When Italian restaurant Milano Cafe opened on Southwest Parkway in 2009, its owners set out to create something special in their neighborhood.

Today, the owners said everyone who comes to eat at their restaurant is treated like family, and that their community of regulars is what has kept them going.

The background

Husband and wife Sami and Giki Demi opened Milano Cafe in Southwest Austin in April 2009. They moved to Austin in 1999, and it had always been Sami Demi’s dream to have his own restaurant.Giki Demi said the first few years in business were hard. They didn’t have money for advertising, so word of mouth helped their business grow.

“It was hard to start, and it was hard to survive for a few years,” Giki Demi said. “But Sam has a special touch with his people... he's always here, and he has a special people energy... So I think that his will to make his dream come true made it through this.”

On the menu

Milano Cafe serves pasta, salads, paninis, pizza and other Italian entrees such as veal marsala and eggplant parmesan.

Most of the menu is made with family recipes passed down from Sami Demi’s Sicilian grandmother, such as the tortellini piementosa, an entree with shrimp, capers, dried cranberries and fresh seasonal berries in a light cream pesto sauce with a fresh mint garnish.Giki Demi said they take pride in using fresh, natural ingredients in their dishes.

Another detail

The restaurant’s walls are decorated with artwork depicting scenes of dancers, angels, animals and portraits, created by Sami Demi.Giki Demi said he began painting during the pandemic, and it later became a way to decorate their restaurant. All of the paintings are for sale.

“It's a unique feeling," Giki Demi said. "It's just like a gallery. You come in here and you've been served by the owner, and then the owner is an artist.”

A family affair

Sami and Giki Demi are at the restaurant every day from opening to closing. This way, they have been able to greet every new customer, catch up with those who have become friends and watch families grow as they’ve sat in the dining room throughout the years.

“I'm rich, but not rich money-wise,” Giki Demi said. “I'm rich with being surrounded by people... good people and loyal customers... We came here in 1999, and we started with nothing, and then I look back [at] what we created. It's something to be very proud of, and we are very proud of ourselves.”

Milano Cafe also offers live music on Saturdays.

• 4601 Southwest Pkwy., Austin



• www.milanoaustin.com