Reale's Italian Cafe

This is one of those lesser-known Italian spots in Austin where it's mostly just the locals who know about it. The portions are generous, the service is great, and the atmosphere is intimate. It's time to GET REALE!

We had a delightful Valentine's day dinner here, even without reservations. We had tried a couple of other places as we were planning last minute and the other places were flat out rude, but not Reale's. They were pleasant, provided excellent call ahead wait list seating, and the food, service, and wine selection were excellent. On top of that, we spent about 1/2 of what we would have at a nearby higher end option that was rude. This is my second visit to Reale's in the last few weeks (previously had lunch with friends) and I must say I will be a regular at this establishment going forward. One of the best hidden gems I've found in Austin so far.

Excellent family owned and run Italian restaurant. The food is exceptional as is the decor and service! Our waitress Amanda was wonderful and made the restaurant that more special. I loved my salmon dish as well as my husband's veal saltimbocca! Much of their pasta is home made and every dish we've ordered has been delicious! During the weekdays classic singers perform in the restaurant.. This has become one of my favorite restaurants to go to! I highly recommend for everyone. Parking: Easy parking in front and wheelchair accessible Kid-friendliness: Very friendly atmosphere. Wheelchair accessibility: Easy accessibility

We ordered the baked ziti delivered and it was cold. It was not good. And it wasn't b cause of the driver cause he drove strate here. It looked like it had been sitting on the counter for awhile. Was not hot and the cheese was hard from sitting there.

The food was average. The price was too much for average food.

We thought we would give this place a try for pizza a few weeks ago and we were very pleased. Today we decided to give their entrees a shot and ordered some take out. I ordered veal saltimbocca. Not only did it not look appetizing being completely grey in color. It was chewy and bland despite obviously being prepared with a lot of garlic. We also ordered the calamari- again bland. The dipping sauce was a bit of a savor though. The consistency was a bit rubbery for my liking. Locals seem to love this place, maybe it’s a bad night. We will likely not order again.

Service was the best part, but the food is really mediocre, like stuffed mushrooms that tasted blah as well as the bruchetta. The tortellini ala carbonara had no freshness to it and just melded into something more like a soggy casserole. My 2 adult kids seemed to be okay with their entrees, spinach lasagna, and shrimp ala diavola (tho spiced up too much). Oh, but our wine selections turned out good... Maybe go for the pizza(?)

I expected better from a place with such good reviews. The good: timely and friendly service. The okay: atmosphere is very forced, trying to be classy but not there, by no means bad. The bad: this food is mediocre for Italian American food and a downright disappointment if it's trying to be real genuine Italian food. Source, I grew up in an Italian house and usually cook my own Italian meals unless I find a really good spot.