Not sure what you want to eat next?
New restaurants are popping up all over town, and a number of our local chefs are being celebrated as some of the best in the country. The scene rapidly changes faster than our weather and if you need help narrowing down the ever-growing list of places to enjoy excellent food in Austin, start with these 50 local restaurants we love! From casual classics to upscale newcomers, this list runs the gamut of great food in our city.
_________________________________
photo via instagram
2944 E 12th St
Birdie's is a must-try spot, whether you've lived in Austin your whole life or just visiting for the weekend. This "fine-casual" restaurant, which opened in 2021, has been racking up awards, including Food and Wine's Rookie of the Year. Owner and chef Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel was also nominated as one of the James Beard Foundation's Best Chefs in Texas. Their daily-changing menu is simple yet delicious, focusing on seasonal American dishes with French and Italian influences. Birdie's is a cozy, counter-service neighborhood restaurant that doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line. Trust us, the wait is more than worth it. Find their daily menu here.
_________________________________
photo via facebook
2401 E Cesar Chavez St
No list of awesome Austin restaurants would be complete without mentioning some of our favorite BBQ spots! We'll start off with la Barbecue, which stands out as one of the best, known for their juicy smoked meats, delicious sides you can't find anywhere else, and fun sandwiches.
_________________________________
photo credit: Canje Facebook
1914 E 6th St
Recently named one of the New York Times' top 50 restaurants in the country, Canje's quickly making a name for themselves in the Austin food scene. Bringing over Caribbean cuisine to this side of the Gulf, Canje takes the traditional dishes and modernizes them. Inspired by the lush tropical islands of Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the coastal paradise of Guyana, everyone is flocking to taste the rich flavors inside their beautiful space.
_________________________________
807 W 6th St
Experience a taste of old Italy right here in Austin at Sammie's Italian. When you're craving classic red-sauce Italian cuisine in a vibey atmosphere, this is the place to be. Order some martinis, a chicken parm, and you'll be happy you stopped in. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
_________________________________
photo via instagram
801 S Lamar Blvd
Although new locations are opening across the country, the original Uchi in Austin remains unmatched. For some of the best (and yes, priciest) sushi you'll ever have, visit Uchi. Be sure to also try its sister restaurants, Uchiko and Uchiba. You'll want to make sure you have a reservation before walking into all three.
_________________________________
photo via facebook
1400 S Congress Ave
When you want to sit on a patio with a glass of rosé and a lobster roll, go to Perla's. This seafood and oyster bar has one of the best locations in town, and of course some really tasty food.
_________________________________
303 Colorado St #200
The extremely popular Red Ash specializes in wood-fired Italian cuisine. Whether you're craving house-made pasta, a perfectly cooked steak, or some of the best garlic bread you'll ever taste, Red Ash is the place to go.
_________________________________
photo via facebook
5111 Airport Blvd
Bringing together all the best-fried foods, including the more allusive latke, into the American diner, Jewboy Burgers is a beautiful marriage of American/Mexican/Jewish cuisine. Now you can finally have a thicc burger, burrito, or smothered hot dog with a latke. The way nature intended.
_________________________________
photo credit: Olivia H.
4600 Mueller Blvd #1035
If you need a reason to finally try an Omakase, you can't go wrong going to Mueller for Tsuke Edomae. Each course is a work of art served on these immaculate tile plates that only further showcase the delicate nature of finely slicing the bounty of the sea. By the time the last course comes out, you'll be frantically looking to how soon you can come back for more.
________________________________
1900 S 1st St
Bouldin Creek Café has become one of Austin's most beloved brunch spots, and understandably so. From their fair trade locally roasted coffee and other tasty concoctions to their vegetarian renditions of migas and eggs benedict, everything on Bouldin's menu is on point. Their lunch and dinner items meet high expectations too, making the restaurant a bustling spot at almost any time of the day.
________________________________
photo credit: Patrizi's Facebook
2307 Manor Rd
Don't let this little food truck fool you into thinking Patrizi's is just another cheap Italian knockoff. According to the food truck's website, the Patrizi family has been cooking from "tried and true recipes" from Italy for over 50 years. And the truck's delicious, mouthwatering eats are a testament to this assertion. The menu offers tons of fresh pastas like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara Alexandra, and Pomodoro, a savory bowl of roasted Roma tomatoes, olive oil, garlic confit, and house-made ricotta. While Patrizi's may be the small, little-food-truck-that-could, their pastas and small plates prove they're a big player in the Austin-Italian food game.
____________________________________
1000 E 11th St.
Offering craft cocktails with a too-cool ambiance, this trendy hot spot offers scrumptious food with a hint of spice and top-notch service. Old Thousand is perfect for a night out on the east side. Reservations are best during the weekend, as tables fill up quickly.
________________________________
Via 24 Diner Facebook
600 N Lamar Blvd
24 Diner is a great spot to eat breakfast at any time of day, and it's right downtown at 6th and Lamar! This cute cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner - plus milkshakes that are never a bad idea. Be sure to try the chicken and waffles!
__________________________________
Photo via Instagram
2115 S Lamar Blvd
Loro is the product of a union between two of Austin’s greatest chefs: Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue. This Asian fusion smokehouse offers a mouthwatering selection of tasty meats, paired inventively with fresh flavors like shishito salsa verde and Thai papaya salad.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
Garbo's brick and mortar location and food trucks serve up mouthwatering and tender New England-style seafood that tastes just as fresh as anything you'd eat in Maine. Try the house specialty, the Lobster Roll - served Connecticut-style (warmed in butter) or Maine-style (with celery, mayo, and lemon). Check the Garbo's site to see the locations of their trucks this week.
__________________________________
photo via instagram
501 W Oltorf St
Established over twenty years ago, this family-owned restaurant stays true to its Mexican roots with savory salsa and unbeatable caldo de res. All-day breakfast and lunch specials make it a popular spot. Bring your bills, because this joint is cash only.
_________________________________
2409 E 7th St
Regulars to this vibrant Colombian restaurant rave about the Ropa Vieja and the empanadas. Good music and an outdoor patio complete the chill vibe at Casa Colombia.
__________________________________
Via Clark's Oyster Bar Facebook
1200 W 6th St
For some of the best seafood in Austin, head to Clark's Oyster Bar. Check out the happy hour at Clark's on Mon-Fri 3pm-5pm. This seafood hotspot offers discounted oysters, burgers, martinis, draft beers, and more. Score!
__________________________________
photo via facebook
614 E Oltorf St
Curra's is one of the best places for authentic Mexican in Austin. Avocado margaritas. Delicious authentic Mexican menu. But seriously, the avocado margaritas...
__________________________________
2406 Manor Rd
Part butcher shop, part supper club, Dai Due's mission statement is to bring quality local food to your mouth. The supper club menu changes nightly - be sure to check out their diverse beer menu as well.
__________________________________
photo via stiles switch
6610 N Lamar Blvd
A delicious classic BBQ joint in the Violet Crown shopping center that also excels in creative, non-traditional dishes. Switch things up from your usual BBQ spot the next time you're craving it.
__________________________________
5621 Airport Blvd
This simple counter-serve boasts local Gulf seafood and some of the best fish dishes in town. There’s also a fish shop that supplies a large number of Austin's finest purveyors of seafood.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
Paul Qui's flagship Asian fusion spot! With trailers housed at various bars around town and a brick-and-mortar on South Lamar, East Side King is an Austin staple. You can't go wrong with the Chicken Katsu!
__________________________________
Various Locations
Easy Tiger is a German bakery and beer garden. Whether you're grabbing a house-made pastry and a coffee or a craft beer and a sandwich, this is a great spot for chatting with a pal over the best made breads and meats in Austin.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
1814 E MLK Jr Blvd
Come for a gourmet coffee and a morning croissant (one of the best), a light lunch, or a casual, fun dinner with cocktails. This place is a restaurant, market, and bar in one. They also have a great happy hour from 3-6 daily!
__________________________________
photo credit: @nori.atx on Instagram
3208 Guadalupe S
Vegans longing to return to sushi rejoice! Nori's turned their back to fish, and have found a delectable way to create sushi for the vegans of Austin. With plant-based Japanese cuisine, you can get sushi, onigiri, katsu, ramen, and gyoza all without having to sacrifice your meat-free life. All plates are beautifully presented, and it's easily on its way to convince even you're most firmly planted anti-plant-based friends to consider skipping the crab in a California roll.
__________________________________
Photo via Suerte Facebook
1800 E 6th St
This East Austin hotspot serves Mexican-inspired and quirky dishes. We recommend ordering tapas-style and sharing everything. Be sure to get the Suadero Tacos, which are possibly the best in the city.
__________________________________
2330 W N Loop Blvd
A great interior Mexican restaurant located in Old Austin, Fonda San Miguel serves up unbelievably good enchiladas. The lush courtyard and beautiful sculptures inside make this spot photo-worthy, too.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
900 E 11th St
Sure, the line may wrap around the block at any time of day, but the wait is worth it! Franklin Barbecue is an ATX BBQ superstar. PRO TIP: drench everything in espresso BBQ sauce. Just trust us on this one.
__________________________________
609 W 6th St
This deli and bakery on 6th Street is owned by Sandra Bullock and housed inside a floral shop! Try one of the desserts made daily by talented pastry chefs and don’t miss the mind-blowingly tasty French onion soup.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
Try Via 313's Detroit-style pizza – it’s baked on a metal tray and rectangular in shape with an extra thick crust that is crispy on the bottom. Also featured are a wide variety of toppings and beers on tap.
__________________________________
photo credit: instagram @fat_dragon_atx
8650 Spicewood Springs Rd
Known for soup dumplings that rival those found in L.A., this laidback eatery serves Chinese food not normally found on Americanized menus.
__________________________________
Various Locations
Home Slice Pizza is an independent neighborhood pizza joint serving authentic NY-style pizza—by the pie or by the slice—to nice people like you! They offer homemade, hand tossed, bona fide pies for either dine-in or carry-out.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
Hop + Doddy, Beer + Burger. Hopdoddy Burger Bar was created to perfect the union between the two. They serve 100% grass fed, regenerative beef & bison, bake their own buns from scratch & cut their own Chipperbec fries by hand daily. Try their special of the month!
__________________________________
5301 Airport Blvd
Komé offers a large assortment of sushi and a plentiful lunch menu. You'll want to try the ramen and a few of their apps on top of that, so it's best to bring your pals along.
__________________________________
photo credit: instagram @peche_austin
208 W 4th St
This upscale, aesthetically appealing downtown hotspot features exotic French/French New Orleans comfort foods and craft cocktails made with the elusive liquor absinthe. Péché has an amazing happy hour Tuesday - Friday from 4pm - 7pm, and all night on Sunday and Monday.
__________________________________
1920 S Congress Ave
Hungry for breakfast at dinner time? Dinner at breakfast time? Magnolia serves up a wide assortment of menu items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner all the time, from Huevos Rancheros to Lasagna.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
2613 S Lamar Blvd
Matt's Famous El Rancho is "The King Of Mexican Food". N'uff said. Now get on that Bob Armstrong Dip!
__________________________________
2700 W Anderson Ln
Tender bulgogi & other traditional Korean specialties are served with free sides like kimchi and tofu. The abundant servings at this strip-mall favorite make it a great destination when you're especially hungry.
__________________________________
Via Odd Duck's Facebook
1201 S Lamar Blvd
Specializing in a true farm-to-table dining experience, Odd Duck boasts an intimate shared dining experience featuring an ever-evolving variety of small plates and entrees prepared with only the freshest seasonal ingredients in the region.
__________________________________
5520 Burnet Rd
A good place for casual date night or brunch with friends, The Peached Tortilla is known for its fusion of Asian comfort food (i.e. banh mi tacos) and innovative cocktails like the Margarita de Peached (habanero-infused tequila with Thai basil, Cointreau, and lime juice).
__________________________________
photo via yelp by lyubov l.
10900 Lakeline Mall Dr #650
This airy, friendly little cafe is one of the best places in town to get your daily dose of fresh fruits and veggies. The salad plates, poke bowls, and rice paper wraps at Nancy’s are rainbows of crisp goodness. Come here to revive yourself and erase your guilt after a night of drinking and fried food.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
Various Locations
One of the most sought after ramen joints in the city, Ramen Tatsu-ya prides itself on quality. Pro Tip: Always add extra chashu pork. The extra meat takes it to a whole different level.
__________________________________
5621 Emerald Forest Dr
From their humble food truck beginnings to their own brick and mortar location, Leroy And Lewis has quickly made a name for themselves for their take on "New School BBQ, Old School Service." And they've got the Michelin Star to prove it!
__________________________________
Via Sway's Facebook
3437 Bee Caves Rd
Sway isn't just Thai, it's modern Thai. Yes, there's a difference - but the Pad Thai is as delicious as any traditional joint's. This as-ready kitchen serves dishes hot right off the stove, so this dining experience is best shared. We highly suggest the Jungle Curry!
__________________________________
315 Congress Ave
Not holding to any particular cooking genre or style, Swift's Attic focuses on the creative, whimsical and delicious. Their happy hour is one of the most popular in town, starting at 4 pm and ending at 5:30 pm, with $8 craft cocktails!
__________________________________
photo via instagram
517 E 6th St
A casual dive bar and grill with great atmosphere, Casino El Camino is popular for its massive ¾ lb. burgers and an award-winning jukebox. Also, try the Verde chili cheese fries.
__________________________________
408 E 43rd St
ASTI is an airy restaurant boasting simple, upscale dining and modern Italian cuisine created from a rotating seasonal menu that prioritizes local produce in a charming area of Austin.
__________________________________
photo via facebook
1601 Guadalupe St
Clay Pit's acclaimed Indian menu ranges from traditional to contemporary. You’ll go for the curried mussels in garlic and red wine sauce with garlic naan for dipping and stay for the mango cheesecake featured in Bon Appetit magazine.
_________________________________
2115 Holly St
This upscale café has a lot going for it: widely popular Gourmet New American fare with a focus on seafood and other generally lighter dishes, mouth-watering desserts, and an unbeatable ambiance.
Bon Appétit!
___________________________________________
Got a favorite restaurant you don't see here?
Let us know.
