Taverna is a warm and inviting neighborhood restaurant that offers a truly Italian experience without having to go far. Our Italian chefs strive to create the perfect menu using seasonal ingredients for their surprising entrees. Every day we present a variety of northern Italian delights from simple comforts such as pasta and fabulous risotto to delicate pan-seared sea bass. A taverna in Italy is a special place where customers become friends and family. Here we celebrate the essence of hospitality and farm-to-table cooking reflecting our authentic Italian flavors in our rustic and welcoming interiors.
Casual Italian chainlet featuring pizzas, risottos & sidewalk seating.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 258 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 477-1001
Website: https://www.tavernabylombardi.com/
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Reviews
Dominique Sweat
Taverna was very nice! We didn’t have a reservation and it was a busy Friday night, so we were pleasantly surprised that there was no wait. We got seated in the “lounge area” near a projector and dj with very ambient lighting. We didn’t even realize there was a DJ until we were leaving. It’s definitely upscale and a bit pricey, but the food was excellent. The pomodoro pasta was delicious, and the pistachio crème brûlée was one of the best I’ve had! Our service was kind of slow, and the server seemed distracted. Appetizer came out before drinks, entree before the second glass, not marked (silverware) for all the courses. Our server was very sweet and had many tables, so it wasn’t a big deal. It’s a little loud inside and the lounge seating is pretty low/deep. But overall, the ambiance is nice! I would return 🙂
… moreKyle Ryan Housworth (KR)
From the moment I walked in everyone I encountered was hospitable, kind, and attentive. Specifically, the bartender Ryan and one of the servers Kat – who not only gave me a list of her favorites, but also a tour of the closed PDR. I have seen this place bumping during the daytime, and it is such a vibe. Tonight was more lowkey, but very comfortable and enjoyable. The beet salad – wildly good. Do not sleep on the maremanni – especially my vegetarians. Will definitely be back!
… moreJennifer Williams
Went here for the first time for lunch and it did not disappoint. Our waiter Alfredo was amazing. I let him pick my entrée and he also suggested the bruschetta for an appetizer.I got the Tagliolini with a filet and the person I went with got the special that was pasta with black truffle. Everything was amazing and the service was top-notch. Next time I go back I will definitely ask for Alfredo to be our server.
… moreClaudia Ordonez
Taverna is an excellent Italian restaurant with truly delicious food. Every dish is full of flavor, and the quality of the ingredients really stands out.
The dessert is a must-try: their specialty cheesecake with baklava is absolutely amazing an original and delightful combination that is well worth it.
What truly elevates the experience is the service. Diana provides outstanding attention friendly, attentive, and always making sure everything is perfect, which makes you feel genuinely welcome.
Highly recommended for both its food and exceptional service.
… moreThe dessert is a must-try: their specialty cheesecake with baklava is absolutely amazing an original and delightful combination that is well worth it.
What truly elevates the experience is the service. Diana provides outstanding attention friendly, attentive, and always making sure everything is perfect, which makes you feel genuinely welcome.
Highly recommended for both its food and exceptional service.
Marifer Galan
Taverna Downtown was a wonderful choice for date night. The atmosphere was intimate and inviting. My boyfriend was very satisfied with both the food and the service. The surf and turf and the pasta special were beautifully prepared and full of flavor. A truly lovely dining experience downtown. Will definitely come back again !!
… moreTaryn Heng
The food is pretty decent. Unfortunately the service was not great. I would wait at my table for a long time waiting to ask for either the menu/dessert menu or check. My waitress was just sitting on the actual tables for customers chatting with her coworkers.
… moreDennis Jasinski
I am in Austin attending a conference. Our group came to Taverna upon the recommendation of an associate. It was quite a nice experience. The host and wait staff were very accommodating and very friendly. While not overly crowded, we were seated promptly at a very nice window seat. The kitchen area is exposed to the patrons. The menu overall had plenty of great choices making my meal choice decision a little difficult. We had a few appetizers and the main course. Overall, everyone’s meal was nicely presented and prepared with care. No complaints here. Our waiter was very polite and offered great suggestions for meal choices. They did not disappoint.
… moreErric
We recently dined at Taverna for Valentine’s Day, and had a mixed experience overall.
The service was attentive and professional. Our server was friendly, checked on us regularly, and our food arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The atmosphere downtown on Second Street remains a strong point.
We ordered the Tagliolini Agli Scampi and the Gnocchi Di Patate Rustici, both of which were highly recommended by staff. Unfortunately, both dishes fell short of expectations.
The scampi portion was small and largely lacked flavor, aside from the two plump shrimp, which were well cooked. The pasta itself needed more depth, seasoning, and balance.
The gnocchi was also underwhelming. While well prepared texturally, the overall flavor profile did not stand out.
The best item we ordered was the Fritto Misto appetizer. The calamari and shrimp were crisp and satisfying, and it was easily the highlight of the meal.
We also ordered raspberry and mango teas. Both were overly sweet, and the portion size was smaller than expected. We diluted them with water to make them drinkable. Surprisingly, we were charged for a refill.
Overall, service and ambiance were solid, but the main dishes lacked the flavor and value we anticipated.
… moreThe service was attentive and professional. Our server was friendly, checked on us regularly, and our food arrived in a reasonable amount of time. The atmosphere downtown on Second Street remains a strong point.
We ordered the Tagliolini Agli Scampi and the Gnocchi Di Patate Rustici, both of which were highly recommended by staff. Unfortunately, both dishes fell short of expectations.
The scampi portion was small and largely lacked flavor, aside from the two plump shrimp, which were well cooked. The pasta itself needed more depth, seasoning, and balance.
The gnocchi was also underwhelming. While well prepared texturally, the overall flavor profile did not stand out.
The best item we ordered was the Fritto Misto appetizer. The calamari and shrimp were crisp and satisfying, and it was easily the highlight of the meal.
We also ordered raspberry and mango teas. Both were overly sweet, and the portion size was smaller than expected. We diluted them with water to make them drinkable. Surprisingly, we were charged for a refill.
Overall, service and ambiance were solid, but the main dishes lacked the flavor and value we anticipated.
Hans Christian Andersen
Chased Outside and Pressured to Increase Tip – Extremely Uncomfortable Experience at Taverna (2nd Street, Austin)
We dined at Taverna on 2nd Street in downtown Austin expecting a pleasant Italian dinner. The restaurant looks nice in a polished, American-style way, and the atmosphere is lively. The food was fine, but not outstanding, and in our opinion the prices were higher than the quality justified.
Based on the overall experience, I left a tip of about 10–12%, which reflected what I felt the service and value warranted.
As we left the restaurant and walked across the street to meet our Uber, our server ran after us. In front of my friends and family, on the sidewalk, she confronted me about the tip and complained that it was too low. I was put on the spot and felt pressured to increase it immediately. To end the situation and avoid further embarrassment, I doubled the tip to over 20%.
I have never experienced anything like this before. Being publicly confronted and pressured to increase a gratuity was humiliating and completely inappropriate. Tipping is meant to reflect the guest’s experience and should never be enforced through public confrontation.
Regardless of local tipping norms, chasing guests into the street to demand a higher tip is unacceptable.
Because of this incident, I cannot recommend this restaurant. Diners should be aware of this practice before choosing to eat here.
… moreWe dined at Taverna on 2nd Street in downtown Austin expecting a pleasant Italian dinner. The restaurant looks nice in a polished, American-style way, and the atmosphere is lively. The food was fine, but not outstanding, and in our opinion the prices were higher than the quality justified.
Based on the overall experience, I left a tip of about 10–12%, which reflected what I felt the service and value warranted.
As we left the restaurant and walked across the street to meet our Uber, our server ran after us. In front of my friends and family, on the sidewalk, she confronted me about the tip and complained that it was too low. I was put on the spot and felt pressured to increase it immediately. To end the situation and avoid further embarrassment, I doubled the tip to over 20%.
I have never experienced anything like this before. Being publicly confronted and pressured to increase a gratuity was humiliating and completely inappropriate. Tipping is meant to reflect the guest’s experience and should never be enforced through public confrontation.
Regardless of local tipping norms, chasing guests into the street to demand a higher tip is unacceptable.
Because of this incident, I cannot recommend this restaurant. Diners should be aware of this practice before choosing to eat here.
Cate Johnston
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Taverna (downtown), and it was an experience worth sharing!
Located downtown in a beautiful area perfect for a walk, this restaurant is surrounded by Second Street Business and Mexican Arte Museum. The lively yet charming atmosphere of the area makes it an ideal spot for romantic evenings, casual hangouts, exploring the city, etc. After dining, a stroll through the scenic streets adds to the experience.
From the moment we walked in, We were warmly greeted by Lucia, the hostess, whose friendly and welcoming demeanor set the tone for a great evening. She made sure we were comfortably seated and even gave us a few recommendations. Our server, Chema, was equally fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready with a smile. He made excellent suggestions and ensured our dining experience was seamless.
The ambiance inside was elegant, while remaining casual and relaxing, making it perfect for date nights or solo dining. The staff was incredibly [friendly/attentive/professional, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience.
Now, let’s talk about the food! We ordered Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese, Paglia E Fieno and Lasagna, and they were absolutely delicious and well thought out flavors. The portion sizes were generous, and the presentation was beautiful. The highlight of the meal was Taverna Focacaccia, which I highly recommend.
Don’t skip dessert— the perfect ending to a great meal.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Taverna is a must-visit for “foodies”. Its downtown location, combined with excellent food and a great atmosphere, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy both a meal and a leisurely walk afterward.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely!
… moreLocated downtown in a beautiful area perfect for a walk, this restaurant is surrounded by Second Street Business and Mexican Arte Museum. The lively yet charming atmosphere of the area makes it an ideal spot for romantic evenings, casual hangouts, exploring the city, etc. After dining, a stroll through the scenic streets adds to the experience.
From the moment we walked in, We were warmly greeted by Lucia, the hostess, whose friendly and welcoming demeanor set the tone for a great evening. She made sure we were comfortably seated and even gave us a few recommendations. Our server, Chema, was equally fantastic—attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready with a smile. He made excellent suggestions and ensured our dining experience was seamless.
The ambiance inside was elegant, while remaining casual and relaxing, making it perfect for date nights or solo dining. The staff was incredibly [friendly/attentive/professional, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience.
Now, let’s talk about the food! We ordered Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese, Paglia E Fieno and Lasagna, and they were absolutely delicious and well thought out flavors. The portion sizes were generous, and the presentation was beautiful. The highlight of the meal was Taverna Focacaccia, which I highly recommend.
Don’t skip dessert— the perfect ending to a great meal.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Taverna is a must-visit for “foodies”. Its downtown location, combined with excellent food and a great atmosphere, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy both a meal and a leisurely walk afterward.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely!