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Discover Trending Restaurants in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated December 15, 2023
Austin has an incredible dining scene. Locals get to eat a range of cuisine from late-night bites downtown to gourmet prix fixe at trendy spots around the edges of Brentwood and Rosedale. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Enjoy one of the widest varieties of food in the world, from the South Lamar sushi delights of Uchi to South Austin’s Dai Due with its farm-to-table ethos, where they even source the cooking oils locally. This list is the perfect guide to navigating the multitude of trendy restaurants in Austin.
A photo of Nightcap restaurant
Nightcap
4.5
4.5 (714)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Sometimes, it’s the basics that keep people coming back again and again: good service, good atmosphere, and good food. Nightcap has all of these, plus a mission to create a cozy and intimate space for all diners, whether a couple on a date night or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Share some small, savory plates such as roasted shishito peppers or their famous kimchi fries. A bustling and cheerful venue with staff who make it their mission to look after hungry and happy diners.
Top review
Kourtney
Dined 2 days ago
First time coming here and will definitely be coming back! Great food, drinks, service and vibes all around. Such a cozy, welcoming place. Absolutely recommend.
A photo of Emmer & Rye restaurant
Emmer & Rye
4.7
4.7 (3465)
$50 and over
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
In 2018, one critic hailed Emmer & Rye as the best restaurant in Austin right now, saying their dishes are "a study in flavor and textures." The name refers to two grains not so widely used these days, as the restaurant loves to explore using "relic," or heirloom, grains for their bread, pasta, and even dessert. The menu changes daily based on whatever fresh ingredients are available, and one of the most exciting ways to dine here is to sample the circulating dim sum carts. These carts hold around 10 different dishes each night, and servers are happy to recommend dishes and suitable wine pairings.
Top review
Kevin
Dined today
Absolutely incredible experience. The caviar was excellent
A photo of Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish restaurant
Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish
4.5
4.5 (1719)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
The desirably placed Arlo Grey boasts stunning views over Town Lake and a chance to catch a sight of the famous Congress Bridge bats in flight. Once diners get over the amazing scenery, the menu wows them even more. Listed from the lightest to the heaviest dishes, Top Chef winner Kristen Kish’s dishes explore French and Italian influences, utilizing the bounty of Texan ingredients in new and exciting ways. Enjoy a satisfying brunch or a fine dinner in a sleek and contemporary setting. For a quirky extra, look out for Kristen’s story painted across a corner wall.
Top review
Tracy
Dined today
Delicious food! Great service and wonderful atmosphere!
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A photo of AG Grilled Sourdough of a restaurant
Popular dish
AG Grilled Sourdough
A photo of Fried Steamed Buns of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Steamed Buns
A photo of Burrata of a restaurant
Popular dish
Burrata
A photo of wink restaurant
wink
4.8
4.8 (2348)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Downtown Austin is full of busy people looking for a cool place to grab a drink and a bite to eat after a hard day at work. Wink welcomes food lovers with open arms, and offers superb wines and a menu that has made the restaurant "a vital piece of the Austin dining landscape," according to one critic. Diners looking for a trendy spot to enjoy some top cuisine should check out the chef’s tasting menus, with delights such as beef tataki, Hamachi sashimi, and grilled venison with bok choy. Truly one of the most trendy restaurants in Austin today.
Top review
Marian
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent all the way around. This is definitely an experience restaurant. I tell people new to the city about this restaurant all the time. It’s definitely a place for a special occasion. I highly recommend!
A photo of Hillside Farmacy restaurant
Hillside Farmacy
4.4
4.4 (373)
$30 and under
American
East Austin
About the restaurant
Ever been to one of those restaurants that just looks amazing, even before smelling or tasting the food? Hillside Farmacy in Rosewood is one of those. The outside speaks of its drugstore heritage, while the inside displays glass cabinets full of bottles and jars just to add more intrigue and character to this neighborhood gem. There’s a daily raw bar with a selection of oysters, and a full menu completely based around locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Go back in time with some homemade soda, or add some zing with a shot of whiskey or vodka!
Top review
Molly
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
We had the most wonderful time here! The food was INSANE DELICIOUS and the drinks were phenomenal. 100% recommend this spot for date night or friends night out. Vibes were immaculate
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A photo of Start your New Year Eve celebrations with us! of a restaurant
Experience
Start your New Year Eve celebrations with us!
A photo of Texas Sunday Steak Dinner ~ $25 of a restaurant
Experience
Texas Sunday Steak Dinner ~ $25
A photo of Hillside Happy Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Hillside Happy Hour
A photo of Juniper restaurant
Juniper
4.6
4.6 (2674)
$31 to $50
Italian
East Austin
About the restaurant
With former Uchi creative director Nicholas Yanes involved, it’s no surprise that Italian -inspired restaurant Juniper is making waves in the trendy Austin dining scene. The outside is smart and fairly unassuming, with a small seating area for al fresco dining. Inside, the décor is cool and contemporary, with a menu to match. Dishes range from small plates of smoked whitefish spread and roasted beets, to pan-roasted fish with pea ragu. When booking for a special occasion, let the staff know as they might provide a special surprise.
Top review
Kevin
Dined 6 days ago
Juniper NEVER disappoints! Staff are always welcoming and attentive; food is delicious; ambience is relaxed chic!
A photo of Foreign & Domestic - Austin restaurant
Foreign & Domestic - Austin
4.8
4.8 (2039)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Billed as a "nose to tail, farm to table dining experience," Foreign & Domestic is an intimate, neighborhood restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. The nose to tail tasting menu perfectly demonstrates the restaurant’s ethos, with dishes such as sweetbread roulade and seared lamb heart. A real treat for the adventurous diners out there! More standard fare includes gnocchi, braised pork, and the ever-popular popovers. Tuesday to Saturday diners should look out for happy hour at 5:30 p.m.
Top review
LynnVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent food and service! Popovers are divine! As is the pare and gnocchi. Love the bread pudding!
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A photo of Parisian Gnocchi of a restaurant
Popular dish
Parisian Gnocchi
A photo of Gruyere & Black Pepper Popovers of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gruyere & Black Pepper Popovers
A photo of Roasted Berkshire Pork Collar of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Berkshire Pork Collar
A photo of Uchi Austin restaurant
Uchi Austin
4.9
4.9 (5432)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
About the restaurant
Why is Uchi consistently hailed as one of the top trendy restaurants in Austin, and even the whole of America? It could be chef and sushi master Tyson Cole’s mission to get customers to be as fanatical about Japanese food as he is. Or maybe it’s the intriguing combinations of flavors like salmon and blueberries, or yellowtail with Asian pear. It could even be the simple wood and striking floral panels that bring a touch of Japanese culture to South Lamar. Brave, bold, and always trying new things, Uchi is bound to be an Austin hot spot for many years to come.
Top review
stefania
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Keeps getting better each time. Thank you for a wonderful experience and service!
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A photo of Five Nigiri of a restaurant
Popular dish
Five Nigiri
A photo of Walu Walu of a restaurant
Popular dish
Walu Walu
A photo of Honey Toast of a restaurant
Popular dish
Honey Toast
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
Wu Chow-Downtown
4.5
4.5 (2181)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
About the restaurant
Farm to table is a phrase that really means something at Wu Chow, the home of authentic, modern Chinese food in the middle of downtown Austin. Both the executive and dim sum chefs trained in China, and all eight styles of Chinese cuisine appear on the extensive menu. One of the most exciting weekly events at Wu Chow is the Sunday dim sum brunch, where waiters serve potstickers and dumplings as fast as diners can eat them. Wash the meal down with a refreshing Tsingtao shandy, with added lime and ginger for a more Oriental twist.
Top review
Laura
Dined 4 days ago
Had Christmas dinner here and it was really lovely! The service especially ✨
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
La Condesa
4.6
4.6 (2251)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant
Austin has always been famous for Tex-Mex fare, but for those who want to try some hip yet traditional Mexican food, La Condesa delivers this in a truly urban setting. The stunning mural across the back wall is a riot of color and joy, while the patio allows for some professional people-watching and a chance to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the city. Diners enjoy the carne asada and the detailed and flavorful cocktail menu. Check out happy hour for half-price bar snacks and the famous guacamole sampler.
Top review
Dan
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful food and service the waiters suggestions were spot on really enjoyed the experience
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A photo of Tres Leches of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tres Leches
A photo of Uchiko Austin restaurant
Uchiko Austin
4.8
4.8 (6048)
$50 and over
Sushi
Central Austin
About the restaurant
The sister restaurant to the popular and very cool Uchi, Uchiko is another brainchild of Tyson Cole. This restaurant has a little less focus on the sushi, making for a more well-rounded menu. Uchiko dedicates itself to sustainability; ideal for ethical eaters. The 10-course tasting menu is a big hit with diners who want to take their time and really enjoy the experience. Servers are happy to advise on the menu and make recommendations. Look out for the quirky ham and eggs roll and coffee bacon.
Top review
Karen
Dined 3 days ago
We have loved Uchiko for years but this was the first time we ate off the Happy Hour menu, and our experience was fantastic in every way! The team always helps us enjoy a special celebration around our wedding anniversary (27 years so far)!
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A photo of Ko Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ko Salad
A photo of Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant
Popular dish
Brussels Sprouts
A photo of Hama Chili of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hama Chili
A photo of The Salty Sow restaurant
The Salty Sow
4.8
4.8 (3999)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
East Austin
About the restaurant
Manor Road is a bit of a go-to spot in Austin right now for exciting food and drink. The Salty Sow stands out from the crowd with its quirky décor and outdoor dining area known as the Pig Pen. There’s no mistaking what’s on the menu here. Images of pigs are everywhere, just to remind diners of the star of the show. There’s plenty of "non-sow" options though, from green chile grits to crispy chicken thighs. A fun and vibrant restaurant with an excellent happy hour.
Top review
Heather
Dined 6 days ago
Recent updates to the menu at my favorite farm-to-table restaurant in Austin.
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A photo of Deviled Eggs of a restaurant
Popular dish
Deviled Eggs
A photo of Triple fried duck fat fries of a restaurant
Popular dish
Triple fried duck fat fries
A photo of Roasted Bone Marrow of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roasted Bone Marrow
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