Round Rock’s Palermo Pasta House Serves Authentic Italian Flavors

ROUND ROCK, Texas — Antonio Giner opened Palermo Pasta House in 2015, bringing a slice of Argentine culinary tradition to Central Texas. Located in downtown Round Rock, the family-owned restaurant has become a go-to spot for fresh pasta enthusiasts.

Giner and his family relocated from El Paso, where he operated a wood-fired pizza restaurant for a decade. They chose Round Rock for its family-friendly atmosphere and set up shop across from their current location on Main Street before moving in 2021.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Giner learned to make fresh pasta alongside his father. Springing from nostalgia, he crafted the menu around beloved Argentine dishes, saying, “When we’re not grilling, we’re eating pasta because half the people are of Italian descent. It’s very ingrained in our culture.”

Giner’s culinary journey began at Loyola Marymount University in California, where he studied business administration. Over the years, he transitioned into the food industry, driven by a desire to hone his skills. Before launching his latest venture, he spent a year in Argentina completing professional cooking courses.

The menu at Palermo Pasta House features a wide array of options, including appetizers, salads, pizzas, calzones, and a selection of homemade pasta dishes. Giner proudly stated, “We make all the sauces, we make all the pastas, we make all the pizza dough.”

Diners can choose from 28 different pasta sauces and six pasta shapes to create a customized dining experience. With increasing customer interest, Giner is exploring the possibility of selling their pasta and sauces for home preparation.

<p“In the near future, we are working toward offering our pasta noodles and some of the sauces for purchase,” Giner said. “It’s something our customers have frequently requested.”

<p“We're grateful to the community for supporting us,” Giner added. “We’re very happy that we have a very diverse customer base, and we’re happy that everyone from everywhere likes pasta.”