7 Best Restaurants in Austin, TX

Offering a blend of cultural activities, fascinating history, and natural beauty, Austin is a popular place to live, work, and play. Its thriving tech industry employs residents in businesses such as IBM and Dell and exciting tech startups. You can’t beat the abundance of outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and enjoying water sports on Austin’s lakes.

Austin has also become one of the best foodie cities in the country. Known for its slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” this Texas city welcomes people, businesses, and restaurants with unique vibes. Whether you’re in town for a visit, to look for a new home, or if you already live here and just want to discover your next favorite place to eat, this list is for you. Here are some of the best restaurants in Austin, TX.

Foreign & Domestic is a chef-owned, locally operated gem in Austin, delivering a New American dining experience with a heavy emphasis on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Their partnership with nearby farms ensures that every dish is crafted from the freshest seasonal produce, meats, and seafood, resulting in unique flavor profiles that keep diners coming back. The restaurant’s casual yet vibrant atmosphere is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Popular dishes include the Parisian gnocchi with oyster mushrooms and leek risotto, vegan zucchini steak, and the succulent pork collar paired with sweet potatoes, grapefruit, and dill, each a testament to the culinary creativity at play.

 

Foreign & Domestic also boasts a standout Sunday brunch that has earned a dedicated following. Diners can indulge in buttery popovers, indulgent cinnamon rolls, frittatas brimming with seasonal vegetables, or classic steak & eggs. The vegan hash, another crowd favorite, rounds out a brunch menu that offers something for everyone. Whether it’s dinner or brunch, this neighborhood favorite provides a culinary experience that is both approachable and refined.

L’Oca d’Oro, meaning “The Golden Goose,” is an Italian fine-dining establishment that elevates traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Chef Fiore Tedesco, who honed his skills in New York and Italy, brings a farm-to-table approach to Italian dining, ensuring that every dish is rooted in sustainability and seasonal ingredients. Located in the vibrant Mueller neighborhood, L’Oca d’Oro is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where the focus is not just on the food, but also on fostering a sense of community.

 

The menu showcases house-made pasta and meticulously prepared dishes, including the Ravioli alla Norma, a delicate pasta filled with roasted eggplant and tomato butter, finished with ricotta salata for a perfect balance of flavor. Other highlights include the Chicken Milanese alla Diavolo, a crispy yet tender dish with a delightful kick, and the smoked eggplant dip that’s ideal for sharing.

 

The restaurant also has an extensive wine list curated to complement its menu, featuring both Italian and local Texan wines. Don't miss their homemade desserts like tiramisu or cannoli, which round off the meal on a sweet note.L’Oca d’Oro also offers a unique Pasta Club and Wine Share program, where members receive fresh, house-made pasta and access to select wines each month—a perfect gift for food and wine enthusiasts.

Dai Due is as local as it gets, a true representation of Austin’s farm-to-table ethos. Chef Jesse Griffiths, the mastermind behind this restaurant, is passionate about sourcing only from regional producers, which means that every ingredient on your plate is sourced within Texas, right down to the beer and wine selection. The restaurant’s rustic yet polished ambiance mirrors its commitment to sustainability and quality, offering a dining experience that’s as conscientious as it is delicious.

 

Signature dishes at Dai Due include the wild boar confit, a dish that perfectly showcases Texas’s game meats, paired with crispy beef fat fries, beet ketchup, and a spicy chile mayo. Their crawfish hand pie is a nod to Southern cooking, filled with crawfish tails, cheddar, green peas, and peppers, and served with a vibrant parsley sauce for a fresh finish. These regional specialties speak to Dai Due's dedication to honoring local ingredients in inventive ways.

 

Brunch at Dai Due is equally impressive, running from Friday to Sunday and featuring dishes like the Central Texas Breakfast, which includes locally made sausage, eggs, and tortillas, and their popular biscuits and gravy. Be sure to pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails, such as the strawberry-tarragon punch or a classic mimosa. Whether for brunch or dinner, Dai Due offers a dining experience that’s firmly rooted in the heart of Texas.

Olamaie redefines Southern cuisine with a modern, elevated twist, making it one of the top fine-dining establishments in Austin. Helmed by Chef Amanda Turner, a James Beard Award semi-finalist, Olamaie’s menu is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the South, but with a contemporary and sophisticated flair. The restaurant’s elegant setting, complete with indoor and outdoor seating, offers a refined dining experience that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious night out.

 

The seasonal menu changes regularly, but it always highlights the freshest ingredients of the region. Standout dishes include the blackened dayboat fish, served with a rich blue crab sauce and accompanied by creamy Carolina Gold potatoes, as well as the Jefferson red rice with plump gulf shrimp, bringing the flavors of the Southern coast to your table. Meat lovers will revel in the Texas-raised wagyu beef, served with cheddar green chile grits or whipped potatoes, a comforting yet refined dish.

 

To complement the exquisite food, Olamaie offers an impressive selection of wines from around the world, carefully curated to pair with their Southern-inspired menu. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine under the stars on their outdoor patio or savoring one of their decadent desserts inside, Olamaie provides an experience that blends Southern hospitality with gourmet innovation.

Birdie’s, a casual yet sophisticated wine bar, has quickly become a beloved neighborhood spot in East Austin since its opening. Recognized as the best neighborhood wine bar in 2021 by Eater Magazine, Birdie’s offers a laid-back, no-reservations-required experience that invites patrons to simply show up and enjoy themselves. The counter service is a refreshing departure from traditional dining, contributing to the relaxed, unpretentious vibe that draws regulars back time and again. Dog lovers especially appreciate Birdie’s heated and fully enclosed patio, which makes it a perfect spot to bring along their four-legged companions, rain or shine.

 

What truly sets Birdie’s apart is its ever-changing, seasonal menu, designed around the freshest available ingredients. Diners can expect to find dishes that are simple yet expertly crafted, where every ingredient shines. Past menu highlights have included the chicken liver mousse with pickled vegetables, handmade pasta with seasonal sauces, and their delectable chocolate mousse with olive oil and sea salt. The menu's fluid nature ensures there’s always something new to experience, and Birdie’s impressive wine list, featuring both natural and traditional wines, is carefully curated to pair perfectly with the menu offerings. For a neighborhood wine bar that delivers on both quality and comfort, Birdie’s has set a high standard.

The great service and fantastic atmosphere are just part of why Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is continually named one of the best restaurants in Austin, TX. This all-day cafe not only serves what they’re named for (Rosemary Matcha Latte or Wild Turkey-based Golden Lasso, anyone?), but they also have breakfast favorites like granola bowls, chicken biscuits, and yellow corn buttermilk pancakes as well as more lunchtime-appropriate dishes like tri-tip and shiitake reubens, Taiwanese spicy chicken sandwiches, and cauliflower tots served with beet ketchup. The best news? Better Half is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks seven days a week. You can also pop in for happy hour Tues-Fri from 3-6 pm to get $6 cheeseburgers or drink specials.

Koriente is a hidden gem tucked away in downtown Austin that brings the vibrant flavors of pan-Asian cuisine to the forefront. This family-owned restaurant is known for its fresh, healthy ingredients, and customizable dishes, making it a go-to spot for those seeking something flavorful and unique without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is unpretentious, with a cozy interior that feels welcoming and a menu designed for both casual diners and foodies alike.

 

Koriente’s menu offers a wide variety of dishes that reflect the diverse flavors of Asian cuisine, from their signature Koriente curry to Japchei, a dish of warm sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables and your choice of protein. What makes Koriente stand out is the ability to customize nearly every aspect of your meal—guests can choose their protein, adjust the spice level, decide between carbs or no carbs, and add extras like kimchi or seaweed for an extra flavor boost. Other popular dishes include the teriyaki bowl, miso soup, and the refreshing garden handroll, which is perfect for a light, healthy meal.

 

Koriente's emphasis on fresh, nutritious food makes it a favorite for health-conscious diners, while its affordability and generous portions appeal to those looking for value. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl or a lighter option, Koriente delivers flavorful, authentic pan-Asian dishes that leave a lasting impression.

 

Whether you already live here or will just be in town for the weekend, knowing the best restaurants in Austin, TX, will help you plan your eating itinerary and ensure you always take advantage of great places to dine. Decided you want to make Austin your home? Reach out to experienced local agent Christi Davidson for expert guidance and to see what’s on the market.