Updated April 2026
Confession: I eat out almost every day of the week. Mostly because I need to try the new restaurants opening every month — and Austin is having a moment. Texas got its first Michelin stars in November 2024 (with three of them in Austin), Food & Wine just named Austin the #1 Coffee City in the U.S. in their 2026 Global Tastemakers Awards, and Texas Monthly keeps stacking the city onto its Best New Restaurants list year after year.
Follow me on Instagram at @atasteofkoko for my updated picks!
SEE ALSO: 23 Best Breakfasts In Austin Worth Waking Up For
I’ve written several “best of” Austin restaurant lists, but this is my ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Austin — the one I send friends, family, and PR reps when they ask for the short list. The thing about “best” is that it’s relative to who’s writing it, and when you ask me for recommendations, you’re really asking what’s the best according to me.
So here it is: an Austinite’s guide to the 59 best restaurants in Austin for 2026.
SEE ALSO: 9 Reasons Why Austin Texas Is The Best Place To Live
Table of Contents
If You’re Visiting Austin For The First Time
There are five things you have to eat in Austin: tacos, breakfast tacos, barbecue, queso, and margaritas. These are the main five food groups in the city, and here are the spots I send first-timers to.
For barbecue — La Barbecue still has the best Texas BBQ in Austin (aside from Franklin Barbecue). Get brisket, pork ribs, and specifically the beef ribs — they’re the size of a dinosaur bone. If La Barbecue is closed, see my full guide to the best BBQ in Austin.
For tacos & margaritas — go to La Condesa for modern Mexican, and locals love Nixta Taqueria on the East side. See my post on the best tacos in Austin.
For queso, tacos & frozen margaritas — Fresa’s has my favorite margarita in Austin (frozen prickly pear with salt). Order the queso, elotes off the cob, and steak chimichurri tacos on the colorful patio.
For breakfast tacos — go to Veracruz All Natural (the food truck on Cesar Chavez) and order the migas tacos. They’re the best breakfast tacos in the city.
For sushi — Uchiko (Chef Tyson Cole is James Beard-nominated) is still the local favorite. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, go during happy hour. Here’s my guide to the best happy hours in Austin.
For ramen — there are a few ramen spots, but my favorites are Ramen Tatsu-Ya for old-school tonkotsu and Sazan Ramen for paitan.
For happy hour — I like Uchiko, ATX Cocina, and Bufalina.
For European food — Justine’s, Lenoir, Le Calamar, and Poeta.
Michelin-Starred & Award-Winning Restaurants In Austin
Texas got its first Michelin stars in November 2024, with stars going to a handful of Austin restaurants. These are the bucket-list reservations.
Leroy and Lewis
Leroy & Lewis started as a food truck and moved into a beautiful brick-and-mortar in South Austin with an extensive barbecue menu. Awarded a Michelin star in the inaugural Texas Michelin Guide — and well deserved.
5621 Emerald Forest Dr, leroyandlewisbbq.com
Hestia
Chef Kevin Fink’s wood-fire-driven downtown restaurant earned a Michelin star in November 2024 and is widely considered Austin’s most ambitious dining room. Sit at the chef’s counter to watch the open hearth.
What to order: live-fire cured meats, smoked beef tartare, the dry-aged ribeye for two.
607 W 3rd St #105, hestiaaustin.com
Lutie’s Garden Restaurant
Lutie’s is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Austin — located on the Commodore Perry Estate, but you don’t need a membership to dine here. The seasonal menu spotlights local farmers and ranchers, and the dining room is filled with plants that line the entire ceiling.
What to order: grand aioli, whole roasted fish, kouign amann ice cream.
4100 Red River St, luties.com
Emmer & Rye
Helmed by Chef Kevin Fink, Emmer & Rye on Rainey Street brings rustic, seasonally inspired cuisine paired with their signature dim-sum-style cart service. Currently serving a multi-course tasting menu — book in advance.
51 Rainey St., Suite 110, emmerandrye.com
Barley Swine
Chef Bryce Gilmore’s longstanding tasting-menu spot on Burnet is a perennial Austin best-of pick. Multi-course menus highlight local farms and rotate weekly.
6555 Burnet Rd #400, barleyswine.com
Olamaie
Olamaie is a modern Southern restaurant from James Beard finalist and Food & Wine “Best New Chef” Michael Fojtasek. Farm-to-table freshness paired with Southern hospitality.
What to order: the off-menu biscuits (you have to ask!), Dewberry Hills Farm chicken, and Ranger Cattle wagyu ribeye.
1610 San Antonio St, olamaieaustin.com
Lenoir
This intimate, garden-attached restaurant on South 1st has quietly been one of Austin’s most romantic dining rooms for over a decade. The hot-weather menu means small, plant-forward courses with global seasoning.
1807 S 1st St, lenoirrestaurant.com
Jeffrey’s
The Clarksville classic that locals have been celebrating special occasions at for decades. Old-school steakhouse charm with one of the best wine programs in the city.
1204 W Lynn St, jeffreysofaustin.com
Best BBQ Restaurants In Austin
Franklin BBQ
This wouldn’t be a Best Restaurants In Austin list without Franklin BBQ — still the most famous brisket in America, and still worth the line. The brisket is fall-apart tender, the ribs are flavorful, and don’t miss the pulled pork.
900 E 11th St, franklinbbq.com
La Barbecue
La Barbecue has the best Texas BBQ in Austin (aside from Franklin Barbecue). Get brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, and especially the beef ribs — they’re the size of a dinosaur bone.
Tip: Go inside and grab a beer to drink while you wait in line.
2401 E Cesar Chavez St, labarbecue.com
Terry Black’s
If you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth brisket and that perfect Central Texas smoke ring, Terry Black’s BBQ is the move. Pile your tray with moist brisket, beef rib (it’s huge), jalapeño cheddar sausage, mac and cheese, and creamed corn — then snag a picnic table outside.
1003 Barton Springs Rd, terryblacksbbq.com
Black’s Barbecue
An old-school, heritage-drenched smokehouse with exposed brick, rustic wood, and nine decades of Texas barbecue legacy in every chunk of smoked brisket and ribbon of jalapeño cheddar sausage.
3110 Guadalupe St, blacksbbq.com
Lao’d Bar
One of the buzziest new openings — a Laotian-Texan hybrid from chef Bob Somsith that’s pulled multiple “best new restaurant” nods this awards cycle. Sticky rice, larb, and Lao sausage alongside Texas-style smoked meats.
9909 FM 969 Bldg 4, laodbar.com
SEE ALSO: 10 Spots For The Best BBQ In Austin
Best Mexican & Tex-Mex Restaurants In Austin
Comedor
Comedor is a modern Mexican restaurant in downtown Austin designed by architect Tom Kundig and led by Chefs Gabe Erales and Philip Speer. Named one of Esquire’s top ten Best New Restaurants in America and Austin Monthly’s Restaurant of the Year.
What to order: bone marrow tacos and goat barbacoa tamal.
501 Colorado St, comedortx.com
La Condesa
La Condesa has been one of my favorite restaurants in Austin for upscale Mexican cuisine since I started this blog — specifically the salsa tasting and their classic margarita.
What to order: salsa tasting, quesadilla, and clásica margarita.
400 W 2nd St A, lacondesa.com
Suerte
Suerte is my current favorite for Tex-Mex weekend brunch on the East side. They make their own masa for their own homemade tortillas, so the menu is very masa-forward. The shrimp tostada and pan dulce basket are so good.
1800 E 6th St, suerteatx.com
ATX Cocina
I love the modern Mexican at ATX Cocina, especially the meat dishes. Splurge on the bone-in ribeye or chuleta de cerdo (a 42 oz pork chop tomahawk) if you’re with a group, and order the half-watermelon cocktail.
What to order: sopes, tamal, beef barbacoa enchiladas, elotes, and chuleta de cerdo.
110 San Antonio St #170, atxcocina.com
Fresa’s
Many of my afternoons have been spent on the spacious patio at Fresa’s eating queso and sipping margaritas.
What to order: chimichurri skirt steak, classic queso, crispy Brussels sprouts, grilled cauliflower, Mexican street corn, frozen prickly pear margarita.
Happy hour: Mon–Fri 3–6pm, $2 off all aguas frescas, botanas, beer, wine & margaritas.
1703 S 1st St, fresaschicken.com
Grizzelda’s
You can’t miss this hot pink Tex-Mex restaurant in East Austin with an extensive margarita list.
What to order: queso fundido, pescado del día tacos, skirt steak tacos, brúselas fritas.
105 Tillery St, grizzeldas.com
Fonda San Miguel
Authentic interior Mexican in a beautiful courtyard setting. The mole enchiladas, ancho chile relleno, and ceviche are all standouts.
2330 W N Loop Blvd, fondasanmiguel.com
Matt’s El Rancho
If you’re with a group that wants Tex-Mex food and wants to drink margaritas, this Austin institution is the move.
2613 S Lamar Blvd, mattselrancho.com
Habanero Cafe
This hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant serves comfort-food entrees I’ve been eating since college. Cash only.
What to order: caldo de res (Sat & Sun only), any of the combos, migas plate with jalapeños, gordita plate.
501 W Oltorf St, habanerocafe.com
Magnolia Cafe
Austin breakfast institution since 1979. The Lake Austin Blvd location closed during COVID, but the South Congress location is still going strong.
What to order: Love Migas (eggs or tofu scrambled in spicy “love butter”), buttermilk banana pancakes, or the Tex-Mex enchiladas.
1920 S Congress Ave, magnoliacafeaustin.com
Best Japanese & Sushi Restaurants In Austin
Uchiko
Even though Uchiko broke my heart by taking the Brussels sprouts off the happy-hour menu, I still love Uchiko’s happy hour. Probably the best restaurant in Austin for a date night, anniversary, or birthday.
4200 N Lamar Blvd, uchikoaustin.com
Tsuke Edomae
Austin’s most talked-about omakase counter — an intimate Edomae-style sushi experience helmed by Chef Mike, who trained in Ginza, Tokyo. Reservations are difficult; book the moment they open on Tock.
4600 Mueller Blvd Suite 1035, tsukeedo.com
Fukumoto
Chef Kazu Fukumoto’s East Austin izakaya has been one of the most-cited restaurants in the city’s awards conversation, with sushi, robata, and a quietly excellent sake program.
514 Medina St, fukumotoaustin.com
Neighborhood Sushi
From the MML team on South Congress, with both lunch and dinner service and an intimate outdoor patio. Excellent nigiri and sashimi.
Happy hour: Mon–Fri 4:30–6pm.
1716 S Congress Ave, neighborhoodsushi.com
Loro
Loro is the Asian smokehouse from Chef Tyson Cole (Uchi/Uchiko) and Chef Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue). I love the rice bowls, chicken karaage, corn fritters, and smoked bavette.
Happy hour: Mon–Fri 2–5pm.
2115 S Lamar Blvd, loroaustin.com
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
This Texan-Japanese smokehouse izakaya in East Austin specializes in small bites and cocktails for sharing. Don’t skip the cute cat-shaped cocktails.
What to order: edamame, blistered shishito, Tokyo street corn, spicy pork ribs, kurobuta pork belly, beef tongue, chicken karaage, crispy onigiri, miso banana pudding.
2713 E 2nd St, kemuri-tatsuya.com
Ramen Tatsu-ya
My go-to is the tonkotsu Original with a corn bomb, or the Ol’ Skool with a corn bomb plus brussels sprouts and spicy edamame.
1600 E 6th St / 8557 Research Blvd #126 / 1234 S Lamar Blvd, ramen-tatsuya.com
Komé
Komé started as a food trailer (Sushi A-Go-Go) and evolved into a popular brick-and-mortar serving contemporary home-style Japanese, sushi, nigiri, and ramen.
Happy hour: Mon–Thu 5–6pm.
5301 Airport Blvd #100, kome-austin.com
SEE ALSO: Best Asian Food In Austin
Best Chinese, Korean, Thai & Pan-Asian Restaurants In Austin
QI Austin
Qi is from the team behind Lin Asian Bar, with the best soup dumplings in Austin and traditional Chinese cuisine. I prefer Qi over Lin because the dining areas (indoor and patio) are bigger.
What to order: Shanghai soup dumplings, pan-seared chicken dumplings, salt and pepper lobster tail, Peking duck, truffle egg fried rice.
835 W 6th St #114, qiaustin.com
Oseyo
Oseyo is fine-dining Korean in East Austin and the best Korean food in Austin in my opinion. Higher price point, but the menu is authentic — owner-operated by a Korean family. Great for groups so you can share.
What to order: jajangmyeon, kimchi jjigae, kalbi, kalbi tang.
1628 E Cesar Chavez St, oseyoaustin.com
Sway
I recommend Sway as a date-night Thai spot in a fine-dining setting. It can get loud (shared seating), so it’s not the best choice for an intimate conversation, but the food is excellent.
What to order: chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, jungle curry (very, very spicy), tiger cry, son in law, Thai tea affogato.
3437 Bee Cave Rd, swaythai.com
Peached Tortilla
Bold Asian flavors with subtle Southern ties. The Hainan chicken at Peached Tortilla is one of my favorite dishes in Austin and I think the only place in the city you can get it.
What to order: crispy umami chicken wings, hanger steak ssäm, Hainan chicken, banh mi bowl.
5520 Burnet Rd #100, thepeachedtortilla.com
Elizabeth Street Cafe
When I want a lighter meal in a pretty setting, Elizabeth Street Cafe on South 1st is my go-to. Either the steamed rice rolls or the fried chicken bún with a refreshing drinking vinegar.
1501 S 1st St, elizabethstreetcafe.com
Best Italian & Pizza Restaurants In Austin
Red Ash
Everything burns wood-fired at Red Ash — handmade pastas to prime meats seared on a custom grill. Bone marrow risotto, braised-beef agnolotti, and 30- to 50-day dry-aged steaks.
I picked Red Ash for my birthday dinner one year and we ordered: agnolotti alla Piemontese, spaghetti alla chitarra “A.O.P.”, mezze rigatoni alla campagnola, and spaghettini alle vongole.
303 Colorado St #200, redashgrill.com
Vespaio
Anytime a girlfriend asks me to get dinner, I try suggesting Vespaio for the Italian pasta and wine list. After dinner you can shop South Congress and walk off the carbs.
What to order: spaghettini con polpette di vitello and spaghetti carbonara.
1610 S Congress Ave, austinvespaio.com
Home Slice Pizza
The pepperoni and margherita slices at Home Slice are some of my favorite pizzas in Austin.
Tip: Ask for the Sicilian-style pies if they’re not already sold out for the day.
1415 S Congress Ave & 501 E 53rd St, homeslicepizza.com
Via 313
Detroit-style pizza (not the same as Chicago-style) — a thick crust that’s somehow crispy and not heavy with flavorful toppings. Gluten-free crusts and dairy-free cheese available.
What to order: The Detroiter, The Cadillac, The Carnivore.
3016 Guadalupe Ste 100 / 1802 E 6th St / 61 Rainey St / 6705 Hwy 290 #503, via313.com
Best French & European Restaurants In Austin
Justine’s Brasserie
Steak frites with house red and the chocolate cake? I’d swipe right on that. This French restaurant is one of the most iconic late-night dining rooms in Austin.
4710 E 5th St, justines1937.com
Restaurant François
One of the most-talked-about new openings — a classic French dining experience in a quietly elegant downtown room. Has shown up on multiple “best new restaurant” lists this awards cycle.
401 W 3rd St, restaurantfrancois.com
Le Calamar
Tucked-away seafood-and-wine bar with a French Mediterranean lean — one of the most charming new rooms to open on the South side. Tinned fish, raw bar, and a tightly curated natural wine list.
South Austin, le-calamar.com
Best Seafood Restaurants In Austin
Clark’s Oyster Bar
This cute, intimate seafood spot in Clarksville is where I celebrated one of my birthdays. Clark’s pan-seared burger with shoestring fries is my absolute favorite burger in Austin. The Cioppino is a fall must.
Happy hour: Mon–Fri 3–6pm — burger + fries half off, half-price bottles of wine on weekends 3–6pm.
1200 W 6th St, clarksaustin.com
Fish Shop
Casual seafood counter that’s quietly become an Austin go-to for fish sandwiches, oysters, and crudo. A tight, well-executed menu with a buzzy patio.
East Austin, fishshopatx.com
Best Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Restaurants In Austin
Aba
Aba has the largest and most beautiful outdoor dining space in Austin, on Music Lane on South Congress. Mediterranean cuisine on a multi-level patio under a 100+ year-old Heritage Oak.
What to order: whipped feta spread, crispy potatoes, grilled chicken kebabs.
1011 S Congress Ave, abarestaurants.com/austin
Launderette
This Mediterranean-inspired East Austin restaurant used to be a laundromat and now serves stellar food and cocktails. New Yorkers especially love it for the vibe and food quality.
What to order: beluga lentil & burrata (lunch), wood-grilled octopus, whole branzino, roasted chicken.
Happy hour: Mon–Fri 5–6pm.
2115 Holly St, launderetteaustin.com
Karaz
One of Austin’s most-talked-about new openings — a Middle Eastern restaurant from the Suerte/Este team on Manor Rd. Wood-fired flatbreads, mezze, and live-fire kebabs in a beautiful room that’s already booking weeks out.
Manor Rd, East Austin
Best Bars, Lounges & New Openings In Austin
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
An ethereal, dreamy cocktail lounge just south of Hyde Park serving elevated comfort food, modern American share plates, craft cocktails, and a deep wine list. The french-antique-inspired interior, jewel tones, and dramatic lighting make this the most photogenic bar in central Austin.
624 W 34th St, honeymoonspiritlounge.com
Uptown Sports Club
An East 6th sports-bar-meets-Cajun-kitchen that’s become one of the most-talked-about openings in Austin. Po’ boys, fried catfish, and a great by-the-glass list.
1200 E 6th St, uptownsports.club
Boni’s Bar Next Door
Spanish tapas and cocktails from the team behind Lenoir, in a cozy room right next door to the original. The kind of place you stop into for a glass of wine and end up staying for dinner.
1805 S 1st St, lenoirrestaurant.com
The Kitchen by Kimbal Musk
The first Texas location of Kimbal Musk’s farm-to-table chain, with a focus on Texas farms and a casual all-day menu in the Sixth and Guadalupe tower downtown.
400 W 6th St, thekitchen.com
Best Casual & All-Day Restaurants In Austin
Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz has the best breakfast tacos in Austin — specifically the migas tacos with avocado and lots of homemade salsa.
What to order: migas tacos.
Multiple locations, veracruzallnatural.com
Hank’s
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m at Hank’s monthly — meetings, working out of the coffee shop, beautiful patio, and half-off burger Mondays.
What to order: cheeseburger with fries.
Happy hour: Daily 3–6:30pm — $1 off beer, $5 frozen & tap cocktails, $5 tap wine, $3 off appetizers.
5811 Berkman Dr, hanksaustin.com
Josephine House
Quintessential Clarksville cottage with a tree-shaded patio. Great for a weekday lunch or a glass of rosé with girlfriends.
What to order: Josephine House burger, rice bowl with Niman Ranch steak, lemon ricotta pancakes.
1601 Waterston Ave, josephineofaustin.com
Jacoby’s
Family-raised meats, locally sourced vegetables, craft cocktails, and Texas craft beers — with beautiful views of the Colorado River. Sit inside or out on the patio.
What to order: chicken fried steak, mac & cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, steak frites, strawberry cake.
3235 E Cesar Chavez St, jacobysaustin.com
Dai Due
This butcher shop and supper club is known for its farm-to-table menu of locally sourced ingredients on Manor Rd.
2406 Manor Rd, daidue.com
Odd Duck
Chef Bryce Gilmore’s small-plates spot on South Lamar uses locally sourced ingredients on a constantly rotating menu. Best with a group so you can order across the menu.
What to order: cast-iron cornbread, redfish ceviche, cornmeal-fried oyster sliders.
1201 S Lamar Blvd, oddduckaustin.com
Best Ice Cream & Sweets In Austin
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lick has been making seasonal, sustainable artisan ice creams in Austin since 2011 — all locally sourced. The most popular flavor is goat cheese with thyme and honey. Great vegan/dairy-free options too (the coconut with avocado curd is a sleeper).
What to order: goat cheese, thyme & honey; dark chocolate, olive oil & sea salt; coffee with cream.
1905 Aldrich St / 6555 Burnet Rd / 1100 S Lamar Blvd, ilikelick.com
FAQ: Best Restaurants In Austin
What is the most famous restaurant in Austin?
Franklin Barbecue is the most famous restaurant in Austin and arguably the most famous BBQ restaurant in America. The line for brisket can start before 6am. For a more refined fine-dining take on Texas, Hestia and Lutie’s are widely considered Austin’s most exciting tasting-menu rooms.
What restaurants in Austin have Michelin stars?
Texas got its first Michelin Guide in November 2024, and Austin earned multiple one-star awards including Hestia and Leroy & Lewis BBQ. Several other Austin restaurants received Michelin Bib Gourmand and recommended designations.
Where do locals eat in Austin?
Locals favor neighborhood spots over the tourist heavy hitters. My picks: Suerte and Comedor for Mexican, La Barbecue for BBQ (lower line than Franklin), Uchiko for sushi, Vespaio for Italian, and Aba for a great patio dinner.
What is Austin’s signature food?
Austin’s signature dishes are barbecue (especially smoked brisket and beef ribs), Tex-Mex (queso, fajitas, frozen margaritas), and breakfast tacos. The migas taco is the unofficial Austin breakfast.
What’s the best new restaurant in Austin in 2026?
The 2026 awards conversation has been dominated by Lao’d Bar (Laotian-Texan), Restaurant François (French), Tsuke Edomae (Edomae sushi), Le Calamar (French Mediterranean seafood), and Karaz (Middle Eastern). All are great picks if you want to know what Austin’s eating right now.
How far in advance should I make reservations in Austin?
For Hestia, Tsuke Edomae, Lutie’s, and Uchiko, book 3–4 weeks out, especially on weekends and during SXSW (March), ACL (October), and F1 weekend (October). For BBQ, lines start 1–2 hours before opening at Franklin and La Barbecue.
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