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Ciola's Italian-American Restaurant Reviews

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Reviews from Citysearch

Overall Rating

I love Ciola's!

Read More On Citysearch jlerner79 5/24/2010
Decent Italian for TX
For all of you groaning and moaning about what's authentic Italian and what's not, I got a message for you: get off your high horse and enjoy the food. First of all, you're in TX, Lakeway, no less and you're expecting what? The food at Ciola's is great for what it is. I grew up in NY/NJ for most of my life and as an ex restaurateur from NY the food at this establishment is better than most pl...
Read More On Citysearch Obikingwasabi1 12/14/2009
Wickty Wick Wack Italiano
My Martini tasted like olive oil My Veal Parm reminded of me of what you get at Rays Pizza on the corner of 57th and third ave for lunch (not even the real rays but a biteoff rays for you NYers) The wine was decent. I went here as it was close to my new home, but mostly because the citysearch reviews said it was the best "old school". The waiter who was actually very nice and fairly atte...
Read More On Citysearch betteratxfood 11/22/2009
Great dining experience
My daughter and I had dinner last night at Ciolo's (my fav place!). I just wanted to say thank you...the braised short rib was amazing...and the beautiful mousse for my birthday was wonderful. A great dining experience and a very happy birthday for me! Love you guys....
Read More On Citysearch sonjabarclift 9/29/2009
This is now our favorite place!
We've been going here for a while because the food and service are top notch, but always hated the smoke. We heard they were doing some renovations so we went in to check it out. The bar is now non smoking and I can finally enjoy my favorite Italian food and watch a game with all their new flat screen tv's. It also looks like they're making a nice patio outside with a big screen tv out there a...
Read More On Citysearch PastaLover 7/10/2009
A PLEASANT surprise
We found this restaurant by a happy accident, driving down 620. Don't be fooled by this place's location in a strip mall. It's elegant and has great ambience. We ordered their salad special (with arugula, roasted beets, goat cheese, and pecans with a citrus vinaigrette), one of their entree specials (osso buco ravioli), their spaghetti and meatballs, two glasses of wine, and their panna cotta. We...
Read More On Citysearch gweasley 3/28/2009
The pizza is great!
I just wanted to let you know that I ate there on Saturday, with my mother. And, we thought that your pizza was AMAZING. I have been to Italy many times, and am from New York city, so pizza is a serious deal to me. And, after years of disappointing pizza experiences in Texas, you have made me very happy. You're pizza is great, and I have told everyone here at work. My boss will actually be meetin...
Read More On Citysearch SioBlackburn 3/24/2009
Impressed!
Ciola's Staff: Went for the first time on Valentine's evening, and was thoroughly impressed. Amazing food and service with Dana was fantastic. Will be back soon!Thanks for a great experience. - Sarah Fuquay
Read More On Citysearch SFuquay 2/20/2009
The Best Dinner Party!
WOW! That was the BEST Big Night dinner party! I know the Timpano was supposed to be the star but every dish was standout. The anti-pasta plate with authentic Italian meats, the so clear and flavorful chicken consomme, the tri-colored risotto, did I mention the authentic Timpano...just like in the movie but probably better (the marinara was delicious), the salmon with the oh so delicious butter ...
Read More On Citysearch straightcookin 10/17/2008
Great food, atmosphere and service
I live in Lakeway and am familiar with the quality of your food. I have lived in NY and Chicago and love good Italian food. So my sister just passed her real estate test and I could think of no better place to celebrate. My brother in-law came too. They loved it, great food, atmosphere and service. I knew that that is why I brought them there in the first place. Keep it up! David (Customer for li...
Read More On Citysearch davidmusselman 10/15/2008
Great food and great people!
On behalf of my entire team, please accept and extend my gratitude for a fantastic evening hosted by you and your team. And on such short notice, fantastic work. If you would please, let the entire staff and management team know that that type of service is what makes the experience! Great food and great people. We will be doing upcoming outings with you all.
Read More On Citysearch jkjk01 10/7/2008
mediogre, opverpriced, smoke
i totally agree with the previous reviewer - averge food and the smoke really turns me off just like all the other lakeway area restaurants that still allow smoking.
Read More On Citysearch austincitysearch 10/6/2008
It's OK, but not great
After living in the area for 3 years, we finally made it to Ciola's. Being a Northeast transplant who desperately misses good Italian food, I was excited to try it. But I have to say I was a little disappointed. It was OK, but not great. The calamari we had to start was really good, but the rest of the food was mediocre. The bread was laden in oil, as was my linguini with red clam sauce, which wa...
Read More On Citysearch mm57553 10/5/2008
Best Bar Service in Town!
We go to Ciola's at least once a week and consider ourselves resident "regulars"... we don't go for the food, although we do eat a lot of the time we come in. (best cesear salad in town, hands down.) Sit at the bar- we have fantastic service at the tables, but the bar staff is the reason we chose to go there half the time. Lonnie, the sarcastic, and Chanel, the sweet girl-behind-the bar will t...
Read More On Citysearch lakewaylady 9/30/2008
lacks the true italian touch
Born and raised in the Province of Siena (Regione Toscana), I know true Italian cuisine. It is shame that restaurants like this try to pass this over to the average American. Take my word, you will be disappointed if you eat here. The waiter successfully sold me on the caprese salad which was ok, but the mozzarella was too soft, mushy as if it had been pre-cut the day before, waiting for a ign...
Read More On Citysearch StaceyDiAmico 9/29/2008
Heaven on a plate
Amazing place. Once you visit this place you won't want to leave! From gourmet coffee to finest wines, imported dessert & gelato to great Italian food. You can't go wrong.
Read More On Citysearch brynbeard 9/29/2008
Local fave
This is a wonderful, family-owned restaurant that still exudes that close, ?everybody knows your name? atmosphere while still maintaining a elegant, yet warm, dining atmosphere. Everything from the bread basket to their main dishes and homemade desserts are top-notch. Ciola?s has a full bar and a wide variety of wines by the glass. I have too many favorites to count. I haven?t had anything that I...
Read More On Citysearch calavitta 9/26/2008
bewildered
Odd mix of people, unfamiliar staff, bland menu items, and boring wine list. I was told to come here for its 5 star rating on citysearch as advertised. Confused as to why this place has received high marks. Surprised and disappointed with my experience.
Read More On Citysearch mforbesAusTX 9/23/2008
Fav spot for Italian in Lakeway
Ciolas is one of my favorite local finds. The lasagna is a "brick" of cheesy goodness and the service is top notch. I always leave with a full belly and a smile on my face (sometimes with a to-go box too because the portion sizes are so generous.) The wine selection is nice as well making this a great place for both families and a nice night for two.
Read More On Citysearch robertbetts 9/23/2008
dry potatoes, bad piccata
Had dinner there this past week. Nice manager/owner, but didn't seem to know a lot about the restaurant or recipes. Piccata was terrible. No flavor. Had a side of garlic mash potatoes which were dry. May try it again, but will give them a few months to work on their menu items. Service was ok.
Read More On Citysearch everetteRosa 9/21/2008
Delicious and Wonderful Customer Service
We are quite pleased to report that our first visit to Ciola's was wonderful! Our party of 8 had a great waiter named Mike who took the time to help us naigate through the menu and shared his opinions on which items were the best.. and he was right! From the enormous "brick of lasagna to the flounder to the penne pasta and the chicken oreganata, everyone's meal was very good! The different kin...
Read More On Citysearch tonie08 9/18/2008
Wonderful food and service, thank you!!
Living in Lansing, Michigan, I have to drive a long wa to get a good Italian meal. thanks for the wonderful food and service. It's always a pleasure, and I look forward to this trip every year.
Read More On Citysearch dreidfoodcritic 9/18/2008
Teffific food & Mike was a great addition to our evening
I wanted to thank Ciola's for helping with a wonderful night this past Saturday. I also wanted to tell you how terrific the food and Mike was. My friends had an amazing time thanks to the delicious food and the impeccable service Mike provided with great humor. I received a lot of positive feedback on the evening and they all commented on how perfect Mike was. Please tell him this. I'm sure ...
Read More On Citysearch leemietx 9/18/2008
second-hand smoke
As most restaurant's in Austin are smoke-free, this is one establishment that is not. Although it is restricted to the bar-area, you leave the restaurant after having a good meal, saturated with the smell of cigarettes. As research has already shown in cities like Los Angeles and New York, smoking bands have not hurt businesses, but increased profits. Why would you want to go somewhere where n...
Read More On Citysearch DanG221 9/14/2008
Great atmosphere, service, food....
We have been absolutely overwhelmed by every visit we have made to your restaurant. The atmosphere, and service are second to no one, and the food creates an almost religous experience. We only hate that we were so many years in discovering the dining experience you have to offer. Thank you Ciola's for such a fantastic experience! We will be back soon.
Read More On Citysearch jamesbyrdie 9/10/2008
We felt like we were part of the Family at Ciola's
We thought the Food at Ciola's Italian-American Restaurant was Wonderful, the Atmosphere was Romantic and the Service was Excellent, without being pushy. This place is a definite return trip dining experience for us.
Read More On Citysearch DeweyGraff 9/4/2008
The best Italian, by far, in Austin!!!
There is no better in Austin. I know, I cook all my grandmothers and great grandmothers Italian fool recipes. The food at Ciola's is as good as what I grew up eating. There is no better compliment I can pay.
Read More On Citysearch DancePlace 9/4/2008
Good breadsticks, almost terrible food
Ciola has such a nice atmosphere, and the service is so good, too. However, recently, we had the veal rollatini and it was TERRIBLE----the marsala sauce was watery and wimpy, and the pasta would have been better out of a Chef Boyardee can. What a shame such a nice place had such less-than-mediocre food. I see all the positive reviews, and I wonder if those people have ever had really good Ital...
Read More On Citysearch jaybird255 5/10/2008
Get the steak!
This was our first time in the restaurant. My wife took me here for my b-day. The food was great. So was the service. I felt like I was back in New Jersey. We will definitely return!!!
Read More On Citysearch pumpkininaustin 3/5/2008
Great Find for a guy from Houston
My wife and I wre in town for the weekend and met some "local" friends at Ciola's. I had the Snapper Cartoccio (wrapped in paper) covered with shrimp and peppers. It was very juicy and flavorful. We all 4 had a great meal and our waiter was spot on. He was actually the Sommelier and our waiter. I ordered an inexpensive Chianti ($42) and when he brought the bottle to the table, he had prechil...
Read More On Citysearch bigdaddylynn 10/28/2007
Ciola's is the real thing!
Growing up on the east coast we just assumed all Italian food was great.....until I moved to Austin. It has taken me 20+ years in Austin to find real true Italian cuisine. It's one thing to say that you have been to a restaurant and had a great meal but, I've been to Ciola's about 7 times and every single time the meal was not just great but, memorable. It's been so good that we had our monthl...
Read More On Citysearch realtrdude 8/29/2007
eggplant rolotini
Fabulous! Great food, pleaseant setting, i usually wouldnt have dinner in a shopping center, but i said what the heck. to my surprise, it was great. nice litle crowd, and the pine nut crusted snapper made me crazy! i will be back
Read More On Citysearch tiffertiff 8/25/2007
Authentic Italian
Visited from Southern California. This dining experience really made my trip special. The steak marhgerita was tender and delicious. Perfection.
Read More On Citysearch seefingo 7/2/2007
beat italian recipes, best steaks, great wine list and great coustomer service.
the last 3 visits deserve 5 stars the new chef (the nephew) and wine stewart are first class, try it you'll like it, I know I'm Italian.
Read More On Citysearch alomonte 6/28/2007
Best Italian Resturant In Town (Lakeway)
We use to go to another restaurant here in town, but the quality of food and the service went down hill tremendously. We decided to give Ciola's a try and we have a new favorite! The service is impecable and the atmosphere is truely Italian. The FOOD is out of this world. The nightly specials are wonderful and unique. If you are a true Italian connoisseur, Ciola's is a must!
Read More On Citysearch richd74 6/27/2007
The BEST pasta dishes ever!!
I would have to agree with "mikemaggio", the bartendar in question is RUDE. I placed an order for pick up once and he was not pleasant at all when I approached the counter. When I paid for my meal I inquired about the gift basket that was for sale and he said he couldn't help me and that he didn't know how much it was. How incredibly rude. He could have at least call for assistance, but it w...
Read More On Citysearch vino_tinto 5/20/2007
Best lasagna anywhere, and authentic Sicilian Italian
No doubt the best Italian restaurant within fifty miles of Austin and worth the drive. I recommend the baked lasagna, but all the dishes are really great. The baked littleneck clams is a wonderful entry into any of the steak, chop, chicken or fish entrees. There's ample parking.
Read More On Citysearch larry_weg 2/27/2007
Favorite Italian Restaurant in Austin
Although really in Lakeway, Ciola's is my favorite Italian restaurant in Austin. Being from New York I appreciate the fact that Ciola's is family owned and offers authentic old school Italian-American food that I grew up with. In addition to the Italian choices they recently came out with a new menu adding Certified Angus steaks and it is now my favorite place to have steak in Austin as well! You...
Read More On Citysearch laneb78 2/8/2007
Very nice place, a bit high in price
We visited Ciolas for x-mas eve, they were accomodating and the food was great. However, one glass of the house merlot was $9, a bit high outside of the city.
Read More On Citysearch ohyeahlach 1/2/2007
Keeps Getting Better
My husband and I have dined at Ciola's regularly over the past couple of years and have had overall great experiences. There is always a Ciola family member there whether they are cooking your food in the kitchen or greeting you at the door which gives us a sense of comoft that chain restaurants and other places can't provide. If you love great food, wine, and friendly service with out any preten...
Read More On Citysearch austx9 8/1/2006
DON'T TRY ITALIAN ANYWHERE ELSE!!!! IF YOU ARE NATIVE NEW YORKER, YOU'LL KNOW WHY!
Ok, so why some people won't TRULY understand is because not EVERYONE CAN BE FROM NY, where all great Italian food originates. So take it from an East Coaster who was brought up with grandparents off the boat from Sicily, and parents who practically fed us marinara sauce from the bottle growing up. If you truly knew what they were trying to convey when they thought out their decor, atmoshere, ...
Read More On Citysearch dukie_doo66 7/11/2006
Best kept secret in Austin
I recently moved to Austin and heard about a little Italian restaurant ou tin Lakeway. This is by far the best Italian food I have ever had outside of New York! The service staff is extremely knowledgable, while not push. The owner, Dan Ciola, mingles with his patrons and is eager to dicuss the history of his place. This place is incredible, you won't be dissapointed.
Read More On Citysearch sata79 5/25/2006
Italiano
Great Italian food at a reasonable price. Ciola's offers a nice setting with an attentive staff and a quality meal. From the appetizers to the Spumoni, you won't be disappointed with your food. Having eaten at Ciola's on several occassions, the food has been consistent and the service prompt. Ciao!
Read More On Citysearch johnkelcy 5/1/2006
So, this is authentic Italian??
If this is authentic Italian, like the other reviews mentioned, then I guess I don't really like Italian as much as I thought. I ate there on Valentine's day and it was NOT Romantic. I could'nt imagine a time where it would be; it's loud, overcrowded and the people in the next table were practically in our laps. They lost our reservation (or so they said). I felt totally out of my element. The wa...
Read More On Citysearch malibu_chik 3/13/2006
Best outside NY
Having lived in NYC for 8 years and in so doing becoming addicted to great Italian food, it's a blessing to have Ciola's right here in Austin. Nothing in the city or the state compares to Ciola's. It's a truly awesome experience.
Read More On Citysearch alphahorn 6/15/2005
Old School, authentic Italian
If you were raised Italian (as I was), this is as close as it comes to grandma's home cooked food! Seriously. It's the best in town! Ciola's serves old school, authentic Italian food with the family ambience of many wonderful east coast Italian resturants like those found in Little Italy (NYC), the North End (Boston), and other areas well known Italian regions! I've been looking for this ki...
Read More On Citysearch bfabbio 5/19/2005
Great Food In Authentic East Coast Style
Great owner/greeter in Dan Ciola. The wine list is unmatched in Austin! The food, presentation, service all first class. Try one of the specials. The lasagna is old-world style.
Read More On Citysearch rzingaro 5/13/2005
User review by jwpeyton
Totally enjoyed our meal. We received wonderful service from our waiter. The entire dinner was a real treat! We will definitely go back.
Read More On Citysearch jwpeyton 3/15/2005
Ciola's
This is a very authentic Italian-American restaurant that has the best olive oil blend that I have ever had. This restaurant combines excellent food with excellent service. My only wish for them would be a relocation to a more esthetically pleasing environ. Hats are off to Ciolas!!!
Read More On Citysearch delomelpm 4/7/2004
Best Italian in Town!
I've been there twice (New Year's Eve and my birthday over Labor Day weekend), and both visits were amazing. The chicken dishes are fabulous (oreganata for when you feel like something light, parmagiana for the traditionalists), the pasta tender, and the desserts (especially cannoli topped with crushed pistachios) mouth-watering. They have a great wine list, but if you feel like something differe...
Read More On Citysearch jmbauer 8/31/2003
IT'S HOME TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the first time I walked into Ciola's it was like being back home in NY. The food is amazing!! The Fradiovlo is my favorite, although, the Clams Posillipo really rock, especially with the Perciatelli pasta. Everyone there is so willing to wait on you hand and foot.I go there almost 5 or 6 days a week, even if it is just for the awesome spinach salad, and a glass of wine. It's like being at...
Read More On Citysearch Gab1010 2/25/2003
Terrific personal attention!
Ciola's recently hosted our business holiday dinner for more than 50 people. The food was delicious, the menu and wine were chosen with the owner's personal recommendation. The service for the event surpassed my expectations with personal attention from every staff member - they pulled it off effortlessly. I highly recommend Ciola's - I'm going back to try that great-looking lasagna!
Read More On Citysearch carmen_valadez 12/31/2002
Magnificent
Ciola's is one of the best Italian restaurants in a city where good Italian food is hard to find. I had the baked ravioli and it was wonderful. The pasta tasted like it was freshly made, and tomato sauce had very flavorful chunks of veal in it. We also enjoyed a very tasty helping of spumoni, with brandied cherries layered in it. Stop looking for good Italian food. This is the place!
Read More On Citysearch spacecitygirl 12/9/2002
Authentic and Comfortable
As soon as you walk in the door, Dan or Leann greet you as if they've known you for years. I feel so at home here that it seems I spend more time at the restaurant than at home! Food is excellent - best lasagna I think I've ever had. The Chicken Oreganata is also a favorite. As I sit here and type this I am eating leftovers from last nights dinner. The booths in the back corners are my favorit...
Read More On Citysearch amyarrant 11/25/2002
Almost makes it
I dined at Ciola's a few times when they first opened and the food was not great. I recently returned to check up on them, and the service was good, the winelist was great, and the food was better. The Bruschetta was yummy, and the tomato salad was delicious. However my entree, Penne Primavera, was truly bland. The penne was overcooked (doughy) and the sauce was flavorless. My folks enjoyed ...
Read More On Citysearch msoliz 11/13/2002
One to forget
Ciola's is one of few restaurants in Lakeway and therefore a much needed addition. While striving to create an old world italian atmosphere, the food missed the mark. Generally bland and lacking flavor, it made for a dining experience to forget. We've been back a couple of time, and the food is what misses the boat. Staff make a good attempt at service, but for the selection and quality of fo...
Read More On Citysearch Winstonc 10/15/2002
Anniversary Special
My wife & I celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary here. It was our first time and we were treated to some very special service. It was very busy but they had a "special" table for us. The owner came by twice and made us feel like we were the only ones there. Our waiter was great and the food superb! Then they made us a special Italian cake and gave us some special champaign to celebrate. We wil...
Read More On Citysearch CraigForney 9/12/2002
Real Italian
Great food from top to bottom of menu. Try the family style platters. Great Italian wine list
Read More On Citysearch jmatheny 8/27/2002
italian feast
Growing up in an italian neighbourhood I had a chance to try some of the best italian cooking anywhere. Ciola's brings back memories, cause this is the best italian food I have tasted in years. The biggest problem I am going to have is what to order when I go back. I ate off everyone's plate and it was all great. The Clam's Ciola were especially off the charts
Read More On Citysearch rideboards 8/26/2002
Terrific Italian
Great stuff, lots of variety, great wine list, will go back. Also great lunch specials.
Read More On Citysearch jreny 8/26/2002
Mulberry St in Austin
Ciola's is classic Italian, so keep to tradition. And have two appetizers...the calamari AND the baked clams....you'll think you're in Little Italy. A huge wine list. A GREAT restuarant!!
Read More On Citysearch aeudaly 8/20/2002
great
Service and food were great. It had a nice family atmosphere and I will come back over and over.
Read More On Citysearch kedgar 8/13/2002
Great food - great experience
Best Italian food I have tasted and the Ciola's is very family friendly.
Read More On Citysearch dougf 8/12/2002
fogetaboutit
It is evident that the passion for italian cuisine is the heart and sole of this establishment. Keep the family recipe's coming.
Read More On Citysearch tadams 8/2/2002
10
Fantasic authentic Italian. Food was excellent, wine list was very complete for a new restaurant, and everything reasonably priced.
Read More On Citysearch twitch3033 8/2/2002
Italy in Texas
Great food and atmosphere. Definately a great choice for dining out. The service was friendly and very accomidating. Pricing was reasonable and quality of food was excellent.
Read More On Citysearch dlanfrank 7/27/2002
"WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT"
Me and my family have frequented this little spot in Lakeway and I must say "We absolutely LOVE it!" Every time I ask my kids where they would like to go for dinner, I get a loud "CIOLA'S". The atmosphere is great for adults and kids. The calamari is the best and the entrees are wonderful. If you like authentic Italian food with friendly service this is the place. Whether it be a date or a family...
Read More On Citysearch DustiDarnell 7/24/2002
"This is the real McCoy"
Not trendy - just what real Italian food is supposed to be. If you're from somewhere up north where they know how to do Italian, you'll know what I mean. Not a pasta fan? Try the Steak Margherita. I can hardly get my husband to try Italian restaurants locally, but this one got him. He loved the Steak Margherita. Reasonable prices, attentive servers, and great drinks too. If you've ever had...
Read More On Citysearch Ellen 6/18/2002

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