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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Austin

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64 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Naranjo - South Lamar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1192)
Price: Expensive
• Traditional Mexican • South Austin
El Naranjo is an Austin, TX restaurant that is proud to serve up high quality, fresh Mexican cuisine that has an authentic traditional favor. You can always find something interesting on the menu and those who visit often will find that it changes regularly. Some of the typical items you will find on the menu at El Naranjo include guacamole, empanadas, ceviche. In addition, you can enjoy the homemade moles, all of which are made from scratch. El Naranjo is the place to dine for authentic flavor.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1410)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Sammie’s is a little taste of old Italy in downtown Austin. It celebrates the great ‘red sauce’ institution—inspired by old school, legendary Italian-American restaurants. The menu offers classic dishes in a casual but sophisticated, retro-designed space that is both lively and comfortable, capturing the essence of a night out at your favorite neighborhood joint. The space consists of a central dining room overlooking Shoal Creek and 6th Street, polished wood bar, Mildred’s Room (a private dining/wine room), and wraparound patio dining area. Please note that patio seating is weather contingent. The menu offers riffs on standards including Housemade Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Casino, and Caesar Salad a la Tommy; timeless pastas like Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Linguine Vongole; and Sammie’s Classics: big portions of iconic plates like Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Baked Manicotti.
A photo of Neighborhood Sushi restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1070)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • South Austin
Booked 64 times today
Neighborhood Sushi in Austin is authentic due to its fresh and innovative sushi. Customers praise the inventive cuisine and the attentive service. The restaurant's unique ambiance adds to the authenticity. Reviewers mention the high-quality fish and the great dining experience.
A photo of El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(976)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home."It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma
A photo of The Guest House Austin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(173)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Welcome to The Guest House – A new dining destination in downtown Austin. We are redefining the dining experience, infusing timeless classics with a modern twist. Our restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual meet-up, business meeting, or a special celebration.
A photo of Nômade restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(436)
Price: Expensive
• Regional Mexican • Austin
Booked 42 times today
Nômade provides an authentic taste of the Yucatán, transporting patrons to the region's lush jungles. It offers a menu that's both gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian, sourcing seafood from the Mexican gulf coast. Reviewers frequently comment on the restaurant's unique and authentic flavors, with one saying 'the food is delicious and interesting - flavors are authentic with a twist.' Nômade also offers an ambiance that's described as 'vacation in Mexico' and 'beautiful decor'.
A photo of Vespaio Austin restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1704)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 27 times today
Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.
A photo of Chapulín Cantina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(255)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Chapulín Cantina is an authentic Oaxacan restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere. The reviews highlight the unique, high-quality dishes and the fresh, authentic flavors. The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of mezcals. The festive Mexican vibe and decor enhance the overall dining experience. The service is consistently praised as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
A photo of The Well restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(507)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 50 times today
Located in Austin's iconic 2ND Street District at 440 W. 2nd St., The Well blends top-tier nutrition, local and sustainable farming, and authentic flavors for a culinary experience that redefines healthy food in Downtown Austin.
A photo of Eberly restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1769)
Price: Expensive
• American • Bouldin Creek
Booked 51 times today
Forged from an old print shop on South Lamar, Eberly is a thoughtful collection of dining, drinking and thinking spaces. Austin has always been a gathering place for risk takers, creative types and liberated thinkers to connect and feed off each other’s energy and creativity. We’ve distilled that spirit into one distinctively authentic place. Within Eberly you’ll discover a beautiful dining room offering contemporary American cuisine showcasing timeless favorites that incorporate a modern spin, a welcoming study, a rooftop terrace overlooking downtown, and our crown jewel, the historic Cedar Tavern bar of Greenwich Village in New York City. From our artisan kitchen and bakery, Eberly will serve the highest quality fare using bold flavors and perfectly executed preparation with an emphasis on freshness, seasonality and local availability. Everything served out of Eberly’s kitchen will be made from scratch.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jan
    Nebraska •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Server was so knowledgeable and helped us to navigate the menu. Food was outstanding and service was excellent!
    More info
    Neighborhood SushiPrice: Expensive• Sushi• South Austin
    4.8
  • Miriam
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great experience from start to finish! When I made the reservation, only outdoor tables were available so I left a comment requesting to be moved inside if anything opened up - and immediately on checking in, the hostess offered a table inside. The decor is classic and welcoming. Drinks were brought almost immediately after ordering them. Enough staff that someone was always attending to us. Food was delicious, especially the cacio e pepe. Highly recommend
    More info
    Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Alexavip
    Houston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Fabulous! I went there with my girlfriends, mom, & her friend and we had a fabulous time! It’s very trendy, popular, and new so there’s a few kinks in the service area that need work but the food and atmosphere was AMAZING!! We had such a good time! Our server was so great! We did get some things like silverware and drinks out late but overall I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    The Guest House AustinPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.6
  • Shana
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Liam (age 7) says this was the best place we ate at all trip and we don’t disagree. The hostess was so lovely and the server was equally nice and attentive. The food was excelllent, loved the steak and sides. Ample portions!
    More info
    El Alma Cafe y CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
    4.7
  • Patricia
    Vancouver / British Columbia •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    We were drawn back by the menu descriptions in the February newletter and so started with the La Catrina Negra drink. The marigold flower powder was a very fun addition. The Queso appetizer was wrapped in hoja santa leaves that our server told us were grown in Chef Iliana’s own garden. The Estofado Istmeno was also delicious. The crowning touch was the Tamal de Chocolate with orange blossom ice cream. We like the ice cream so much we ordered an extra bowl. Can’t wait to see the next newsletter to see what we’ll be ordering during our next visit.
    More info
    El Naranjo - South LamarPrice: Expensive• Traditional Mexican• South Austin
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Austin

Discover the heart of South Austin's dining scene with a selection of restaurants that epitomize authenticity. Each establishment in this vibrant neighborhood brings a unique flair to their culinary creations, ensuring a memorable dining experience steeped in local culture. These restaurants excel in offering a genuine taste of their respective cuisines, with each location passionately delivering dishes made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere in these eateries varies from casual and cozy to sophisticated and innovative, catering to a variety of dining preferences. Patrons can expect not only exceptional food but also attentive service that emphasizes a personal touch, enhancing the overall authenticity of the experience. South Austin itself is celebrated for its eclectic and dynamic dining scene, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking true culinary authenticity. This curated list of restaurants promises to satisfy your cravings with their dedication to genuine flavors and exceptional dining environments.

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