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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Top Roe restaurant
1. Top Roe
4.5
Awesome(33)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Top Roe is a Yōshoko Japanese restaurant located in Austin Texas. Created by Executive Chef Paul Qui, there are two experiences offered under one roof: Top Roe Izakaya and Top Roe Hand Roll. Our 12-seat handroll counter operates on a first come, first served basis. Because no one likes a soggy handroll, Top Roe’s handrolls are exclusively offered at the handroll counter. The handroll counter also encourages a 30-to-45-minute dining experience to preserve the integrity of the freshly made handrolls. Top Roe’s menu in the izakaya-style dining room offers a small plate menu featuring agemono(fried dishes), yakimono (grilled dishes) and cold plates dictated by what’s available from Qui’s favorite local farms and meat and seafood purveyors. Stay for a while if you’d like! The izakaya dining room is designed to welcome longer dining experiences than its in-and-out handroll bar counterpart.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
2. Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6
Exceptional(2215)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 53 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 Corinne - Downtown restaurant
3. Corinne - Downtown
4.3
Awesome(569)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 35 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 Cafe Blue - Downtown restaurant
4. Cafe Blue - Downtown
3.2
Good(1104)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown
Escape to the coastal and tropical flavors of Cafe Blue. Our Oyster Bar features a variety of freshly shucked Oysters on the Half Shell, as well as Snow Crab Claws, Shrimp Cocktail, and two kinds of Ceviche. Popular seafood selections include Cedar Plank Salmon, Crab Stuffed Flounder and Kick Ass Sea Bass. Our steaks are dry-aged in-house for 14 days, and all desserts are scratch-made. To complement our menu, we feature an extensive, award-winning wine list, with over 30 varieties available by the glass. Our bar offers a number of Caribbean-inspired cocktails such as the Painkiller and the Dark & Stormy, as well as popular martinis and fresh lime juice margaritas.
A photo of Aris restaurant
5. Aris
4.7
Exceptional(98)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Austin
Booked 50 times today
Discover Austin’s newest dining gem, Aris, brought to you by Sof Hospitality. Located in opulent Clarksville, Aris blends modern Mediterranean cuisine with stunning design. Enjoy prime dry-aged steaks, fresh fish, and vegetable-forward dishes in a lively, terracotta-accented space. With a curated wine and cocktail program, and an inviting atmosphere, Aris is the perfect spot to gather, celebrate, and unwind. Open daily at 5 p.m.
A photo of Paperboy restaurant
6. Paperboy
4.9
Exceptional(280)
Price: Expensive
• Breakfast • East Austin
Booked 60 times today
Paperboy is a breakfast and lunch spot, known for its thoughtfully curated menu and comfortable atmosphere. We use simple, quality ingredients in our dishes, with bread, juices, sauces and preserves made in-house. Whether you grab a pastry and coffee to go or sit and enjoy a meal with your friends, we put just as much thought and care into the Paperboy experience as the food itself.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
7. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1530)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 67 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 Nômade restaurant
8. Nômade
4.7
Exceptional(519)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Austin
Booked 54 times today
Nômade is a gem in Austin, transporting visitors to the Yucatán with its open-fire grills and flavors that are both authentic and creative. As one reviewer put it, 'the food is delicious and interesting - flavors are authentic with a twist.' It's not just about the food, though - the ambiance is consistently praised as a 'vacation mode' and the service is 'wonderful, professional and caring.' It's a must-visit for any foodie or anyone seeking a unique dining experience.
A photo of It's Italian Cucina restaurant
9. It's Italian Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(910)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • South Austin
Booked 7 times today
Northern Italian Cuisine, A True Piedmont Restaurant, Martini and Wine Bar, along with an Award winning Patio (il Cortile) Comfortable and cool in Summer with misting fans, and warm in winter with heaters.Our philosophy - is one of Cucina Italiana! We cook for you as we do for our family with “Una Passione Grande” in a polished casual atmosphere.Our focus on the menu, includes fresh handmade pasta, seafood, meats, cheese, and desserts, along with handmade craft cocktails and award winning wine list.
A photo of Lucky Robot restaurant
10. Lucky Robot
4.7
Exceptional(1243)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Bouldin Creek
Booked 41 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.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover the culinary gems of Downtown Austin, where every restaurant is "worth the drive" for its distinct dining experience. This curated selection of eateries showcases a variety of atmospheres and cuisines, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts. From upscale steakhouses offering perfectly seasoned USDA Prime Beef to vibrant spots serving modern American dishes, each location is celebrated for its high-quality food, exceptional service, and inviting ambiance. Whether you're in the mood for a cultural dining experience at a Brazilian steakhouse or a relaxing evening with stunning views at a rooftop bar, Downtown Austin has a restaurant that catifies every taste and occasion. The dining scene here is dynamic and diverse, reflecting the city's eclectic and energetic vibe. Each restaurant stands out for its commitment to excellence, making any of them a worthwhile destination for both locals and visitors alike. So, if you're looking for a truly memorable dining experience, consider these top-rated spots that promise much more than just a meal, but a delightful culinary journey in the heart of Austin.

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