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Best Authentic Restaurants in Central Austin

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72 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3939)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 151 times today
Wood Fired hand crafted Italian food set in a rustic modern open space in the warehouse district in ATX. A wide range of specialty dishes created by Chef owner John Carver and his staff on a nightly basis. Our house made Pastas, Fresh Seafood, and Prime Steaks are all prepared on wood fired grill, oven and plancha. An International wine list, specialty craft cocktails, and local brewed beers to choose from. Dolce and some Grappa, Amaro or Vino Dolce to add to your dining experience at Red Ash Italia.
A photo of Sushi Endo restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(77)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 10 times today
For only $150 a seat for a limited time, experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Chef Endo Yasuhiro's 20-course omakase at our establishment, a collaboration with the renowned Sushi Nakazawa of Washington D.C. and New York City fame. Indulge in a culinary journey meticulously curated by Chef Endo, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.Enhancing your dining experience, our custom bar features an impressive selection of rare Japanese whiskies, top-rated sake, and artisanal beers sourced from both local and Japanese breweries. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Japan as you savor each sip and bite.To further entice your palate, please note that our menu changes daily, ensuring that you experience the freshest and most seasonal offerings handpicked by Chef Endo himself. Join us and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
A photo of Aba - Austin restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1191)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • East Austin
Booked 157 times today
Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, is a Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence. The menu features Chef CJ Jacobson’s modern approach to Mediterranean cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean regions.
A photo of Yamas Austin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1083)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Austin
Booked 57 times today
For parties of 12 or more, please email reservations@yamasatx.com. We look forward to having you dine with us.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1455)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 104 times today
Sammie’s is a little taste of old Italy in downtown Austin. It celebrates the great ‘red sauce’ institution—inspired by old school, legendary Italian-American restaurants. The menu offers classic dishes in a casual but sophisticated, retro-designed space that is both lively and comfortable, capturing the essence of a night out at your favorite neighborhood joint. The space consists of a central dining room overlooking Shoal Creek and 6th Street, polished wood bar, Mildred’s Room (a private dining/wine room), and wraparound patio dining area. Please note that patio seating is weather contingent. The menu offers riffs on standards including Housemade Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Casino, and Caesar Salad a la Tommy; timeless pastas like Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Linguine Vongole; and Sammie’s Classics: big portions of iconic plates like Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Baked Manicotti.
A photo of Suerte restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(72)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • East Austin
Booked 99 times today
Suerte is a restaurant inspired by the people, cooking techniques, and flavors of Mexico. Nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez and his team pride themselves on the use of local ingredients from our beloved farmers to achieve something delicious and uniquely East Austin.
A photo of VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(603)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Austin
Booked 31 times today
VERDAD pulls from traditions cultivated throughout Mexican history to authentically capture and appreciate the relationship between the past and the present – a focus that inspired the concept’s name VERDAD. VERDAD translates to “truth”. VERDAD will bring this promise to life with authentic, ingredients-focused Mexican dishes modernized through high-end cooking technique and innovative presentation, providing an elevated dining experience inspired by a steakhouse point-of-view. Follow the history as it unfolds through the VERDAD menu, robust collection of tequila, sweet treats and more!
A photo of The Guest House Austin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(195)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 36 times today
Welcome to The Guest House – A new dining destination in downtown Austin. We are redefining the dining experience, infusing timeless classics with a modern twist. Our restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual meet-up, business meeting, or a special celebration.
A photo of Licha's Cantina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(289)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • East Austin
Booked 19 times today
BIENVENIDO A LICHA’S…Located in the heart of East 6th Street, Licha’s has become a niche restaurant for Austinites craving a bite of interior México. The restaurant is named after owner, Daniel Brooks’ mother, Alicia “Licha” Rivera, The atmosphere at Licha’s is casual and familiar. When you are here, you are in our home and we want to cater to you. Inspired by the Mexican soulfood cooking that we were raised with, our menu is prepared by a team of passionate cooks. All of our masa products are made fresh and daily in-house and our proteins are thoughtfully brined and braised with a medley of herbs and spices. If you’re interested in distilled agave products, Licha’s offers a large range of tequilas, mescales, bacanoras and sotoles. Lichas’ friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help should you have any questions about any of our dishes or menu options.
A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1481)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
A neighborhood gem! This family-run Italian restaurant offers a chic, rustic atmosphere in a downtown Austin landmark historic 1876 building. Enjoy outdoor sidewalk cafe dining just steps from the Texas State Capitol (dog friendly).We feature a wide variety of authentic Italian pastas, pizza, meats, seafood & unique daily specials. (GF and Veg options). Daily specials highlight the freshest and most seasonal offerings, such as Rigatoni Alla Norcina (sausage with truffle oil), house-made Gnocchi Sorrentina, and Whole Roasted Fish. Gelato, sorbets and desserts are delicious and made in-house. The cozy full-bar offers classic Italian cocktails and a sizable wine list representing Italy’s diverse regions.All breads and pizza are made daily using naturally leavened dough and an ancient fermentation process; this improves digestibility and creates a delicious flavor. Neapolitan pizzas are baked at 1000 degrees in a wood-fired brick oven. Your new Austin favorite.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Tami
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    I’ve been here several times and the food is always outstanding. The octopus salad is one of our favorite appetizers. The service is excellent and the restaurant is beautifully decorated.
    More info
    Yamas AustinPrice: Expensive• Greek• Austin
    4.6
  • Kelley
    Austin •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I loved the lobster tails, scampi style & thought the pasta was a wonderful accompaniment. Also the chopped salad was crisp & had the perfect amount of salad dressing. The only downer was the red fish crudo. The main flavor was an overwhelming lime taste. It would've been much better in a "tears of the tiger" sauce or with some wasabi to make it more sushi-like. Serving it with crackers would help also and the avocados were unsalted. I've tried almost the whole Red Ash menu - the crudo is my least favorite dish. Try any of the other appetizers instead!
    More info
    Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.9
  • Elizabeth
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This is a fantastic venue for a work lunch. The atmosphere is elegant, and the attention to detail is evident in everything, from the ambient candles in the bathroom to the beautifully presented mocktails we enjoyed. I have two minor suggestions for improvement: first, our table for four felt a bit cramped given the size of the plates, and second, while we ordered three dips, we felt that the pita was not replenished as frequently as we would have liked. Overall, however, I would rate the experience a solid 10/10. I highly recommend this establishment and look forward to returning in the future.
    More info
    Aba - AustinPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• East Austin
    4.8
  • DavidVIP
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food, excellent service and overall, an excellent experience…we will be back.
    More info
    Sammie's ItalianPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Kristin
    Austin •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We took advantage of the weeknight omakase experience it was worth every penny. Absolutely loved the vibe here. We arrived a bit early and were seated in the lounge where the host took our drink orders. Once all of the place settings were arranged, all guests were seated at the same time for a 16-course dinner. Every bite was amazing - even fish that I don't typically consider a favorite were prepared to perfection. All of the staff were warm and friendly, and you can tell that Chef Endo has really poured himself and his love for the craft into every aspect of this experience. We will 100% be back soon.
    More info
    Sushi EndoPrice: Very Expensive• Creative Japanese• Old West Austin
    4.9

Discover best authentic restaurants in Central Austin

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Central Austin, a hub for authentic culinary experiences. Central Austin's restaurant landscape offers a diverse array of options for those seeking genuine flavors and high-quality ingredients. From cozy eateries to bustling bistros, each establishment prides itself on delivering an authentic dining experience that reflects the unique culinary traditions and local culture. Patrons can expect menus rich with locally sourced products, crafted by chefs who are passionate about preserving the authenticity of their dishes. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor looking to explore the true taste of Austin, these restaurants provide not only a meal but a genuine taste of the area's gastronomic heritage. The emphasis on authenticity ensures that every dish tells a story, making your dining experience both memorable and deeply satisfying.

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