Austin, TX (Restaurant News Release) Just 90 days after opening on Dec. 13, 2025, Moderna Bar & Pizzeria has been named one of the 10 Best New Restaurants in Austin as part of the 2026 CultureMap Tastemakers Awards.
The nomination places the West Sixth restaurant among Austin’s most notable new dining destinations and recognizes its early impact on the city’s culinary scene. Moderna will participate in the CultureMap Tastemakers Awards event on April 9 at Distribution Hall, where nominated restaurants will present signature bites to more than 700 attendees. The event benefits the Central Texas Food Bank.
For the event, Moderna will feature its Meatballs della Nonna – slow-cooked meatballs served with marinara sauce, whipped ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano – a dish that reflects the restaurant’s approach to classic Italian comfort food prepared with refined technique.
At the helm of Moderna is Chef Leo Spizzirri, an internationally respected pizzaiolo and culinary educator known for his work advancing fermentation-driven pizza craftsmanship in the United States. Spizzirri leads the restaurant’s culinary program and mentors the kitchen team while guiding the development of Moderna’s signature pizza style known as Heritage Post-Neapolitan.
The style honors the traditions of Neapolitan pizza – including long fermentation, balance and restraint – while evolving the craft through modern fermentation techniques and Texas-grown heritage grains.
Moderna’s mission is to deliver an elevated Italian dining experience rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality and respect for culinary heritage while embracing innovation and local ingredients.
While pizza anchors the concept, Moderna offers a full Italian menu including the famous 20-layer Lasagna Moderna and other freshly made daily pasta dishes, Meatballs della Nonna, classic style salads, and the signature tableside Tagliatelle alla Ruota, prepared in a Grana Padano wheel. The beverage program features Italian-forward cocktails and a curated wine list highlighting both Italian and Texas producers.
Spizzirri recently announced the presale of his new book, “Pizza Love: 100+ Recipes Perfected for the Home Cook,” which brings his fermentation philosophy and pizza techniques to home cooks. The book is available to order at: Amazon.com/dp/B0FS884B6V.
Moderna is co-owned by legendary Austin restaurateurs Mike Pottorff and Chris Ruhling in partnership with Spizzirri.
Carryout and delivery are available Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. through ChowNow, Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Moderna Bar & Pizzeria is located at 1717 W. Sixth St., Suite 140R in Hartland Plaza. Reservations and additional information are available at ModernaPizzeria.com.
About Moderna Bar & Pizzeria
Moderna Bar & Pizzeria is an elevated Italian dining destination located in Austin’s Hartland Plaza on West Sixth Street. Led by internationally respected pizzaiolo Chef Leo Spizzirri, the restaurant showcases Heritage Post-Neapolitan pizza alongside a menu where every dish is scratch-made daily – from the famous 20-layer Lasagna Moderna to the signature Tagliatelle alla Ruota, prepared tableside in a flaming Grana Padano cheese wheel. The menu also features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist, paired with a curated cocktail and wine program. For the latest updates, follow @modernapizzeria on social media or visit ModernaPizzeria.com.
Media Contact:
Joe Vasquez
VASQ PR
joe@vasqpr.com
201-889-3340