Originally Written for Authentically Alexa Blog and published in 2019. Updated 2026.
Mandola’s is an Austin-based Italian restaurant and grocery concept rooted in a long family history of Italian restaurants. The owners brought their love of Italian food and culture to the area through Mandola’s a blend of casual dining, market-style shopping, and classic Italian flavors. They now have multiple locations throughout Texas and are have expanded into Florida as well!
Environment
Visiting Mandola’s was genuinely fun and felt a bit nostalgic. In many ways, it reminded me of Mercato Centrale Firenze, the well-known market in Florence, Italy. Mercato Centrale has two levels: one dedicated to vendors selling grocery items to take home, and another focused on prepared foods ready to enjoy.
While Mandola’s is much smaller in scale, the concept is similar. You can browse shelves of Italian grocery items or opt for a freshly prepared meal. The space feels lively and welcoming, making it a great option whether you’re stopping in for a full meal or just picking up a few specialty items.
Food
We went to Mandola’s for dinner specifically because they offer a gluten-free menu. I ordered the gluten-free chicken Alfredo. Alfredo is one of my favorite pasta sauces, so this felt like an easy choice.
Mandola’s is not a 100% gluten-free establishment. That said, after traveling in Italy and seeing the care Italians often take with food preparation, dining at a restaurant so closely tied to Italian culture made me feel a bit more comfortable than I typically would at a standard chain Italian restaurant. As always, I encourage you to do what feels right for you and your comfort level.
I did have a moment of anxiety when the food arrived. The family member I was dining with ordered regular chicken Alfredo, and the staff member bringing out our meals briefly questioned which dish was gluten-free. Thankfully, they went back to the kitchen to confirm before serving us. It was one of those moments that naturally made me feel extra cautious while waiting for confirmation from the kitchen. Luckily, the dishes were correctly identified, and I did not get glutened.
As for the meal itself, it was quite good. After visiting Italy, it’s hard not to feel a little disappointed knowing Italian food here never quite compares. Still, compared to Italian chain restaurants in the U.S., Mandola’s was a step above. The pasta tasted fresh, the noodles held up well, and the portion size was generous enough that I took home leftovers for the next day.
Mandola’s also has a full café and patisserie, which at the location I visited was separate from the main ordering area. They offer a full menu of coffee and espresso drinks, though I skipped those since we were there for dinner and caffeine that late would have kept me up all night. The patisserie includes classic pastries like cannolis. I didn’t look too closely, but I would just assumed most were not gluten-free. Still, it’s a nice option if you’re dining with friends or family who want to enjoy those treats.
Gelateria at Mandola’s
My favorite part of the visit was, unsurprisingly, the gelato. One reason I love gelato is that many flavors are naturally gluten-free. If you’ve never had gelato, I strongly recommend finding a gelateria as soon as possible, preferably in Italy, but anywhere will do. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t eat gelato every single day while I was in Italy… and on some days, more than once.
Mandola’s serves house-made gelato, and it did not disappoint. One important note when ordering gelato, always ask them not to add a waffle slice. Even when ordering a cup, it’s common for gelaterias to include a wedge of waffle cone by default. I ate my gelato so quickly that I honestly can’t remember which flavors I chose, just that it was delicious. As a bonus, kids who order from the kids’ menu receive a scoop of gelato included with their meal.
Final Thoughts on Mandola’s Italian Kitchen
Overall, I had a great experience at Mandola’s. The environment was fun, the food was enjoyable, and most importantly I did not get glutened during my visit. As always, every person with celiac disease has different comfort levels and risk tolerance when dining out. For me, Mandola’s felt like a place I could return to and enjoy again.
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Austin with gluten-free options, a lively atmosphere, and a market-style twist, Mandola’s is worth considering.
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Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
If you would benefit from individualized support navigating Celiac Disease, book a free discovery call here.
