South Austin’s Vespaio Ristorante is bidding farewell to Congress Avenue after almost three decades. The restaurant team shared the closure announcement on social media, stating that the final day of service will be February 28. Chapulin Cantina, the sister restaurant of Vespaio, will also close.
Vespaio Ristorante Prepares To Say Goodbye
Vespaio Ristorante, owned by Daniel Brooks and Ryan Samson, has announced its closure through social media. Located on South Congress Avenue, Vespaio has served the Austin community for 27 years and is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.
The announcement also confirmed that Chapulin Cantina will close alongside Vespaio Ristorante.”After more than 25 years serving the Austin community, Vespaio Ristorante and Chapulin Cantina will be closing its doors on South Congress Avenue on February 28, 2026,” said the restaurant team.
Founded in 1998, Vespaio Ristorante has long been a community favorite, known for its made-from-scratch dishes and use of fresh, local ingredients. For the past 20 years, the kitchen has been led by Executive Chef Ryan Samson, who brings a modern touch to classic Italian cuisine. Some of the popular items on the menu include Cacio E Pepe, Burrata, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio, and Suppli.
In the post, the restaurant team shared, ” As South Congress continues to evolve, we felt like this was the right moment to close this chapter on our own terms.”
“We fully trust the next phase of this building will not only be successful but will continue to create a place where our beloved Austinites and visitors will come to,” added the restaurant.
To celebrate the final chapter, the restaurant extended a warm welcome to the community and requested them to “visit throughout this final period to relive memories and toast to Vespaio and Chapulin Cantina’s next chapter.”
Social Media Tributes Pour In
After the closure was announced, many customers and longtime fans shared heartfelt messages and fond memories on social media. One of the long-term fans wrote, “I’ve had so many special occasions here. This place has been a staple in our lives. My husband and I had our first date here. We then got engaged at our favorite spot at the bar…I am so sad to see Vespaio go, but as for everything else in Austin, I’ll remember it fondly as what used to be.”
Another customer wrote, “Sad to hear, but a hell of a run for our favorite Italian restaurant.”
The team expressed a great deal of appreciation and gratitude to the customers, fans, and especially to the South Congress community for its support over the years. “For allowing us to be of service for all these years. It has been a great pleasure, and we have had a blast doing so,” concluded the restaurant.
In 2025, the team opened a new restaurant, Vespa Rossa, in Dripping Springs, Texas.”Intended to carry on all the great things that made Vespaio such a success, we are proud to be officially open for business in Dripping Springs! We look forward to seeing all of you there!” mentioned the team.
The closure of Vespaio Ristorante marks the end of an era on South Congress Avenue. However, the team expressed hope for the future and said they plan to return with a new concept. The Dripping Springs location remains open and continues to serve guests.
