Established restaurant spaces with shady, attractive patios and their own parking lots don't stay empty for long in Austin's white hot hospitality market. The former Romeo's location will soon be home to a new restaurant named with a wink and a nod to the former tenant.

Chef Jacob Weaver announced today that he and business partners Neeca Leitao and Dan Wilkins will open an Italian restaurant called Juliet at 1500 Barton Springs Rd. this spring. If that address rings a bell, it's because the spot was the longtime home of Romeo's, a casual, funky Italian restaurant that was often chosen by Austin Chronicle readers as their favorite romantic dining spot.

Chef Weaver, a recent Asti alum who also spent time in the kitchens of Haddington's and Mulberry , is eager to share his rendition of Italian cuisine with the Austin dining public. “I believe the essence of Italian cuisine is derived from what is grown or harvested nearby, and I think the terroir and environs of Texas present so many similarities to that of Italy,“ says Weaver in today's press release. “I look forward to having the Texas surroundings inspire the soul of my Italian cooking.”

The old restaurant building will be refreshed by Paul Clayton of Clayton Little Architects while the interiors will be designed by Joel Mozersky based on a "marriage of romanticism and classic Italian design." Mark Word will create an Italian-inspired garden on the patio. Look for Juliet to open sometime this spring.