18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
by Diana Spechler and James Wong
Updated 15 December 2023
Whether they’re arguing over who slings the best breakfast tacos in the city or where to go for the most delicious barbecue, Austinites have strong opinions about their city’s greatest restaurants.
That’s because Austin’s got it all. A rustic spot in East Austin shakes up longstanding butcher shop traditions. In South Lamar, a James Beard Award winner serves reimagined Oaxacan dishes. Exceptionally buttery biscuits put a downtown restaurant on the map.
The Texan capital’s dining scene is as spirited as its residents. Read on for a guide to 18 restaurants that are vital to Austin.
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Samantha
Dined on 2 Dec 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
R
Reena
Dined on 27 Nov 2024
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Drew
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 26 May 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jason
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
D
DScott
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Cindy
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 11 May 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
K
Ken
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
S
Shannon
Dined on 4 Dec 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
P
Phillip
Dined 4 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jimmyvip
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Muralivip
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jennifervip
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
E
Elizabeth
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
JM
JaynieMvip
Dined on 14 May 2019
About the restaurant
Top review
P
Patricia
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
More lists for you
8 Gameday Tables to Book in Austin This Fall
5 cutting-edge restaurants to try now in Austin
The 6 best new Austin restaurants of 2023
12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves
The 11 most beautiful Austin restaurants to visit right now
Austin’s 8 favorite bars
38 Austin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day
8 of Austin’s outstanding spots for celebrating special occasions
The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Austin
Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Austin
20 Best Lunch Spots in Austin
18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
Explore other cities and regions
Other ways to experience the world through dining