As Austin continues to develop and develop, so does the town’s standout culinary scene. There are many cooks and groups carving out names for themselves, and in consequence, there’s no scarcity of Austinite foodies who’ve obtained native and nationwide accolades—Finest New Restaurant, Rising Cooks, Austin Tastemakers, and Prime 20 lists all included. That’s why, when it got here to naming 2023’s greatest eating places in Austin, it wasn’t onerous to spotlight our favourite picks.
However to be clear, we didn’t got down to title each single final superb Austin restaurant. Nor did we goal to additional hype up the already hyped-up spots. As proud Austin locals who love to eat, our goal is to share our go-to eating places which have carved out their very own spot within the Austin meals scene—and earned prime billing in our food-loving hearts. The Camille Kinds crew has eaten at, beloved, and gone again a number of occasions to all of the spots beneath. So, after all, we needed to share not solely the fundamentals but in addition our go-to orders that assure an unforgettable meal.
We approached this information as we’d if we have been recapping final night time’s *unbelievable* meal over immediately’s brunch. From the environment to the culinary secrets and techniques solely locals know—take into account this the insider’s information to one of the best eating places in Austin. Whether or not you’re searching for brunch, rooftop eating, or one thing to pique your curiosity (and palate)—you’ll get all of it beneath. Learn on for our prime picks.
The Finest Eating places in Austin: Prime 25 for 2023
Picture above: Otoko
Sushi: Otoko
Whereas this South Congress scorching spot sometimes requires making a reservation three months upfront, belief us once we say that Otoko is definitely worth the wait. The 12-seat Japanese kaiseki omakase-style spot is tucked within the South Congress Resort with an hooked up and intimate Japanese-inspired cocktail bar, Watertrade (which doesn’t require a reservation to take a seat on the bar, however does take them for his or her cocktail tables for those who like planning forward). Chef Yoshi makes the expertise so enjoyable, and for those who’re fortunate, you would possibly get to see him break down an entire tuna.
Professional Tip: Reservations open on a rolling three-month foundation on the primary of each month at 12 pm and guide up fast! Ebook a reservation at Watertrade once you want that Otoko-esque fast repair with out the prolonged wait.
- What to Order: The great thing about Otoko is that you simply don’t even have to consider ordering! The chef leads you thru a 20-course omakase expertise that features nigiri, sashimi, and cold and hot Japanese dishes. Every thing is perfection, however the ocean trout with ponzu and Asian pear has by no means left me. Belief me after I say that you simply received’t go away hungry.
- Value: $$$$
- Delicacies: Omakase
- 1603 S Congress Ave | (512) 994-0428 | web site | instagram
Pictures above: Nixta Taqueria by Dimitri Staszewski
Should-Have Mexican: Nixta Taqueria
Chef Edgar and Sarah have been featured in The New York Occasions discussing how their Iranian and Mexican backgrounds influenced their standout rice pudding (which additionally occurs to be one in all our fave dishes). Nixta Taqueria all the time has a line out entrance and for good purpose: the meals is unbelievable. Take a gaggle and order the whole menu. We want we have been kidding.
- What to Order: By no means skip the particular.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Mexican
- 2512 E twelfth St | no cellphone | web site | instagram
Road-Type Tacos: Cuantos Tacos
For one of the best Mexico Metropolis street-style tacos, look no additional than Cuantos Tacos. So far as Austin eating places go, that is one of the best spot if you’d like a chill out of doors picnic desk vibe, however completely unbelievable meals. Your transfer: the cachete tacos, champiñones tacos, and the revuelta quesadilla.
- What to Order: The three decisions above all the time ship.
- Value: $
- Delicacies: Mexican
- 1108 East twelfth St | (512) 903-3918 | web site | instagram
Pictures above: June’s All Day
Vibey Lunch: June’s All Day
Grasp sommelier June Rodil has been a fixture of the Austin restaurant scene for greater than a decade (and now in Houston!). So when June’s All Day opened, we knew it will have one of the best wine record on the town. What we didn’t know was that the meals could be ok to garner Meals & Wine’s coveted “Finest New Restaurant in America” title in 2017.
The tremendous vibey South Congress hotspot has turn into a real neighborhood hangout, the place on any given night time you’ll spot Austin luminaries, energy gamers, and funky children. Go for the comfortable, energetic environment and keep for each single final unbelievable dish.
- What to Order: The snapper carpaccio is simply as stunning as it’s scrumptious.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: American
- 1722 S Congress Ave | (512) 416-1722 | web site | instagram
All-Day Café: The Meteor
We love this laid-back espresso store and café based by two friends and avid cyclists. Not solely is the espresso and pastry choice top-notch however we’re additionally obsessive about their well-curated pure wine choices ( you, Scotty Boy). The Meteor is a good spot to seize a bottle of wine and pizza and sit on the patio a bit out of the busy South Congress rush.
- What to Order: This is likely one of the uncommon espresso outlets that additionally has wonderful meals choices. The breakfast tacos are strong, however I often go for the Sunup Salad with potatoes, avocado, and a fried egg. Oh, and the espresso, after all.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: American
- 2110 S Congress Ave | (512) 351-9541 | web site | instagram
The Finest BBQ In City: Leroy & Lewis BBQ (At Cosmic Espresso)
There’s no scarcity of BBQ spots in Austin, however Leroy & Lewis BBQ is one in all our favorites. Go on the weekend for the Akaushi Brisket and check out the Kale Cesar Slaw and Home Made Kimchi. There’s even a burnt cauliflower dish that vegans and meat-eaters alike will love. You might have caught the burger on Anyone Feed Phil and gasped (rightfully so). The smoked brisket patty is roofed with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and sauce all between the softest toasted potato bun. It’s simply top-of-the-line burgers in Austin.
- What to Order: You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with the L and L Burger. Simply be sure to’re ordering with an urge for food.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: BBQ
- 121 Pickle Rd | (512) 945-9882 | web site | instagram
Fashionable Steakhouse: Maie Day
The most recent enterprise of Michael Fojtasek, Maie Day has all of the makings for a enjoyable dinner out with associates. Based on Fojtasek, “very like the traditional custom itself, Maie Day is a each day pageant of meals and group. It’s all of the issues we love about steakhouses and all the time a celebration.” We’re a fan of every little thing on the uncooked bar menu, the smoked fish dip, the plain salad (which is completely dressed!), and actually every little thing within the chophouse part, particularly that grilled hen.
- What to Order: The New York Strip won’t ever disappoint, but in addition don’t skip out on the large scrumptious salads for the desk to share.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Steakhouse
- 1603 S Congress Ave | (512) 942-0823 | web site | instagram
Date Night time: Emmer & Rye
In case you’re a fan of cacio e pepe, fermentation, and unbelievable wine, then look no additional than Emmer & Rye. From the identical group behind Canje, Kalimoxto, Hestia, TLV and extra opening in San Antonio, we love this spot for date night time, celebrations, or just saddling as much as the bar for a number of bites and a very good glass of wine. The menu adjustments seasonally, and we love how experimental the cooks are with in-season components.
- What to Order: The spaghetti cacio e pepe is out-of-this-world.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: American
- 51 Rainey St UNIT 110 | (512) 366-5530 | web site | instagram
Picture above: The Peacock
Mediterranean & Aesthetic: The Peacock
I’ll always remember the primary time I attempted the crispy shallot hummus at The Peacock, the Kelly Wearstler-designed Mediterranean restaurant on the bottom flooring of the Austin Correct Resort. Unbelievably creamy with layers of taste, I might have simply made that hummus, scooped onto fresh-from-the-oven pita bread, my whole dinner. However then I might have missed the Oak Grilled Octopus and the Yogurt-Marinated Rooster Kebabs—and the Baklava! I rapidly famous for future reference: it is a restaurant that’s greatest for sharing, since I will need to pattern as many menu objects as potential. The Peacock is equally good for household brunch or a date night time, and I notably love assembly a pal on the bar for cocktails… and naturally, that hummus.
- What to Order: All of the hummus is next-level, however the Beef Brief Rib Shawarma Hummus is an absolute should.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Mediterranean
- 600 W 2nd St | (512) 628-1410 | web site | instagram
Picture above: Comedor
Fashionable Mexican: Comedor
Chef Phil Speer’s Fashionable Mexican restaurant Comedor isn’t solely an amazing place for meals—the design and inside are beautiful, too because of designer Olson Kundig. This can be a great place for date night time, made much more enjoyable by ordering the Bone Marrow Tacos and utilizing the bone as a luge in your mezcal. Belief us!
- What to Order: We repeat: the Bone Marrow Tacos are a should. In case you’re not a mezcal fan, these pair completely with one of the best (skinny) margarita on the town!
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Mexican
- 501 Colorado St | (512) 499-0977 | web site | instagram
Pictures above: Paperboy courtesy of the restaurant
Breakfast: Paperboy
If we might advocate the whole Paperboy brunch menu, we’d. That’s how onerous it’s to select a favourite. Your transfer right here: any of the toasts, migas, and the kale salad with a soft-boiled egg. Okay, and a facet of tacky hash browns. That is the right spot if you wish to brunch and leisurely store alongside East eleventh.
- What to Order: The Texas Hash, the Pho Grits, heck, even the Kale Salad will make you swear by your order as your “new go-to.” At Paperboy, it’s actually onerous to go incorrect.
- Value: $
- Delicacies: Brunch
- 1203 East eleventh St | (512) 910-3010 | web site | instagram
Seasonal Southern Consolation: Olamaie
Proprietor Michael Fojtasek’s elevated Southern consolation spot just lately employed Amanda Turner as the latest chef, and the menu has developed to mirror her fashion of cooking. However honestly, we’re blissful to nonetheless see the biscuits on the Olamaie menu—there’s a purpose the hashtag #AlwaysGramTheBiscut exists.
- What to Order: Don’t miss probably the most well-known biscuits on the town.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Southern consolation
- 1610 San Antonio St | (512) 474-2796 | web site | instagram
photos above: Lutie’s by Mackenzie Smith Kelley
Particular Event: Lutie’s
Lutie’s was named after Lutie Perry, a outstanding socialite and host of many backyard occasion soirées on the Commodore Perry Property within the Twenties. The area actually displays that period and style of entertaining. We love that chef duo Bradley and Susana took a veggie-forward method to the menu, including to the record of Austin eating places that provide lighter choices within the Texas warmth. Our favorites: the sunchoke falafel, chickpea and inexperienced corn salad, delta blues rice, and you must order a spherical of Property Bread for the desk.
- What to Order: Indulge within the Kouign Amann Ice Cream for dessert.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Texan regional fare
- 4100 Purple River St, Austin | (512) 675-2517 | web site | instagram
Late-Night time: Sammie’s Italian
In case you’re searching for a darkish and comfy late-night Italian spot with all of the classics, Sammie’s is it. Italian chopped salad, hen parmigiana, and bolognese, plus 90s hip-hop taking part in within the background is a complete vibe. Plus, the waiters put on old-school Italian fits, so you’ll be able to relaxation assured you’ve discovered the right spot for an evening out. We like happening Fridays for his or her wine lunches and dwell music, however don’t inform our boss!
- What to Order: Pasta is the best way to go at Sammie’s. On my final go to, I particularly beloved the paccheri with braised lamb and castelvetrano olives.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Italian
- 807 W sixth St | (512) 474-2054 | web site | instagram
Fashionable Caribbean: Canje
After we say “Canje is a vibe” we imply it—down to each final element. The area, décor, music, employees apparel, and meals makes you are feeling such as you’re at one large enjoyable household dinner within the Caribbean. Canje is an homage to proprietor Tavel Bristol-Joseph’s Guyanese roots. Each dish is a love letter to residence.
- What to Order: The grilled pink shrimp, Tilefish, and candy potato are top-notch.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Caribbean
- 1914 E sixth St Suite C | (512) 706-9119 | web site | instagram
Picture above: Suerte courtesy of the restaurant
Eastside Tacos: Suerte
Eat at Suerte as soon as and also you’ll be a fan for all times. Every thing Chef Fermin Nunez creates on the menu is masa-based and stuffed with a lot taste you’ll be tempted to order seconds. Your transfer: the Suadero tacos and washed down with a Don Dario. Psst… Suerte now sells the Magic Chili Oil they use on the Suaderos, so don’t go away with out one.
- What to Order: Suadero Tacos and selfmade Chocotaco. Belief me on the Chocotaco.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Mexican
- 1800 E sixth St | (512) 522-3031 | web site | instagram
French: Justine’s
Justine’s wins the award for the sexiest restaurant in Austin—fingers down. In case you’re a Francophile, that is your spot. The menu at Justine’s has each French hitter you’ll be able to think about, together with among the freshest oysters you’ll discover on the town. That is your greatest wager for date night time or a ladies’ night time out.
- What to Order: The fries (clearly) and the fish particular all the time hits.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: French
- 4710 E fifth St | (512) 385-2900 | web site | instagram
Korean: Oseyo
An entire new world of Korean meals emerged in Austin the day Oseyo opened. I used to be virtually a Ok-food virgin, so I used to be grateful to strive it first with associates who have been well-versed in ordering because of their a few years of touring to Asia. I fell in love with the bibimbap, bulgogi, and spicy-sweet fried hen all impressed by proprietor Lynn Miller’s mom’s recipes. This Eastside spot can be stylish—the natural supplies, earthy stoneware, and “chandelier” manufactured from rustic baskets make this spot date night-worthy.
- What to Order: I really like the japchae: candy potato noodles with seasonal veggies.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Korean
- 1628 E Cesar Chavez St | (512) 368-5700 | web site | instagram
Rooftop: La Piscina At The Correct Resort
The place else would you need to eat ceviche, fajitas, and infinite quantities of margaritas than subsequent to the pool on the Correct with a view of downtown Austin? La Piscina is the spot for a pre/post-dinner present at ACL Dwell. If you may get into the Goldie’s, the resort’s foyer bar, do it!
- What to Order: The Gulf snapper tacos rock.
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: Mexican
- 600 W 2nd St | 512-628-1415 | web site | instagram
Pictures above: Birdie’s by John Davidson
Superb-Informal: Birdie’s
it’s good when there’s a line to get in on a weekday, however that’s what makes Birdie’s so enjoyable. Seize a glass or bottle of wine when you look forward to a desk and meet up with your friends. We love chef Tracy’s pasta dishes which change typically (and don’t skip the delicate serve topped with olive oil!). That is the right spot for a bigger group to take a seat exterior and share a bottle of wine and small plates.
- What to Order: We wish to order actually every little thing beneath “snacks”—and all the time finish with one of the best vanilla delicate serve you’ve ever tasted.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: New American
- 2944 E twelfth St Unit A | no cellphone | web site | instagram
Pictures above: Pecan Sq. Cafe
Seasonal Appeal: Pecan Sq. Café
Pecan Sq. Café changed the outdated Cafe Josie however in true MML style, the appeal stays. We love their recent pasta and pizza dishes, and their wine record is spectacular. Reap the benefits of their snack hour from 3-5 pm every single day, together with their blissful hour which runs 3-5 pm Monday via Friday. (We’re speaking $8 spritzes and 25% off all bottles of wine—heck sure!) And don’t dare skip their pizzas.
- What to Order: The rotating seasonal spritz is the drink to get.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: New American
- 1200 W sixth St #B | (512) 265-1612 | web site | instagram
Picture above: Higher Half
All Day Outside: Higher Half Espresso & Cocktails
This can be a excellent place to take a gaggle for a simple out of doors brunch on picnic tables, nestled subsequent door to Maintain Out Brewing. They do an ideal breakfast sandwich, waffle iron hash browns, and epic cauliflower tots.
- What to Order: The Rooster Biscuit is impeccable.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Elevated informal
- 406 Walsh St | (512) 645-0786 | web site | instagram
Farm to Desk: Overseas & Home
It will get the Andrew Zimmern seal of approval for a purpose. Cooks Sarah and Nathan name Overseas & Home “Austin’s unique nose-to-tail, farm-to-table eating expertise.” You’re going for Sunday brunch and ordering the pancakes with peach jam, forged iron frittata, and the crispy pork and grits. Additionally they have an unbelievable wine menu with a number of bottles of Pét-Nat to pick out from.
- What to Order: Attempt the elevated tackle Fried Rooster. And the popovers!
- Value: $$$
- Delicacies: New American
- 306 E 53rd St | (512) 459-1010 | web site | instagram
Picture above: Launderette courtesy of the restaurant
Vibrant & World: Launderette
We love Launderette for its enjoyable and sharable menus not only for brunch, however for lunch and dinner, too. Chef Rene Ortiz and the group has one thing for everybody, together with a Rainbow Bowl, Benny Toast, and a Fried Rooster Sammie. We’d advocate ordering a number of Potato Latkes and maybeeeeee a brief stack of pancakes for the desk for those who’re actually hungry.
- What to Order: The Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich is the happiest dessert on the town.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: New American
- 2115 Holly St | (512) 382-1599 | web site | instagram
Quirky & Enjoyable: Elizabeth Road Cafe
Elizabeth Road Cafe embodies the quirky, colourful, and scrumptious experiences that Austin is understood for. My favourite menu objects: Home Baked Brioche French Toast, Texas Akaushi Beef Carpaccio, Cha Ca Purple Fish, and a Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s tasty for any meal of the day, providing French baked items with espresso and tea for breakfast, artfully crafted pho, and bun and banh mi for lunch and dinner. Don’t dare cross up the macarons. The pastry cooks have created lots of of flavors of those pleasant treats that match the aesthetic of the whole place. Snag a field and take some residence!
- What to Order: Grilled Rooster Thigh Bún—you received’t be sorry.
- Value: $$
- Delicacies: Vietnamese
- 1501 S 1st St | (512) 291-2881 | web site | instagram
This publish was initially revealed on February 28, 2020, and has since been up to date.
