Here’s the word around town on Austin’s standout spots. I’ve put together everything you need to know about local favorites.

Here are some of the patterns I’ve noticed:

• Many restaurants in Austin avoid naming themselves after the owner or chef. Instead, names tend to reflect the restaurant’s essence, vibe, or inspiration. A noticeable trend in Austin’s restaurant scene is the use of single-word names. For example, Suerte means “luck” in Spanish, reflecting the restaurant’s connection to Mexican traditions, while Este translates to “east” in Spanish, referencing its East Austin location. Similarly, Olamaie honors the chef’s Southern heritage, and Kalimotxo is named after a popular Basque drink.

• There’s a trend of successful chefs or restaurateurs opening multiple concepts under a shared “family” or group. Chefs are less likely to try and replicate one concept in more locations, they’re more likely to diversify their portfolio here. This allows them to create distinct dining experiences while maintaining a shared quality standard and brand recognition.

• Dress codes are pretty rare in Austin’s dining scene (although they do exist!). Even at high-end spots, you can usually come in jeans and flip flops and the staff won’t be offended or anything. This ties into Austin’s broader trend of High-Concept Casual Dining, where restaurants focus on delivering an elevated culinary experience without the pretension. Places like Birdie’s and Suerte offer top-notch dishes, but they welcome diners in a more relaxed atmosphere, making great food feel approachable and comfortable.

• Fusion is big here, often mixing local Texan flavors with international influences. For example, KG BBQ fuses Texan BBQ with Egyptian food, and Loro mixes Texas BBQ with Asian influences. I’ve noticed that a lot of chefs travel here to study Texas BBQ or Southern cuisine and stay to open their own restaurant cause they like the food scene here.

I reference awards sometimes – James Beard for example – but don’t worry, I made a reference on what each award is at the bottom

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Food

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American

• Emmerrrrrr & Rye
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • named Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurant in 2016
• Perry’s
  • lunch pork chop is apparently amazing
• Birdie’s
  • Food & Wine Magazine’s Best Restaurant of the Year 2023 – nationwide #1 winner
  • omg so famous yall
• J. Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Elevated and classic fine dining experience
  • Raw oyster bar, open wood fire grill, and extensive wine list
• Olamaie
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Southern food in an elegant refurbished house
  • named the restaurant Olamaie after his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and now his daughter’s, all of whom share the first name “Olamaie”
  • tribute to the Southern heritage and traditions passed down through generations, which the restaurant reflects in its approach to classic Southern cuisine
• Dai Due
  • both a butcher shop and a restaurant
  • “Dai Due” comes from the Italian phrase dai due regni di natura, meaning “from the two kingdoms of nature” (plant and animal), emphasizing a commitment to sourcing from nature
  • Known for featuring wild game like venison, wild boar, and duck, alongside traditional cuts
  • founded in 2006, aims to redefine “our” food by focusing on local ingredients, fair production practices, local culinary traditions, and backing for farmers and ranchers
• Launderette
  • polished cafe space in a converted gas station/Laundromat
  • a blend of American and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on small plates, fresh ingredients, and seasonal menus
  • James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2016
• Jeffrey’s
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • originally opened in 1975
  • was an Austin institution, known for a classic, upscale vibe that was beloved by many but had become a bit outdated over the years
  • McGuire and Moorman decided to revive it in 2013
  • focus on dry-aged steaks, caviar service, and an extensive wine list
• Hestia
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Center of the restaurant is a 20 foot hearth where everything is smoked or cooked over 
  • named after the Greek goddess “Hestia”, god of the hearth, home, & fire. The name reflects the central focus on cooking with fire (Texan Post Oak)
  • Has a 13 course tasting menu that is thebomb.com
• Odd Duck
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • popular food truck before it was a restaurant
  • opened as a restaurant in 4 years later
• Barley Swine
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Building on the success of the trailer, Bryce opened Barley Swine, his first a brick-and-mortar restaurant
  • focused on small plates, highlighting seasonal ingredients with a creative twist
• Jester King Inn
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • the group partnered with Jester King Brewery to launch this one
• Jack Allen’s
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Jack Gilmore grew up on the Texas coast & eventually became the executive chef at Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, where he spent 21 years
  • in 2009, Gilmore partnered with Tom Kamm, a business expert, to open Jack Allen’s Kitchen
  • Jack Gilmore’s son, Bryce Gilmore, owns well-known restaurants like Barley Swine and Odd Duck
  • Jack Allen’s Kitchen is known for its Southern comfort food with a Texas twist, blending regional flavors and ingredients
  • Jack Gilmore is known for his hands-on approach, regularly walking through the restaurant to talk to customers and address feedback in real-time
  • they have 5 locations as of 2024 🙂

Seafood

• Eddie V’s
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Chain restaurant started in Austin in 2000, in 2011, it was sold to Darden Restaurants, the parent company of Olive Garden; the founders went on to open Red Ash & more (see family below)
  • high-end seafood restaurant
• Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Launched after the success of Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Salt Traders is Gilmore’s homage to his coastal upbringing
  • Opened in 2016 & now has 2 locations

Mexican

• Cuantas Hamburguesas
  • Mexican style smash burgers
• Suerte
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Suerte means “luck” in Spanish, reflecting the restaurant’s aim for a welcoming, positive vibe and good times
  • Eater Austin Chef of the Year in 2018
  • Food & Wine named it on their 50 Best Restaurants in America 2018
  • Bon Appetit’s list of America’s Top 50 Best New Restaurants in 2018
  • semi-finalist nomination for the James Beard Awards for Best New Restaurant
• Con Todo @ Celis brewery
  • “Con Todo” translates to “with everything” in Spanish. The name likely reflects a philosophy of going all in or doing things wholeheartedly, which can tie into their approach to food and hospitality
  • deep roots in Rio Grande Valley & Norteño (northern Mexico area)
  • 2024 James Beard nominee Chef Joseph Gomez 
  • all about a taqueria-style experience, embracing “comida sin fronteras”—food without borders, reflecting a fusion of influences
• Este
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Este means “east” in Spanish, a nod to its location in East Austin
  • celebrates fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine, and charcoal cooking, aka a “coastal Mexican seafood joint”
• ATX Cocina
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • “Cocina,” which means “kitchen” in Spanish, emphasizing the restaurant’s dedication to bringing authentic, high-quality Mexican dishes to the heart of Austin (location is right downtown)
  • Corn is central to the menu; 100% gluten-free restaurant
  • More polished, with a dress code and a focus on special occasions
• Bulevar
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • “Bulevar” is the Spanish word for “boulevard,” which refers to a broad, lively street typically lined with trees and shops, where people can gather and stroll
  • Guy + Larry teamed up with Kevin Taylor, from ATX Cocina, again to make Bulevar
  • more relaxed, communal dining experience
  • focus on wood-fired meats & seafood using a large open grill
  • extensive mezcal and tequila selection
• Comedor
  • “Comedor” is the Spanish word for “dining room”. The name reflects the restaurant’s focus on creating a place where people can come together
  • inventive and elevated Mexican dishes, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques
  • architecturally designed to be sleek, modern, & industrial
  • Led by Chef Philip Speer, known for his creative approach to Mexican cuisine
  • Esquire named it as #10 of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2019

Tex Mex

• Pelons Tex mex
  • Margarita flight??

Indian

• Whip in
• Nasha

Mediterranean

• Aba
• Yamas

Japanese

• Uchi
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Fresh & clean flavors
• Uchiko
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • brings more smoke & char to the forefront
• Uchiba
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • grilled items (yakitori), sushi, & popular dishes from Uchi’s menu

Italian

• L’Oca d’Oro
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • known for making everything in-house
  • inspired by Chef Fiore Tedesco’s grandmother’s cooking
  • Statesman food critic Matthew Odam’s #1 Best Restaurant in Austin 2022
  • Co-founded with NYC chef Adam Orman 
  • In 2019, Orman co-founded Good Work Austin, an org that focuses on creating better working conditions across Austin’s food and beverage industry
• Intero
  • “Intero” means “whole” in Italian, reflecting their commitment to using every part of an ingredient for a zero-waste approach
  • specializes in house-made artisan chocolates celebrating Italy’s chocolate 
  • extensive collection of Amari (Italian herbal liqueurs)
  • Founded by Austin natives, wife & husband, Krystal Craig(Pastry Chef & Chocolatier) & Ian Thurwachter(Executive Chef)
• Red Ash
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • star of the kitchen is the custom-built wood-burning grill, oven and plancha where red ash is released from the live wood fires
  • Extensive wine list & desserts

Pizza

• Bambino Pizza
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • opened in March 2024
  • created by Adam Orman and Fiore Tedesco, the team behind L’Oca d’Oro
  • channels the playful spirit of the 80s with a refined, grown-up touch, embodying Fiore’s childhood dream of the perfect pizzeria
• Show Me Pizza
  • Benjamin Demarchelier grew up in the industry, with parents who owned 3 successful restaurants
  • He opened a speakeasy in NYC at 27 years old & sold it to a whiskey brand after 2 years, moved around & ended up in Austin to help open The Parish on 6th street, he loved the city & never left, then opened Show Me Pizza
  • Their kitchen is live streamed at https://www.twitch.tv/showmepizza 
  • Wood-fired pizza, they like doing weird topping combinations

Thai

• Kiin Di
  • Food truck @ the corner bar
  • Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US 2023
  • Austin Monthly’s Best Thai Restaurant of 2022
• Sway
  • Famousss 
  • Only in Austin, tx and aspen, co

Fusion

• Kinda Tropical
  • tropical fusion or modern American with a twist
  • blends American comfort food (like burgers and fries) with tropical and Asian-inspired elements (like Thai coconut salad, coconut shrimp tom kha, and Cuban yucca fries)
• Loro
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • Uchi’s Tyson Cole & Franklin BBQ’s Aaron Franklin’s baby
  • Asian influences but also a Texas smokehouse
• Ramen del Barrio
  • Mexican & Japanese fusion
  • Inspired by chef Christopher Krinsky’s upbringing in Mexico & culinary work at Japanese restaurants
  • counter-service stand within Hana World Market’s food court
  • Tied for Eater Austin’s Best New Restaurant 2023 with Este
• Bar Toti
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • inspired by Spain, France, and Mexico
  • Nestled between sister restaurant Este and their half-acre garden
  • The Infatuation Austin’s Best New Restaurants of 2023

Breakfast / Brunch

• Rockstar Bagels
  • provides Austin-area coffee shops, grocery stores, food trailers and cafés w bagels
  • walk-up window serves breakfast and lunch
  • old techniques, boil each one in a 100% barley malt syrup to awaken the yeast and give them their golden shine
  • work with neighbors like brisket from Archie’s BBQ or sausage from Texas Sausage Company
• Paperboy
  • Family of restaurants (see below)
  • began as a food truck
  • strong coffee program
  • #25 on Yelp’s “Top 100 Brunch Spots” 2024
  • second location coming soon to South Lamar

Coffee Shops

Proud Mary

Cafe Corazon

Paperboy

Lucky Lab Coffee Co

Pretty Cute Coffee Co

Plaza Colombian Coffee

Patika

El Tigre Coffee Roasters
Two Hands

Palomino Coffee

Andy K’s

The salty on Congress

Desserts

Zeds Ice Cream

Bésame @ Meanwhile Brewing

Merry Monarch Creamery

Bars

Dead Rabbit Pub

Midnight Cowboy

Devil May Care

Bar Gimmicks 

• Chicago themed bar

Prelude

Bosses Office

Chalmer’s

Holiday on 7th

• (nominated for most creative cocktails)
• Frozen Mexican martini 🍸 

Deep Eddy Cabaret

Broken Spoke

DuMont’s Down Low

Saturn

DrinkWell 

• (nominated for most creative cocktails)

The Tigress Pub 

• (nominated for most creative cocktails)

Daisy 

• southwest austin
• $17 drinks apparently lol

In Plain Sight

• get the purple drank says Blake @ hestia 

Speakeasys

(reservations usually needed)

Here nor there

• make reservation in app for details on where to find entrance and the code for the door

Midnight cowboy

• make reservation on website for details on where the doorbell is

Garage

• make reservation on website or stop by early; you’ll find the entrance under the cocktails sign

Small Victory

• make reservation or stop by early; you’ll find the entrance behind the red door

Firehouse lounge

• enter Firehouse hostel and the bookshelf in the lobby is the hidden entrance door

Floppy disk repair company

• grab a drink next door at el cockfight and ask the bartenders for the door code; or just wait for someone else to go in and follow them in

Eden cocktail room

• make reservation on website; enter through the purple doors in the alley 

In plain sight

• you’ll find it on the corner

The Treasury

• door is in the back corner of the ShangriLa patio with a green light 

Kung Fu Saloon on west 6th has a rotating theme per season

• there’s a third door by the restrooms that you walk through. It’s not labeled “staff only” or anything tbh i don’t think it’s it’s labeled at all 

Trona

• by outer Heaven in the alley
• Make a reservation girl

Milonga Room

• Red back door of Buenos Aires Cafe
• You can eat at Buenos & ask them about it too 

Popular Restaurant Families around Austin

Tatsu-ya Family

• Ramen Tatsu-ya
• Tiki Tatsu-ya
• DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
  • new-school approach to traditional Japanese hot pot
• Kemuri Tatsu-ya
  • izakaya vibe, meaning it’s a casual spot inspired by Japanese pubs
  • serving meat-centric shareable plates with Japanese & Texan influences

Uchi Family

• Uchi
  • “Uchi” is Japanese for “house”, & this restaurant is in a refurbished house
  • non‑traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal omakase
  • Fresh & clean flavors
• Uchiko
  • “Child of Uchi”
  • represents the fiery counterpoint to Uchi
  • brings more smoke & char to the forefront
• Uchiba
  • “Uchi Bar”
  • izakaya vibe, meaning it’s a casual spot inspired by Japanese pubs
  • unique cocktails, Japanese whiskies
  • grilled items (yakitori), sushi, & popular dishes from Uchi’s menu
• Loro
  • Uchi’s Tyson Cole & Franklin BBQ’s Aaron Franklin’s baby
  • Both chefs have James Beard Awards
  • Asian influences meets Texas smokehouse

Suerte Family 

Executive Chef Fermin Nunez, a native of Torreon, Mexico opened each of these restaurants with a different business partner (I think)
Fermin was named Eater Austin’s Chef of the Year 2018
Fermin was named Food & Wine Best New Chefs 2021

• Suerte
  • Inspo is traditions, flavors, and cooking techniques of Mexico
  • Suerte means “luck” in Spanish
• Este
  • Este means “east” in Spanish, a nod to its location in East Austin
  • celebrates fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine, and charcoal cooking, aka a “coastal Mexican seafood joint”
  • extensive wine list and vibrant coastal-inspired cocktails
  • Austin American Stateman’s Reader’s Poll 2023 winner of Best New Restaurant
  • Tied for Eater Austin’s Best New Restaurant 2023 with Ramen del Barrio
• Bar Toti
  • inspired by the bar cultures of Spain, France, and Mexico
  • Nestled between sister restaurant Este and their half-acre garden
  • The Infatuation Austin’s Best New Restaurants of 2023

Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group Family

Kevin Fink grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where he worked in his family’s restaurant, then was trained all over the world
Fink moved to Austin to train in Southern cuisine at Olamaie & chose to stay in Austin 
Also opened a bunch in San Antonio (Ladino, Isidore, Mezquite, Fife & Farro, and Nicosi – a 20-seat dessert bar) in 2024
Fink won Food & Wine Best New Chef in 2016
Fink was James Beard nominated in 2018, 2019, & 2020

• Emmer & Rye
  • Where it all started
  • named Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurant in 2016
  • Fink was a semifinalist for James Beard Best Chef in 2018 for Emmer & Rye
  • Fink was a nominee for James Beard Best Chef in 2019 for Emmer & Rye
  • Fink was a nominee for James Beard Best Chef in 2020 for Emmer & Rye
• Hestia
  • Center of the restaurant is a 20 foot hearth where everything is smoked or cooked over 
  • named after the Greek goddess “Hestia”, god of the hearth, home, & fire. The name reflects the restaurant’s central focus on cooking with fire (Texan Post Oak)
  • Has a 13 course tasting menu that is thebomb.com
• Canje
  • Tavel’s bb (Tavel Bristol Joseph)
  • Tavel started as Pastry Chef at Emmer & Rye in 2015
  • Kevin Fink loved him so much that when Tavel pitched Canje, Kevin made him a partner & said let’s go
• Ezov
  • A night in Tel Aviv!
  • the graffiti on the walls is the lyrics to “Toxic” by Britney Spears, in Hebrew
• Kalimotxo
  • Kalimotxo is a famous drink in Spain, red wine + Coca Cola
  • Has a famous Basque style Cheesecake
  • Can drink wine here from a Porron, which is a fun fancy shaped wine-decanter

Odd Duck Hospitality

Chef Bryce Gilmore is originally from Austin, Texas. He grew up in the area, with his father, Jack Gilmore, the founder of Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Started with Odd Duck as a Food Truck in 2009

• Odd Duck
  • popular food truck before it was a restaurant
  • opened as a restaurant in 4 years later
• Barley Swine
  • Building on the success of the trailer, Bryce opened Barley Swine, his first a brick-and-mortar restaurant
  • focused on small plates, highlighting seasonal ingredients with a creative twist
• Jester King Inn
  • the group partnered with Jester King Brewery to launch this one

Gold Ring Hospitality

Gold Ring Hospitality was created by the founders of L’Oca d’Oro, Fiore Tedesco and Adam Orman.

• L’Oca d’Oro
  • Upscale, Italian dining
  • Known for house-made pastas and creative, seasonal dishes
  • inspired by Chef Fiore Tedesco’s grandmother’s cooking
  • Statesman food critic Matthew Odam’s #1 Best Restaurant in Austin 2022
  • Co-founded with NYC chef Adam Orman 
  • In 2019, Orman co-founded Good Work Austin, an org that focuses on creating better working conditions across Austin’s food and beverage industry
• Bambino
  • Relaxed, casual, family-friendly italian spot
  • Focuses on comfort food like pizzas, pastas
  • Tedesco considers Bambino the grown-up version of his 10-year-old self’s vision for a pizzeria

Jack Allen’s Restaurant Group

Jack Gilmore grew up on the Texas coast & eventually became the executive chef at Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, where he spent 21 years
In 2009, Gilmore partnered with Tom Kamm, a business expert, to open Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Jack Gilmore’s son, Bryce Gilmore, owns well-known restaurants like Barley Swine and Odd Duck
You’ll notice this group repeats their restaurant concepts in multiple locations, which is rare for Austin. There are 7 restaurant buildings in this group.

• Jack Allen’s Kitchen
  • Jack Allen’s Kitchen is known for its Southern comfort food with a Texas twist, blending regional flavors and ingredients
  • Jack Gilmore is known for his hands-on approach, regularly walking through the restaurant to talk to customers and address feedback in real-time
  • they have 5 locations as of 2024 🙂
• Salt Traders Coastal Cooking
  • Launched after the success of Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Salt Traders is Gilmore’s homage to his coastal upbringing
  • Opened in 2016 & now has 2 locations

Awards Mentioned

1. Michelin Guide: Coming to ATX in November 2024!!
   • What it is: An internationally recognized guide that awards Michelin stars to restaurants based on quality, creativity, and consistency. Entirely based on food.
   • Importance: Being included in the Michelin Guide can significantly boost a restaurant’s reputation, attract food enthusiasts, and elevate the chef’s profile on a global scale. It’s seen as a hallmark of culinary excellence.
     
2. James Beard Awards:
   • What it is: Often referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, these awards celebrate outstanding chefs, restaurants, and food writers in various categories. Winning or being nominated for a James Beard Award is a prestigious honor that can greatly enhance a chef’s career and restaurant visibility, solidifying their status in the industry.
   • Importance: James Beard was an influential American chef, cookbook author, and food advocate, often referred to as the “father of American cuisine.”
     
3. Austin Chronicle Restaurant Poll:
   • What it is: An annual poll conducted by the Austin Chronicle where readers vote for their favorite local restaurants and chefs across various categories.
   • Importance: This award reflects the local community’s preferences and can drive significant foot traffic to winning establishments. It fosters community engagement and recognition for chefs who are beloved by their patrons.
     
4. Eater Austin Awards:
   • What it is: Annual awards given by Eater, a popular food website, highlighting the best restaurants and chefs in the Austin area.
   • Importance: These awards help establish credibility and highlight rising culinary talents.
     
5. Texas Monthly’s Best New Restaurants:
   • What it is: A feature in Texas Monthly that spotlights the best new dining establishments across Texas, recognizing innovative and noteworthy chefs.
   • Importance: This recognition can provide a strong marketing boost, as it showcases new talent and dining experiences to a broader audience, helping chefs build their reputations.