From the smell of the delicious garlic bread filling the air to the beautiful paintings of Italy on the wall and romantic ambiance, you won’t regret chowing down at this hidden Italian gem.

When you’re in the mood for Italian but can’t decide where to go (or just want tasty food on-the-go), Andiamo Ristorante in North Austin will have you feeling like you were just transported to bella Italia for fresh, authentic Italian cuisine.

Whether you feel more comfortable dining in (currently, at 50% capacity) or calling for take-out, Andiamo just debuted their fresh summer menu and it will bash that quarantine foodie boredom. 

Start out with the Prosciutto e Melone, cantaloupe melon and prosciutto di Parma with basil and mint, or the Involtini di Melanzane, which is delicious housemade rolled eggplant stuffed with ricotta and goat cheese, in a fresh sun-dried tomato sauce.

On the lighter side of the menu, the Insalata di Anguria is an Italian-style watermelon salad, with baby arugula and watermelon tossed with feta cheese in a lemon olive oil. For the cheese lover, you can’t go wrong with the Tortetta di Mozzarella. This tasty tower of fresh mozzarella cheese comes with avocado, sweet mango and baby arugula in a lemon olive oil. 

While you patiently wait for your food to arrive, sip on the red wine San Silvestro Barbera “Passito” Piedmonte. This red is perfectly paired with the earthiness of an entree.

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As a main course at Andiamo, check out the Gnocchi Estivi, potato dumplings with ground Italian sausage, mini heirloom tomatoes and green peas smothered in a spicy, garlic sauce that you won’t be able to get enough of. If you’re looking for a pasta substitution, don’t let the name Pasta di Zucchine fool you into thinking it falls under the pasta fam; it’s fresh zucchini noodles, sautéed with mini heirloom tomatoes, green peas, basil and green onions in a garlic olive oil, perfect for a light meal in the hot summer.

On the meatier side, the Anatra All’ Arancia is a pan-seared duck served over brandy sauce, topped with orange segments and parsley. Also try the Costolette di Agnello, which is pan-seared New Zealand lamb chops marinated in a spicy balsamic sauce, accompanied with caramelized cipollini onions. 

The Italian word “andiamo” translates to “Let’s go!” So, when you’re in the mood for traditional family Italian, your taste buds will know exactly where to go!

Andiamo: 2521 Rutland Drive, Austin, TX 78758

Cover photo courtesy Hayden Walker

Marika Flatt is a confirmed foodie and the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Hear her “Weekend Trip Tips” on the statewide NPR show, Texas Standard.