Exclusive: Former Uchi chef opening Italian restaurant in Austin. Here's what to know.

Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman
·2 min read
Bucatini at Casa Bianca in East Austin.
Bucatini at Casa Bianca in East Austin.

For a minute there, it seemed like Austin was going to drown under a wave of Italian restaurant openings. But the water has calmed, and a chef with a significant Austin pedigree is ready to jump in.

Here’s what you need to know about forthcoming Italian restaurant Casa Bianca.

What’s the concept?

Casa Bianca is an American-Italian restaurant and lounge that intends to put equal emphasis on food and drink. The owners hope it can be a place where you can enjoy a snack and cocktail on the rooftop bar or a 10-course tasting menu in the spacious dining room.

Who’s behind it?

Casa Bianca co-owner and executive chef Joe Zoccoli worked as chef de cuisine at Uchi before opening his first restaurant with partner and beverage director Richard Thomas.
Casa Bianca co-owner and executive chef Joe Zoccoli worked as chef de cuisine at Uchi before opening his first restaurant with partner and beverage director Richard Thomas.

Executive chef Joseph Zoccoli was a 9-year veteran of Hai Hospitality, where he ascended to the role of chef de cuisine at Uchi. But the longtime chef has a passion for Italian food. Zoccoli ran the popular Italian pop-up series with the NSFW-Italian name, Che Cazzo, in 2021 and 2022, setting up temporary shop at venues like Kitty Cohen’s and Austin Winery. He has also worked as a private chef in recent years.

Zoccoli has partnered in the project with co-owner and beverage director Richard Thomas, who founded boutique cocktail service Cantaloupe Island Cocktails in 2021 and served as beverage director for the launch of Bill’s Oyster downtown last year. This is the first restaurant for the co-owners.

What’s on the menu?

Given chef Zoccoli's time at Uchi, diners won't be surprised to find elegant crudo preparations on the menu at Casa Bianca.
Given chef Zoccoli's time at Uchi, diners won't be surprised to find elegant crudo preparations on the menu at Casa Bianca.

Given Zoccoli’s background at Uchi, diners can expect elegant raw bar offerings, alongside a roster of handmade pasta dishes. The beverage menu will feature takes on Italian classics, a wide selection of amari and a wine list featuring natural wines from emerging producers.

Where is it?

The restaurant is located in the former Eastside Tavern space at 1510 E. Cesar Chavez St. and features indoor and outdoor dining areas, as well as a rooftop bar. But don’t expect the same look as the previous tenant. Casa Bianca will feature a modern Texan take on art deco design by Magic Architecture.

When is it opening?

Open date is to be determined, but owners hope for an April opening.

Want more details?

Casa Bianca is online at casabiancaatx.com and on Instagram @casabiancaatx

More restaurant news

More: Eight months and $300,000 later, Nixta Taqueria fully reopens in East Austin

More: Closed since 2022, one of downtown Austin’s best restaurants returns with new look, menu

2023 Dining Guide: Here are 20 of the best new restaurants in Austin

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Former Uchi chef opening Italian restaurant Casa Bianca in East Austin