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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Central Austin

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nori restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(305)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old West Austin
Booked 39 times today
Plant-based Japanese Cuisine serving sushi, ramen and crafted cocktails. Cozy romantic atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating available. Come try our best seller Volcano Roll and handmade Shiitake Gyozas.
A photo of Sushi Endo restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(72)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 6 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 Yamas Austin restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1059)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Austin
Booked 48 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 Corinne restaurant
4.2
Awesome(539)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
Corinne, in downtown Austin, Texas, is worth the drive for its modern American cuisine and exceptional service. As per the reviews, it's a vibrant spot with delicious food like the baked half rotisserie chicken and wagyu beef. The service is praised for being knowledgeable and attentive. Even with the limited menu, each dish is carefully curated for a great experience. The ambiance is described as social and energetic. It's a great place for a family meal, date night, or special occasions.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2176)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
We are now open for Dine-in, Patio Service, Curbside, and Delivery! Lunch Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm Dinner Monday – Thursday 5pm–10pm | Friday – Saturday 5pm–11pmSunday Dim Sum 11am–3pm Happy Hour | Monday -- Friday (Cocktail Area & Patio Only) 5pm–6pmWu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes representative of all eight styles of Chinese cuisine, as well as Dim Sum service on Sunday's -- dine-in or to go!
A photo of The Salty Sow restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3992)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • East Austin
Booked 53 times today
Love SWINE+Wine+BEER? From the creators of Eddie V's, Roaring Fork & Hopdoddy, Larry Foles & Guy Villavosa brings you Salty Sow. The culinary force of Chef Harold Marmulstein & Chef Nick Sheley are together at Austin's premier head to tail restaurant. Salty Sow serves modern farmhouse cuisine, combining new cooking techniques with old-world methods like braising, poaching, and stewing. Our signature cocktail ingredients come fresh out of the garden, featuring local and organic spirits. Founded by long-time food lovers, we take special care to prepare everything we serve from scratch and by hand daily.
A photo of Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5176)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 40 times today
Truluck's, a premier dining destination since 1992, offers high-quality seafood and exceptional service with a commitment to sustainability. Renowned for its Florida Stone Crab, Truluck's ensures this delicacy goes from trap to table in 24 hours during its October to May season. Under Corporate Executive Chef Thomas Dritsas, the menu features fresh seafood and prime steaks, complemented by an extensive beverage program. Adhering to Ocean Conservancy guidelines, Truluck's supports sustainable practices and community initiatives. With 12 locations and a dedicated team, Truluck's creates remarkable dining experiences. Reservations can be made online or via OpenTable.
A photo of Lucky Robot restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1192)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Bouldin Creek
Booked 35 times today
Lucky Robot is a gem in Austin, known for its unique blend of Modern Nikkei cuisine and traditional sushi. As one reviewer put it, it's 'such a great place!' with 'interesting and varied menus', 'beautiful dining rooms' and 'excellent food and service'. Their 'quality food' and 'impeccable' service make it worth the visit. Plus, they're committed to sustainability and healthy oceans, making every bite a conscious choice.
A photo of Goodall's Kitchen restaurant
3.9
Excellent(368)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Goodall’s Kitchen offers a playful take on refined Texas cuisine served in an intimate setting within the distinguished Hotel Ella.
A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1473)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 9 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
  • JosephVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Parking at entrance and across the street. Atmosphere is friendly and reminiscent of Greece. Service is attentive. Food is incredibly delicious. We had the bass and beef short rib dishes for mains. Grilled octopus starter is the best we have had. Baklava is authentic; not too sweet. Would definitely recommend (make reservations!), and will return on our next visit to Austin.
    More info
    Yamas AustinPrice: Expensive• Greek• Austin
    4.5
  • James
    Austin •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We always go to ALC for special occasions. It’s quiet, great food and service. It’s easy to have a private conversation here.
    More info
    ALC Steaks (Austin Land & Cattle)Price: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • Michael
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had an outstanding anniversary celebration at Trulucks. We were greeted warmly by the hostess and were seated at a very nice roomy table. The ambience was nice, with tasteful holiday decor. Curtis rendered outstanding service and the level of attention was just right. Nothing was rushed and all of the menu items arrived with perfect timing. Points of service were adhered to without any of the stuffiness that can sometimes accompany that. The food was prepared with great skill and the flavors were on point. In honor of our anniversary, we were presented with a table side Baked Alaska which was divine. Every member of that staff thanked us as we left, and felt very genuine. We don’t get to have dinners like this very often, so it was so nice for the experience to really deliver. We loved it. Thank you to Trulucks and the wonderful staff! Will definitely visit again as soon as we are able.
    More info
    Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin DowntownPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.8
  • David
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent. Staff, especially our waitperson - “Dace”? was personable, professional and respective of our requests.
    More info
    Las Palomas Restaurant-BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Austin / Westlake
    4.7
  • John
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Morgan was super sweet! Informed us about items on the menu, and was super welcoming. Loved this place, can’t wait to be back!!
    More info
    Wu Chow-DowntownPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Downtown
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Central Austin

Discover the culinary treasures of Central Austin with our curated list of restaurants that are truly "worth the drive". Each dining spot offers a unique blend of flavors, atmosphere, and top-notch service that stands out in the vibrant Austin food scene. Whether you're craving innovative Tex-Mex, authentic Interior Mexican cuisine, or farm-to-table freshness, these establishments promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Central Austin is not just a hub for political and cultural activities; it’s also a thriving gastronomic center known for its eclectic food offerings that cater to all taste buds. Our selection focuses on restaurants that not only provide exceptional meals but also enrich your dining experience with their charming ambiances and expert staff. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful culinary exploration, these restaurants make every drive worthwhile. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination as you explore these gastronomic gems in Central Austin.

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