Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in East Austin

First time in Austin and first meal in and it was an amazing meal to start to our trip. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Accommodating outside even with not the best weather.

This is one of our favorite spots. Food and service is amazing every time!

Finally, a dining experience in Austin that truly lives up to the hype! Hestia's dedication to live-fire cooking creates magic on every plate. From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us like valued guests, demonstrating an impressive knowledge of both the menu and cooking techniques. The pork belly was nothing short of revelatory - perfectly rendered with a crackling exterior that gave way to melt-in-your-mouth meat beneath. My wife's bavette was cooked to absolute perfection, showcasing the restaurant's mastery of open-flame cooking. The attention to detail in every dish proves why Hestia stands at the pinnacle of Austin's dining scene. What truly sets Hestia apart is the combination of exceptional food and impeccable service. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, and their passionate knowledge of each dish enhanced our dining experience. The elegant atmosphere and open kitchen add to the theatrical experience of watching the chefs work their magic over the flames. Without hesitation, this was the best meal we've had in Austin. If you're looking for a truly memorable dining experience, Hestia is absolutely worth every penny.

Excellent food and atmosphere. It was lively, if not a little loud. We had four items, including the ceviche, brisket tacos, flautas, and sweet potatoes. I would recommend all. They were all super flavorful. The balance of potatoes and duck in the flautas was a little off (too much potato) which made it a little bland, but the mole sauce hit the mark and helped round out the flavor. We would definitely return and try other items.

We had not been back to Red Ash since before the Pandemic. Shame on us! Now we certainly will make a new reservation as soon as possible, which will probably be a few months from now. Red Ash is so popular that it is that difficult to get a table. But the wait is certainly worth it. This evening we tried the Octopus a la Plancha at our server, Emma's suggestion. Octopus for our first time. It was wonderfully delicious and tender. For dinner we split Frutti di Mare, a wonderful selection of seafood laid on a bed of the best black and white sphagettini. Cooked perfectly! Emma was the perfect hostess and we were able to reconnect with Brand Favata, our favorite server from six years ago. It seems that very few few employees leave Red Ash. It is such a wonderful restaurant!! We'll be back very soon.