Austin's Italian food craze continues with another high-profile opening. Red Ash Italia will open Saturday, October 15, in the Colorado Tower downtown.
The authentic Italian restaurant is a new concept from chef/owner John Carver, formerly of Eddie V's Prime Seafood, Wildfish, and Roaring Fork. The menu focuses on Italian dishes prepared atop a custom-built grill, oven, and plancha combo, which emits red ash, hence the name.
Dishes include handmade noodles, fresh seafood, and wood-grilled meats. Authentic pasta plates, which come in individual and family-style portions, include spaghetti, paparedelle Bolognese, and orrechiette with garlic fennel sausage. The dessert menu features Italian classics like tiramisu, gelato, and panna cotta. The beverage menu boasts an international wine list — mostly reds — and a diverse lineup of house cocktails.
Red Ash's 4,400-square-foot space is located at Third and Colorado streets. Guests can dine in the mezzanine overlooking the kitchen, and a lounge area is perfectly suited for happy hour affairs.
Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5-10 pm, and Friday and Saturday, 5-11 pm. A happy hour menu with deals and exclusive items is available Monday through Friday, 4:30-6 pm.