It’s been a long time coming, Intero. This East Austin restaurant is a local favorite and a great example of how restaurants can be more sustainable. Keep reading for the details!
Intero Restaurant
When Intero opened in 2018, I was excited about its focus on farm-to-table and sustainability. They aimed to source primarily from local farms and use whole ingredients. For example, this could look like utilizing produce scraps or animal bones for broth, among other uses. In short, the innovation and the accountability this restaurant offered were notable and something I wish every business strived for.
While some of my past visits had some snafus, a recent visit was impressive and reminded me about what diners want in Austin: great food, thoughtful ingredients and process, attentive and knowledgeable service, and a comfortable and attractive setting. Sometimes it seems like too much to ask, but thankfully, Intero knows what they’re doing. It’s a solid choice in Austin and one you should try for yourself!
Intero is led by Executive Chef and Co-Owner Ian Thurwachter and Pastry Chef/Chocolatier and Co-Owner Krystal Craig. The husband and wife team, both Austin unicorns, have long been inspired by food. The restaurant in East Austin has a rustic atmosphere with a wood-fired oven, intimate seating, and a spacious patio.
Dining at Intero
Intero’s menu changes continuously, based on the available ingredients from farms, but you will typically find small plates, handmade pasta, protein entrees, and pizza. The contemporary Italian dishes are hearty and flavorful.
A mainstay on their menu is the sourdough focaccia, and you must order it. We almost didn’t and it wouldn’t have been on my “best eats of the year” list! It comes with house-made ricotta, wildflower honey, and garden thyme. It’s a perfect bread dish that I would order again.
For starters, we also ordered the wagyu beef carpaccio with gribiche, horseradish, crispy potatoes, and a greens salad. Both were delicious and I would enjoy them again, but I would prefer to try other dishes first. I would consider what’s best in the season. For example, anything watermelon or tomato in the summer could be excellent.
You should order a pasta or pizza dish. On the recent visit, we enjoyed the bucatini, which was rich. We also had the risotto with quail and broccoli, which had great flavor. Because the dishes change frequently, dining here is a great time to go with a main ingredient you love – like risotto or bucatini – and enjoy the form of the dish and accompanying ingredients that day. It also keeps things interesting, so you could dine here month after month and always get something different.
One dish I hope they never change is the brown butter cake. It’s presented with cinnamon gelato and pecans, and to be, this is the perfect dessert. My preference is a cake with some ice cream and the perfect blend of distinct yet unique flavors. It’s another dish on my “best of the year” list!
I’m so glad Intero exists. It’s a reliable dinner spot with familiar dishes, but they surprise and delight by enhancing the beauty of local ingredients.
Details for Your Visit
Here’s a quick list of what to know before your visit.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Meal offered: Dinner
- Happy hour: Tues-Thurs, 5-6:30 pm, $2 off pizzas, small plates, cocktails, wine glasses
- Ambiance: Intimate, lively
- Attire: Business casual, no dress code
- Noise Level: Average
- Pricing: $$
- Dietary restrictions: Available
- Reservation: Available and encouraged
- Groups: Contact directly for groups larger than 5 people
- Seating options: Table, high top, outdoors
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Pets: Dogs welcome on the patio
- Parking: Small lot
Intero
2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702
https://www.interorestaurant.com
P.S. Need more restaurant recommendations? You may like:
You might also like
