Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Central Austin

Food was excellent but for the quality of dining experience we expected better service. Our waitress had no suggestions for food or cocktails (almost like it was an inconvenience to be asked) and seemed less than attentive and not very friendly.

What a memorable night! It was worth the wait of having to make a reservation months in advance. We dined on a Friday evening and there was such a synergy to the entire restaurant. Even the Chef on expo looked so at ease with tickets flying in, he stopped and said hi to a smiling baby. Our server Kevin made us feel welcomed and as if we were the only table he was serving, just flawless. The steak cut like butter, it was perfect and highly recommend. The gnocchi reminded me of the last time I was in Italy, just delicious fluffy pillows. Our 9 year old had the Bolognese and it was bursting with flavor which was unexpected but delightful. We also had the meatballs and garlic bread, a perfect way to start the meal. Save room for dessert, you will not be disappointed. The only criticism was that our table was by the entry door and it was drafty and cold. I had to keep my jacket on during dinner, but other than that we look forward to returning in March!

Jeffrey’s is the finest overall dining experience in Austin for classic beautiful food, outstanding service, and an incredible wine selection (albeit a pricey but outstanding selection). Each offering is well prepared and well presented. The pork belly duck rillettes are little bites of luscious tasty apps, the escargot was delightful and not the classic thick butter garlic but a fresh presentation of the seafood tidbit with fresh herbs on puff pastry. We had the venison, which was delicious and perfectly medium to dark pink, and a lighter not gamey taste with a perfect sauce and red cabbage as in old world game. Potatoes were yummy but the Brussels sprouts were possibly the best we ever had: perfectly crisp and light in the center. Service was exceptional-attentive, professional yet friendly, knowledgeable and just delightful. Thanks! This why we keep coming back!!!

Wonderful food, as usual, first time at this location and the noise level is definitely better than Uchi!!

We had an amazing dinner on Tuesday evening. They have a great selection of tequila. The wine selection is a bit pricey, we had a nice bottle for about $85. For an appetizer we had the Hamachi, which I enjoyed but my husband was not really fond of. We also had the Brussel Sprouts and Sopes as an appetizer to share for the table. They were both excellent. The Brussel Sprouts had jalapenos, which gave them a nice kick. The entrees are very large, next time I think we will share. I had the whole roasted fish, which was amazing. Lots of garlic and the sauce was very flavorful. They debone the fish and it was wonderful with the homemade tortillas. My husband had the short rib, which was also delicious. It was very tender and flavorful. Our guests had the carne asada and the El Rey and both were very pleased. We shared the sweet potatoes and corn as sides. I really loved the sweet potatoes. Our service was great, even on a busy night and the manager did come by to check on us at one point. They are very conscious of food allergies, which I greatly appreciate. The entire menu is gluten free! A great place for dinner, before a show at ACL. Reservations required as they are very busy.