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12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves

A photo of Red logo
by Claudia Alarcon
Updated May 13, 2024

In the summer of 1984 I arrived in Austin from Mexico City looking for independence and a slice of the American Dream. Back then, Austin was a small college town with few dining options outside of Tex-Mex and barbecue. Like most immigrants, I worked in restaurants, using the skills learned at my food-obsessed home while gaining invaluable experience for my future writing career. Since 1999, I’ve covered drinking and dining with a focus on sustainability for publications including Forbes, The Austin Chronicle, Austin-American Statesman, and more.

Today, after witnessing Austin’s transformation first hand, I can confirm the city’s dining scene is defined by diversity, from food trucks to fine-dining restaurants, award-winning chefs, and everything in between. In a city with so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow down favorites, but these 12 restaurants are the tried-and-true places I return to time and time again and I’m proud to recommend.

A photo of ATX Cocina restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2664)
$50 and over
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant

In a city filled with Mexican restaurants, this lively, modern spot is a fave for many reasons: thoughtful, mouthwatering, and completely gluten-free food, tortillas made with freshly ground heirloom corn, top-notch service, and excellent craft cocktails. I usually perch at the bar for happy-hour deals—including the best guacamole in the city—but the shady patio is my go-to when meeting with friends.


Top review
LisaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and excellent (friendly and knowledgeable) service. Love the wine list
A photo of Rosé Gosé restaurant
4.7
4.7 (228)
$30 and under
European
Austin
About the restaurant

Although it’s relatively new, this super-cute spot is locally loved for drinks and European fare that strike the right balance between polished and unpretentious. The Belarusian owners created a cozy bistro and patio with an extensive selection of wine, craft beer, and cocktails, which pair well with everything from steak tartare to fresh oysters, burgers, and pastas.


Top review
Victoria
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
I’ve been there four times now and every time I leave 100% satisfied. The food is delicious and they are reasonably priced. The staff is so friendly and the bonus is they allow dogs.
A photo of Ranch 616 restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1557)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
About the restaurant

This quirky Austin staple has been a long-time favorite to take visitors for its welcoming patio and South Texas-inspired dishes like chicken-fried quail, venison-and-beef Frito pie, and chargrilled steaks and burgers. But a visit to the Ranch isn’t complete without a plateful of crispy oysters chased down with the original Ranch Water—the popular tequila, fresh lime juice, and soda cocktail created here by the sorely missed late chef-owner Kevin Williamson.


Top review
Hannah
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
My favorite place to go when we’re in town! Great food, great service!
A photo of The Roosevelt Room restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1309)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Downtown
About the restaurant

Dark and moody, The Roosevelt Room has a speakeasy vibe that instantly makes you feel special—and then come the cocktails. From classic pre-Prohibition drinks to unique house creations made with unusual ingredients like pink peppercorn syrup and jasmine water, all the flavors are crafted precisely and served in carefully selected glassware. A top-tier snacks and small bites menu means it’s just as great for a fancy happy hour as it is for an unforgettable late-night hang.


Top review
RylanVIP
Dined 1 day ago
The ambiance was amazing, the drinks and the food were awesome. Can't wait to go back
A photo of Keeper's Austin restaurant
4.4
4.4 (80)
$30 and under
Seafood
Oak HIll
About the restaurant

Yes, it’s in a shopping center, but this elegant, coastal-inspired space from chefs Amir & Ali Hajimaleki (of District Kitchen and Cocktails and Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar) is a lovely place to sample globally inspired dishes featuring sustainably caught seafood and a superb raw bar. To drink, there’s a thoughtful list of wines, cocktails, and beers from local breweries, plus a great daily happy hour for sips and snacks at the spacious bar or on the lush covered patio.


Top review
Chrissy
Dined on Oct 2, 2024
Our server was amazing, I don’t remember her name, unfortunately. I had the shrimp tacos and my husband and son had a pasta dish with shrimp and sausage, but I don’t remember the name of that. It was delicious. We had steamed clams for an appetizer, and my only regret is that it wasn’t served with a spoon so we could drink the rest of the broth. Delicious! 
A photo of District Kitchen and Cocktails - Slaughter Lane restaurant
4.7
4.7 (350)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Oak HIll
About the restaurant

This hidden gem in Circle C (with a sibling in central Austin) is popular with neighborhood regulars thanks to an eclectic menu of internationally accented cuisine, like Moroccan lamb kebabs orTexas Wagyu steak with chimichurri, scallop risotto. It also has one of the most affordable happy hours around, with regular specials on snacks, wine, beer, and cocktails served at a friendly community bar.


Top review
Judy
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
Beautiful rare strip steak and wonderful thin onion rings. Tasty roasted Brussel sprouts appetizer. Crème brûlée brownie had a nice variety of flavors and textures. The dessert menu seems pretty static, it would nice to see a little rotation and variety.
A photo of Vespaio Austin restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1740)
$31 to $50
Italian
Downtown
About the restaurant

If I’m dining solo, the roomy bar at this South Congress longstanding Italian restaurant is usually my first choice. The food here is served by a professional and friendly staff and always on point. It’s easy to fill up on housemade pasta, thin-crust pizza, seasonal and locally sourced specials, and the best Caesar salad in Austin—topped with focaccia croutons—but save room for dessert, like housemade gelati.


Top review
Tony
Dined 6 days ago
This is our third time to visit and it was 5 stars like the others. Rose was our waitress and can say she was probably top 5 for all of the restaurants I’ve ever visited in the last 30 years!
A photo of El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant
4.8
4.8 (989)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant

Mexico City-born chef Alma Alcocer-Thomas left her fine-dining days behind to open this laid back neighborhood spot to share the traditional food she grew up with. Expect unfussy but perfectly prepared hits like smoky tomatillo chicken enchiladas, grilled quail with mole, and duck tacos, accompanied by Mexican lagers and cocktails for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Pro tip: Try the avocado margarita and thank me later.


Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Ryder was an absolutely amazing server! He anticipated our needs and MET them! The food and drinks were amazing as well! Definitely will be back soon!
A photo of Licha's Cantina restaurant
4.7
4.7 (289)
$30 and under
Mexican
East Austin
About the restaurant

This colorful bungalow is all about creative Mexican street food and home-cooked classics from Mexico City native Daniel Brooks. Tacos, quesadillas, and tlacoyos (thick corn-dough patties stuffed with various fillings) come sizzling from the huge griddle, topped with everything from nopalitos (cactus pads) to bone marrow and sauteed hibiscus flowers. The friendly and festive atmosphere is enhanced by cold beer, agave spirits, and fresh cocktails.


Top review
CarlosVIP
Dined on Jan 5, 2025
4 stars on food due to the queso fundido w chorizo was not hot and stringy like we expected. Flavor was good but it was hard. I’ll tell you the MOLE was amazing, Mexican original flavors. The arrachera was tender and juicy. The spicy skinny margarita was on the money. We really liked the place will go back soon. Service was top notch and quick. Give it a try.
A photo of Lucky Robot restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1202)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Bouldin Creek
About the restaurant

Understated is the word that comes to mind when describing this little gem on SoCo. Aside from Japanese menu classics like ramen, chef Jay Huang is a pioneer when it comes to sustainably sourced sushi, dry-aged fish, and creative Nikkei dishes with stunning presentations accompanied by sake, cocktails, and Japanese whisky. The adorable space is decorated with cherry blossoms and murals and ideal for date night or solo dining at the bar.


Top review
JavierVIP
Dined on Jan 4, 2025
Amazing food and drinks. Reasonable prices. Will definitively come back
A photo of Justine's Brasserie restaurant
4.8
4.8 (816)
$31 to $50
French
East Austin
About the restaurant

Justine’s is a go-to for locals and visiting celebs and feels like you’re dining at your glamorous best friend’s home, complete with antiques and one splendid patio. The menu has all the Parisian bistro classics like charcuterie, steak frites, and escargots, plus seasonal specials sourced from local producers. Behind the bar, the staff pours French wines and crafts superb cocktails while spinning records from the owners’ vinyl collection.


Top review
Drew
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
What an incredible experience, the food was amazing the ambiance was incredible and the service was top notch. I made a mistake with my reservation of 8 and they were able to accommodate what I thought was the proper time. Such a delightful experience. Can’t wait to come back. ✌️✌️
A photo of Vince Young Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3041)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant

Vince Young’s was made for special occasions and celebrations. But the restaurant really distinguishes itself by sourcing ingredients, craft beers, and spirits locally, including Texas-raised meats and farmstand veggies. It’s also home to one of the best happy hours in town, with $10 bar and lounge menu items, including steak frites and a top-notch Wagyu burger.


Top review
Josh
Dined on Dec 23, 2024
If you want steak that melts in your mouth, make you not want to talk the entire time you eat? This is the place you want to come. The price is what you would expect for what you get, but be warned the steak is a la carte. Drinks are on point and the staff are the absolute best. 15/10 recommend and will continue to frequent.
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