18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
by Diana Spechler and James Wong
Updated December 15, 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
L
lOUISEvip
Dined 7 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Drew
Dined on Nov 17, 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 26, 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
P
Pamvip
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jodivip
Dined today
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Cat
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 11, 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Diane
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
N
Nancy
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jen
Dined 3 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Julievip
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Michal Lauren
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Dianavip
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Coryvip
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
JM
JaynieMvip
Dined on May 14, 2019
About the restaurant
Top review
P
Patricia
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Michaelvip
Dined 6 days ago
More lists for you
The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Austin
12 top restaurants for every kind of date in Austin
Taco-bout Tasty Tacos in Austin
18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
74 Austin Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day
The 6 best new Austin restaurants of 2023
5 cutting-edge restaurants to try now in Austin
12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves
The 11 most beautiful Austin restaurants to visit right now
Austin’s 10 Best Burgers
38 Austin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day
Discover the Best New Restaurants in Austin
Other ways to experience the world through dining