Award-Winning Chef Combines Modern Italian Cuisine with Creative Influences at Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar
For a mix of relaxed and sophisticated dining, South Austin's newest Italian restaurant blends elevated dishes and wood-fired pizzas
First things first. We had to get the brioche rolls. We had already heard that the ultra-fluffy rolls, served with truffle butter, are a must-have on the menu at Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar. To round out our order of sharable starters, we also chose crispy potatoes covered in salsa verde and a fresh panzanella salad with burrata, peaches, heirloom tomatoes and cucumbers. While some of our choices might seem curious for an Italian restaurant, they were all incredibly delicious, and after a quick chat with Executive Chef Cole Fitzgerald, the nontraditional options all made perfect sense. Chef Fitzgerald explained that he aimed to bring a modern approach to the menu, with some nods to French influences and some inspiration coming from his recent move from Atlanta, Georgia — as seen with peaches popping up in some of his seasonal dishes.
Chef Fitzgerald, a 2023 Michelin Plate awarded chef, has not been in Texas for long, but he is dedicated to infusing local produce and flavors into his innovative menu. In addition to using fruit from the Texas Hill Country along with other seasonal crops, he is committed to sustainable practices and supporting local farms.
Fig Italian, located next to Austin’s beloved Broken Spoke, offers a perfect location for a variety of gatherings. The sleek, dark dining room with gold accents provides an elegant setting that’s fitting for a fabulous date night, sophisticated happy hour or celebratory meal. The outdoor patio offers a more relaxed setting to gather your group before a night of two-stepping next door.
Whether your evening plans are elevated or casual, the menu similarly invites you to pick your own culinary journey that ranges from comfort foods to fine dining. The fresh pizzas and pastas offer familiar Italian flavors with a unique twist. We savored the wood-fired wild mushroom pizza topped with mushroom puree, fontina, and a variety of delicious mushrooms. As for pasta, we opted for the seasonal tomato campanelle with charred squash puree, summer squash, roasted corn, baby heirloom tomatoes and pepitas — a perfect summer dish.
If you wish to dive further into Chef Fitzgerald’s menu, we heard that you can’t go wrong with the Branzino with buttered farro, umami dashi and salsa verde or the Texas Wagyu Ribeye with pommes fondant, canoe bone marrow and crispy prosciutto. We’re certain that each dish on Chef Fitzgerald’s menu is equally prepared with passion, and we’ll simply have to return to try them all.
As for the bar program, you’ll find a wonderful selection of wines, but the creativity lies within their selection of signature cocktails. The bright green Fugo Verde mixes Mezcal, melon liquor, pineapple and lemon, and the Fig Old Fashion includes a sweet fig simply syrup with Bourbon and black walnut bitters. Even more beverages are offered during their daily happy hour from 4-6 p.m.
Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar is a welcomed addition to South Austin’s dining scene. Take note that Fig Italian’s grand opening is scheduled for August 16. Learn more and make your reservation at www.figaustin.com.
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