Best Restaurants for Quiet Conversation in Central Austin

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Austin

Areas

AustinCentral AustinDowntownEast AustinMidtownNorth Central

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Hopfields

4.7

Exceptional(317)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Midtown

Booked 9 times today

Hopfields specializes in French-fusion locally focused cuisine, 40 tap craft beer wall, a thoughtfully curated wine list and full bar. Boasting a warm inviting atmosphere with cozy nooks to venture into. Often praised for it's elevated but approachable style. The scratch-made menu offers food ranging from upscale specials, a finger-food bar menu, traditional-fusion French comforts and our Pascal Burger that has won Best Burger in Austin 6 years in a row.Hopfields has tableside service reservable for dinner in our dining room and patio, as well as a walk-in bar service, so you can customize the experience you want and always find a seat. Our lunch is a bar-service style that features traditional French sandwiches, salads and snacks. Brunch has a special menu reservable for tableside service or casual bar-style service; all in a 'not your average too-busy-to-book restaurant' setting. A few brunch classics, but many twists that make the menu scrumptious for everyone.

2. Poeta

4.8

Exceptional(409)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Poetry / like food / is meant to be shared.Our words can evoke, comfort, inspire, fulfill, provoke, ultimately adding meaning to our lives and nutrition to our souls. Like words on a page, bringing ingredients together on a dish is our poetry; the love of preparing and sharing food from the heart is what brings out the poet in us…For the same reasons behind revisiting the works of your favorite poet, we aim to offer a place that brings you back for food and atmosphere. Find familiar comfort, or experience and inspire new, with friends, family, and self. Poeta is nestled within The Frances Modern Inn located on historic 11th street, just minutes from downtown.Locally created and operated by award winning chefs, this neighborhood establishment welcomes everyone to partake in a meal, drinks, or dessert all day with breakfast, lunch or dinner, and enjoy daily happy hour.

3. The Salty Sow

4.8

Exceptional(4072)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • East Austin

Booked 48 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.

4. 34th Street Cafe

4.9

Exceptional(252)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Central Austin

Booked 7 times today

A local, cozy restaurant, 29 years in the making! We pride ourselves on being a neighborhood staple with great food, great service, and great wine.Lunch is served daily from 11am to 3 pm with counter service. Dinner begins daily at 5:00pm and is full table service. We are closed on Sundays.House favorites include our Chinese Hack Chicken Salad and the famous Chicken Picatta .

5. Yamas Austin

4.5

Awesome(1189)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Austin

Booked 66 times today

For parties of 12 or more, please email reservations@yamasatx.com. We look forward to having you dine with us.

6. Nightcap

4.5

Awesome(728)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Nightcap was originally conceived as a place for sweet sustenance and sparkling cocktails. Since then, we have evolved into so much more. Our space is now known as a late night, date night spot for guests and friends alike. The cozy atmosphere is welcoming, romantic and is also a great place to dine solo. It’s a space to make new friends, enjoy some incredibly tasteful food and cocktails that aim to please. Nightcap carries an old school Austin vibe that is hard to be classified as a bar or restaurant. We like to consider ourselves as a nightly dinner party at your friends house. The idea is to come over, have a great time and let us clean up afterwards. On special occasions, glitter is our favorite color that is often paired with bubbles. We hope you join us for any occasion and truly enjoy your evening.

A photo of RA Sushi Bar Restaurant - Austin, TX restaurant

7. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant - Austin, TX

3.7

Very Good(1060)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Everyone has an adventurous side and RA Sushi is the place to explore and find yours. At RA, we're all about lively music, an energetic atmosphere, inventive cocktails and out-of-this-world sushi. Where else can you enjoy happy hour every day of the week? You know when you're in the RA because there's no other place like it. Order up the best sushi in town and prepare to be blown away by our signature rolls and amazing Japanese cuisine. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just looking to explore new flavors, RA is your go-to destination. So bring your friends and grab a table or hit up our patio, either way, you're in for a great time.

A photo of Corinne - Downtown restaurant

8. Corinne - Downtown

4.3

Awesome(569)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

Discover delectable modern American cuisine in Austin, Texas when dining at Corinne. Our downtown restaurant offers fresh and approachable timeless classics in a social and energetic setting. Be sure to check out our exciting drinks and signature rotisserie!

9. Chapulín Cantina

4.6

Exceptional(266)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

Chapulin Cantina offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere. Our bar boasts creative cocktails and an incredible selection of mezcals you won't find anywhere else! Striving to bring the flavor of Oaxaca to South Congress, Austin TX.Allergies to Nuts and Seeds not friendly. Chapulin has a 15 minute Grace period for reservations, please call if you are running late.

10. Chez Zee

4.7

Exceptional(4639)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Northwest

Booked 49 times today

Welcome to Chez Zee American Bistro, where Parisian bakery charm meets casual American bistro flair. This iconic Austin original offers a captivating dining experience for a range of occasions, from intimate date nights and business lunches to lively parties, happy hours, and indulgent weekend brunches. We also understand the demands of the modern world, providing convenient online ordering. All that, and we serve the most divine desserts in Austin. Planning a celebration? Our private banquet party room is designed for special occasions or join us for happy hour, perfect for unwinding after a long day or catching up with friends. The weekend is for relaxation, and our brunch menu is the epitome of laid-back indulgence. Share laughter with loved ones over delightful dishes, mimosas, and, of course, our irresistible desserts. Chez Zee American Bistro is more than a restaurant; it's a place where culinary excellence meets unforgettable experiences. We look forward to serving you soon.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Holley
Charlotte •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our service was amazing! The food was fantastic and we had some to bring home.
More info
The Salty SowPrice: Moderate• Gastro Pub• East Austin
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Love Yamas! Great service. Sitting in the patio is the best. Lots of love put into atmosphere and lighting.
More info
Yamas AustinPrice: Expensive• Greek• Austin
•
4.5
L
Laura
Austin •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Always fun quirky delish. Back tables much quieter than front bar which is also awesome, just 2 different kinds of experiences
More info
HopfieldsPrice: Expensive• French• Midtown
•
4.7
R
RandyVIP
Austin •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We always like 34th Street Cafe. It’s the closest thing to a really good neighborhood restaurant in Austin.
More info
34th Street CafePrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Central Austin
•
4.9
K
Kamaniya
New Orleans / Louisiana •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 14 Feb 2025
The service was excellent, they were very busy and anticipated delays and brought out a salad to bide the time. Other than the host, everyone was so helpful and attentive!
More info
PoetaPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.8

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