THE AUSTIN, TEXAS DINING GUIDE
In a town known just as much for Tex-Mex and legendary margaritas as its experimental and creative cuisine, it’s no wonder that fabulous food and drink is becoming a cornerstone in Austin’s reputation. In this Austin, Texas dining guide, you’ll find a wide range of stand-out options, from our favorite places to celebrate to the must try Texas cuisines. Enjoy — and don’t forget to tell them The Scout Guide sent you!
FOR CELEBRATING
Uchiko | 4200 N Lamar Blvd | @uchirestaurants
Of all the masterpieces gifted to us by Tyson Cole and his sushi empire, this one is by far our favorite. The perfect mix of cozy and intimate yet bustling, like an urban restaurant in New York or Boston, with foods you’d never dream could be so good.
MUST ORDER: Tasmanian Ocean Trout Belly & Ko Salad
Clark’s Oyster Bar | 1200 W 6th Street | @clarksoysterbar
The famed yellow awning off of west 6th street gives it away. The raw bar and fresh seafood menu is near perfect. Be sure to snag a reservation at one of their ~8 indoor tables, or pick a perfect weather day to relax on the patio.
La Piscina | 600 W 2nd Street, Floor 5 | @lapiscinaaustin
Located in the beloved Austin Proper hotel on the pool deck, this convival poolside restaurant gives you Texas-inspired Mexcan cuisine with a side of Lake Austin views.
Aba | 1011 S. Congress Avenue | @abarestaurant
A Mediterranean dining experience tucked on South Congress in the Music Lane development. On their large patio, with trees weaving in and out and twinkly lights to add just enough magic, is where you want to be. Order an Aloe? It’s Me and thank us later, their twist on a margarita and our favorite cocktail in town.
FOR ELEVATED CUISINE
Jeffrey’s | 1204 West Lynn | @jeffreysofaustin
The place to indulge that’s also home to one of the state’s deepest wine lists, and located in the charming Clarksville neighborhood combines old world service with Texas hospitality making Jeffrey’s a true Austin gem.
MUST ORDER: A Perfect Martini, any cut from Niman’s Ranch and a Chocolate Soufflé
Comedor | 501 Colorado Street | @Comedortx
The interior mexican restaurant is an architecture-lover’s dream from Olson Kundig. With stunning floor to ceiling windows that open connecting the patio to the main body of the restaurant and modern design, it’s use of material is as beautiful as its use of diverse foods. The bone marrow tacos are the most unique (insanely flavorful), but the rest of Phil Speer’s menu is also sure to impress.
Hestia | Address | Instagram
Designed to explore and highlight the role of fire in the food, Hestia has won just about every award Austin publications offer: Best of Excellence, Best New Restaurant, People of the Year, Six Places in Austin to try, Austin’s most ambitious restaurant and that’s just since 2021. To truly indulge, their tastings menu is delightful and they don’t skimp you on the wine pairing whatsoever.
Lutie’s | 4100 Red River | @lutiesaustin
Situated on the 10-acre property that is Commodore Perry Estate (Auberge’s local haunt) is Lutie’s. The intimate spot is focused on highlighting local farers and ranchers and stays true to doing everything in-house. Like Hestia, a true experience can be found int their tasting menu.
Otoko | Address | @otokoaustin
A 12-seat Japanese Omakase experience attached to Watertrade, an intimate japanese-style cocktail bar in the South Congress Hotel.
FOR TEXAS CUISINE
Lambert’s BBQ | 401 W 2nd Street | @lambertsbbq
Inventive bbq without the mess, Liz Lambert’s downtown staple is approachable yet elevated and their cocktail menu is a 10 out of 10.
Matt’s El Rancho | 2613 S Lamar Boulevard | @mattselrancho
The first-come, first-serve Tex-Mex restaurant has been around since 1952 and is referred to by the locals as just, “Matt’s”. Known more for their knockout martini than their actual dining offerings (though still very good), the Austin institution is one of the largest orderers of Milagro Tequila in the country. Cheers to that!
Nixta Taqueria | 2512 E 12th Street | @nixtataqueria
Treading the line of super-traditional mexican cooking and unconventional twists, Owners (and maridos), Sara Mardanbigi, and Chef Edgar Rico, (a James Beard Award winner and TIME100 recipient), aim to transform the landscape of what Mexican-American cuisine can be by providing imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, and a maíz revolution.
Leroy and Lewis | 5621 Emerald Forest Drive | @leroyandlewis
After recently shifting from their original food truck to a focus on their South Austin location, you can expect the same delicious bbq now served with great cocktails and air conditioning…two things Texans adore.
Jacoby’s Restuarant & Mercantile | 3235 E Cesar Chavez St | @jacobysatx
Passport Magazine wrote, ” It’s got quirkiness and quality to spare along with a tucked away setting that makes patrons feel like they’re in on a secret.” and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves (so we didn’t). While their main courses are sure to impress, it’s their strawberry cake they’ve gained a reputation for.
Fonda San Miguel | 2330 W North Loop | @fondasanmigueltx
Of all the places we dub institutions in this city, this one is our favorite. With more of an interior Mexican approach to their culinary offerings, and a building that feels other worldly, Fonda San Miguel always feels like a celebration of sorts.
FOR DOUBLE DATES
Perla’s | 1400 South Congress Avenue | @perlassouthcongress
The patio with people watching on the famed South Congress Avenue that cannot be beat. The first (of the now many) famed McGuire Moorman (now MML) properties set the standard for the hospitality group. And keeping in mind that we are a city that lacks in good italian, their lobster bucatini is the best pasta in town.
Bill’s Oyster Bar | 205 W 3td Street | @billsoyster
One of the newest in the Austin restaurant scene, opened by friends, Stewart Jarmon and Chef Daniel Berg, the restaurant serves as a gathering place to indulge in a seafood tower of fresh oysters, savor an ice-cold martini and enjoy a seasonal menu.
Pecan Square Cafe | 1200 B W 6th Street | @pecansquarecafe
The coziest of restaurants in Austin, Pecan Square Cafe will make you feel like you’re in a charming town elsewhere, seated by a fire and eating intentionally sourced food that will leave you dreaming of your next return.
Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum | 1203 W 6th Street | @linasianbar
Chef Ling Qi Wu learned her craft from her grandmother in China, studied under chef William Wong, and honed her skills in New York before coming to Austin. The first of her now six restaurants in Austin gifts us with the traditional Chinese food that can turn any bad day around (Kung Pao, Beef & Broccoli, etc.) while also offering dim sum where their famous dumplings are the star of the show.
NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Flo’s Wine Bar & All Day Pizza | 3111 W 35th Street | @floswinebar @alldaypizza
A seat-yourself neighborhood bottle shop with the All Day Pizza truck affixed on the patio, it’s a great spot to gather with friends and/or family, bring a deck of cards, buy a bottle and enjoy slowing down.
Marye’s Gourmet Pizza | 3663 Bee Caves Road | @maryesgourmetpizza
A staple in Westlake Hills, Marye’s has been serving the community for over three decades with pizza, salads and sandwiches made from high-quality ingredients.
Nixta Taqueria | 2512 E 12th Street | @nixtataqueria
Treading the line of super-traditional mexican cooking and unconventional twists, Owners (and maridos), Sara Mardanbigi, and Chef Edgar Rico, (a James Beard Award winner and TIME100 recipient), aim to transform the landscape of what Mexican-American cuisine can be by providing imaginative creations that are steeped in technique, history, and a maíz revolution.
Birdie’s | 2944 E 12th Street, Unit A | @birdiesaustin
Don’t get attached to any menu here as the line items constantly change yet somehow stay impeccable week to week. Hop in line and grab a glass of wine while you wait, the line moves quick.
Loro | 2115 South Lamar Boulevard | @loroeats
Asian smokehouse meets Texas barbecue. With a menu you won’t find anywhere else, outdoor and indoor seating, and TVs for viewing the latest sporting events, Loro will be your new favorite place in Austin. Loro is brought to you by James Beard Award winners, Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue.
FOR BRUNCH
The Wayback Cafe | 9601 Bee Cave Road | @thewaybackaustin
The saying, “it’s better out here” rings just as true for their impeccable brunch menu as it does the laid back yet elevated feel of the property. The banana bread with espresso mascarpone is a must order for the table, and if the weather is nice, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as their back deck. Just 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle, somehow this cafe will make you feel like you’re deep in the Texas Hill Country.
The Peacock | 600 West 2nd Street | @thepeacockaustin
With food that is colorful, loosely plated, healthy and wholesome and geared towards sharing, the mediterranean-style restaurant stuns at brunch. From shakshuka and greek omelets to lighter bites like the best almond croissant in the city (we said it!), it’s our go-to when it comes to brunching downtown.
Epicerie | 2307 Hancock Drive | @epicerie_austin
With a tagline like, “If France and Louisiana became friends in Texas” you can already taste the flavors. Executive chef-owner Sarah Mcintosh brought her own vision of an uncomplicated cafe & grocery in one with epicerie, which roughly translates to “grocer’s shop” in French. Any menu with texas peaches and carbonara both on the brunch menu has out hearts and the Austin, Texas dining guide seal of approval.
Dai Due | 2406 Manor Road | @daidue
Dai Due was created in 2006 to reconsider what “our” food is and will be. By using ingredients that are present in our region, the butcher shop and restaurant offers fresh food prepared in a fair and equitable way. Their brunch menu is always evolving, but no matter the offerings that day, you’re guaranteed satisfaction. However, if the sourdough pancake happens to be present, don’t miss the opportunity to savor it.
Laundrette | Address | @launderetteatx
The former laundromat turned chic café located in the heart of the Holly neighborhood on the east side of town has one of the most vibrant brunch menus in town. Pull-apart buns, crab louie and salmon gravlax on thier covered patio is hard to beat.
Walton’s Fancy and Staple | 609 West 6th Street | @waltonsaustin
Originally opened by Sandra Bullock, the deli/coffee shop/bakery/florist and catering operation known as Walton’s Fancy and Staple is lauded for its espresso and weekend brunch.
For more outside of our Austin, Texas Dining Guide on living like a local in Austin, click here.
