
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.

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SueVIP
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Heather
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Isaac
Dined on Feb 18, 2025
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OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 26, 2024
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Dr. Neferiatiti
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
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Sweety331166
Dined 1 day ago
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TobyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined on May 11, 2024
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JohnVIP
Dined 6 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
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AlyssaVIP
Dined 2 days ago
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OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 4 days ago
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jeneVIP
Dined 1 day ago
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Pete
Dined 4 days ago
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OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
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JaynieMVIP
Dined on May 14, 2019
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Patricia
Dined on Nov 15, 2024
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OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
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