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Best Authentic Restaurants in Central Austin

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70 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hopfields restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(291)
Price: Expensive
• French • Midtown
Booked 6 times today
Hopfields specializes in French-fusion locally focused cuisine, 40 tap craft beer wall, a thoughtfully curated wine list and full bar. Boasting a warm inviting atmosphere with cozy nooks to venture into. Often praised for it's elevated but approachable style. The scratch-made menu offers food ranging from upscale specials, a finger-food bar menu, traditional-fusion French comforts and our Pascal Burger that has won Best Burger in Austin 6 years in a row.Hopfields has tableside service reservable for dinner in our dining room and patio, as well as a walk-in bar service, so you can customize the experience you want and always find a seat. Our lunch is a bar-service style that features traditional French sandwiches, salads and snacks. Brunch has a special menu reservable for tableside service or casual bar-style service; all in a 'not your average too-busy-to-book restaurant' setting. A few brunch classics, but many twists that make the menu scrumptious for everyone.
A photo of Yamas Austin restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1023)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Austin
Booked 48 times today
For parties of 12 or more, please email reservations@yamasatx.com. We look forward to having you dine with us.
A photo of Sushi Endo restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(65)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 4 times today
For only $150 a seat for a limited time, experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Chef Endo Yasuhiro's 20-course omakase at our establishment, a collaboration with the renowned Sushi Nakazawa of Washington D.C. and New York City fame. Indulge in a culinary journey meticulously curated by Chef Endo, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.Enhancing your dining experience, our custom bar features an impressive selection of rare Japanese whiskies, top-rated sake, and artisanal beers sourced from both local and Japanese breweries. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Japan as you savor each sip and bite.To further entice your palate, please note that our menu changes daily, ensuring that you experience the freshest and most seasonal offerings handpicked by Chef Endo himself. Join us and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1418)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 43 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 The Guest House Austin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(177)
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 VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(550)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Austin
Booked 36 times today
VERDAD pulls from traditions cultivated throughout Mexican history to authentically capture and appreciate the relationship between the past and the present – a focus that inspired the concept’s name VERDAD. VERDAD translates to “truth”. VERDAD will bring this promise to life with authentic, ingredients-focused Mexican dishes modernized through high-end cooking technique and innovative presentation, providing an elevated dining experience inspired by a steakhouse point-of-view. Follow the history as it unfolds through the VERDAD menu, robust collection of tequila, sweet treats and more!
A photo of Licha's Cantina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(276)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • East Austin
Booked 24 times today
BIENVENIDO A LICHA’S…Located in the heart of East 6th Street, Licha’s has become a niche restaurant for Austinites craving a bite of interior México. The restaurant is named after owner, Daniel Brooks’ mother, Alicia “Licha” Rivera, The atmosphere at Licha’s is casual and familiar. When you are here, you are in our home and we want to cater to you. Inspired by the Mexican soulfood cooking that we were raised with, our menu is prepared by a team of passionate cooks. All of our masa products are made fresh and daily in-house and our proteins are thoughtfully brined and braised with a medley of herbs and spices. If you’re interested in distilled agave products, Licha’s offers a large range of tequilas, mescales, bacanoras and sotoles. Lichas’ friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help should you have any questions about any of our dishes or menu options.
A photo of The Well restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(510)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 32 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 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 El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(977)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 17 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

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mark
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Perfect place for family and friends! The location was easy to find, everyone was so friendly. Definitely didn’t feel like we were in Austin! Felt like we were teleported to another place without traveling somewhere else. I don’t like being rushed when you’re trying to eat, enjoy each dish and experience the ambience and this place was exceptional.
    More info
    Yamas AustinPrice: Expensive• Greek• Austin
    4.5
  • Tyler
    Minneapolis - St. Paul •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I could not be happier with our many experiences at Sammie’s. The food is consistently fantastic, the service is incredible and the atmosphere is so fun! It’s always a treat to come here and cannot wait to come back!
    More info
    Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Jim
    San Antonio •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Endo'a Omakase is a total experience. It's like a private party where you do not know the others joining you for dinner. Each dish is served perfectly to give you the best tasting the chef makes and it's simple. The most complicated sushi was the hand roll. It is an amazing experience and I am glad Chef Endo made it memorable.
    More info
    Sushi EndoPrice: Very Expensive• Creative Japanese• Old West Austin
    5
  • Amber
    Portland / Oregon •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    My daughter and I had an amazing evening here, the food and drinks were excellent. We would absolutely go again.
    More info
    The Guest House AustinPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
    4.6
  • Karen
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Some unusual different/combinations - e.g. duck reuben sandwich. Good food - good service Out of homemade sorbet :(
    More info
    HopfieldsPrice: Expensive• French• Midtown
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Central Austin

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Central Austin, a hub for authentic culinary experiences. Central Austin's restaurant landscape offers a diverse array of options for those seeking genuine flavors and high-quality ingredients. From cozy eateries to bustling bistros, each establishment prides itself on delivering an authentic dining experience that reflects the unique culinary traditions and local culture. Patrons can expect menus rich with locally sourced products, crafted by chefs who are passionate about preserving the authenticity of their dishes. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to explore the true taste of Austin, these restaurants provide not only a meal but a genuine taste of the area's gastronomic heritage. The emphasis on authenticity ensures that every dish tells a story, making your dining experience both memorable and deeply satisfying.

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