Comfort food is something just about everyone can get behind, and a bowl of homemade lobster fettuccine definitely hits that mark in our book. Okay, maybe it’s a bit more decadent than say, mashed potatoes and meatloaf, but homemade pasta and Italian seafood dishes served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere are what The Garden is all about. 

The restaurant has only been open since November of last year, but already it’s found a devoted customer base who are singing its praises. The restaurant moved into The Summit at Rivery Park, bringing the mixed-use space’s total number of restaurants to seven. 

While The Garden is an Italian restaurant, it’s “inspired by the North End of Boston,” which gives its menu a unique culinary perspective, while still remaining familiar. So what exactly can patrons expect from an Italian restaurant in the middle of Texas with a Boston accent? Well, in short, a delicious and memorable meal that will have you planning future return visits.

The restaurant’s menu has been carefully planned and curated by Executive Chef Tim Lane, who spent a decade studying Italian cooking in Rome, before bringing his knowledge and recipes to the Austin area. 

Chris Meroff, the restaurant’s owner, told Hello Georgetown that he was especially excited to have the chef in his kitchen and bring the flavors of the new restaurant to the community. “We have created a stunning outdoor setting for family and friends to gather and enjoy fresh seafood, Roman-style pizza, signature pasta, craft beers, and more under the Texas sky,” Meroff said.  

And it’s those Roman-style pizzas and pasta dishes that we’re admittedly in love with. No Italian meal should start without a few antipasti dishes and with options like P.E.I. Mussels with garlic, lemon, and parsley, or Crab Cakes with a garden herb and pear salad, you can’t go wrong. If something from the fryer is what you’re craving, the Mozzarella in Carrozza is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. 

Obviously, a classic Caesar salad is a familiar and welcomed staple on the menu, but if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous go with the Gem Lettuces (crispy pork belly, marinated tomato, crushed olives, goat cheese, sherry shallot vinaigrette). 

The Garden offers an array of paninis, pasta dishes, and pizzas. The Pappardelle Alla Medici (hand-rolled egg pasta, beef bolognese, parmigiano reggiano, chile flakes) and Patate Pizza (mozzarella, fontina, potatoes, pancetta, housemade calabrian chile sauce) are particularly tempting. 

A full wine and beer menu are available as well as classic and house specialty cocktails. While you can never go wrong with a good negroni, the restaurant’s namesake cocktail is not to be missed. The Garden is made with gin, lime, mint, basil, cucumber, cracked black pepper, celery bitters, all brought together with Italian soda.

The Garden is just one of the new restaurants that have found a home in Georgetown. If you’re looking to find your own home here, reach out to us at Georgetown’s newest planned community – Parmer Ranch.