Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar - Review - South Lamar - Austin

Fig Italian Kitchen is a sophisticated Italian restaurant situated at the base of an apartment complex on South Lamar in Austin. The restaurant's interior design is described as sleek, reminiscent of Restoration Hardware, featuring dark walls, black leather chairs, and distinctive overhead lights shaped like wavy potato chips. It is considered an ideal location for a more upscale date night or, even better, for happy hour, where cocktails, small plates, and pasta dishes are available for approximately $10. However, the food quality at Fig Italian Kitchen can be inconsistent, with some dishes being overly complex. For instance, the housemade pappardelle, despite being perfectly al dente with a rich lamb neck ragu, is criticized for being overwhelmed by numerous additional ingredients like caramelized fennel, pickled raisins, spiced pistachios, and mint gremolata. In contrast, simpler dishes tend to excel, such as the fried Japanese eggplant with red curry and Vietnamese nước chấm, though this particular dish is noted for seeming out of place in an Italian restaurant. The review suggests that the restaurant's culinary offerings would benefit from a "less is more" approach, recommending patrons to opt for less complicated items on the menu. Digging deeper into the menu, the cocktails are described as creative and playful but lacking balance; an old fashioned might be too strong, while a spicy tequila drink could be too tart. The wine list, on the other hand, is well-curated and offers many options by the glass, making it a more reliable choice for drinks. Among the appetizers, the Hokkaido Scallops are highlighted as a solid starter. These scallops are large, buttery, and tempura-fried to a crispy texture, complemented by house-cured red caviar for a briny pop and a koji emulsion that adds creaminess, although it tastes primarily of mayonnaise. The Japanese Eggplant dish, featuring both dry-fried and battered crispy pieces, is praised for its tasty red curry broth brightened with fish sauce, lime, and sugar, despite its unconventional presence on an Italian menu. The Cobia Crudo is presented as an appealing and flavorful option, offering a refreshing alternative to the common hamachi crudos found in many restaurants. It incorporates chili crisp for heat and blood orange, cilantro, and green garlic and hibiscus vinegar for a bright, vibrant taste. The Mint Pappardelle, while having thick, chewy, and perfectly cooked noodles and a rich lamb neck, suffers from the overpowering flavor of very potent pickled raisins, which detract from the overall harmony of the dish. The Texas Red Fish, served with pickled okra and a seaweed crema that evokes the taste of ranch dressing blended with ocean flavors, is generally advised against due to an excessive brine taste; patrons are encouraged to order more pasta instead. Finally, the desserts are a standout feature, particularly the chocolate ice-box pie with caramelized white chocolate gelato and peanut butter, suggested to be paired with an amaro for a memorable conclusion to the meal. Overall, Fig Italian Kitchen & Bar offers a chic ambiance suitable for specific occasions like happy hour or a casual date night. While the wine list and certain simpler dishes, especially desserts, are commendable, the culinary execution can be inconsistent, with some complex dishes being less successful than their straightforward counterparts. The restaurant is located at 3403 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, and holds a rating of 7.4. #ItalianRestaurant #AustinEats #SouthLamar #DateNight #HappyHour #FoodReview #FineDining #Cocktails #Desserts #ItalianRestaurant #AustinEats #SouthLamar #DateNight #HappyHour #FoodReview #FineDining #Cocktails #Desserts

11 months ago

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