5 Best Restaurants in Austin, TX

People eating together in a restaurantThe best restaurants in Austin, Texas offer a wide array of culinary delights. From traditional Southern cuisine to an array of fusion styles, these restaurants have something special that sets them apart from other spots around the city. 

Whether you are looking for a place to grab lunch on the go or an upscale dinner, Austin has something for everyone. The city’s restaurant scene is constantly evolving and growing, ensuring that there will be new places to try in the future. Here is a list of the 5 best restaurants in Austin, TX.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Uchi

A renowned Japanese restaurant located in a refurbished South Austin bungalow founded by James Beard award-winning Chef and Owner Tyson Cole. Uchi, or “house” in Japanese serves a balance of elevated food and impeccable service. 

Chef Tyson Cole has trained for more than 10 years in Tokyo, New York, and Austin under two different sushi masters and continues his path of study and experimentation at the Hai Hospitality restaurants. Since 2003, this is Chef Tyson Cole’s signature take on Japanese food and has delighted Austin’s dining crowd and tourists alike all over the world.

Uchi’s menu offers a wide range of flavors and from their daily specials including caviar and smoked trout roe, a variety of nigiri and sashimi options, sweet and cold desserts, to vegetarian selections and a collection of Japanese sake, cocktails, and beers. Happy hour is from 4pm — 6:30pm daily.

Location: 801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Must-try based on reviews: Omakase, Brussel Sprouts, Walu Walu (Escarol), Yucca Chips, Foie Gras Nigiri 

ALSO FEATURED IN: Best Restaurants in South Austin

2. Interstellar BBQ

Interstellar BBQ of the top-rated barbecue restaurants in Austin and the second-best barbecue joint in Texas according to the lifestyle magazine, Texas Monthly. Interstellar BBQ only uses the highest quality ingredients and sources the best wood for their BBQ taking the time to cook one batch at a time. 

Owner of Interstellar BBQ, John Bates, shared his secret to a good barbecue is how you manage your fire. It’s all about low and slow. Interstellar is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am - sold out. They accept large catering orders that can be delivered or setup in your location.

Location: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Ste. 105, Austin, TX 78750

Must-try based on reviews: Pork belly, Scalloped Potatoes, Jalapeno Popper Sausage, Mac n Cheese

ALSO FEATURED IN: Where to Get the Best Barbecue in Austin, TX

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3. Perla’s

If you’re looking for a high-end outdoor dining experience, Perla’s is definitely the place to be. Dine indoors or al fresco at this laid-back spot in South Austin with an open kitchen and a patio shaded by giant oak trees.

Perla’s Austin was founded by Chefs Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman with the goal of establishing a seafood restaurant on South Congress Avenue that serves the freshest fish, oysters, and other types of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. Perla’s has a bar that makes delicious coastal cocktails and a wine list perfect to pair with your favorite seafood dish.

Location:1400 S. Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78704

Must-try based on reviews: Grilled Octopus, Bucatini, Oyster Bar, Pot de Creme

ALSO FEATURED IN: Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Austin

4. Suerte

Suerte is a Mexican restaurant located in the heart of East Austin. The contemporary spot is run by Sam Hellman-Mass, the founding partner of Barley Swine and Odd Duck and head Chef Fermin Nuñez, Launderette, and La Condesa’s Chef de Cuisine. All concepts are methods are inspired by the people and cooking traditions of Mexico, while the ingredients are locally sourced in East Austin. 

Suerte offers a vibrant environment and atmosphere from the open dining room adorned with art and textiles to the patio overlooking East 6th Street. The menu is composed of authentic Mexican cuisine with some Tex-Mex fusion and a selection of Mexico’s most unique agave and succulent spirits including natural wines and craft cocktails.

Location: 1800 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Must-try based on reviews: Masa Y Mas, Suadero Tacos, Barbacoa, Nada Paloma

5. Red Ash

About: One of the top-rated Italian restaurants located in downtown Austin that features craft Italian cuisine is expertly prepared by Owner and Executive Chef John Carver. Red Ash is known for its custom-built wood-burning grill, oven, and plancha. 

Red Ash’s menu features fresh handmade pasta, pristine seafood, and locally sourced prime meats. There are also elegant Italian desserts freshly prepared daily and a wine list of selected Old and New World wines from the finest Italian winemakers in Italy, France, Spain, Argentina, Chile, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Location: Colorado Tower, 303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701

Must-try based on reviews: Bone Marrow, Red Snapper, Broccolini, Blue Crab


Check out these other restaurants on our list

Loro Austin

From the owners of Uchi and Franklin BBQ, Chef Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin, Loro Austin is an Asian-smokehouse combining Texan and Asian influences highlighting smoked meat and various cocktails. Watch our review of Loro Austin below.

Kura Sushi

Ever thought of a place where food is being delivered on a conveyor belt and delivers drinks via robot? Japanese revolving sushi bar Kura Sushi offers a one-of-a-kind experience for its guests. Find out our experience with this revolving sushi restaurant in the video below.



Finding the Best Restaurants in Austin, TX

Austin's food scene continues to thrive today. With a wide range of cuisines and regional specialties, Austinites and tourists have access to a great variety of food options. Luckily for anyone dining in the area, the restaurants in Austin are just as diverse as the city itself. This means that no matter what you're craving, there's a restaurant in Austin that will satisfy your cravings!

From being a foodie paradise, a bustling tech hub, and one of the best cities in the world to relocate to, Austin has something for everyone! If you're considering moving to Austin, click here to speak to a real estate consultant!


Posted by Ryan Rodenbeck on
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