The Early Word on Downtown Italian Restaurant Italic

ELM restaurant group (Arro, Easy Tiger, 24 Diner) opened up their latest venture, Italic, on April 1st. The downtown Italian restaurant is helmed by executive chef Andrew Curren, and features a seasonal menu and negronis on tap. Read on for the early word.

The food — Overall, Italic's fare is pleasing mostly everyone. Yelper Aaron P. thinks that "it is damn good." Chowhounder slowcooked, who went for lunch, raved about the burrata and the prosciutto san danielle, saying that "that sweet nectar of cured pig" was the "nicest version" they have ever tried--although they will "skip the pizza" next time. Yelper Frank L. was a fan of the burrata too, calling it "a masterpiece of cheesy goodness." Yelper Christy P. thought her soppressata pizza was "delicious" while Yelper Meredith F. thought her cheese, tomato and basil pizza was just "ok." Yelper Gwen V. had a texture complaint, though, calling her brussell sprouts "too mushy" and the pasta "veeery al dente."

The service — Friendly, attentive and impressive service seems to be the consensus among reviewers, although many suggest making reservations to avoid long waits. "The staff is warm and friendly and efficient," says Yelper Delia S., going on to explain that "although my water glass was small, it was never empty." Yelper Charlie M. says the service is "unparalleled"--the well-traveled reviewer says he is not sure he has "have ever received better service in a restaurant, ever. Not in New York, not in Tokyo, and definitely not in Dallas or Houston."

Yelper Elena G. mostly enjoyed her experience, but felt compelled to "get on a soapbox" about the state of hostesses in Austin, who she finds "generally just bloody awful."

The price — Yelper M K. calls Italic "pricey", while Yelper Analisa C. thinks the prices are "beyond fair for downtown Austin."

The decor — The modern, detail-oriented space was a hit. Yelper Delia S. appreciated that the space was "not industrial loft in design (like every other restaurant in town)," and Yelper Jessica A. called the space "beautiful." Yelper Pete P. says that the "bright, vibrant and very loud space" is "pretty damn nice." Yelper Charle M. was in the minority who didn't appreciate the decor, calling the space "the architectural equivalent of seasonal affective disorder."

— Sofia Sokolove