January 31, 2017

Mia Italian Tapas – Austin, TX

After living in Austin for seven years, I’ve discovered that it is very difficult to find truly exceptional dining experiences within Austin city limits. In a city so vibrant and eclectic, it is unbelievable that the restaurants here lack so much in character and quality. Mia Italian Tapas is definitely one of the exceptions!

Mia is an Italian tapas bar, with a wide assortment of small dishes, as well as dinner-sized dishes. The ambiance is modern rustic filled with a warm welcoming style. I called it a rustic Italian farmhouse feel, but you can call it whatever you like. Lighting was dim but not dark – comfortable to sit and relax.

On our first visit, we started with drinks – a glass of cabernet and their version of an old-fashioned. While waiting for our drink order, we were presented with house-baked bread and a white bean spread. This in itself, as simple as it sounds, was an excellent start – flavorful warm bread with a creamy smooth bean spread that was so good that it may well butter out of business. I would go back just for the bread and ~~butter~~ bean spread!

Our dinner was a selection of Tapas – Mussels, Crispy Manchego, Pan Seared Foie Gras, Shishito Peppers, and Sea Scallops. Everything was exceptional – food quality that I would expect from a two-Michelin star restaurant – but it was in the Domain Austin! After several more visits, we found three dishes that are truly amazing:

Foie Gras – Some of the best and well-prepared foie I’ve enjoyed. The crisp apples highlight but balance the richness of the foie gras perfectly.

Bolognese Malfadine – Tuscan Meat Sauce tossed with handmade Malfadine pasta. Everything made from scratch – I can’t eat any other bolognese (except my homemade bolognese) after eating this dish!

Fig Grilled Pizza – black mission figs, bacon, caramelized onion, vincotto, gorgonzola cream. Just plain delicious. I might put prosciutto in the place of the bacon, but I wouldn’t want to mess with what seems like perfection.

Italian Chocolate Mousse – There’s no possible way that I can describe this other than the best damn chocolate mousse I’ve ever had. Period. If a child next to me were eating it, I would point out the window and shout, “unicorn!”, then eat their mousse while they turn to look for it.

The service is always spot on. Each server is knowledgeable about the menu and makes great recommendations. The owner is usually also very present and attentive to every table to help ensure this great service and food continued. Every bit of the food is excellent practically every time. Each time we dine, we try to order at least one item that we haven’t tried before – which is getting difficult after so many visits.