10 Best Restaurants In Austin
Austin has matured significantly. It’s no longer only a college town with inexpensive breakfast tacos to appease students who wake up late. With enough sauce to compete with Dallas’s opulent dining scene and Houston’s authentic Asian restaurants, the city has emerged as a culinary powerhouse today. Of course, the beloved Tex-Mex trucks and brisket smokers still exist. We’re merely stating that they are now dancing with foreign eateries, both upmarket and informal, and it will only be a matter of time (let’s hope!) until some of those Michelin medals start coming over here. Best Restaurants In Austin
1. Daiboku
Recently, the West Campus sibling restaurant of Austin icon Sazan debuted, and it’s already garnering just as much praise as the original. If you want a thick broth that tastes like it’s from a classic Tokyo den, try the distinctive shoyu and miso-style ramen, which also adds some crispiness to the dish. The golden-baked, bone-in wings are pure bliss, especially when paired with a side of kewpie mayo and lemon. You came to a Japanese restaurant to try the sake and Japanese whiskies, not the beers and wines on the full bar.
2. Garrison
Every Austinite has had Garrison on their bucket list for a long time, and their expectations are always exceeded. The meal at this upmarket grill establishment is as delicious as Texan cooking should be, combining big-city elegance with small-town southern charm. That’s because Chef Jakub Czyszczon utilizes only fresh, locally sourced ingredients and barbecues them over Texas Post Oak flame. The outcome is the most succulent assortment of fish, poultry, and steaks. Be sure to try their renowned Tater Tots (made with substantial amounts of black truffle and aerated gruyere cheese), the smoky Grilled Texas Redfish, and the warm Pecan Souffle.
3. La Barbecue
It goes without saying that this Central Texas-style barbecue restaurant, led by the granddaughter of the late pitmaster Louis Mueller, will be excellent. La Barbecue, which has moved to East Cesar Chavez, offers both indoor and outdoor dining options along with brisket, pork ribs, and sausage that is prepared in-house. Both simple and extravagant sandwiches, such as La Frito Loco (pulled pork, chopped beef, chipotle slaw, Fritos, cheese, and jalapeños), are delicious.
4. Veracruz All Natural
Super fresh ingredients let Veracruz All Natural stand apart from other taco vendors in the city. With its fresh tortilla packed with eggs, tortilla chips, avocado, pico de gallo, and cheese, the Migas taco has a cult following, and for good reason. You’ll become a fan too. Taste their freshly squeezed juice to top off your morning, and you’ll understand why they have such a devoted fan base and more brick-and-mortar and food truck locations across the city.
5. Yamas Greek kitchen+bar
Yamas is a charming family-run restaurant with lots of heart and handmade flavor; it’s another newbie on the scene. Greek meatballs called keftedakia, fried feta, and chicken souvlaki are just a few of the meals on the menu. Mediterranean seafood is also widely available. Transporting diners to the Mediterranean seaside is the aim of Roxie and Hristos Nikolakos, a husband and wife partnership. Mamma Mia! moviegoers may want to start singing. Best Restaurants In Austin
6. Picnik
Eating healthily in Austin? Yes, you heard correctly. Originally a food trailer, Picnik’s goal is to make genuine food inclusive and accessible to everyone. Today, the company has three brick-and-mortar sites, one of which is a stylish area on South First including a full-service, healthier bar (sample the Pitaya Margarita, which goes well with chips and cashew queso). Plant-based deliciousness abounds on every meal, with an emphasis on fresh veggies and meats sourced responsibly. Refuel with their sustainable pan-seared fish with vegetables, wind down with their heirloom tomato and watermelon salad, and finish with their sweet coconut matcha latte from the cafe. Best Restaurants In Austin
7. Old Thousand
Though Old Thousand is a master of many trades, you wouldn’t expect a trendy Chinese restaurant in Texas to prepare General Tso’s Chicken like a beloved family takeaway on Manhattan’s Canal Street. They please customers who are tired of the neighborhood’s American-Chinese favorites (such as egg rolls, xiao mian, and beef & broccoli) as well as hipsters searching for something new (Kung Pao Brussels and the brisket fried rice with Texan influences). The celebration is further enhanced by a full bar that serves drinks like the Panda Spiced Latte and Sunday Brunch. Best Restaurants In Austin
8. Salt & Time
Although Salt & Time, an Eastside Butcher Shop and Salumeria, offers numerous ways to enjoy the finest cuts of meat, their highly regarded Signature Burger is the greatest. On a brioche bun, there’s a half-pound patty loaded with daily steak trimmings, mayo, and sour pickles. You won’t be able to eat a burger and fries again if you add a side order of beef-fat french fries (sorry, not sorry). Make sure to check out the Salt & Time Wine store next door, where they have carefully chosen a selection of natural wines that range from weird to familiar, along with apothecary products and specialized nibbles.
9. Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
Located just north of downtown, the opulent French-inspired home is a popular destination for weekend get-togethers for brunch or cocktails as well as a romantic retreat for evening dates. Enjoy treats like steak tartare, whipped cheeses, and charcuterie while seated against seductive velvet walls surrounded by opulent antiques. If you’re feeling very formal, try the caviar with crème fraiche. On the other hand, Sunday brunch is all about the oyster tower. Honey Moon Spirit Lounge makes the most of the warm Southern weather by offering a wide array of beers, ciders, wines, cocktails, and more on a breezy terrace.
10. El Alma
Everyone knows that El Alma, a Barton Springs tradition, is the ideal location for a feast combined with a party. The ideal spot to congregate in the weeks leading up to Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Muertos is on the multitiered rooftop. Things are rather relaxed when the fiestas aren’t happening, but the cuisine is still exquisite. The pig tamales and duck releno are popular dishes, and the wide variety of tacos is always a good choice. Naturally, a Mexican dinner in Austin wouldn’t be complete without a margarita. During a long, sweltering Texas summer, their cold treats are like medication.