The 10 Best Restaurants in Austin
By Alex Benoir | Updated November 22, 2023 Austin, Texas, is more than a city; it's a rich blend of tastes, traditions, and creative cooking that attracts food enthusiasts worldwide. From delicious barbecue to unique vegan options, Austin's food scene is an adventure for the taste buds.
In this article, we're exploring ten must-visit restaurants that showcase the best of Austin's diverse and exciting culinary offerings, making it a dream destination for anyone.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is a must-visit in Austin, known for its incredibly tender brisket. This barbecue hotspot is celebrated not just for its food but as a true Austin experience, showcasing the city's passion for smoked meats. The effort put into every piece of brisket, from the spicy crust to the juicy center, makes dining here more than just eating.
At Franklin Barbecue, the smell of slow-cooked meat teases you long before you get a taste, building anticipation. Once you take that first bite, the flavors confirm that the wait was worth it.
Uchi
Uchi elevates dining to an art, mixing traditional Japanese skills with Austin's flair for innovation. Under Chef Tyson Cole's guidance, a variety of flavors come alive, showcasing everything from the freshest nigiri to creative foie gras dishes. The cozy atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making Uchi a key destination for an unparalleled sushi journey.
Entering Uchi feels like stepping into a world where detail and passion collide, with each dish serving as a showcase for Chef Cole's creativity. As each course arrives, it unveils a blend of tastes and textures unique to Uchi's offerings. This spot celebrates Japanese culinary artistry through a unique Austin perspective.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya blends Austin's relaxed atmosphere with the essence of a Japanese izakaya, offering a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Here, you'll find a creative mix of Texas barbecue and Japanese flavors, such as brisket seasoned with a sesame-pecan rub and innovative Japanese-style cocktails. The decor, a mix of Texan and Japanese styles, perfectly complements the fusion menu.
Each dish at Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a celebration of flavor innovation, taking diners on an exciting taste journey. With its focus on smoky, rich flavors and a creative drink selection, this spot rewards those looking for a new dining experience. Kemuri Tatsu-ya is an exploration of Austin's diverse food scene and a testament to culinary creativity.
Odd Duck
Odd Duck stands out as a true representation of Austin's lively food scene, putting a creative spin on locally sourced ingredients. Starting as a food truck and growing into a full-fledged restaurant, Odd Duck showcases innovative dishes like the famed pork belly sandwich made with bread from freshly milled grains. Its dedication to local farms means every dish is bursting with freshness and community spirit, capturing what makes Austin special.
The restaurant's eclectic and welcoming vibe creates a unique dining experience. With an open kitchen, guests can watch as chefs turn local ingredients into extraordinary meals, adding a touch of excitement to the dining experience. Odd Duck is a place of constant discovery, offering a taste of Austin's dynamic culinary landscape to everyone who walks through its doors.
Barley Swine
At Barley Swine, every dish celebrates Austin's local flavors, led by Chef Bryce Gilmore and his dedication to farm-to-table eating. The menu changes regularly, featuring the best local ingredients in unique dishes like cured antelope and beef fat toast. This place stands out for its community vibe, with tables that bring together food lovers of all types to enjoy Austin's diverse tastes.
Barley Swine provides a close-knit dining experience. Dining here is more than just a meal; it's a journey into Austin's farming culture, creatively crafted by Chef Gilmore. For those looking to dive deep into what makes Austin's food scene special, Barley Swine's tasting menu showcases the best of the city's culinary spirit, ensuring every visit is a new and exciting experience.
La Barbecue
La Barbecue in East Austin is a standout in the city's barbecue scene. It serves up smoky and delicious brisket, sausages, and ribs that capture the essence of Central Texas-style barbecue. Its laid-back, picnic-style setup makes dining here feel like a friendly gathering, enhancing the overall experience.
The charm of La Barbecue isn't just in its incredible food but also in the warm, welcoming vibe it offers. It's a place where the delicious aroma of barbecue fills the air, setting the stage for a memorable meal. As a highlight of Austin's food scene, La Barbecue is a top spot for anyone wanting to dive into the city's rich culinary traditions.
Elizabeth Street Café
At Elizabeth Street Café, mornings start with the smell of fresh pastries, setting the tone for a great day ahead in this cozy French-Vietnamese spot. As the day enlivens, it shifts from a bakery with sweet macarons and croissants to a lively place famous for its bánh mì sandwiches. This café mixes French flair with Vietnamese flavors, showcasing Austin's rich food scene uniquely and invitingly.
What makes Elizabeth Street Café special is not just the food but also its welcoming, vibrant setting that reminds you of a small café in Paris. The café serves up sandwiches on crunchy, homemade baguettes filled with seasoned pork, herbs, and sauces. This place is a must-visit for its fresh take on dining, perfect for anyone wanting to dive into the city's diverse and fashionable food culture.
Justine's Brasserie
Justine's Brasserie perfectly captures Austin's relaxed atmosphere alongside a touch of elegance. As the evening turns to night, Justine's becomes a buzzing spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy under twinkling lights, serving up specialties like escargot and steak frites. Its unique late-night dining experience brings a slice of Paris to Austin, ideal for those wanting to enjoy a stylish night out.
The brasserie's dark, cozy interior and welcoming garden create the perfect setting for romantic dinners and long talks. Every plate, from the crispy French onion soup to the perfectly crafted Sidecar cocktail, showcases Justine's dedication to fine dining and ambiance. Dressing up for a night at Justine's promises an exceptional experience, blending Austin's casual charm with French sophistication for a memorable evening.
Nixta Taqueria
Nixta Taqueria, nestled in East Austin, transforms tacos into a creative feast. Chef Edgar Rico mixes different flavors, offering unique tacos far from the usual. With everything from Aztec-style tortillas to a taco selection reflecting his heritage, Nixta shines as a spot of culinary creativity in Austin. It combines traditional ingredients in new ways, making dining here a vibrant experience reflective of the city's diverse culture.
The atmosphere at Nixta Taqueria is lively and inviting, highlighted by a disco ball and colorful decor. The menu elevates tacos to something special, with options like beet tartare with avocado crema and duck confit with salsa cruda. Nixta is a must-visit for anyone wanting to dive into the heart of the city's diverse and ambitious culinary world.
Lutie's Garden Restaurant
Lutie's Garden Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that highlights the richness of Texas's heritage cuisine. Every dish, from the garden hand rolls to the freshly baked estate bread, is made with attention to detail and the freshest ingredients. Eating at Lutie's feels like being part of a special event, surrounded by the estate's rich history and opulence.
The setting of Lutie's creates a perfect backdrop for a meal that blends luxury with the essence of Texas's farm produce. The menu features exceptional dishes like duck leg confit and Texas beef that are sure to impress. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or simply want to enjoy some of Austin's finest cooking, Lutie's offers an unforgettable dining experience.
Austin's food scene is a vibrant mix of new ideas, classic flavors, and bold cooking. These ten restaurants are only a start to discovering Austin's deep passion for food. Whether you're into barbecue, sushi, or tacos, there's a spot in Austin ready to welcome you.