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20 Best Lunch Spots in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 27, 2020

With a slogan like "Keep Austin Weird", this Texas town has a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest of the region. Perhaps that has to do with the college culture, the annual South by Southwest film festival, the thriving live music scene or even the huge number of bats. When it comes to food, Austin has a surprising mix of Tex-Mex and barbeque, of course. But you can also enjoy oysters with work colleagues in classy surroundings. Grab a friend for a French-style lunch date, in a bistro-style setting or head south of the river to buzzy spots like South Congress. But where do the smartest, savviest diners go for the best lunch Austin style? Find out in the Tastemaker 20 Lists. We’ve found 20 of the best lunch Austin can offer. Book today for some of the best lunch Austin diners have found so far.

4.8 (1080)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
South Austin
It’s in the name: June’s serves up a range of dishes and grab-and-go coffee and pastries all day long. Lunch can be anything like a light Boston Lettuce Salad- with a luxurious black truffle vinaigrette- to hearty fare like the fried chicken sandwich with kohlrabi ranch slaw. Sit out on the patio and soak up the sun at this cheerful spot on the corner of South Congress Avenue.
Top review
Fareez
Dined 5 days ago
love this place marshmallow brownie was fantastic so was junes punch
It’s in the name: June’s serves up a range of dishes and grab-and-go coffee and pastries all day long. Lunch can be anything like a light Boston Lettuce Salad- with a luxurious black truffle vinaigrette- to hearty fare like the fried chicken sandwich with kohlrabi ranch slaw. Sit out on the patio and soak up the sun at this cheerful spot on the corner of South Congress Avenue.
Top review
Fareez
Dined 5 days ago
love this place marshmallow brownie was fantastic so was junes punch
4.9 (1828)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
A favorite spot for business lunches, Clark’s is the Downtown destination for the best in East and West Coast oysters. There’s always a buzzing atmosphere here, whether diners drop in during work for a couple of oysters or sit down for a leisurely lunch of the house burger with Black Angus beef and gooey Gruyere. Queues form quickly at lunchtime so reservations are always recommended.
Top review
Katherine
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Wow! Service was fantastic! Our waitress was so sweet and on top of it! We had two bottles of delicious French rose and a whole set of yummy oysters she helped us pick. I had a salad that had a generous portion for crab and my friends had burgers that they loved. Setting was also beautiful and comfortable. Thank you for a great dining experience ❤️
A favorite spot for business lunches, Clark’s is the Downtown destination for the best in East and West Coast oysters. There’s always a buzzing atmosphere here, whether diners drop in during work for a couple of oysters or sit down for a leisurely lunch of the house burger with Black Angus beef and gooey Gruyere. Queues form quickly at lunchtime so reservations are always recommended.
Top review
Katherine
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Wow! Service was fantastic! Our waitress was so sweet and on top of it! We had two bottles of delicious French rose and a whole set of yummy oysters she helped us pick. I had a salad that had a generous portion for crab and my friends had burgers that they loved. Setting was also beautiful and comfortable. Thank you for a great dining experience ❤️
4.8 (514)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Downtown
A dreamy diner destination on the edge of Bouldin Creek, Joann’s Fine Foods boasts an outdoor dining area to soak up the vibrant South Congress Avenue vibes plus a real retro feel. The classic diner elements are all here, but it’s had a modern makeover. Nowhere is that better seen than on the menu. Lunch runs right through until 4 pm, allowing guests to relax with avocado smoothies, grilled chicken tortas, or tacos and caldo de rez. The most fun Tex-Mex in town.
Top review
ElliottVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Always great fajitas and white bean hummus. Cool vibe
A dreamy diner destination on the edge of Bouldin Creek, Joann’s Fine Foods boasts an outdoor dining area to soak up the vibrant South Congress Avenue vibes plus a real retro feel. The classic diner elements are all here, but it’s had a modern makeover. Nowhere is that better seen than on the menu. Lunch runs right through until 4 pm, allowing guests to relax with avocado smoothies, grilled chicken tortas, or tacos and caldo de rez. The most fun Tex-Mex in town.
Top review
ElliottVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Always great fajitas and white bean hummus. Cool vibe
4.8 (992)
$30 and under
Southern
Central Austin
Colleen’s Kitchen invites diners to “Be Our Guest”, and join them for some of the best lunch Austin has to offer. Arrive any time between 11 and 4, and either relax in the bright and airy dining area or sit right out by the sidewalk. Catfish bites with pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a house burger with a blend of two cuts of beef are just some of the lunchtime home-style dishes on offer. Kids are welcome here, which is great as Colleen’s is just moments from the famous children’s museum, The Thinkery.
Top review
CnNijVIP
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Everyone was really sweet and attentive! The food was just what we were needing!
Colleen’s Kitchen invites diners to “Be Our Guest”, and join them for some of the best lunch Austin has to offer. Arrive any time between 11 and 4, and either relax in the bright and airy dining area or sit right out by the sidewalk. Catfish bites with pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a house burger with a blend of two cuts of beef are just some of the lunchtime home-style dishes on offer. Kids are welcome here, which is great as Colleen’s is just moments from the famous children’s museum, The Thinkery.
Top review
CnNijVIP
Dined on Mar 1, 2025
Everyone was really sweet and attentive! The food was just what we were needing!
4.8 (1380)
$31 to $50
American
Central Austin
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin locals know that relaxation and beautiful surroundings are often as important (or nearly as important) as great food. Josephine House, set in a traditional Clarksville cottage, is so pretty and so chilled. Plus, it has an all-day menu showcasing the absolute best of Texan produce. Marinated cucumbers with green pea hummus, rice bowls with chimichurri, and chipotle shrimp all provide filling and flavorful lunchtime treats. Hours vary day to day so check before booking.
Top review
kerry
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely quaint and beautiful! Loved all the things - ambiance, service and food
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin locals know that relaxation and beautiful surroundings are often as important (or nearly as important) as great food. Josephine House, set in a traditional Clarksville cottage, is so pretty and so chilled. Plus, it has an all-day menu showcasing the absolute best of Texan produce. Marinated cucumbers with green pea hummus, rice bowls with chimichurri, and chipotle shrimp all provide filling and flavorful lunchtime treats. Hours vary day to day so check before booking.
Top review
kerry
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely quaint and beautiful! Loved all the things - ambiance, service and food
4.8 (2704)
$50 and over
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown
Sleek and contemporary with a plush waterside setting, ATX already has plenty to tempt hungry diners in with. Not only does it serve some of the best modern Mexican food in town, but it’s a completely gluten-free restaurant. So, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular foodie destination. Head down every Friday for their lunch menu. Seafood offerings like campechana, bone-in ribeye with smoked chile butter, and hibiscus falafel are just some of the outstanding dishes in this accessible eatery. Perfect for big groups.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Outstanding!! Service was 5 star joy and the food was the very best Mexican cuisine we’ve ever had. An amazing meal we’ll remember.
Sleek and contemporary with a plush waterside setting, ATX already has plenty to tempt hungry diners in with. Not only does it serve some of the best modern Mexican food in town, but it’s a completely gluten-free restaurant. So, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular foodie destination. Head down every Friday for their lunch menu. Seafood offerings like campechana, bone-in ribeye with smoked chile butter, and hibiscus falafel are just some of the outstanding dishes in this accessible eatery. Perfect for big groups.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Outstanding!! Service was 5 star joy and the food was the very best Mexican cuisine we’ve ever had. An amazing meal we’ll remember.
4.6 (2215)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
Right in the heart of busy Downtown Austin, Wu Chow is a popular spot for lunch both for the working folks and those enjoying a leisurely stroll around town. Wu Chow’s partnerships with local farms and producers mean their menu is as sustainable as possible. Combine this with traditional Chinese flavors and it’s an exciting and satisfying lunch experience. Try their hot and sour soup for a pick-me-up, or Gong Bao Chicken for something more substantial. Need to keep a clear head for the rest of the day? Browse their menu of exotic teas.
Top review
CindyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Love the menu here. Can’t go wrong for a great night of food!
Right in the heart of busy Downtown Austin, Wu Chow is a popular spot for lunch both for the working folks and those enjoying a leisurely stroll around town. Wu Chow’s partnerships with local farms and producers mean their menu is as sustainable as possible. Combine this with traditional Chinese flavors and it’s an exciting and satisfying lunch experience. Try their hot and sour soup for a pick-me-up, or Gong Bao Chicken for something more substantial. Need to keep a clear head for the rest of the day? Browse their menu of exotic teas.
Top review
CindyVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Love the menu here. Can’t go wrong for a great night of food!
4.7 (1746)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown
Satisfy all those cravings for proper Italian food at North Italia. This Downtown venue maintains the North Italia ethos of the freshest ingredients- including house-made pasta- and big flavors. Share a few small plates of bruschetta or arancini, or even a chef’s board with parma ham, cheese, peppers, and pesto. Stay focused with a cup of some of the best cappuccino in town- perfectly frothy. Austin’s love letter to Italy.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
North Italia continues to be my absolute favorite italian spot, nothing beats it!
Satisfy all those cravings for proper Italian food at North Italia. This Downtown venue maintains the North Italia ethos of the freshest ingredients- including house-made pasta- and big flavors. Share a few small plates of bruschetta or arancini, or even a chef’s board with parma ham, cheese, peppers, and pesto. Stay focused with a cup of some of the best cappuccino in town- perfectly frothy. Austin’s love letter to Italy.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
North Italia continues to be my absolute favorite italian spot, nothing beats it!
4.7 (2287)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin has so many types of food on offer. This includes Mexican food which keeps the spirit of Central America alive and kicking. La Condesa is a prime example of this, blending the best of Austin with flavors straight from Mexico City. Lunch offerings include tuna tostadas, roasted mushroom quesadillas, and a range of traditionally filled tacos. Go beyond the traditional Tex-Mex and discover what real contemporary Mexican cuisine is all about.
Top review
Doug
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress was excellent. She knew all about the menu and guided us. The shared plate style was great.
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin has so many types of food on offer. This includes Mexican food which keeps the spirit of Central America alive and kicking. La Condesa is a prime example of this, blending the best of Austin with flavors straight from Mexico City. Lunch offerings include tuna tostadas, roasted mushroom quesadillas, and a range of traditionally filled tacos. Go beyond the traditional Tex-Mex and discover what real contemporary Mexican cuisine is all about.
Top review
Doug
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress was excellent. She knew all about the menu and guided us. The shared plate style was great.
4.7 (1579)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
Ranch 616, started by a chef who has cooked all over America before returning to his Austin roots. This South Texas-style icehouse blends Gulf Coast ingredients with the flavors of Texas. What does this mean for those looking for lunch Downtown? Daily enchiladas, fish tacos with just the right amount of spice, fried quail, or award-winning frogs’ legs fried to perfection. All served in surroundings dotted with memorabilia of Texan culture.
Top review
Andrea
Dined 3 days ago
We had the very best evening at Ranch 616. The restaurant is full of charm and that special something that is Austin, the food is delicious, and the service is wonderful. We love it there.
Ranch 616, started by a chef who has cooked all over America before returning to his Austin roots. This South Texas-style icehouse blends Gulf Coast ingredients with the flavors of Texas. What does this mean for those looking for lunch Downtown? Daily enchiladas, fish tacos with just the right amount of spice, fried quail, or award-winning frogs’ legs fried to perfection. All served in surroundings dotted with memorabilia of Texan culture.
Top review
Andrea
Dined 3 days ago
We had the very best evening at Ranch 616. The restaurant is full of charm and that special something that is Austin, the food is delicious, and the service is wonderful. We love it there.
4.3 (1287)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Downtown
There’s no shortage of lunch options Downtown. Some simply can’t help but stand out from the rest, though. Swift’s in one of those places that looks like it might be overly classy for a lunch date, but it manages to avoid being intimidating by combining a relaxing atmosphere with stylish surroundings. The food is a mix of global flavors. This could be vegan salads with sharp Granny Smith apples, fish and chips with the catch of the day, or the Koreuben: A Korean take on the classic pastrami sandwich. Booking recommended.
Top review
MistyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great service, cool buildout. Salty, salty food.
There’s no shortage of lunch options Downtown. Some simply can’t help but stand out from the rest, though. Swift’s in one of those places that looks like it might be overly classy for a lunch date, but it manages to avoid being intimidating by combining a relaxing atmosphere with stylish surroundings. The food is a mix of global flavors. This could be vegan salads with sharp Granny Smith apples, fish and chips with the catch of the day, or the Koreuben: A Korean take on the classic pastrami sandwich. Booking recommended.
Top review
MistyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great service, cool buildout. Salty, salty food.
4.7 (989)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
When there’s a big group looking for the perfect Downtown lunch destination, The Grove is a choice that gets mentioned time after time. Inspirations for the menu range from Italian to Asian, meaning discerning guests can start with bruschetta then move onto sesame-crusted tuna or sticky pork belly sliders with sriracha aioli. Look out for lunch combo specials of soup and sandwiches- a great value way to enjoy this pretty Downtown spot.
Top review
AndreaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We ordered a bit of everything across the menu, and everything start to finish, from the bruschetta to the desserts, was excellent. We were a party of 8, and everyone enjoyed it all.
When there’s a big group looking for the perfect Downtown lunch destination, The Grove is a choice that gets mentioned time after time. Inspirations for the menu range from Italian to Asian, meaning discerning guests can start with bruschetta then move onto sesame-crusted tuna or sticky pork belly sliders with sriracha aioli. Look out for lunch combo specials of soup and sandwiches- a great value way to enjoy this pretty Downtown spot.
Top review
AndreaVIP
Dined 5 days ago
We ordered a bit of everything across the menu, and everything start to finish, from the bruschetta to the desserts, was excellent. We were a party of 8, and everyone enjoyed it all.
4.2 (1186)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
Caroline’s might be a date night favorite, but it’s also a hot spot for social and relaxed lunches. The restaurant opens at 6 in the morning, so by the time lunch comes around they are really into the swing of things. Any time after 10.30 and right through until 4, diners can dig into spicy devilled eggs, a house salad with blueberries and fennel, or a classic chicken schnitzel with green beans. Texan flavors with a little something extra.
Top review
Shannon
Dined 4 days ago
Really great food. Upbeat experience as the restaurant was packed. Great cocktails. I had an espresso martini and it was delicious.
Caroline’s might be a date night favorite, but it’s also a hot spot for social and relaxed lunches. The restaurant opens at 6 in the morning, so by the time lunch comes around they are really into the swing of things. Any time after 10.30 and right through until 4, diners can dig into spicy devilled eggs, a house salad with blueberries and fennel, or a classic chicken schnitzel with green beans. Texan flavors with a little something extra.
Top review
Shannon
Dined 4 days ago
Really great food. Upbeat experience as the restaurant was packed. Great cocktails. I had an espresso martini and it was delicious.
4.2 (1149)
$30 and under
American
North Central
True Food Kitchen knows that diners want more than just a great meal. They want to know that it’s sustainably sourced, organic where possible, and that it’s doing them some real good. True Food has this covered, with a regularly rotating menu packed with seasonal fare, including many paleo and keto-friendly options. Their Winter Immunity Bowl, for example, is a feast of wild mushrooms, peas, watermelon radish, and miso. For healthier options, this is the best lunch Austin has on offer.
Top review
CharlesVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Please focus on the MEN'S bathroom. Your restaurant is amazing except the bathroom cleanness.
True Food Kitchen knows that diners want more than just a great meal. They want to know that it’s sustainably sourced, organic where possible, and that it’s doing them some real good. True Food has this covered, with a regularly rotating menu packed with seasonal fare, including many paleo and keto-friendly options. Their Winter Immunity Bowl, for example, is a feast of wild mushrooms, peas, watermelon radish, and miso. For healthier options, this is the best lunch Austin has on offer.
Top review
CharlesVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Please focus on the MEN'S bathroom. Your restaurant is amazing except the bathroom cleanness.
4.7 (2427)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
The Domain is one of those huge, sprawling retail centers that can take hours to even see half of. Thankfully, there are some great spots to sit down and refuel. Culinary Dropout is one such place, with its gastropub stylings and menu full of comfort food classics. Mix up some helpings of meats and cheeses, or grab a few bar snacks to share. If olives and bacon cheddar pretzel bites aren’t quite substantial enough, a spicy vegan curry or bistro steak might do the trick. Plenty to choose from.
Top review
Ellie
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful food and service as usual whatever you order here will be super tasty
The Domain is one of those huge, sprawling retail centers that can take hours to even see half of. Thankfully, there are some great spots to sit down and refuel. Culinary Dropout is one such place, with its gastropub stylings and menu full of comfort food classics. Mix up some helpings of meats and cheeses, or grab a few bar snacks to share. If olives and bacon cheddar pretzel bites aren’t quite substantial enough, a spicy vegan curry or bistro steak might do the trick. Plenty to choose from.
Top review
Ellie
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful food and service as usual whatever you order here will be super tasty
4.7 (4640)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
Chez Zee has been a quirky part of Austin culture since 1989. Today, it’s recognized as one of the top restaurants in America, particularly for the brunch offerings. Board games and fairy lights await at this whimsical wonder, plus a lunch menu full of serious Southern flavor. Fried pickles get the mouth watering, then a choice of quiches, pasta, fish specials, and entrees like chicken fried steak are set to satisfy any appetite. Always a warm, fun experience.
Top review
SheraleeVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Meal was very good! They knew we were celebrating a birthday! Server Mary was very attentive. Love that the restaurant takes reservations and has ample parking.
Chez Zee has been a quirky part of Austin culture since 1989. Today, it’s recognized as one of the top restaurants in America, particularly for the brunch offerings. Board games and fairy lights await at this whimsical wonder, plus a lunch menu full of serious Southern flavor. Fried pickles get the mouth watering, then a choice of quiches, pasta, fish specials, and entrees like chicken fried steak are set to satisfy any appetite. Always a warm, fun experience.
Top review
SheraleeVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Meal was very good! They knew we were celebrating a birthday! Server Mary was very attentive. Love that the restaurant takes reservations and has ample parking.
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