I would recommend coming here for Sunday brunch but let me explain why it got just 3 stars: +1 star for primo location - what a great way to check out the scene without having to dress to the nines +2 $1 mimosas & bellinis during Sunday brunch The food wasn't bad, but not exactly memorable either. The only reason I'd come back here for Sunday brunch is the $1 mimosas and bellinis. How can you beat that? And how can your Sunday be anything BUT awesome once you kick it off that way? Make sure you get here right when they open, otherwise you'll be waiting for a good long while... read more

HAPPY HOUR! 1/2 select appetizers, and all pizzas. $4 House Wine! I came here last night with a friend. We tried the Pizza Bianca with prosciutto, arugula, and parmesan cheese. It was delicious, but messy... We also tried the Buffalo Mozzarella Caresse. It was good, but not worth $11 due to the amount of food. The $4 house wine was a great deal during their happy hour. I would definitely come back. read more

It just doesn't get any better in Austin. We ate here for breakfast and came back for dinner, cancelling our other plans. The atmosphere can be a little tight, as space inside can be a premium, but the food...man. The risotto is by far the best I've ever had, the pizza is to die for. I really don't know what else to say other than eat here, and you'll write a similar review! read more

I had come here a few times for brunch through the years (which I always remember being excellent), but was invited to come celebrate my MIL's birthday here for dinner. The service was excellent and the food options were endless and delicious-sounding. We ordered the Chef's Focaccia and it was gone after 2 blinks which is always a good sign. I got the Risotto with parmesan cheese and truffle oil. Let it be known that you can put truffle oil and absolutely anything and I will eat it. If I was eating something with truffle oil on it while outdoors and a grackle came and swiped my food, I would chase down the bird to get my truffle oil back. That being said - there was no shortage of truffle oil on my dish and I was in heaven. It was great. Long live truffle oil! read more

** Happy Hour Review** This is one of my favorite happy hour spots. They have a nice patio (not available for happy hour specials though, bar only) and great happy hour specials. Pizza and apps are half priced and most importantly the frozen bellini's are only $2! read more

3.5 stars --- rounding up to 4. BRUNCH! the best time of the week, the last bastion of sunshine before another grueling workweek...choose wisely, it is a whole 7 days until you can have another round of mimosas in your hand. After a pretty rowdy night out, we headed down to Taverna for brunch. Yes, the wait was long, but they had hangover friendly couches! We had the dollar mimosas, and they were okay. My taverna hash was alright, and the food was an overall 3 stars. Service good, atmosphere good, would brunch here again if only for the location and atmosphere, but the food is nothing to write home about. Noted for the cuteness, may have to come back and give it another chance. read more

We decided to give Taverna brunch a try this past Sunday since our friends had been there and said the sub 2$ mimosas and Bellinis were worth the trip. We arrived right before 10am and had our choice of any outdoor seat. Inside did look a little busier though. By the time we left (just after 11am) the place was slammed so getting their early is for sure encouraged. He tried the chicken and waffles with a mango salsa which wasnt on the menu but seems to a regular daily special. We have had some pretty solid chicken and waffles in our day and unfortunately these did not compare especially at the cost of $17 for the plate. The chicken lacked any real distinct flavor and a good crisp. The waffles were fine and the mango salsa was good but ultimately when you want good chicken and waffles, its all about the chicken and the waffles, not what you put on top. She had the eggs al forno at the request the eggs be closer to over medium than runny. It was pretty descent but nothing spectacular. Overall we are glad to have experienced brunch at Taverna since we know we would probably go somewhere else for Brunch next time. We went straight to Banger's after the meal and concluded we would have rather spent the money on food there than at Taverna. If you are downtown and want some great, cheap mimoasas it is hard to go wrong at Taverna but check out somewhere like Moonshine for a much better brunch and more variety. read more

Dollar Frozen Bellinis. Plus amazing pizzas and gnocchi.. mmmmmm. Can't wait for the weather to be perfect to join the patio for brunch. read more

Came by on a Saturday evening around 8pm. While the place was packed we were able to sit in the front patio without a wait. Started off with a couple of their signature cocktails: the Italian Mojito (excellent taste and one sneaks up on you), and my husband got the champagne and St.Germain mix which was excellent. About $8-9/each. The inside setup truly reminds me of being in Italy with the crowded tables spitting distance from eachother. My husband got the Siccilian pizza ($12) and I got the seafood rissotto ($16). The seafood was cooked very well. The consistency of the rissotto was a bit runnier than I had expected but delicious none-the-less. The pizza didn't knock our socks off, and while the rissotto tasted well, it too did not knock my socks off. All in all, I'd go back, perhaps for happy hour instead. My favorite part about this experience was the cocktails. read more

Good for Italian food but that is not saying much (I'm not an Italian food fan). ;) Italian food is all pretty similar and never to my health standards. Anyway, we only went here because the wait at second bar was too long and this place seemed intriguing. We got seated fast but it took a while for our waitress to greet us and even longer for the food to be prepared. So, even though there was not much waiting for the next table it was a deceptive ploy to make us feel like we were quickly about to eat. The waitress forgot about us because she was busy doing cleanup tasks for the next day -- it was the end of the night so this was more understandable -- until I said something about the long wait another waitress finally brought our food. Side note: none of the chefs are a obviously Italian but Hispanic, and it seems that they are almost showing off this fact by having them clearly in display. It seems this is the tragic reality of most current day restaurants -- especially in Austin. Just does not feel as authentic as it presents itself to be. Probably will not be back. read more

If Taverna didn't offer the best happy hour in DT Austin (try the mussels) I'd still love it. Cozy, gorgeous space, friendly staff, great wine list. Outstanding food. And, the prices aren't ridiculous. Two can dine here without breaking the bank (unlike a S Congress Italian spot ) and they take reservations. Check it out-- try old favorites like lasagne (omg good) as well as interesting risotto dishes and hand made pizzas. read more

I don't even write reviews but this food was SO GOOD. We got a few mimosas which are cheap ($2.50?) during happy hour. For food, we got different kinds of pastas and they were both so amazing read more

Taverna - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

I decided to try this after seeing the chef on a morning show to promote mother's day brunch. I did not go for mother's day, I went for a random Saturday. It was overcast and going to rain, so even though it looked busy, there was no line when I got there. For my first visit this was good, but I would wait in line next time because it was that good. And there was so much on the menu and that I saw going to other tables that I want to try now. I had Eggs Benedict, and it was amazing. The eggs was perfectly poached, the bacon was not underdone as I have had so many times before, and the hollandaise sauce was so light, it brought out the other flavors instead of smothering them. We also had New Orleans style Beignets, which was so light and fluffy, and served with a sauce that was so awesome, i would have just drank it if there were not other people there with me. And at a suggestion we tried the chef's focaccia bread, which was a wonderfully light flavor. What I like most about everything I tried was that I was not so overwhelmed by one thing, everything just blended well together. The service was very friendly, my water was always filled, the food came out quickly. The table was kept clean, and I never felt rushed, even as more people started to line up. I will be back and this is going to be my go to for friends and family visiting from out of town from now on. read more

Food was great, service was abysmal. Took 45 minutes just to get a drink. We've been here for an hour and a half and the waiter has visited our table 3 times. read more

SO SO good. Their risotto was incredible + the Bianca pizza is a must. Our server, Max? from NY was very sweet and knowledgeable.

I love the revamped vibe at Taverna! I live down the block and I appreciate having a good brunch spot nearby. The staff is phenomenal, and I have to give a special shout out to CJ! He always goes above and beyond!! read more

Taverna is great, CJ is better. I jokingly asked if he had any tums for my absurdly annoying acid reflux (TMI?) and he went above and beyond to get me tums and bottled water. I got to enjoy my meal with friends while CJ did the dirty work. CJ- you saved the day. I'd recommend Taverna for good vibes, good food, and for CJ. read more

Food, service, atmosphere all 5 stars!! The food had so much flavor got the White truffle pierogis I think that is how you spell it lol ..... amazing!!!!!! The wait staff and service from everyone was friendly and attentive!! And the atmosphere was beautiful! The bar was the best place to be but the dining area was the most romantic. Love love love will be back again! read more

My friends and I love this place! Their brunch has the best vibe. We always request CJ as our server. He's the perfect combo of professional and fun. read more

I have never had more of a poor experience than at this restaurant. First, the bartender was so rude and acted like we were bothering him for ordering a drink... and slammed them down half full. I went and spoke with the manager about this who was incredibly rude and just said " sorry about that". Next, we went to check on our table and we're told " oh sorry we couldn't find you so we gave your table away". The hostess proceeded to sit us at a table of 5 for seven people. We asked to be moved and she acted annoyed. The manager then proceeded to mimic me at the hostess stand complaining about the size of my mimosas that was half full. Really professional of her :))) do not come here. Unprofessional staff - really really a poor experience. read more

The best meal I've had in so long. CJ killed our bottle service. Best server I've had in a minute- request him. Such a good meal where I felt WANTED and LOVED- which we all need rn!!!! Love. read more

The food was excellent - I wish I could give a better rating but my wife and I had an unpleasant experience with the service and management which was negligent. After ordering our food, we waited well over an hour to receive our entree, during which time at least three parties who came in after us received their entrees. Three times our waitress passed by and said "your food will be out soon"; after one hour I informed the manager who said he would check. The manager blamed the waitress for not putting our order in. Finally, the food was delivered. The waitress stopped by towards the end of our meal to ask if the food was yummy and if we wanted dessert - never apologizing for the delay. Then the manager came by and basically said that the waitress didn't have long at the restaurant - he never took any responsibility for the poor treatment nor did he offer any compensation. First time in my memory that I didn't leave a tip, and I blame the manager for not taking us seriously. Too bad. read more

I've been twice - once for lunch and once for dinner (though after reading the reviews I'm wondering how I haven't been for brunch yet). My lunch experience was amazing. It was the best service I have ever experienced at a restaurant - no joke. I somehow seem to draw awkward waiters whenever I go to a place (I'm sure this fact has absolutely no relation to my own personality...), but this waitress was incredibly friendly, chatty, non-awkward, and even brought a free dessert. Sweet! And the food was delicious (gorgonzola and pear filled pasta - yummmm). For dinner, the service wasn't as spectacular, but still pleasantly decent. I had a house salad (3 stars - not bad, but not life changing), bruschetta (3.5 stars) and parmesan/truffle oil risotto (5+). I requested that mushrooms and asparagus heads be added to the risotto (yeah, I'm that girl) but it was amazing. A week later I am still tasting that deliciously lingering flavor in my mouth. I can see how the food might be a mixed bag, but I luckily have only experienced the plus side thus far. read more

This was going to be an update until I found I never wrote a review for one of my favorite old Dallas restaurants that's found it's way down to Austin. The Taverna foccacia is one of my favorite dishes. Luckily my husband likes it too, since it's a pretty big starter (even for two). And who doesn't love their weekend brunch for the cheap mimosas- if you can handle the crowd and bad brunch food (lean towards their normal menu and I think you will be pleased though). The Parmesan risotto is also typically good, although the texture of the risotto can be hit or miss. Wine prices are reasonable, the pizzas are nice and thin, and the atmosphere is very European (think sitting close enough to hear your neighbors conversations). All in all, Taverna reminds me of a friendly and casual European bistro, although the clientele may be a bit more upscale and less friendly. read more

Its a great place for brunch and the seafood risotto is off the chain. i'll throw the $1 mimosas in there just in case you haven't read all the other reviews. its really a great spot to be downtown and convenient parking is always a delight. read more

Great Brunch menu, and $1 mimosas. The Pastas are mostly handmade with the exception of a few. Great Prices for the quality of food. Wine list is decent, mostly Italian, some California. Service is great. Ask for Eric, very professional and very knowledgeable. read more

Loved this place!! Very lively and open aired. The service was very friendly, food was just as good. $1 mimosas... how could you go wrong? read more

Taverna - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I slipped in here by accident last weekend for brunch. I didn't even know they served brunch. I had been for dinner before and always had risotto, which was good, and thought it was an ok place but nothing to write home about. Let me just say the brisket hash with poached eggs and hollandaise really hit the spot. We sat on the patio, they happily served my 2 year old pasta which looked delicious and my husband a belgium waffle. They had $1 mimosas and bellinis which we did not try. My brisket hash dish was like $15.50 which seemed a little steep but it really was delicious and service was wonderful. If you are in the mood for something a little decadent and different go for this rich poached egg dish, YUM! read more

A fine Italian restaurant should not have a sports game playing on any TV's which this one did and garnered a 1 because I could not leave it a lower star rating. There was also 80's music playing in the back ground, that's tasteless for a nice looking restaurant. I judge every Italian place on the Lasagna and the bread-sticks and this place had lousy ones. In an attempt to serve some "fancy" Lasagna it just ended up tasting weird and nothing like a regular Lasagna. $18 for a small dish of weird tasting Lasagna was laughable. The Tiramisu was also forgettable. I will try my hardest to not return. read more

Tomato Basil soup- delicious. Large selection of Prosecco- yay! Cesar salad- Om nom nom. Homemade vanilla gelato- THE. BEST. EVERRR. Even if you are full, you must get the gelato. read more

I always walk past Taverna so I finally decided to try it for happy hour one day. It was really packed and I had to stand for a bit until we were able to snag up a seat at the bar. We all got bellinis and unanimously agreed we did not like them, I didn't even bother/want to finish mine. We then ordered the vegetarian pizza to share. My friend and I did not like it but my gf said it was a solid 6/10, I'll go with 3/10 though. Id rather take that money and go buy a Costco pizza, no disrespect, Costco pizza is actually fire if you've never tried it. read more

Taverna - Vegetarian pizza, saltiest pizza ever. Not sure if olives or black balls of salt. - Italian Near Me - Austin, Texas

Service was great, location too. Brisket hash wasn't so good. Beignets were amazing!! I've been here several times in the last and it seems like the food was just a little off today. Overall it's a pretty solid slot for Brunch. read more

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Just waited an hour in the freezing cold to be sat here. The blonde manager told us it would be open at 12 and to wait. She came outside only to take pictures to send to corporate and said we still had to wait. Which is fine. She opens the door at 12 wearing no mask, saying she doesn't have food only alcoholic drinks. She also said she didn't care she wasn't wearing a mask. Absolutely ridiculous we were freezing in the street and she couldn't bother to let us know there is no food. Keep in mind we frequently visit this place. read more

I had the Eggplant Parmesan here and it was easily the best I'd ever had. I only dock Taverna a star because the service was somewhat lackluster and the ambiance was somewhat hectic. read more

I was visiting Austin on a cold winter night, and looking for somewhere to get warm and cozy and enjoy some solid Italian fare. Taverna turned out to be just the spot. It was warm, cozy and lively ... without being overcrowded. I had a pasta dish with chicken, mushrooms, truffle oil and parmesan cheese - which was fantastic. My wife gave high marks to for the eggplant parmesan as well. Service was fast and friendly; the only downer was that the special desert (an apple crisp) was disappointing; more like apple pie filling out of a can. All in all though, Taverna filled the bill for us. read more

The food here is nothing to write home about. Fresh ingredients and decent execution, but it was all kind of lackluster, especially considering the price. There's nothing on the menu a moderately competent cook could not achieve at home. I've heard good things about that happy hour, so it seems that is were they have decided to focus. read more

I've been here many many times because I live around the corner. The food is good and dependable. It's not spectacular but it's great for brunch with the mimosas especially when you get a seat outside. Vespaio has better Italian food but this is a good option at the last second. read more

The rumors are true: Taverna really does have one of the better brunches in town! I've always wanted to eat here and I'm happy I did the other day. My boyfriend and I were devastated from the gypsy food trailer festival and we needed a fix. It was also pretty cool stumbling upon this place in the midst of that chaos at the barkitecture event; which was so adorable. Upon our arrival the hostess was very friendly except for the fact that she sat us next to a large party of chatty ladies. Don't get me wrong the more the merrier for brunch but our small table was too close and the place was already packed. That was really my only complaint is that sound carries there and it can be annoying if you're hungry and with a hungover boyfriend. The brunch menu is simple and with all the key players. I had the build you own omelet with EVERYTHING and it was still $10, that means 7 or so ingredients. It was delicious and their breakfast potatoes are pure heaven. My boyfriend had the eggs Benedict with crab meat which he devoured in 5 minutes. We each had $1 Bellini and mimosas which go hand in hand with brunch. Our server was very sweet and understood when we wanted to move away from the large party. She was also very helpful in describing ingredients and substitutions. read more

I come to Taverna almost exclusively for its Sunday Brunch, where you can enjoy $1 mimosas and bellinis until you literally can't drink anymore. Taverna is bougey, but in a mostly not-pretentious sense. Indeed, the only pretentious thing about Taverna is that their food really isn't all that. It's OK, but doesn't command the price point at which they have it set. I actually prefer the cuisine at Penne Pomodoro's, their sister restaurant in Dallas' Lakewood neighborhood. Happy Hour is also good here, although not nearly as crowded as brunch. If you happen to be gay -- and I pretty obviously am -- Taverna is a great place to begin your Sunday Funday. If you can get past the whole "Ghosts of Christmas Past" feeling you might have seeing so many people you've slept with in one place, that is. read more

If I could give 4.5 stars, I would! There is so much to like about this place, but I wouldn't call it the perfect restaurant. I met a couple of girls for dinner last night. Parking was easy... we all managed to find free spots on the street (woo hoo!) and the restaurant was only about half full. Our waiter was not overly friendly, but wasn't really rude either. Food was de-lic-ious. I got the butternut squash cappellacci (which was basically just large tortellini), and the other girls got scallop risotto and a pear/gorgonzola pizza. Portions were a great size - and the pizza was pretty big! My only minor complaint is that the chef seemed to be really heavy-handed with the olive oil... We also got the balsamic gelato with strawberries for dessert. None of us really got a whole lot of the balsamic flavor in the gelato, but it was delicious nonetheless. We will definitely be returning for future girls nights! Oh, and like others have mentioned, they do $1 mimosas at brunch on the weekends - you can't beat that!! read more