Top 17 restaurants in Austin
Restaurants in Austin are a highlight of the city's vibrant food scene, offering a diverse range of culinary options for all tastes. From farm-to-table dining at Odd Duck to charming vegetarian options at Bouldin Creek Cafe, the city is teeming with excellent eateries. Other must-try spots include Upstairs at Caroline, Roaring Fork, and Corinne Austin. These top restaurants showcase the best of Austin's culinary offerings, making them unmissable destinations for food lovers.
- 1. Corner Restaurant
- 2. Stella San Jac
- 3. Upstairs at Caroline
- 4. Bouldin Creek Cafe
- 5. Corinne Austin
- 6. Roaring Fork
- 7. Odd Duck
- 8. Salty Sow
- 9. Roaring Fork
- 10. Fixe Southern House
- 11. Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
- 12. Justine's
- 13. Emmer & Rye
- 14. Barley Swine
- 15. Acre 41
- 16. Ember Kitchen
- 17. Olamaie
1. Corner Restaurant
Offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with friendly service
Corner Restaurant is known for its unique mix of American and Southwestern cuisine, making it a standout dining destination in Austin. With a lively atmosphere and the option of outdoor seating, it's the perfect place to take in the city's weather while enjoying a meal.
Margaritas at Corner Restaurant are a must-try, and the menu offers a range of options to cater to different tastes and cravings. Whether you're in the mood for a classic margarita or something more adventurous, the restaurant has got you covered. The menu's variety ensures that there's something for everyone, making Corner Restaurant a must-visit destination in Austin.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
2. Stella San Jac
Beautiful rooftop bar with city views and a large selection of local beers.
The quality of the food at a certain establishment has been reported to vary, with some reviewers praising its deliciousness and others finding it disappointingly dry. One particular dish, the Stella burger topped with white cheddar, BBQ mayo, and bacon, has received high praise for its exceptional taste.
Despite the inconsistency in food quality, the Stella burger has been a standout option for many visitors. The combination of white cheddar, BBQ mayo, and bacon has been lauded for its deliciousness, suggesting that this particular dish may be a reliable choice for those exploring the menu.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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3. Upstairs at Caroline
Offers a unique blend of restaurant and entertainment
The drink selection at this establishment is noteworthy, offering refreshing and cool options that were perfect for satisfying thirst. The tacos served here are also worthy of mention, as they were delicious and well-prepared. In summary, the drinks and tacos at this location are both exceptional and enjoyable.
This fun and upbeat venue boasts a great atmosphere that adds to the overall dining experience. The food and drinks offered here are of high quality, with great care and attention given to their preparation. For those looking for a enjoyable night out with excellent food and drinks, this place is an ideal choice.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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4. Bouldin Creek Cafe
Austin's original green building with a commitment to sustainability.
This establishment offers excellent options for those following a vegan or gluten-free diet. The chips and salsa are a standout, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed. The waitstaff are commendable for their attentiveness, positivity, and friendliness. It is a frequent choice for gathering with friends.
The service at this location is exceptional, with the Potato leek omelette being a particular highlight. The blueberry cornbread is also highly recommended. The establishment takes cleanliness seriously, making it a popular neighborhood choice. Parking can be challenging, but street parking remains an option.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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5. Corinne Austin
Corinne Austin is known for its farm-to-table approach and intimate dining experience.
The service at this establishment is highly regarded for its attentiveness and friendliness, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for guests. Staff are praised for being attentive to customers' needs and contributing to a positive dining experience.
The ambiance of the venue is also a highlight, with reviewers raving about its beautiful, low-lit setting. The music is a standout feature, creating a fantastic atmosphere that adds to the overall enjoyable experience. The combination of attentive service and a perfect atmosphere makes this a must-visit destination.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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6. Roaring Fork
Featuring a lively atmosphere and a beautiful outdoor patio
Steaks are a popular menu item and are frequently praised by customers for their flavorful and well-cooked qualities. However, there are some instances where steaks have been criticized for being overcooked or chewy, which can negatively impact the dining experience.
Overall, the food is generally well-received, with many reviewers raving about the delicious and expertly prepared dishes. Nevertheless, there are a few reports of unsatisfactory meals, including steaks that are dry or overly chewy. These inconsistencies could be a potential area for improvement in order to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
- Dinner
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7. Odd Duck
Emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Gluten-free and vegetarian options available, Charming and quirky atmosphere
The pork shoulder mole dish at the restaurant was exceptional and one of the best meals I've had in a long time. The cornbread was also a standout, contributing to an overall satisfying dining experience. The establishment boasted a cool and inviting atmosphere, which was complemented by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. Another dessert worth mentioning, the financier, was highly praised.
The innovative menu offered unique dishes, including a delicious cornbread with kale butter and a Thai sweet potato salad. The standout feature of the salad was the pork belly, which was perfectly fried and had a spongy texture. The staff members were constantly refilling water glasses and clearing plates, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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8. Salty Sow
Butcher shop with an on-site curing room and a focus on sustainable and local ingredients.
The restaurant offers a hearty and delicious gastropub menu that impressed me, resulting in high marks for their food. However, I encountered frequent upselling attempts by the waiter, which affected my dining experience.
I highly recommend visiting this establishment for their excellent drinks, food, and staff. It's a must-try spot that should not be missed. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is outstanding. By supporting this establishment, you will be contributing to a fantastic local business.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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9. Roaring Fork
AAA Three Diamond restaurant, Located in a historic building
There is a fantastic spot that I would like to share with you. It is a unique location, unlike any other. This place is a great option for a variety of occasions, including a post-work dinner. One of the highlights of this location is the food. The food served here is nothing short of excellent. It has a delicious taste that is sure to satisfy your palate.
However, getting the food can sometimes be a challenge. This is because the restaurant can get quite busy during peak hours, making it difficult to get a table or place an order. Despite this, the food is worth the wait. Therefore, if you are looking for a great place to have dinner, this unique spot is definitely worth checking out. The delicious food and unique atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a night out.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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10. Fixe Southern House
Fixe Southern House features a daily blue plate special and a lively atmosphere with regular live music events.
Regular customers of Fixe Southern House frequently comment on the high-quality dishes, with standouts such as the Crab dip, which continues to uphold the restaurant's reputation for excellence. The establishment offers a variety of experiences for its patrons. Some are wowed by menu items such as the heritage porkchop and fried chicken, while others express disappointment, particularly with the off-menu NY STRIP option. This inconsistency in food quality is a noted drawback.
The service at Fixe Southern House is a bright spot, with knowledgeable staff who contribute to a positive dining experience. Furthermore, the restaurant's ambience is enjoyable, adding to the overall atmosphere. However, the quality of the food can be unpredictable, which may impact the overall experience of some diners. Despite this inconsistency, Fixe Southern House continues to be a popular destination for those seeking southern-style cuisine.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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11. Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab
In-house tank system, daily fresh seafood deliveries
The author had a remarkable dining experience, highlighting two standout dishes. The steak, priced at $42, was cooked to perfection and considered worth every penny. The meal began with an excellent lobster bisque and a wedge salad accompaniment. In a separate dining occasion, the author and husband chose the restaurant for an early Mother's Day dinner to avoid the Sunday crowd. The sea bass was the chosen dish, and it was described as the best ever tasted, indicating an exceptionally satisfying meal.
In summary, the author's experiences at this restaurant were overwhelmingly positive. The steak and sea bass dishes were cooked exceptionally well, with the steak being described as worth its premium price. The lobster bisque and wedge salad complemented the steak, while the sea bass left a lasting impression as the best ever tasted. Both meals were enjoyed in a strategy to avoid crowds, showcasing the restaurant's appeal and the determination of the author to dine there.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Holiday Celebrations
- High-End
12. Justine's
Cute patio, Excellent service, Communal tables, Local art decoration
The restaurant offers a wide selection of French cuisine, with popular dishes such as steak, duck confit, and escargot. Some reviewers mentioned that the staff was apologetic for any delayed dishes and even offered complimentary desserts as a gesture of goodwill.
The bar area is known for its lively and energetic atmosphere, with a bustling crowd surrounding it. The drinks are described as strong and impressive. Despite the massive crowd, the ambiance is often described as enjoyable, fun, and sometimes even a bit rowdy.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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13. Emmer & Rye
Emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, unique dining experience with table-side service of dry aged meats and cheese boards
Emmer & Rye is a restaurant dedicated to showcasing seasonal and local cuisine, with a menu that changes daily based on the farmer's haul. Its focus on freshness and quality is evident in the innovative dishes that come out of its kitchen.
With a 4.5-star rating based on 258 reviews, Emmer & Rye has established itself as a highly-regarded dining establishment. Diners have consistently praised the restaurant for its use of fresh ingredients and innovative dishes, resulting in an impressive and well-deserved rating.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
14. Barley Swine
Locally sourced ingredients, innovative techniques, and a commitment to sustainability
Barley Swine, a renowned restaurant in Austin, offers a unique and exceptional dining experience. It is highly recommended to visit as soon as possible. Gather a group of friends and order a variety of dishes to share, allowing everyone to savor the exquisite flavors. The food is consistently delicious, making this a must-visit destination for food lovers.
The service at Barley Swine complements the superb dining experience. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provide excellent support, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Furthermore, the well-curated drink selection is one of the highlights of this establishment, offering exceptional beverages that further elevate the overall experience. In summary, Barley Swine impresses with its exceptional food, commendable service, and remarkable drinks, creating a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- High-End
- Vegetarian Options
15. Acre 41
Live music performances, fundraising events for local causes
Crab is renowned for its delicious and perfect taste. Its flavor and texture have earned it a reputation as a highly sought-after seafood option. Whether served in a warm and buttery dish or as a chilled and refreshing salad, crab is a versatile ingredient that consistently delights food lovers.
In addition to the delectable crab, the wine selection at the establishment was highly rated by customers. The server provided knowledgeable and helpful guidance when it came to selecting the perfect wine to accompany the meal. The drinks menu was impressive, featuring a flight of juices and sparkling wine that was just as delightful as the main course. Both the crab and the wine were standout elements of the dining experience, leaving customers satisfied and eager to return.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- High-End
- Downtown Spots
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16. Ember Kitchen
Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, unique craft cocktails, communal dining
A new restaurant has recently opened in Austin that is earning high praise for its great music, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere. One standout dish is a sashimi-style sea bass from Japan, which was featured as an appetizer special and received rave reviews. The regular menu also offers a variety of mouth-watering options, such as the scallops, which were a hit with one satisfied customer.
This upmarket restaurant in Austin offers an exceptional dining experience, with food and service that have been highly praised. The use of a Josper oven, a type of charcoal oven that can reach high temperatures, lends incredible flavor to the dishes. Standout menu items include the filet skewer, roasted halibut, lamb chops, and beef fat potatoes, which are all seasoned and cooked to perfection. The restaurant's atmosphere is lively and casual, making it an ideal spot for any occasion.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
17. Olamaie
Housed in a historic home with a beautifully designed patio, Olamaie also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Olamaie is a restaurant known for its excellent southern food and creative dishes. The Gulf shrimp with red rice is a menu standout, and their biscuits are legendary for a reason – they're made in-house and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Crafted cocktails and friendly service are also hallmarks of this establishment. Whether enjoying the Gulf shrimp or starting with the must-try biscuits, visitors can expect a memorable meal at Olamaie.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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