18 restaurants that define dining in Austin
by Diana Spechler and James Wong
Updated 15 December 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 on 19 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 16 Nov 2024
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Drew
Dined on 17 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 26 May 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Jerry
Dined 7 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Antoinette
Dined 1 day ago
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Cat
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
OT
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 11 May 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Diane
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
N
Nancy
Dined 3 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
A
Ashleyvip
Dined 3 days ago
Discover more
About the restaurant
Top review
J
Julievip
Dined 5 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
M
Michal Lauren
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
D
Dianavip
Dined 2 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
L
Laurel
Dined 4 days ago
About the restaurant
Top review
JM
JaynieMvip
Dined on 14 May 2019
About the restaurant
Top review
P
Patricia
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
About the restaurant
Top review
C
Caitlin
Dined 2 days 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
The 6 best new Austin restaurants of 2023
12 Austin restaurants that our local editor loves
Discover the Best New Restaurants in Austin
Austin’s 10 Best Burgers
Austin’s 8 favorite bars
38 Austin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day
8 of Austin’s outstanding spots for celebrating special occasions
12 top restaurants for every kind of date in Austin
20 Best Lunch Spots in Austin
Explore other cities and regions
Other ways to experience the world through dining