The Best Restaurants in Austin

While the city of Austin may be best known for its bustling and vibrant music scene, the wide variety of high-quality restaurants, bistros, cafes, and classic fine dining establishments here are on par with some of the most sophisticated cities in the world. The food scene in Austin varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, with each spot offering something special. What is more, much as food is often paired with a wine, a cocktail, or a beer, people will find that in Austin the food choices and restaurant ambiance mirrors the types of music and culture available in that neighborhood.

The OpenTable Team

32 Restaurants

Updated December 15, 2021

Restaurants:	ATX Cocina, Aviary Wine & Kitchen, Central Machine Works Brewery…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary Mexican, Contemporary American, Beer Garden…
Neighborhoods:	Downtown, South Austin, Austin…

ATX Cocina

$$$$

Contemporary Mexican

Downtown

4.8

2074 reviews

Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso partnered with head chef Kevin Taylor to open ATX Cocina in 2017. The exterior is sleek and industrial, and the floor-to-ceiling windows at this corner location give the interior an open feel. Some favorites on the menu include sopes with cochinita pibil, chili-roasted chicken with white mole, and shrimp al carbon with Valentina-brown butter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Aviary Wine & Kitchen

$$$$

Contemporary American

South Austin

4.8

207 reviews

Aviary sits in a former home furnishings shop, and owner Marco Fiorilo has kept the feel of that space since he opened in 2006, and has added an eclectic decor to the mix for an open and airy feel. In addition to an impressive selection of wines, grouped on the menu under celebrity names like David Bowie and Notorious B.I.G., some of the food choices include small plates such as their wagyu tartare, lamb dumplings, as well as seared kampachi.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Central Machine Works Brewery

$$$$

Beer Garden

Austin

4.9

107 reviews

The owners of Central Machine Works Brewery, Andrew Ashmore, Aaron Ashmore, Rosa Santis, and John Scott converted a 1940s building used to build airplane parts into a brewery. They kept the industrial feel of the space while adding an impressive beer garden. In addition to drink choices, including their house draft beers, signature mixed drinks, and a curated wine selection, they also offer cheeseburgers, pizzas, and pretzels with beer cheese and Kolsch grainy mustard.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Clark's Oyster Bar

$$$$

Seafood

Downtown

4.9

1543 reviews

Clark's, opened in 2012 by partners Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman, offers an initial impression most people will never forget. The space is almost entirely white, and the centerpiece is a huge aquarium that sits right at the end of the oyster bar. There is a subway tile-style floor, with plenty of foam green accents throughout. Their menu features all types of shellfish and caviar, plus a wide range of seafood-inspired specialties. Insider tip: the key lime tart is a must for dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Dai Due

$$$$

American

East Austin

4.8

1818 reviews

Owners Jesse Griffiths and Tamara Mayfield started this restaurant as a local supper club back in 2006. From there, it morphed into an online farmers market stand and butcher shop and was frequently selling out of items. They took that concept and turned it into a fixed location in 2014. The interior is bold with a combination of bright blue, wood tones, and brick walls. Their drink menu includes local Texas beers, and the front of the store is a butcher shop where people can buy their favorite meats and a number of items found on the menu at the restaurant.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

De Nada Cantina

$$$$

Mexican

Austin

4.8

265 reviews

The owners of the 2 Dine 4 Hospitality Group opened De Nada in the summer of 2021, serving a menu of tacos served on blue corn tortillas. Taco choices include grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, or sweet potato, mushrooms, zucchini, and beans. They also offer traditional Mexican side dishes such as chips and queso, as well as salsa, rice, and black beans. The restaurant offers counter service and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and there also is a greenhouse with plants for sale.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Easy Tiger LINC

$$$$

Beer Garden

North Central

4.8

51 reviews

Easy Tiger, known as one of Austin's best beer gardens and bakeries, opened their Easy Tiger North location in December of 2018. Their menu is full of artisan bread, BBQ, a full bar, as well as several local craft beers. In addition to the bread, diners can also get things like pretzels and pastries. The vibe is that of a huge, covered patio, and offers a walk-up bar and space heaters in winter.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

El Naranjo - South Lamar

$$$$

Traditional Mexican

South Austin

4.7

789 reviews

The visionary behind El Naranjo is a 2019 James Beard Award Semifinalist, Iliana de la Vega. The interior of the space has as its focal point a wraparound bar, where patrons can sit on three different sides. The exterior of the space feels almost as if people were walking into somebody's home. Their menu features plenty of dishes, using their house-made masa and mole, and they have a full bar that focuses on an impressive assortment of tequilas and mezcals.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Elizabeth St Cafe

$$$$

Asian

Bouldin Creek

4.8

488 reviews

This unique spot serves Vietnamese dishes with the feel of a French cafe. Opened in 2012 by partners Larry Maguire and Thomas Moorman, the restaurant is ideal for diners both looking to enjoy their food at the bar or to sit in the sun for an outdoor patio meal. The menu includes Vietnamese classics like fried spring rolls and steamed rice rolls and offers a wide array of pho choices.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Emmer & Rye

$$$$

American

Downtown

4.6

2929 reviews

Chef Kevin Fink, who has a resume that includes time at the world-famous restaurant The French Laundry, opened Emmer and Rye in 2016. He features a menu offering local, seasonal produce, all animals coming from area farms, and most notably rare heritage grains milled at the restaurant. The interior is bright and airy with white tile walls, a natural wood bar, and shelves filled with wine bottles, glassware, and plenty of plants and knick-knacks.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Foreign & Domestic - Austin

$$$$

Contemporary American

Central Austin

4.8

1643 reviews

Originally opened in 2010, this restaurant was purchased in 2018 by Nathan Leslie and Sarah Heard who performed a drastic makeover of both the menu and the decor. People will instantly notice all the vibrant colors emanating from the vases of flowers throughout the space. That is set against a spartan backdrop that gives the restaurant a simplistic yet refined feel. Don’t miss out on their nose-to-tail tasting menu, which offers four courses that truly represent what this restaurant has to offer.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Garrison

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.7

756 reviews

With a location in the prestigious Fairmont Hotel, Garrison opened in 2018 as a spot for elegant dining in a sophisticated setting. Their open kitchen concept lets chef Jakub Czyszczon offer Texas post oak flame-grilled entrées and dishes sourced from local and seasonal provisions. The menu includes items such as whole grilled branzino, a huge prime rib porterhouse for sharing, and plenty of charred vegetables and sides. They also offer some signature cocktails, including their popular horchata milk punch.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Hestia

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.7

1321 reviews

Executive chef Kevin Fink and his partner and executive pastry chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph opened Heista in 2019. Their concept was to focus on the New American approach to grilling. People will see food made with live-fire cooking methods, mostly using a giant 20-foot hearth in the center of the kitchen. Their menu offers a mix of small plates like oysters and beef carpaccio, with entrées such as red range chicken, and signature desserts such as the Texas moon pie that all offer made-from-scratch quality.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Intero

$$$$

Italian

East Austin

4.8

1095 reviews

In 2018 co-owners Krystal Craig and her husband and chef Ian Thurwachter opened Intero in the former home of a motorcycle shop. The industrial look of the exterior of the building remains, but the pair added a number of subtle touches, including a good-sized covered patio for outdoor dining. The menu offers a modern take on Italian cuisine using locally raised whole animals. One of the chef's specialties is their chocolate counter, which offers and truffles and barks to go along with chocolate and coffee.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Jeffrey's Restaurant

$$$$

American

Central Austin

4.9

1639 reviews

When business partners Ron and Peggy Weiss and Jeff Weinberger opened Jeffrey's in 1975, their goal was to bring a simple and classic cafe to a quiet neighborhood in Austin. In 2012, they updated and modernized the concept, now offering a beautiful dining room with classic fine dining featuring wood-fired steaks and one of Texas's best wine programs. In 2013, Jeffrey's was one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the country according to Bon Appetit Magazine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Joann's Fine Foods

$$$$

Tex-Mex

Downtown

4.8

348 reviews

In 2018 local hospitality giants Bunkhouse Group and McGuire Moorman Hospitality teamed up to open Joanne's Fine Foods. The interior has a classic mid-century feel with plenty of diner décor, including bright red laminate countertops and green vinyl seating. The menu is full of comfort food such as huevos rancheros for breakfast, and chicken fried steak and gorditas for dinner. Diners can opt for something a little fancier made on their pecan-burning grill. This restaurant also offers a sophisticated cocktail menu with plenty of tequila and mezcal specialties.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Josephine House

$$$$

American

Central Austin

4.8

943 reviews

Larry McGuire created Josephine House in 2013, which sits on a quaint corner in a trendy neighborhood. The bounty of its two on-site gardens is incorporated into their seasonal menu items. The decor and ambiance are as if diners walked into a comfortable dinner party. Some of their creations include a cheese board that makes an ideal starter, a roasted dewberry chicken (a favorite among locals), and their tres leches panna cotta offers Texas peaches on a honey-buckwheat crumble.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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June's All Day

$$$$

Contemporary American

South Austin

4.8

816 reviews

In 2016 the McGuire Moorman Hospitality Group opened June's All Day. The interior of the space has the feel of a French bistro, including checkerboard tile floors, brass tables, and a brightly lit bar area. As the name implies, they serve food all day, and including house-made granola, a breakfast chalupa, as well as homemade baked goods like cookies and bialys. Pro tip: try their bone marrow bolognese with chopped kale and parmesan cheese, which is served over fresh tajarin.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Justine's Brasserie

$$$$

French

East Austin

4.7

750 reviews

The husband-and-wife team of Justin Devillier and Mia Freiberger-Devillier opened Justine's Brasserie in 2019 in the historic May and Ellis building. This is a 200-seat grand-hall-style restaurant was designed by a firm based in New Orleans. The interior features plenty of antique brass, vintage lighting and artwork, and a diamond pattern of smoked glass mirrors. The menu is full of classic French tastes such as escargot, salad lyonnaise, and the popular ratatouille. They also offer an impressive selection of all types of French wines.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Licha's Cantina

$$$$

Mexican

East Austin

4.5

159 reviews

In 2014 Daniel Brooks opened Licha's Cantina in a 1920s bungalow. His goal was to showcase the rustic dishes common in his native Mexico City in a traditional cantina. Diners can order shareable botanas, which include huaraches to spread with toppings like bone marrow and black beans or a sesame cream and roasted mushroom concoction. They also offer a wide selection of all manner of tequilas, mezcal, sotol, and bacanora.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro Austin

$$$$

Contemporary American

Downtown

4.6

1429 reviews

This restaurant, which opened in 2015 under the direction of celebrity chef Tim Love, has the look and feel of the old west, with sheepskin backrests in the booths and antlers over the bar. The space also features huge metalwork chandeliers over the dining area. Their menu features a wide range of wild game dishes such as duck, elk, and lamb, and there are plenty of handcrafted sandwiches and soups too. At the heart of their menu are their hand-cut steaks, such as their prime New York strip and a buffalo ribeye.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Neighborhood Sushi

$$$$

Sushi

South Austin

4.8

685 reviews

Executive chef Jorge Garcia brought Neighborhood Sushi to life in 2020 as a casual sushi restaurant experience, offering items that are sure to please any sushi lover. The interior of the space has a traditional Japanese feel with plenty of bamboo and rattan, plus an array of bright white Japanese lantern-style fixtures. There is also a sake garden outside, where diners can peruse their large assortment of sakes, including several signature sake cocktails.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille - Domain Northside

$$$$

Steakhouse

Arboretum

4.7

4131 reviews

This steakhouse was opened in 2019 by owner Chris Perry, which is his second location after the first was a huge success in Houston. The exterior of the building has a smooth and silken feel with gold and gray tile accents and immaculate landscaping. Once inside, people will find a romantic vibe with plenty of wood touches and an impressive floor-to-ceiling wine rack. People often jump right to the signatures section of the menu for their filet mignon, brick chicken, and their famous pork chops.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Red Ash Italia

$$$$

Italian

Downtown

4.8

2983 reviews

Opened by chef and owner John Carver in 2016, Red Ash Italia features a menu of Italian dishes prepared on top of a custom-built grill, oven, and plancha combo that emits red ash, giving the restaurant its name. The dishes here include handmade noodles, fresh seafood, and wood-grilled meats. Diners can expect family-style portions, so bring a good appetite and save room for the classic Italian desserts, including tiramisu, panna cotta, and gelato.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Soto - South Lamar

$$$$

Japanese

Downtown

4.6

1485 reviews

Soto opened in the summer of 2013 as the brainchild of chef and owner Andy Chen. He likes to say that he offers sushi with a touch of French influence. In developing his menu, he takes ingredients from all over the globe and combines them with the freshest seasonal ingredients he can find at local Texas farms. Once inside its doors, people will find a clean, sleek, and modern interior, giving this Japanese restaurant an upscale feel.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen - Westlake

$$$$

American

Bee Caves / Lakeway / Lake Travis

4.8

826 reviews

When owner Beth Selby Lassiter opened the Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen in 2013, she wanted to make sure that she could offer impressive views wherever customers sat in the restaurant. The space offers plenty of outdoor dining options with bright colors and lights strung through the trees. Their menu includes a bruschetta platter, where diners can choose from three selections of ingredients, plus several plates of pasta, sandwiches, and specialty pizzas. Pro tip: don’t forget to try the avocado gazpacho.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Roosevelt Room

$$$$

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

4.8

972 reviews

Justin Lavenue and Dennis Gobis took their backgrounds as award-winning local bartenders to open The Roosevelt Room in 2015. This craft cocktail bar has the feel of a true cocktail lounge with red velvet booths, black tables, and a huge bar displaying their large collection of spirits. In addition to all their cocktails, they also offer some outstanding cheese and meat boards, and for those with a sweet tooth, their spiked vanilla ice cream is not to be missed.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Toss Pizzeria & Pub - South 1st

$$$$

Pizzeria

Downtown

4.6

90 reviews

When managing partner Justin De La Cruz opened Toss Pizzeria and Pub in 2016, his goal was to make it the most popular hangout on South First Street. They offer outdoor seating with a turf floor — ideal for people to bring dogs and play yard games. They offer pizzas, such as a classic pepperoni, and specialty pizzas such as a Texas barbecue brisket pizza. Pro tip: don’t forget to try their cinnamon donut holes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Arboretum

$$$$

Seafood

Arboretum

4.8

4157 reviews

Truluck's, owned by Patti Rurner and Stuart Sargent has been in business since 1992, and their Austin location received a major facelift in 2014. The restaurant offers fresh seafood and the finest steaks. The Austin location has a reputation as much for its lively bar scene as it does for the cuisine and elegant dining room. Their menu features classic favorites such as jumbo lump crab cake, lobster bisque, and entrées such as an 18 ounce center-cut prime ribeye.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchi Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Downtown

4.9

5153 reviews

The Japanese word Uchi means house, and the name is no surprise when people see the exterior of this location, which is a house converted into an elegant sushi restaurant. They complete the look with a gravel outdoor patio, where diners can have a drink and share sushi rolls. Their menu runs the entire spectrum of sushi and sashimi as well as several daily specials and vegetarian options. Time Out magazine called Uchi the Number One sushi restaurant in the country. Don’t forget to try their chocolate candy bar for dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Uchiko Austin

$$$$

Sushi

Central Austin

4.8

5736 reviews

Uchiko, owned by one of the few American sushi masters chef Tony Cole, who is also a James Beard Award winner, offers people a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere filled with wood tones and inviting lighting. The menu offers the freshest seafood tastes plus adds in several hot tastings, such as their wagyu beef hot rock, and also offers signature desserts like their chocolate PB and J.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Vespaio Austin

$$$$

Italian

Downtown

4.6

1180 reviews

This restaurant, owned by Alan Lazarus, Scott Bolin, and Claude Benayoun, opened its doors in 1998 before this neighborhood became the bustling shopping and dining promenade it is today. The kitchen creates handmade dishes from locally sourced ingredients. The chefs here do all their own butchering, and they use every part of the animal. All their charcuterie, pasta, bread, desserts, and cheeses are made in-house. The interior has the feel of a quaint Italian market with simple furniture and plenty of wines to check out.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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