You’re probably wondering, what is cavatelli? I got you. Cavatelli is described as small and short pasta shells that resemble hot dog buns! Interesting right?! While you’re wondering what cavatelli is…. I’m wondering where has it been my whole life? How have I lived this long and finally tasted this divine pasta?! I digress. Since my first taste of cavatelli, all I could think about was where in Austin I could get more cavatelli to fulfill these non-stop cravings. It’s all downhill from here.
It’s something about the pasta shape, the texture, the perfect-thick-thin-ness of each piece, the way it soaks up the sauce… move over penne pasta. There’s a new pasta in town. Speaking of which, here is a list of places you can get your [fresh] cavatelli dose around Austin!
Disclaimer: I am not a cavatelli expert. But there are aspirations to be one.
L’OCA D’ORO
L’Oca d’Oro was a restaurant I visited recently (shockingly for the first time) and left feeling “I can’t wait to go back.” That feeling hasn’t happened in a while! This place is a gem located in a pretty outdoor shopping center in East Austin. Order the Cavatelli al Pomodoro (ricotta cavatelli, overnight roasted tomato, Boggy Creek arugula) while sitting on the outdoor patio. It’s amazing and a good introduction to this pasta.
#othernotes: Dinner only (closed on Monday & Tuesday), small curated menu, reservations are highly recommended. For an appetizer, try the Sourdough Focaccia! The menu changes often but if you see the Eggplant Milanesa (arrabbiata, caponata, stracciatella), don’t even hesitate!!!
BIRDIE’S
Birdie’s is a newer addition to East Austin that opened earlier in 2021. While the menu is small, it changes often. Luckly, I still see my lover, cavatelli on there. The current cavatelli dish is one with pork cheek ragu, parmesan, and parsley. The cavatelli version I had was one with uni, jalapeno, and breadcrumbs (oh my, the breadcrumbs added a different element of crunch!).
#othernotes: Dinner only (closed on Sunday & Monday), walk-in only so get there EARLY!, small curated menu. I’ve heard great things about the soft serve. But there’s also Zed’s right down the street if you’re into something more traditional and fun (and need to walk off the pasta).
NORTH ITALIA
Multiple Locations Nationwide & Austin
North Italia never disappoints. Good thing it’s nationwide and always my go-to for large dinner parties (or party of one, no judging!). I love the atmosphere, hours, options, and everyone always goes home happy — or me at least.
It’s a crowd pleaser and when I saw that they had a Short Rib Glazed Cavatelli (parmesan cream, fresh horseradish, wilted arugula, herb breadcrumb) on the menu I set up a dinner date with some friends as an excuse to try it! I will say the cavatelli was larger in size and not as cavatelli-ish as Birdie’s and L’Oca d’Oro.
I did like the protein addition vs. the other two cavatelli dishes mentioned above. Needless to say, it was a “rich” dish, as it sounds.
#othernotes: Open everyday!Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 3-6PM where you can get a tasty charcuterie board for $15 #thatsadeal! The Zucca Chips are also a fun appetizer to munch on and not feel bad about since they’re veggies! Lastly, don’t leave without trying the Salted Caramel Budino (creme fraiche and maldon sea salt).