- Budget-Friendly Austin Restaurants
- Most Romantic Restaurants in Austin
- Trendiest Austin Restaurants
- Fine Dining Austin Restaurants
- Family-Friendly Austin Restaurants
There are so many perks to moving to Austin—from the outdoor recreation to the phenomenal live music and cultural scene (it’s one of the top music cities in the US, in fact!). And of course, there’s the food.
Austin now boasts seven Michelin-starred restaurants, an impressive culinary feat in its own right. But these accolades only begin to scratch the surface of all the flavorful eats awaiting you here. So grab a fork, and let’s dig into the best restaurants in Austin that locals rave about.
15 Best Restaurants in Austin
Once you’ve made it through your moving checklist and you’re ready to settle into your new city, it’s time to explore Austin’s can’t-miss restaurants to help you—and your taste buds—feel at home.
What food is Austin famous for? Anyone who has eaten their way through this Southwestern culinary mecca will confirm: it’s all about the Tex-Mex and barbecue. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast tacos smothered in cheese on pillowy flour tortillas or a beef brisket sandwich smoked low and slow over a sizzling wood fire, many Austin restaurants have these cuisines down to a science.
Not sure where to eat in Austin? We get it—from casual food trucks and homestyle BBQ joints to trendy fusion hotspots and elegant farm-to-table bistros, the choices here are endless. But to give you a head start on this culinary tour, we’ll narrow the options to our favorite Austin restaurants for an authentic foodie experience.
Whether you need a fast lunch in between work meetings or you’re looking for a chic ambiance and artful menu for date night, this list has you covered with the top 15 restaurants in Austin.
Budget-Friendly Austin Restaurants
Sure, you can fork over a lot of money on an indulgent 10-course feast. But some of the most delightful Austin restaurants are surprisingly affordable. Our picks for the three best casual restaurants in Austin won’t bust your wallet or skimp on flavor.
1. Juan in a Million — A Breakfast Taco Institution
- To Drink: Horchata
- To Start: Chips and queso
- To Eat: Don Juan el Taco Grande
Since 1980, Juan in a Million has served up hearty Tex-Mex fare, emphasizing authentic, homemade recipes, in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Slide into a vintage booth and treat yourself to South of the Border favorites like chips and queso, flautas, enchiladas, or huevos rancheros—just like owner Juan Meza’s Abuelita used to make them.
The main attraction here is Juan in a Million’s legendary breakfast tacos. Both locals and tourists flock to this Eastside Austin institution for a steaming pile of bacon, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheese on a soft flour tortilla.
You can’t beat the prices either: it costs less than $10 to sink your teeth into the signature menu item, a Don Juan Taco.
2. Ng Cafe — Vietnamese Comfort Food
- To Drink: Ma
- To Start: House dumplings
- To Eat: Classic Combo Bahn Mi
There’s no need to travel halfway across the world if you’re craving a taste of Vietnam; simply head over to Ng Cafe in North Austin. This family-owned restaurant is the kind of place where customers quickly become regulars, and where both Vietnamese and English are spoken in equal measure. The kitchen is a constant hum of activity as the staff rolls their own dumplings and bakes fresh baguettes for their specialty bánh mì sandwiches.
Speaking of bánh mì, Ng Cafe has become famous for this street-food classic. Choose from over 10 sandwich varieties, from fried shrimp and meatball to pork belly and more, all on a warm, crusty loaf from the oven. And be sure to save room for dessert as the cafe also features a coffee and pastry counter with Asian-inspired treats, such as mango sticky rice and strawberry matcha lattes.
3. P. Terry’s — Nostalgic Shake and Burger Stand
- To Drink: Caramel milkshake
- To Start: Hand-cut fries
- To Eat: Double cheeseburger
For the past 20 years, Austinites have been coming to P. Terry’s for its retro ‘50s diner-style vibes and its all-natural spin on classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes. With multiple locations all over the city, from Downtown Austin to South Lamar, P. Terry’s is the answer to a convenient and wallet-friendly lunch that’s made from scratch to order. Each menu item contains ingredients you can trust, with no added hormones or antibiotics, which sets this quirky local joint apart from other fast food chains.
A visit to P. Terry’s would be incomplete without the timeless trifecta: a double cheeseburger and crispy real-potato French fries, and a creamy hand-spun milkshake on the side. Whether you’re into traditional chocolate, unconventional root beer, or a unique seasonal flavor such as cookie butter, one sip delivers pure nostalgia. This blend of classic comfort, quality ingredients, and an offbeat Austin feel makes P. Terry’s a must.
Most Romantic Restaurants in Austin
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a spontaneous date night with your sweetheart, the right ambiance makes all the difference. The most romantic restaurants in Austin will have you swooning, both for your partner and the menu.
4. Aba — Mediterranean and California Fusion
- To Drink: Build-Your-Own spritz
- To Start: Smoky garlic hummus
- To Eat: Char-grilled lamb chops
Wander onto Aba’s sunlit patio, and you’ll find yourself transported to a chic Mediterranean oasis in the heart of Congress Avenue. With its lush greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and soft ambient lights, Aba is the ideal spot for intimate moments and quiet conversations.
The menu is just as captivating, thanks to its eclectic Mediterranean- and California-inspired flavors. To make the most of your experience, share a mezze platter with smoky meats, roasted vegetables, marinated olives, and silky hummus. Each dish offers a fresh West Coast influence. Bottom line: when you’re looking for an escape from the ordinary, a romantic evening at Aba is a great place to start.
5. Le Calamar — French with a Southwest Flair
- To Drink: Watermelon mezcal
- To Start: Red snapper cru
- To Eat: Wagyu flat iron steak
One of the newest additions to Austin’s culinary scene, Le Calamar boasts a candlelit motif, delicate French cuisine, and subtle Southwestern touches that feel both familiar and somehow intriguingly unexpected. This European bistro, nestled in East Austin’s creative hub, combines the city’s energetic pulse with effortless refinement. It’s a place where time seems to slow, connections deepen, and lingering over the table feels natural.
As for the menu, expect gourmet French delicacies (think pâté and tartare) that would be right at home in a Parisian sidewalk cafe. But this is still Texas, of course, so each dish also features ingredients sourced from local farms to evoke a distinctly Southwestern influence. Whether it’s your first date or your tenth anniversary, Le Calamar will leave a meaningful impression.
6. Swift’s Attic — Farm-to-Table Shareable Plates
- To Drink: White Rose Negroni
- To Start: Charred edamame
- To Eat: Bidi Bidi BimBap pork cheeks
Tucked in the corner of a historic Downtown Austin warehouse above the storied Elephant Room jazz club, Swift’s Attic combines thoughtful farm-to-table dishes with artful and whimsical decor. A flicker of sconces on the exposed brick walls casts a warm, moody glow over couples as they sample a curated seasonal tasting menu perfect for sharing. This restaurant’s extensive wine and cocktail list adds even more reason to celebrate.
Swift’s Attic offers a rotating menu of small plates with eclectic flavor profiles you won’t find anywhere else. Think Brussels sprouts with feta and lemon tahini, or pickled carrots with sweet potato and apricot gremolata. If you want a romantic destination that’s a bit off the beaten path, both in terms of location and cuisine, Swift’s Attic has you covered.
Trendiest Austin Restaurants
From globally inspired eateries to funky taquerias, there’s no shortage of unique restaurants in Austin. With their colorful vibes, whimsical locations, and creative ingredients, these trendsetting hotspots are why this city’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird.”
7. Veracruz All Natural — School Bus Meets Taco Spot
- To Drink: Hibiscus agua fresca
- To Start: Housemade guacamole
- To Eat: Migas Poblanas Taco
What is a well-known restaurant in Austin that lives up to the hype? For locals and tourists alike, the answer is often Veracruz All Natural, a hotspot for tacos you’ll dream about, served out of a teal-painted converted school bus that’s become an iconic Austin landmark in its own right. The atmosphere feels both casual and cool. It’s a place where the scent of freshly pressed tortillas mingles with the buzz of hungry diners who can’t wait to savor a social-media-famous Migas Taco on the sunny outdoor patio. One bite, and you’ll agree: Veracruz is soul food, Austin-style.
As a Latina-owned business, Veracruz reflects the timeless recipes, cultural roots, and culinary traditions that its owners, Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, brought from their native Mexico. Bold, zesty flavors—from chipotle salsa and mango pico on the fish tacos to the airy and floral hibiscus in the fresh-squeezed agua fresca—have a way of turning new visitors into weekly regulars. No wonder this taqueria has helped set the tone of Austin’s Tex-Mex food scene for over 15 years.
8. Allday Pizza — A Creative Twist on a Classic
- To Drink: Dirty gin and tonic
- To Start: Caesar salad
- To Eat: Spicy Margherita Pizza
Since first opening in 2023, Allday Pizza has become one of Austin’s trendiest spots, thanks to its lively atmosphere, where a neon sign draws you in, and communal seating invites you to feel at home. As the aroma of fresh dough, which takes several days to ferment, wafts through this space, it’s clear the woodfired pizzas will be worth the wait.
Known for pushing creative boundaries, the pizza artists (and occasional mad scientists) behind this restaurant serve thin-crust pies topped with both classic and experimental flavor combinations. For instance, their recent butter-chicken pizza in honor of Diwali stirred up instant buzz. This commitment to innovation by the slice keeps loyal customers curious and newcomers eager to try what makes Allday Pizza one of the top restaurants in Austin.
9. Bread Boat — Georgian-Style Carbs and Cheese
- To Drink: Georgian lager
- To Start: Pkhali platter
- To Eat: Adjaruli Khachapuri
Georgian food is having a serious moment, which means there’s no better time for Bread Boat to cement itself as one of Austin’s must-visit new restaurants. Offering a modern twist on a beloved culinary heritage, this family-owned restaurant celebrates a distinctive culture that other restaurants are just beginning to explore. But whether you’re familiar with Georgian cuisine or a complete novice, you won’t be able to put your fork down after just one bite of Bread Boat’s signature menu item, and namesake, Adjaruli khachapuri.
This pillowy dough vessel filled with cheese, butter, egg yolk, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection, is what all your carb fantasies are made of. While you’re tucking into comfort food heaven, the ambiance will also leave you with a sense of cultural immersion. With its traditional clay-pot baking techniques, curated list of Georgian wine and beer, and friendly counter service, Bread Boat is helping shape Austin’s international culinary landscape.
Fine Dining Austin Restaurants
Sometimes you just need an excuse to rock a fancy new outfit and step out on the town for a splurge-worthy dinner. No matter the occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a work promotion, or a spontaneous night out, these chic establishments are calling your name.
10. Hestia — Michelin-Starred Contemporary
- To Drink: Hestia martini
- To Start: Hearth dried beets
- To Eat: Flame-roasted halibut
Venture into the dynamic pulse of Second Street District, where you’ll find Hestia, one of Austin’s seven Michelin-starred restaurants. This live-fire grillhouse creates an atmosphere that feels both industrial and elegant, with plush leather booths and sleek wooden accents. But the real design focal point is Hestia’s enormous 20-foot live-fire hearth, which transforms local Texas ingredients into a smoky, flame-seared experience that dances on your palate.
Whether you opt for the chef’s multi-course tasting menu or an à la carte entrée, you’re in for an imaginative array of dishes, such as ember-blackened vegetables and expertly charred Texas beef. Hestia’s dessert selection gets the live-fire treatment too (mesquite grilled cake, anyone?). This exceptional fine-dining establishment also features a curated wine program of more than 400 varieties, each handpicked to pair with the tasting menu.
11. Uchi — Modern Take on Japanese Tradition
- To Drink: Tokyo mule
- To Start: Yellowtail sashimi
- To Eat: Ichi Sushi Box
Where does Matthew McConaughey eat in Austin? You can often spot the actor (and unofficial Austin ambassador) over at Uchi. This South Lamar institution fuses elevated Japanese cuisine with impeccable service and warm Southern hospitality. Uchi is the brainchild of Chef Tyson Cole, a James Beard Award recipient renowned for his artistic interpretations of sushi, nigiri, sashimi, and other Japanese favorites. The restaurant also features an enticing lineup of cocktails.
The centerpiece of Uchi’s menu is its seasonal 10-course omakase feast, which showcases a unique blend of precision and playfulness. Think: delicate yellowtail tuna with yucca crisps and Marcona almonds, or wagyu carpaccio with fried jalapeños and zesty chili oil. This devotion to craft and attention to detail cleverly reimagines Asian food without compromising authenticity. No wonder this restaurant has earned McConaughey’s seal of approval!
12. El Naranjo — Refined Oaxacan Cuisine
- To Drink: Margarita Clásica
- To Start: Ceviche del Mes
- To Eat: Mole Negro de Oaxaca
Round out your search for nice restaurants in Austin with a trip to El Naranjo. This restaurant’s fine dining spin on Oaxacan delicacies makes it another can’t-miss culinary destination in the heart of South Lamar. From the moment you step inside, El Naranjo captivates your senses with its colorful teal walls and the fragrance of spicy mole, smoky mezcal, and toasty blue masa tortillas, pressed by hand in the kitchen.
El Naranjo’s menu reads like a tour through the street markets of Oaxaca. Savor creamy queso blanco, fresh seafood ceviche, and rich mole negro, each layered with nuanced flavor and texture that’ll keep you wanting more. Chef Iliana de la Vega, owner of El Naranjo, is deeply passionate about introducing the Austin community to the regional food she grew up with. She even leads culinary treks in both Mexico and South America.
Family-Friendly Austin Restaurants
Austin’s eclectic foodie scene also shines when you have little mouths to feed. If you’re looking for some of the most fun restaurants in Austin for a delicious family outing, even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist the options below.
13. Stiles Switch BBQ — Authentic Texas Smokehouse
- To Drink: Mexican Coke
- To Start: Serrano fried Brussels sprouts
- To Eat: The Boss Hawg sandwich
What’s not to love about seasoned pitmasters marinating and smoking a prime cut of meat until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender? That’s the Stiles Switch BBQ experience: a humble Texas BBQ joint with succulent wings, pulled pork, ribs, sausage, and brisket, all smothered in a tangy secret house sauce that the whole family will devour. This restaurant doesn’t slouch on the sides either, so whet your appetite for mac and cheese, fried Brussels sprouts, corn casserole, pinto beans, coleslaw, and more—beloved Southern classics at their most indulgent.
Stiles Switch BBQ offers generous portion sizes, too, so families can sample a wide range of tasty morsels without ordering too much. Plus, the laidback setting (picnic tables on the front patio, UT Austin games on the television, and a craft brewery next door) make Stiles Switch BBQ a down-home hangout for all ages to enjoy an afternoon.
14. Loudmouth — Italian Favorites Cooked with Love
- To Drink: Strawberry thyme lemonade
- To Start: Marinated burrata
- To Eat: Hot Boy Summer pizza
Chances are, a restored Victorian cottage in East Austin is not the first image that comes to mind when you think of Italian cuisine. But that impression will change once you have a taste of Loudmouth, one of Austin Chronicle’s Best New Restaurants winners in 2025. Cheekily named after the owner’s grandpa, “Loudmouth Joe,” this restaurant embraces Italian family cooking with shareable pizzas, hearty meatballs, and thick hoagies.
Kids will love ending their meal with a skillet chocolate chip cookie and a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Meanwhile, adults can relax with an Italian cocktail such as limoncello, a Negroni, or an Aperol Spritz. There’s even an alfresco garden out back, where live musicians occasionally perform, inviting patrons to dance under the East Austin sky.
15. Brentwood Social House — Pastries and Community
- To Drink: Housemade hot chocolate
- To Start: Soft pretzel sticks
- To Eat: Spinach feta quiche
This cozy bungalow-turned-coffee shop and cafe was intentionally built to nurture connection. At Brentwood Social House, an inclusive community feel is baked into the space. Families gather here each week for story time, afternoon tea, open mic nights, artisan markets, and other local events, all while enjoying the robust selection of European small-batch quiches, pastries, and seasonal beverages.
Whether you’re team sweet or savory, Brentwood Social House has a display case of treats for all sensibilities. From pain au chocolat and black currant scones to toasted paninis and spinach feta quiche, each item is freshly baked in-house, with many ingredients imported from France or Italy. Brentwood also knows how to cater to its little foodies. Children can sip hot cocoa and munch on soft pretzel sticks, then head to the playscape outside, while you unwind with the other parents over a steamy latte and breezy conversation.
Great Taste Deserves Space
Step one after moving to Austin is, of course, checking out the incredible restaurants on this list. Step two? Making space in your new Texas home.
If your home starts to feel cramped after all your boxes are unpacked, our Austin self-storage facilities can give you the extra room you need to feel comfortable. We even offer climate-controlled units and boat and RV storage options.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you, then celebrate with a reservation at one of these restaurants while you’re at it!
* Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
