About Red Ash

Red Ash brings the bold flavors of Northern and Southern Italy to downtown Austin through Owner and Executive Chef John Carver's masterful craft Italian cuisine. The star of the kitchen is a custom-built wood-burning grill, oven, and plancha where live wood fires release the red ash that gives the restaurant its name.

Located in the Colorado Tower building, Red Ash is a two-level restaurant that's become a destination for special occasions, business dinners, and anyone seeking exceptional Italian cuisine. For gluten-free diners, the restaurant offers gluten-free pasta substitutions and numerous naturally GF options.

Gluten-Free Dining at Red Ash

Red Ash takes dietary restrictions seriously and offers several options for gluten-free guests:

  • GF Pasta Available: Gluten-free pasta can be substituted in many dishes
  • Wood-Fired Proteins: Many grilled meats and seafood are naturally GF
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Servers can identify GF-safe options
  • Seafood Focus: Fresh seafood dishes often naturally gluten-free
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh vegetable preparations typically GF

Important: Always inform your server about celiac disease when ordering. Request GF pasta specifically and confirm sauce ingredients.

Menu Highlights for GF Diners

Chef Carver's menu features many options that can be prepared gluten-free:

  • Handmade Pasta (with GF sub): Request GF pasta for dishes like cacio e pepe, bolognese, and seafood pastas
  • Wood-Grilled Prime Steaks: Locally sourced prime meats roasted on the wood-burning grill
  • Fresh Seafood: Pristine seafood prepared on the grill or plancha
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh vegetables roasted in the wood-fired oven
  • Italian Desserts: Some desserts can be prepared GF—ask your server

Wine Pairing: Red Ash features an extensive wine list with Old and New World selections from Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, Chile, California, Oregon, and Washington.

What to Avoid

These items typically contain gluten:

  • Regular pasta: Unless substituted with GF pasta
  • Bread service: Standard bread contains gluten
  • Breaded items: Any breaded preparations
  • Some sauces: Always confirm sauce ingredients with your server

Reservations & Dress Code

  • Reservations: Available through OpenTable or by phone; recommended for dinner
  • Large Parties: Call to book parties of 8 or more
  • Dress Code: Proper attire required—no athletic wear
  • Parking: Valet parking available on Colorado Street at Colorado Tower Garage
  • Seating: Large parties typically seated on the upstairs mezzanine
  • Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and cash accepted (no tap-to-pay)

The Red Ash Experience

Red Ash occupies a stunning two-level space in downtown Austin's Colorado Tower. The restaurant's dramatic design features an open kitchen where you can watch Chef Carver's team work the wood-burning grill. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet warm—perfect for date nights, celebrations, or impressive client dinners.

Chef John Carver has also opened J. Carver and The Kimberly in Austin, expanding his culinary footprint in the city.

Community Reviews

"The GF pasta at Red Ash is some of the best I've had anywhere. You'd never know it wasn't regular pasta. The staff was incredibly attentive to my celiac needs." — Jennifer K., Austin
"Finally, a high-end Italian restaurant that takes gluten-free seriously! The wood-grilled ribeye was phenomenal, and they confirmed every ingredient for me." — Michael T., Dallas

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