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
D
Darrylvip
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
J
Jerry
Dined 6 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Antoinette
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
A
Ashleyvip
Dined 2 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
L
Laurel
Dined 3 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
C
Caitlin
Dined 1 day ago
More lists for you
18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
74 Austin Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day
8 Gameday Tables to Book in Austin This Fall
5 cutting-edge restaurants to try now in Austin
The 6 best new Austin restaurants of 2023
12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves
Discover the Best New Restaurants in Austin
38 Austin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day
Austin’s 8 favorite bars
8 of Austin’s outstanding spots for celebrating special occasions
Discover the Best Fried Chicken in Austin
The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Austin
Explore other cities and regions
Other ways to experience the world through dining