Restaurants I Recommend To Austin Visitors

Apr 5

Here are some of my favorite Austin restaurants. It’s a good mix of low-key and upscale spots with a wide variety of cuisines. Most places accept walk-ins but I recommend making a reservation or calling ahead.

Restaurants

Aba

Hip spot serving seafood & Mediterranean classics such as kebabs, hummus & falafel, plus cocktails. Good for brunch & dinner. Trendy vibe.
Area: South Congress

Pearla’s

Fish, oysters & surf 'n' turf are dished at this laid-back spot with an open kitchen & shaded patio. Good for brunch & dinner.
Area: South Congress

Fresa's South First

Wood-grilled Mexican fare, one of my favorite places for margaritas in town and more in a colorful space with a patio and takeaway window. Great for large parties. Good for lunch & dinner.
Area: South 1st Street

Clark’s Oyster Bar

Chic West Austin neighborhood spot with a great raw bar, house-baked sourdough, fresh fish, lobster rolls, pan roasted hamburgers and more. Good for lunch.
Area: West Downtown

Elizabeth Street Café

Charming outpost offering French breakfast bites & creative Vietnamese plates. Good for dinner.
Area: South First (walkable from South Congress)

Sammies

A classic Italian restaurant nestled amongst the bars of West 6th Street. Good for dinner. Make a reservation.
Area: West of Downtown

Uchi

A favorite of mine! Creative hot & cold dishes from chef Tyson Cole in a stylish, sophisticated setting. Good for dinner. Make a reservation far in advance.
Area: South Lamar

Swedish Hill

Longtime bakery with a cozy ambiance & outdoor seating selling baked goods, breads & lunch fare. Good for breakfast and lunch.
Area: West Downtown

Suerte

Contemporary spot serving interior Mexican specialties & snacks, beer, wine & craft cocktails. Good for brunch and dinner.
Area: Eastside

June’s All Day

Another favorite! Chic option for inventive New American fare, cocktails, beer & wine in a bright space with a patio. Good for brunch, dinner and late night bites.
Area: South Congress

Black’s Barbecue

My favorite go-to BBQ spot! Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & housemade sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.
Area: Near Town Lake (in between South Congress and South Lamar)

Gueros

A large menu, salsa bar & hand-shaken margaritas in a landmark building with a patio. Their beer garden also serves up margs and small bites while you can listen to live music. Good for lunch and dinner.
Area: South Congress

Paperboy

Serving seasonal breakfast sandwiches, bowls, toasts & coffee. They have a lovely rooftop patio. Good for brunch. Make a reservation.
Area: Eastside

Two Hands

Bright and airy cafe with juices and espresso drinks plus light fare like pastries, salads & sandwiches. Good for breakfast.
Area: South Congress

Lenoir

Romantic, vintage-chic restaurant and wine garden featuring creative cuisine with Mediterranean and Indian accents.
Area: South 1st Street

Ah Sing Den

Bar serving Asian-inspired hot and cold dishes, plus sweets, cocktails and sake in an intimate setting. Good for dinner.
Area: Eastside

Hillside Farmacy

Antique-chic eatery in a historic building for thoughtfully sourced eclectic fare, plus groceries. Good for brunch.
Area: Eastside

Lou’s

Chill outdoor dining with ping pong tables and corn hole, offering sandwiches, chicken & beer.
Area: Eastside

Jacobys

Southern classics elevated by farm-fresh ingredients in a rustic space with a lush garden and a shop. Good for brunch.
Area: Eastside

Vinaigrette

Design-your-own salads, plus soup and sandwiches, served in a modern, colorful space with a wine bar. Good for lunch.
Area: South Congress

Lutie’s

An intimate dining experience serving seasonal dishes located on the grounds of the Commodore Perry Estate. Make a reservation. Good for dinner.

Austin Eastciders

Expansive outdoor patio serving up delicious food and cider all day. Good for casual lunch.
Area: Barton Springs

Jeffrey’s

Posh fine-dining icon featuring upscale New American cuisine in a tony setting plus an active bar. Good for dinner.
Area: Clarksville

Neighborhood Sushi

Trendy Japanese eatery specializing in sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, plus unique cocktails & sake. Good for dinner.
Area: South Congress

Comedor

Mexican-inspired fare and drinks by a popular chef with high ceilings and a modern, industrial design. Good for dinner.
Area: Downtown

Summer House

Artful hotel restaurant featuring an elevated menu and a robust drink selection, plus outdoor seating. Good for breakfast and brunch.
Area: South Congress

Tiny Boxwoods