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Moderna Bar & Pizzeria Wins Best New Restaurant at CultureMap Tastemaker Awards

Pizza Love Staffs

AUSTIN, TX — Moderna Bar & Pizzeria has been named Best New Restaurant at the 2026 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards, a citywide honor recognizing standout culinary concepts and rising industry leaders. Opening its doors on December 13, 2025—just weeks before the holiday season—Moderna achieved this distinction in just 117 days, an uncommon milestone in Austin’s highly competitive dining scene. 

Moderna makes it easy for guests to visit offering free garage parking with validation. The restaurant is located at 1717 West 6th St., Suite 140-R, which is on the quiet side of 6th St. within a couple of miles from Clarksville, Tarrytown, Old West, Rollingwood, Westlake Hills, Westlake, Zilker and other neighboring communities. 

Selected from a field of 16 nominees, the recognition reflects both critical attention and strong community support, with votes cast by guests and local diners who have experienced the restaurant firsthand. The award builds on recent momentum, including being named one of CultureMap’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2026 and earning early praise from Austin Food Magazine.

“At its core, Moderna is about honoring tradition while moving it forward,” said Chef Leo Spizzirri, corporate executive chef and co-creator of the concept. “This recognition belongs to our entire team and to the Austin community that has embraced what we’re building.”

Moderna Bar & Pizzeria is not just a pizzeria—it is an elevated Italian dining experience rooted in Heritage Post-Neapolitan pizza, a style created by Chef Leo Spizzirri that evolves centuries-old Neapolitan techniques through modern fermentation, regional Italian ingredients, and artisan American craftsmanship. The menu extends beyond pizza to include housemade pastas, signature dishes like the 20-layer Lasagna Moderna, and interactive experiences such as Tagliatelle alla Ruota, prepared tableside in a flaming Grana Padano cheese wheel. The restaurant’s custom golden Marra Forni oven and visible Dough Lab further define its immersive approach to hospitality and craftsmanship.

While the award marks a significant milestone, the team views it as an early chapter in a larger vision to continue building a distinctive, modern expression of Italian dining in Austin.

About Moderna Bar & Pizzeria

Moderna Bar & Pizzeria is an elevated Italian dining destination in Austin, Texas, offering a full menu of scratch-made dishes alongside a thoughtfully crafted cocktail program. At its foundation is Heritage Post-Neapolitan pizza, a style developed by Chef Leo Spizzirri that honors the traditions of Napoli while evolving them through modern fermentation, regional Italian ingredients, and artisan American craftsmanship. Signature offerings include the 20-layer Lasagna Moderna and Tagliatelle alla Ruota, finished tableside in a flaming Grana Padano cheese wheel. With its custom golden oven and working Dough Lab, Moderna delivers an experience where the passion is in the dough and the magic is in the pie. Guests can avail of the free garage parking with validation. Follow @modernapizzeria or visit modernapizzeria.com for more information.

Table-Side Pasta (Tagliatelle alla Ruota) is AVAILABLE ONLY in the Dining Room and Pizza Bar.

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Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance

Important Reservation Terms:
We require 24 hours’ notice for all cancellations to avoid a fee. For reservations on Fridays, Saturdays, and special holidays that fall on a weekday, a $10 per person cancellation or no-show fee will apply if cancelled within 24 hours or if your party does not arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled reservation time. By proceeding with this reservation, you authorize these charges to the credit card on file.