15 perfect restaurants in Austin, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to Austin, where the heat is hot, and the food scene is even hotter! If you're looking to treat your taste buds to a rollercoaster ride of flavors, buckle up and head to the 15 best restaurants in this Texan city. From finger-licking BBQ joints that'll make you wanna slap your mama, to trendy taco trucks serving up gourmet delights that'll leave you saying "Holy guacamole!", these eateries are no joke. So grab your stretchy pants and prepare for a culinary adventure like no other. Hunger, meet your match in Austin!
Save destination1. Licha's Cantina
1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to Licha's Cantina in Austin, where the Tex-Mex vibes are as lively as a rodeo bull on a sugar high! This fiesta-fueled joint effortlessly combines rustic charm with a cheeky flair, making it the perfect spot to get your taste buds dancing and your laughter groove on. From the mouthwatering enchiladas that are so good they could bring a tear to a jalapeño's eye, to the tequila selection so extensive that even Don Juan would blush – Licha's Cantina is an absolute must-visit for those seeking gastronomic adventures with a side of laughter.
Learn more2. Fabi and Rosi
509 Hearn St, Austin, TX 78703, USA
Welcome to Austin, where the lively and quirky sisters, Fabi and Rosi, run a charming little restaurant that embodies the spirit of the city. Fabi, the culinary genius, dances around the kitchen with a spoon in each hand, concocting mouthwatering dishes that will make your taste buds sing. Meanwhile, Rosi, the vibrant and bubbly hostess, glides between the tables, ensuring that every guest feels like a cherished part of their extended family.
Learn more3. Fukumoto
514 Medina St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to Fukumoto in Austin, where traditional Japanese cuisine meets the quirky Texan capital! This culinary gem will transport you to the streets of Tokyo without having to deal with airport security. With their scrumptious sushi rolls and melt-in-your-mouth ramen, your taste buds will scream, "Arigato!" Prepare for a delightful clash of cultures as Fukumoto blends the charm of the Lone Star State with the precision of a sushi chef. The ambiance here is reminiscent of a retro Japanese izakaya, where you can sip sake while pondering the eternal question of whether cowboy boots would pair well with a kimono. Don't be surprised if you find yourself shouting "howdy" and "konnichiwa" at the same time – it's just part of the multicultural experience! But beware, dear traveler: seating couldn't be cozier. You might find yourself rubbing elbows, quite literally, with your Texan neighbor as you slurp your noodles. Think of it as a sushi-rama, where tight seating breeds unique camaraderie and the occasional battle for the last piece of California roll. So, make sure to bring your social skills along with your chopsticks!
Learn more4. Veracruz All Natural
2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to Veracruz All Natural, a tiny taste of Mexico right here in the heart of Austin! Brace yourself for a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Veracruz. This vibrant eatery boasts flavors so bold and zesty, your mouth will do a little salsa dance of its own! So, grab your sombrero and get ready to indulge in their mouthwatering tacos, bursting with authentic ingredients and packed with more flavor than a spicy piñata party!
Learn more5. Fonda San Miguel
2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756, USA
Welcome to Fonda San Miguel, the glorious Mexican oasis in the heart of Austin! As you step inside, prepare to be transported to a realm where jalapeños reign supreme and salsa is considered a national treasure. Don't be alarmed by the opulent decor and vibrant colors; it's just a charming way of letting you know that here, guacamole is king and you'll want to dive into it with reckless abandon. So gather your amigos, loosen up those belts, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure worthy of an Oscar for Best Food in a Supporting Role.
Learn more6. Julio's Cafe
4230 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751, USA
Welcome to Julio's Cafe, the quirky hotspot in Austin that's been tickling taste buds and funny bones since 1998. Step foot into this cozy little joint and you'll find yourself surrounded by vibrant walls adorned with eccentric artwork, as if Salvador Dali and Gene Wilder decided to collaborate on a coffee shop. Brace yourself for some mind-blowing flavors as Julio, the caffeinated wizard behind the counter, conjures up concoctions that will make your taste buds high-five each other and leave your senses humming with delight.
Learn more7. Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to Franklin Barbecue, where the heavenly aroma of slow-cooked meats beckons carnivores from far and wide, forming a line that bobs and weaves like the Texas highways. Amidst the wait, you will bond with fellow enthusiasts, united by your unwavering dedication to become brisket connoisseurs. As you sink your teeth into a succulent slice of their acclaimed brisket, prepare to have your taste buds thrown into a state of bliss that can only be described as a mouthwatering symphony of smoky perfection.
Learn more8. Hestia
607 W 3rd St #105, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Hestia prides itself on being the hot new spot where fire and food unite in a harmonious dance. With an open-kitchen concept that’s hotter than a Texas summer, this upscale restaurant promises to set your taste buds ablaze with their wood-fired delights. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner for two or looking to heat up your Instagram feed, Hestia promises a fiery experience that will leave you feeling positively smokin’.
Learn more9. Uchi
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Welcome to Uchi, the culinary gem nestled in the heart of Austin! Brace yourself for a mind-boggling experience, as this Japanese fusion eatery will have your taste buds doing somersaults of joy. With sushi rolls so delicate they practically float off the plate, and a menu that combines traditional flavors with creative twists, Uchi is a food lover's playground that will leave you exclaiming "Oh Uchi, you sly little minx!"
Learn more10. Launderette
2115 Holly St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to Launderette, where Austin's dirty laundry goes to get clean, alongside its residents who come for mouthwatering eats! This funky joint combines the magical powers of both food and cleanliness, ensuring you can stuff your face and clean your clothes all in one swoop. Step inside this charming neighborhood spot to experience the whimsical blend of washer-dryer nostalgia with innovative dishes that will make your taste buds dance like a sock stuck in the spin cycle!
Learn more11. Emmer & Rye
SkyHouse, 51 Rainey St UNIT 110, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Welcome to Emmer & Rye, where culinary dreams come true in the quirky heart of Austin! As you saunter into this temple of gastronomy, be prepared to embark on an epicurean adventure that will leave your taste buds screaming hallelujah! With a menu inspired by the seasons and creativity that knows no boundaries, you'll be caught in a whirlwind of mind-boggling flavors and irresistible dishes like a moth to a flame.
Learn more12. Sour Duck Market
1814 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Sour Duck Market is a culinary haven that's sure to tickle your taste buds and leave you quacking for more. This vibrant eatery offers a delightful mishmash of flavors, blending Texan charm with an avant-garde twist. Whether you're craving lip-smacking smoked meats or craving a tangy sourdough bread that's as buoyant as a duck on a pond, Sour Duck Market has got you covered.
Learn more13. L'Oca d'Oro
1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, USA
Welcome to L'Oca d'Oro, where the delightful chaos of Italy meets the laid-back vibes of Austin! Step into this charming restaurant and be prepared to have your taste buds do the tango. The menu is a symphony of flavors, with dishes that will make your stomach sing like Pavarotti - from homemade pastas that melt in your mouth to pizzas that would have even the Mona Lisa cracking a smile.
Learn more14. East Side King
2000 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Welcome to East Side King in Austin, where the culinary stars have aligned to create an enchanting marriage between Asian cuisine and food truck culture. Brace yourself for a lip-smacking adventure that will transport your taste buds to new dimensions, leaving you wondering how you've lived this long without it. Prepare to be dazzled by the range of delectable dishes, resulting in an experience that will leave you both speechless and craving for more.
Learn more15. Olamaie
1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Welcome to Olamaie - where Southern hospitality meets culinary wizardry with a dash of charm! This delightful eatery nestled in the heart of Austin effortlessly blends high-end elegance with an informal, laid-back vibe. Prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing adventure as they embark on a tongue-tango with inventive southern favorites doused in delectable sauces that could make even a stoic cowboy yodel with joy.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Austin by plane is to fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is located just 5 miles outside of the city. Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United all fly into this airport from various cities across the United States.
Car
Driving to Austin is a popular option, especially if you are coming from within Texas or a neighboring state. Major highways such as I-35 and US-183 connect to Austin, and there are several car rental agencies at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Austin. The closest Amtrak station is in San Marcos, about 30 miles south of Austin. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach Austin.
Boat
Since Austin is located in the center of Texas, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, there are several nearby lakes and rivers that you can explore by boat, including Lake Travis and the Colorado River.
Bus
Taking a bus is a great option for getting to Austin from other major Texas cities such as Houston or Dallas. Greyhound and Megabus both operate in Austin, with a station located in the heart of downtown.