Eatery & Bar

Vespa Rossa — Italian for “Red Wasp” — is your Hill Country home for bold flavors, warm hospitality, and spaghetti western charm.

Nestled between Belterra and downtown Dripping Springs, we’re a casual, counter-service restaurant and bar serving up Hill Country Italian cuisine — where the soul of Italy meets the spirit of Texas. Think scratch-made pastas, hand-stretched pizzas, fresh-baked bread, decadent desserts, and slow-smoked Texas meats woven into dishes you’ll crave long after your plate is clean.

From our Ole Hickory smoker, you’ll catch the aroma of mesquite and oak-kissed brisket, pork, and sausage — finding their way into sandwiches, pizzas, and hearty pasta creations. Every sauce, loaf, and bite is made in-house with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Our bar menu is just as carefully crafted, featuring a curated list of local and Italian wines, ice-cold beers, and classic & creative cocktails that pair perfectly with our menu.

The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, yet polished in the way only seasoned restaurateurs can deliver. Owners Ryan Samson and Daniel Brooks — the culinary minds behind Austin favorites Vespaio Ristorante, Chapulin Cantina, and Licha’s Cantina — bring their signature hospitality here to Dripping Springs, with a staff who knows their stuff and loves sharing it.

At Vespa Rossa, we don’t just serve food and drinks — we create moments. Pull up a chair, grab a glass, and let us take care of the rest.