasta didn't work for me. It felt a bit dry and heavy, and just wasn't something I enjoyed or wanted to finish. I also found the payment process a bit confusing. They do provide menu pricing, but you're given a sheet to fill out what you want to pay, and I wasn't totally sure what was expected. It made the overall value feel unclear--and that's even considering I paid quite a bit less than what the meal would normally cost. That said, the atmosphere and the people were enjoyable, and I do like the idea behind offering this kind of night. It just didn't fully come together for me from a food and value standpoint. read more

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The food was tasty, not traditional Italian. So don't expect that on the menu. The spaghetti is very southern I think. It had the texture of Alfredo, very cheesy, salty and lemony. The lasagna, was interesting. It was flat and is encased in a spinach pasta which looks and is almost the consistency of a 'wrap'. The rigatoni was a little dry. But flavorful. Just be cautious as it has a very large amount of crushed red pepper. The wine list is OK. They did have a very nice rosé, but ran out of bottles and we had to switch to another one. Although I can appreciate farm to table and seasonal dishes, this one was a little out of their depth. Dishes were just very polarizing. I've been here before and remember how welcoming the service was, but today unfortunately was very off putt. Long long waits in between orders. The inside is small, but has a lovely bar, overlooking a beautiful kitchen with, a wood fired oven, I would come back here, knowing that things might be the same, but they treat their employees well and understand how important eating seasonal is. Crossing my fingers that next time the seasonal menu is a little more comforting. read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Spaghetti - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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wandering through the side streets of Mueller Austin, I suddenly felt like those days in Modena and stumbling into a neighborhood bistro just in time for a late lunch. We sat in a table outside and in the kitchen someone (not a Nona in this case) cooking these dishes theatrics aside - just focusing on flavor and confort. food hits that sweet spot between refined and homey. One standout was the agnolotti in brodo... stuffed pasta swimming in a rich, savory broth with creamy white beans and thinly sliced onions. Deep, slow-cooked flavor, but still light enough that you don't feel weighed down. Was Slightly salty, but a little funky in the best way, and super comforting. This isn't flashy Italian or "special occasion" place. It's the kind of place you keep coming back to because they cook with the in season ingredients of the week and delivers every time Would absolutely return. read more

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It's been a few years since my last visit, but I was quite disappointed with their new menu. The roasted olives and focaccia appetizer were underwhelming, particularly with how the bread was on the tougher side. The rigatoni pasta fell flat too. It had a nice spicy kick to it, but otherwise the pasta was a bit one-dimensional in terms of flavor. My boyfriend ordered the lasagna, and it was definitely not what we were expecting. It was a crispy, flat lasagna with the edges burnt. I can appreciate a creative spin on pasta, but perhaps... this was a bit too creative. The best dish was definitely the meatballs. It was seasoned well and covered in red sauce; however, I ultimately didn't find this appetizer to make up for the rest of the lackluster meal. read more

What a find. Woefully under-rated on Yelp. Look at OpenTable for reviews from true foodies. This is a hidden gem in a quieter part of Austin. Wifey and I found street parking directly across from the restaurant. Ambience is modern, airy, and bright. Atmosphere is casual. Menu is small and focused, but with an ample array of farm-to-table offerings. We shared the polpette (Wagyu brisket & heritage pork meatballs): melt-in-your mouth deliciousness with tomato jam and lovely spices. Wifey had pasta e ceci and I the mafaldine; she thought mine was better and vice versa, so we shared. Both were fresh and flavorful with a lot of depth. We washed it all down with a lovely bottle of Italian white wine. I had the cannoli for dessert. We happened to arrive during happy hour on Saturday, so the wine and some of the food were discounted. The host, server, and manager were courteous, knowledgeable, and friendly. read more

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This is my favorite restaurant in Austin. I love that the menu is always a lil different. I always sit at the bar with a date or friend and love how nice the bartenders and severs are. It feels classy and homey at the same time. I dream about the focaccia. read more

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Very nice servers and the ambiance is nice. Definitely more casual than I thought after walking by a lot. The pasta was good, best prices is the happy hour for cheaper bottles and select pasta. Would definitely go again! They change their menu often to meet in season ingredients so that often changes read more

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The restaurant is situated in a cute part of town (near a pond with lots of birds, etc.), has outdoor seating, and has charming decor. The waiter let us know that a few of the apps were permanently on the menu, and the rest rotates periodically. We loved the pastas so much, it was difficult to decide which one was our favorite. Our only regret was not having enough stomach space to order ALL of the pastas. read more

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I've been to L'Oca d'Oro once a few years ago, and I remember not really liking my experience or the food, and my visit a few days ago did not change my mind. Their menu is not the best; I know they don't have a consistent menu, but even a few years ago, I remember having a hard time deciding what I wanted to order because nothing really stood out. My friends and I tried a few pastas and appetizers, and everything was really just....okay. The olives appetizer was almost inedible, and the focaccia bread was way too tough and hard to chew. My rigatoni pasta was really bland and boring, and I didn't want to eat it anymore after a few bites. My friend who ordered the same thing shared the same thoughts. Our other friend ordered the lasagna, and it came out.....looking so strange. I don't even know how to describe how weird the plating/visuals were, but it looked like a flat burnt piece of flat pasta noodle. My friend said the flavor was fine, but it just looks so unappetizing. Our other friend ordered a stuffed pasta, and it was pretty interesting. The broth smelled delicious, but the pasta itself was also just okay. Nothing stood out, and we were all pretty disappointed by our meals. read more

We stumbled upon L'Oca d'Oro while trying to find a place to eat for dinner. Their menu is creative, and I enjoyed both of the pasta dishes we ordered. The saltiness of the guanciale pairs really well with acidity from the tomato sauce of the rigatoni. The mafaldine was rich, and the candied almonds on top balanced out the earthy, umami mushroom flavor and added a nice crunchy texture. I didn't personally care for the focaccia. I found it to be on the chewier side, and I prefer a bread that is crunchier and fluffy/airy. I also prefer if bread is served warm and fresh. I didn't get much of a rosemary taste to it, and it was also slightly burnt. The service was exceptional. Our server explained each dish in detail and gave great recommendations when I had a hard time deciding. read more

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Came here while visiting friends, our server was an absolute delight of a human. Their pastas are fantastic and the decor was mid century. I will certainly be back the next time I'm in Austin. read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Orange Soda (house made) - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This was an interesting experience for sure. I wanted to sample a variety to see what the craze is about and for me this wasn't it. I've been to Italy and am use to a variety of well made authentic dishes. None of these dishes really stood out. The flavor profile was bland. Our waiter was not friendly and in a rush the entire meal. There's not really an ambiance here--I wish it was cozy and well decorated so the prices match the setting but this is not the case. The menu is very limited which, isn't necessarily a bad thing but, what is listed for the mains isn't very descriptive and the waiter didn't explain things well. They don't really have any wine by the glass so, I opted for the Limoncello Spritz which was standard but had way too much ice. Notable items I tried: The focaccia ($10) was good and you get 2 slices. Swordfish tartine ($14) was bland and expensive for 1 slice of toast. The Rigatoni was okay ($24). The portion sizes are incredibly small and that's disappointing. I cannot justify spending $200+ here on any celebratory occasion nor did anything stand out to come again for me personally. The menu is rotating so give it a try if you enjoy Italian food. read more

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I went to this restaurant for dinner with my boyfriend. I love the ambience, we sat on one of the tables online. We made a reservation online so we didn't have to wait, but there were some tables available to sit if needed. We ordered two pastas and also got some complementary champagne in the beginning, which was delicious. Our server was really sweet and helped us decide which dishes to order as we wanted to only order vegetarian food.The flavors were delicious, would 100% visit again! read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went on a Tuesday with some friends. The portions were minimal. Prrhaps, because it was a Tuesday. My meal was 3 small fish stick size pieces of fried cheese ($15). Service was 4/5*. I am gluten intolerant. There are so few safe options. I wont be back. I had to vome home & eat dinner. read more

Went here for pay what you can Tuesday and had suchhh a wholesome meal! What an amazing thing they do to support the community.

I can't say enough good praising just how wonderful this restaurant is. The service was kind and prompt, and everyone was helping everyone. The ambiance was perfect for our anniversary but would also be appropriate for a random Tuesday night self-care night. But, the food, oh man, THE FOOD. I haven't closed my eyes and savored every single bite like that in a long, LONG time. Everything was perfect. Flavors were paired well. Serving sizes were perfect. The melon sorbet has a scotch bonnet candy with it and it was just the absolute perfect amount of spice to pair with the freshness of the sorbet and nuts. We very much appreciated the complimentary bubbly for our anniversary, and the mixed beverages were crafted to perfection. And that basil was SO FRESH I couldn't stop smelling it. I wish we didn't live a whole state away! read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place has the most underrated happy hour! The deals on the spritzes and pasta are awesome. I love the rotating pasta dishes and how fresh it always tastes. The vibes inside are bright and I love that you can see the kitchen from the bar. Service is also usually pretty quick and everyone is very nice! They even give the ducks outside water cups. Highly recommend read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went for Pay What You Will meal on Tuesday recently and got two pastas, two appetizers, and a dessert. They were still working out some of the kinks as the second pasta dish took awhile to come out. We got the spaghetti with olive carbonara and the fusilli with mustard cashew cream, as well as the meatballs and the roasted sweet potatoes. Also loved the focaccia with the honey butter - absolutely addictive. Appetizers were substantial and well balanced with their flavors. Loved how the roasted sweet potatoes weren't sickeningly sweet and had a nice, nutty char. Will definitely be back. read more

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Been wanting to try this place for awhile so finally made it here on a Sunday evening, and just in time for happy hour (4-6pm everyday)! They have great HH specials and I would highly recommend stopping by during that time, because otherwise the menu is short and pretty expensive (overpriced IMO). There's only 2 pastas that are on the HH menu and we got both - they were both great but would never pay regular price for them (almost $30 each). The Rosemary sourdough foccacia to start was great, especially with the honey butter that it's served with. Spritz's were good (fairly standard) and it's a cute little spot; just limited menu and I don't know how often it changes. read more

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I've never run to write a Yelp review faster! That was one of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life. The food is phenomenal (made with local ingredients), the service is excellent, and the environment is comfy and beautiful. The quality of the ingredients is off the charts and the sauces are truly outstanding. My daughter and I got spritzers for our drinks. Strawberry-fennel and limonata. We couldn't decide which one we liked best, so we just kept swapping with one another. Both were so fresh tasting and delicious. Perfect for hot weather. Highly recommend the meatballs to start! The meat quality is unreal and the sauce is perfection. Also the fresh mozzarella. I asked about it because it was so good and apparently they make it in-house! We also got carrots that tasted like dessert. I can't even describe them. They were crunchy and fresh, and in a sweet pistachio butter (I think that's what it was?). Whatever it was, it was absolute perfection. We'd finished every bite of our starters so we were pretty full by the time our main dishes (pasta) arrived, but we found a way to make room. ;) My daughter's favorite was one with fennel sausage and tomato (incredible), and my favorite was in a brown butter lemon sauce (perfect). The portions were really big so we took half of each to go. Can't wait to have it for lunch tomorrow! We said we couldn't eat another bite but...we found room for dessert of course. My daughter picked dessert for us and she chose the mint chocolate chip cannoli. I was born and raised in NY and have had many, many cannolis over the years. Theirs was one of the very best! Loved the mint twist. The only thing I regret is not leaving room for an extra dessert. They had tiramisu on the menu. Now that I'm home, I'm feeling pretty sad that I didn't just order it to go. Next time! Speaking of next time, we're planning to go back very, very soon. What a special night. Yelp needs to give the option for 10 stars because sometimes you have a meal that's just that perfect. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! read more

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They also charge 2.85% fee is you pay with credit card. Lasagna: $36.00 automatic 20% fee added: $7.20 tax: $3.56 2.85% fee $1.33 Total cost for 1 piece of lasagna = $48.09 LMAO read more

Excellent little spot that is probably a little underrated. The move is definitely to go with a small group (we had 4) and get a few appetizers and several entrees. The menu is designed to be shared. We got the meatballs and mozerella to start and they were phenomenal. The entrees were all very good. Bucatani and Lasagna were very good. Would recommend to a friend. Services was the right amount of attentive. read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Went here the other tonight and I think I accidentally ordered off the "Barbie Dreamhouse" menu -- because these portions were miniature. The price? Full-grown adult robbery. Flavor? Meh. Honestly, if I were on a GLP-1 diet, I'd still leave hungry... but at least then I could pretend the three bites I got were "plenty." read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Under mini meatballs - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This restaurant is a gem. We had a great meal on a relaxed Sunday summer night. Our server was good at explaining their local, in-season concept, and was quick to point out the vegetarian options for us. The radiatore pasta with pesto was the highlight of the meal for us, and fresh mozzarella with balsamic and orange was a close second. Chips and olive oil with olives was a refreshing way to serve house-made chips. Good ambience. Easy street and lot parking at Mueller. The staff were up front about their 20 percent service charge, and the credit card surcharge; we had no surprises at the end. Their menu apparently changes often based on produce availability, so we're looking forward to trying new foods here on our next visit. read more

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I highly recommend L'Oca d'Oro for dinner and happy hour! We visited a long time ago when they opened and it was amazing! We did the full tasting menu with the wine pairing. The limoncello was such a treat. My daughter and I went back recently for happy hour and enjoyed it just as much. The prices were great, service was above and beyond, and the food was fantastic. We enjoyed the half-off pasta immensely. It can be romantic if that's what you're looking for or just a chill meal. Go check it out! read more

Good pasta, but slow service. I feel the portion is small based on the price. A bit overpriced. read more

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Chef Fiore Tedesco's L'Oca d'Oro is an Italian neighborhood restaurant that celebrates the traditions of Italian cuisine but innovates in a surprising way with whimsical dishes and surprising combinations. Located in Austin Texas, Chef has painstakingly created a fixed and standard menu that provides folks an opportunity to try many dishes or follow a path along a curated trajectory Chef Fiore Tedesco has selected. The fresh mozzarella and cima di rapa (w/ parmigiano & anchovy) are delightful and standard dishes as appetizers and carry that tradition; but it's the daring combinations like the beet cashew dip that open up your imagination. I was lucky to try several dishes when we dined and was surprised and in awe of many of the dishes including the spaghetti alla limone which was a very different take with its lime kosho & grana padano; airy and fresh, it resonated with everyone who tried it. Other standouts included the chicken milanesa marsala, the blue moon panna cotta, and the pistachio chocolate chip cookie. Chef Tedesco's philosophy of creating everything in house is seen in the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Chef Tedesco has founded a memorable restaurant but more importantly has created a consistency that is hard to replicate. It's this constant commitment that drives not only the quality but the passion of L'Oca d'Oro. Even more impressive is the philosophy of his restaurant; from L'Oca d'Oro's website: "All of our dishes are prepared with sustainable, locally grown produce and meats--a reflection of a farm-to-table philosophy that extends to our handmade pasta, cheese, salumi, bread, vinegars and liqueurs. We care for our team members by including a 20% pre-tax service charge to guarantee a base wage of at least $17/hr, Direct Primary Care, PTO & low cost counseling for our entire team. Since 2016, L'Oca has paid above the federal minimum wage, accompanied by benefits like healthcare and retirement plans. During crises, L'Oca prioritizes community health and social justice, collaborating with organizations like Good Work Austin, co-founded by L'Oca owners, and Lilith Fund, setting an example for culinary excellence and positive societal impact through unwavering dedication to quality and responsibility." In 2018, Chef Fiore Tedesco spoke on behalf of restaurants before the City Council in defense of a paid sick leave ordinance. In 2019, he and his co owner the pair co-founded Good Work Austin to continue pushing for increased pay, better benefits, and now improved family practices. Thanks to those efforts, L'Oca D'Oro earned its reputation as a leader for redefining industry standards. At a panel discussion, he discussed the recent election and how so many folks within Good Work Austin now had a tension, unsure of what changes have come. Chef addressed this and his words were comforting to folks like myself who understand the challenges in the restaurant industry and the community who works in it, namely the hundred if not thousands he represents in Austin." I very rarely straight up copy paste website info on a post but this summarizes Chef's goals with his restaurant. To have such a high standard for the ingredients, the staff, and the culture shows how wonderful L'Oca d'Oro. read more

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I was visiting from Houston for a bachelorette weekend. We sat outdoors on the patio on a Saturday for 6 pm dinner reservation. The sun was little strong at the beginning with minimal shade but after 30 min, it was tolerable. There is a free parking lot right across which was packed but we got lucky to find a last minute opened spot. It has a great view of a park and lake. The server was very nice and knowledgeable of the menu. She recommended ordering 6-8 plates which are good for family style sharing with a group of 4. We got the roasted olives & salumi, rosemary sourdough focaccia, fresh mozzarella, grilled cabbage, Polpette, fusilli Rosso, bucatini alla Gricia, and an off the menu pasta with a tomato based sauce. We also got the pecan pie cannoli & tiramisu which were both so good! I really enjoyed everything but not the olives & bucatini was much. It was my first time trying an olive but my friends liked it. The bucatini was very chewy and the seasoning was strong for me. The fusilli was good especially with the ricotta but I would prefer without hazelnuts next time. Overall, it was a good experience with friends and we went walking around afterwards. read more

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Bad meal, bad service, shady added charges. Did not inform of a 20% upcharge on solo meal in advance - NOT before I ate, like a decent place does, NOT in reservation clickstream, terms, "what you should know before you go", payments, etc. They ADDED FOOD I SAID NO to, overcharged vs menu too. But the BAD FOOD & SERVICE, READ ON. It gets worse. ** The pasta was bad - drizzled with spicy hot MOUTH BURNING oil I could NOT taste any flavor. I've eaten Italian all over the world and in NYC, Boston, etc. This was JUST BAD, inedible, weird. I was STARVING. I ate HALF the pasta with spicy oil drizzle, little slivers of meat. I would've let it go to support locals. BUT... ** I told the server NO I did not want bread, we discussed it. I said JUST PASTA AND THE ORANGE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK. * DINING ROOM WAS EMPTY so I thought comp'd 2 little pieces of BLAND bread they brought. They charged + MARKED UP 20%. I had a few small bites to cut the terrible heat. ** OVERCHARGED $6 for non alcoholic drink ** I had to ask 3x for orange drink ordered 1st. Brought AFTER the miserably hot noodles with garnish came. ** AFTER I ate part, I got the bill ON THEIR COMPUTER with MULTIPLE extra fees that SERVER MISINFORMED me about when he finally told me AFTER the meal. He WRONGLY said we have a small service fee added of about 3% (it's 20%) & a 2.5 % credit card fee. NO PRINTED CHECK. **I said you only got a few dollars tip in service fee of 3% that goes to you? He said yes so I added on more. FALSE INFO. ** I OBJECTED when he showed me computer price without clear info on 20% upcharge. HE SAID I'm explaining it to you NOW AND DID NOT. He gave misinfo. ** I ADDED $ ON TOP for him based on mis-info he gave when I questioned all ** I got home & EMAIL RECEIPT SAYS 20% SERVICE FEE ON ALL PLUS MY ADDED TIP. ** $65 for a BAD experience...for noodles main w bad mouth burning oil. * I PAY 2-3x THAT FOR GOOD FOOD, SERVICE. * I TIP 20-40+% USUALLY. ** I would've given another try but all was SO BAD. I could not even order dessert. ** BAD tasting food, overcharges, shady, bad service, ignored complaints.** ** Starving, I ATE FOOD AFTER AT HOME. Try at your own risk. Inconsistent at best. ** ******* UPDATE ******** 1. They have the nerve to answer my complaint by saying I wish you had told me. WHAT IS UNCLEAR? I OBJECTED AT THE BILL TIME TOO, TOLD THEM CLEARLY, and was misinformed on top of it. See #2... 2. I TOLD THE SERVER: "I WOULD NOT ORDER THAT MEAL AGAIN" and joked if I was sick to clear my sinuses maybe, I TOLD HIM "I DIDN'T LIKE IT " and on and on. 3. EMAIL RECEIPT SAYS THE UPCHARGE PART ALONE IS 20%. SERVER WRONGLY told me 3% when he MISINFORMED ME AFTER the meal. THIS CAUSED ME TO ADD EVEN MORE TIP on an INFLATED bill!! 4. They claim its online. IT IS NOT in reservation clickstream, terms, payments, "What you should know before you go" etc. PLUS misinfo after I ate. I see NOW its buried at end of long paragraph after paragraphs somewhere. THEY ARE ADDING IT. 5. NO PRINTED BILL GIVEN THAT THEY NOW CLAIM ITS ON. 6. MGMT didn't address ALL ISSUES where they are padding the bill. THE FOOD WAS WORSE & SERVICE! SO SHADY on several aspects. 7. I TIP 20 - 40% NORMALLY. It was NOT the fee itself. It's how badly it was handled, AND EVERYTHING. I TOLD them in person. I would've let it go w/o MORE stress, had I not seen the email receipt showing the waiter's false info after the meal that had made me tip EVEN MORE. 8. STRESSFUL HASSLE. I went home TO EAT THERE. Money on Uber, a terrible overcharged experience for noodles & spicy oil, etc. 9. I didn't take any of it home, ate 1/2 of the pasta, a few little bites of the bread TO CUT THE BURNING IN MY MOUTH from the bad pasta -- bread I DID NOT ORDER & SAID NO TO at $10 for two little pieces of BLAND BREAD. 10. NOW THEY WANT ME TO BEG for a credit. NO ACCOUNTABILITY for all that went on either. THEY REPLIED AFTER YET ANOTHER WRITTEN COMPLAINT... that if it was truly bad food AFTER I was clear MANY times, ignoring the rest!! I said it to the server's face as kindly & direct as I could. I took my time to write them first when I got email receipt. POORLY RUN with alot of potential so it's too bad. I LOVE neighborhood places. I also like spicy food, just not BAD so hot you can't taste flavor MOUTH BURNING inedible food. * THEY SHOULD PUT EFFORT INTO COOKING DELICIOUS, HIGH VALUE FOOD CONSISTENTLY instead of overcharging at every turn. MAYBE THEN their dining room WOULD NOT BE EMPTY at dinner & loyal foodies like me would LOVE to come back. I spend a lot per meal solo, even more w friends / clients & eat out often -- but this was AWFUL. I won't be referring or dining here. TOO bad to try another dish. Try at your own risk, as it is inconsistent at best. Also VERY limited menu vs online. UPDATE 2: Management was even worse after, defensive. A GREAT restaurant grows on rep & it's leadership, and doesn't resort to all of this. No wonder the dining room was EMPTY. read more

L'Oca d'Oro - CAUTION! Bad pasta, undisclosed service upcharge 20% Even SOLO. Misinforms after meal on $. Brings food you said NO to. Overcharge vs menu. - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

This was my first visit and must say I shall return. I am not a big fan of grapefruit, however the Rio Red Grapefruit Salad was delicious. The farm herbs and sunflower seeds were a delightful addition. Perhaps my favorite of the dishes we partook in was Fusilli Rosse. The inclusion of beet puree in the pasta was interesting yet took nothing away from the flavor. The Bucatini Alla Gricia, was very tasty, the black pepper and pecorini making it a delectable dish. The Tiramisu was a tad different than what I have had in the past, however it surpassed my expectations. The hint of rum was an added bonus for me. Was a tad surprised that they do automatically add a 20% Gratuity regardless of party size and the addition of a 2.85% service charge for using a credit card. However, I had no issue with this as the service was great. Kudos to our server Emma. She was wonderful read more

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Was my first time trying this restaurant for the pasta night out promo for the Cap10K. I enjoyed most everything that I ordered. The grapefruit Italian soda was light and fresh. The grapefruit salad was light and refreshing with a good flavor and texture from the beet brown sugar purée. They were out of the bread and the tagliatelle pasta. The pasta they did have was delicious and cooked perfectly. The fusilli rosso had whipped ricotta and hazelnuts for a bright flavor profile. The other pasta dish cacao de Pepe had pork and blend of cheese and black pepper for a unique flavor. I was not a fan of the Tiramisu because it was pricy for a dessert and had an aftertaste from the coffee and rum flavor. Full disclosure, this restaurant automatically adds 20% gratuity to checks of any party size and charges a credit card service charge fee of 2.85%. read more

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This is a real cute place! It's right it the heart of mueller, near a paid lot that is free on Sundays (which is when I went). I went during restaurant week to get the $60 four course menu and support a business, and I'm glad I did! They actually had phenomenal portion sizing during that week, i felt like it was $60 well spent. Our server was really attentive, and the ambiance inside was nicer than your average sit down place, but I wouldn't call it "very" fancy by any means (ie it's no candlelit dinner). That said, I hadn't had Italian food at a restaurant for a long time and I really enjoyed it! 4/5 stars - good quality, very tasty, but not innovative/fancy enough to blow me away. Nevertheless, I would rec a visit to try it. My favorite thing on the menu was the tiramisu dessert - it was just lovely! read more

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The pasta is absolutely the star of the meal here! It was a pretty busy Friday night when we came, but were seated right away. As an appetizer we got the polpette since it seemed like a popular item - very flavorful and and tender meatballs that melt in your mouth, but i don't think the price is justified for 3 small meatballs. However, the pastas are amazing - the texture was perfect al dente, and even though they were simple pasta dishes it was so well done. The bucatini was super peppery, which I really enjoyed, and the broth of the rigatoni dish was very flavor packed. We also ended with some tiramisu - so fluffy and creamy, a pretty strong rum flavor and not too sweet. Seems like the pasta dishes rotate, so I would definitely want to come back and try others! It was a bit loud since it was busy, but there is surprisingly a lot of dining space in the restaurant. Service was good, we did wait a while for food and water, but shout out to our server Nico for handling such a busy night! read more

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I have been wanting to come here for a while and I'm glad I finally was able to cross this off my list I had dinner with some friends here and I have to admit that I expected a lot more of this place.From the moment I walked in, all the staff seemed bothered by us and were a little condescending in their tone when we asked questions about the menu or our food/drinks. The food was okay, nothing exceptional that really stood out for me, the best thing we ordered was the gnocchi which did have some good flavor to it but there wasn't a lot and given the prices here I expected more food to be included. Everything was rather pricey, for four people who only got 1 drink per person was well over $220, that was before their mandatory 20% gratuity and surcharge for all credit cards. The restaurant also does not bring out the food all at once, the kitchen staff makes your meals and whenever they finish, that gets brought out, and we waited well over 30 minutes AFTER ordering to just get our first dish. After being seated we waited another 20 minutes just to have someone come by and take our orders. The women who brought out our food just came by and stated the dish and laid it on the table but whenever we asked questions about the dish we brought out she was unable to answer anything about how it was prepared. She was also one of the most unfriendly, unemotional people I've ever met. She never once looked at us either, she just looked past our table as she was speaking. I was really disappointed with this place given how nice it looked and what was advertised on the website. But there are much better Italian places to eat here that have good food at a great price with helpful staff. read more

L'Oca d'Oro - Front entrance - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Sadly, my recent experiences to L'Oca d'Oro have left me missing the first couple of times I'd been. Menu changes were expected, but none of the new dishes have sparked joy like previous ones before. I've gotten the polpette every time. The past couple of times, it remained a highlight of the meal, but I noticed it being less steamy, less saucy, and even lacking the good old cherry tomato pop. Entrees have been forgettable at best; several were difficult to finish. The eggplant parm was overly charred with nothing outstanding, the lamb was tender but also overly fatty. Feeling disappointment with a $75 bill at the end... not a good time. read more

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The happy hour on their wine bottles are a steal! Such a great place to pop into if you're in the Mueller area. The bread is great and the pasta dishes are good. The service has been good every time I've gone and they've never steered me wrong on the wine selection. I've learned that I do enjoy orange wine! Highly recommend for a girl's HH or cute date night. read more

THE BIG: Located in Mueller and L'Oca d'Oro specializes in italian pasta dishes and all pasta is made in house! Parking is limited to the street. THE BLACK AND WHITE: The wife and I came here on a tuesday afternoon and managed to squeak in a HH. We got the spritz's that they make in house which is a great way to cool off during a hot Austin summer. For the restaurant week, we got the conchiglie, the beef cheek pappardelle and panzanella. All were delicious however my favorite was the beef cheek papardelle. Something about thick pasta noodles. For dessert we rounded off with a cannoli. THE FINAL BAMBOO: Overall, damage done was around $115 for the Austin Restaurant week pre-fixe menu, 2 spritz and a conchiglie. Tip is already included at 20%, but if you want to tip more you can! read more

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My husband and I went to L'Oca d'Oro to celebrate our anniversary and had a great night! We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation but got seated right away with a choice between indoor seating and patio seating and the hostesses were very friendly. Within minutes of sitting down, we were brought two small glasses of wine to celebrate our anniversary which was very appreciated. Our server was EXTREMELY attentive the entire meal... he was constantly dropping by the table to refill our water glasses and made sure we had everything we needed. Rosemary Sourdough Focaccia (8/10) - Delicious! The bread wasn't overly oily or buttery but the honey butter that comes with it is INCREDIBLE! A little pricey though at $10 for 2 small squares of focaccia. Spaghetti Carbonara (9/10) - This was a fantastic carbonara! The pancetta cubes were crispy and flavorful, the spaghetti was cooked perfectly, the sauce was creamy and thick, and the chili crisp on top added a slight heat that balanced the flavors nicely. Beef Cheek Pappardelle (7/10) - Very good but the portion size seemed a little on the smaller side compared to the carbonara (especially considering it was $2 more). The flavor was good but didn't blow me away and the pappardelle was pretty al dente. Tiramisu (9/10) - Loved this! It wasn't overly sweet and the espresso taste was strong which is exactly how I love my tiramisu! It was the perfect size to split at the end of a meal. Overall, L'Oca d'Oro was a wonderful meal in a nicely decorated space with fantastic service. I can appreciate a paired down menu because it makes it easier to decide what you want to eat, but I don't think I'd be in a hurry to go back unless there was a new menu item that really excited me. read more

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L'Oca d'Oro may be tucked into the Mueller development -- giving it a bit of a shopping mall vibe -- but they've done a commendable job of creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Given the setting, they've truly made the most of it. Our server was warm, attentive, and accommodating which set a great tone for the evening. The menu changes frequently, and though the Casarecce is typically served with sausage, I lucked out: on this particular night, it was completely vegetarian. The dish came in a unique sauce made from potato purée, dill, and grana which had a velvety texture that definitely was not like eating mashed potatoes; it was more of a light cream sauce. It was surprisingly satisfying, and everyone at the table loved it. Some of the standout dishes included the Slow Roasted Carrots with 'nduja spice, whipped crème fraîche, and crispy fried scallions, as well as the Fresh Mozzarella, which was paired with an unexpected but delicious strawberry mustardo. One of my friends wasn't sure what to order but after giving the server a few details about her preferences, she immediately recommended the Cacio e Pepe which turned out to be a perfect match. Similarly my husband, who is notoriously picky about Italian food, was more than happy with an off-menu red sauce suggestion. The drinks were equally impressive. My cocktail, "Cleanest Dirty Shirt," was a beautifully balanced mix of bourbon, Scotch, Vermut Roselle, limoncello, and toasted rosemary. Every drink at the table was exceptional, from the bottle of Pietradolce Etna Rossa to the Italian vermouth, limoncello, and even the orange cream Italian soda. While I wouldn't place L'Oca d'Oro above Sammie's, it's absolutely a step above Vespaio and Juliet Italian Kitchen. If you're unable to secure a reservation at Sammie's, this is a solid backup with some truly excellent dishes. read more

You know it's good when I tell my family in the middle of the meal that I feel like I've been transported back to Italy L'Oca D'Ora Thank you for such a wonderful experience and amazing food!! This place reminds me of a Italian version of odd duck! The sophisticated yet inviting environment represents Austin! The menu is à la carte style just like Odd Duck so you can get a bite of every plate! You don't have to order like this if you don't want to, but I think it's fun! 1. Sourdough Focaccia & Cultured butter: 12/10 literally one of the top 5 things I've ever eaten. Just trust me. We ended up ordering 2 plates & were tempted to order a 3rd to go. - My lemon drop was also amazing!!! 10/10 2. Green Corn Panisse, black garlic puree, pickled chestnut mushroom, Louisiana shallot: I personally didn't love this, but my family did!! 3. Polpette, Waygu brisket & heritage pork, tomato jam, pecorino, oregano: 8/10 this isn't shown very well in the picture but they're meatballs! very flavorful!! 4. Ricotta Cavatelli, broccoli greens, gouda, pesto di pane: 9/10, I really loved the flavor and textures of this dish! 5. Apple Pie Cannoli, cheddar mascarpone, apple-caramel, I wasn't a fan but my family loved it!! To me the cannoli shell was too greasy. 6. Tiramisu, White Sonoran sponge cake, mascarpone, Plantation OFTD rum, espresso: 10/10 I could've eaten a whole bowl!! read more

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