Restaurants in Austin

Austin was not always known for being a foodie town. Now people from all over the world come to check out the award-winning and diverse restaurants scattered throughout the city. From BBQ to sushi, African to French, Austin offers a wife variety of cuisine for all price points.

The Austin restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over $50)
Moderate ($25-$50
Cheap (up to $25)

These Austin restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one, including half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and tip. A tip of between 15%-20% is customary.

 

Uchi

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: Japanese

Not only is Uchi Austin’s most popular Japanese restaurant, it’s possibly one of the city’s most enjoyed restaurants in general. This modern eatery captained by James Beard-winner Tyson Cole, features delicious sushi, sashimi and tastings of Japanese influence. Plates are small and if you want to enjoy what makes Uchi so special, you might end up with a pricey check.

Address: 801 S Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 916 4808.

Perla's

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: Seafood

Austin is far from the ocean, so seafood is not its specialty. However, the city is lucky enough to have a seafood house that features some of the freshest shrimp, oysters and fish around. Since oysters are popular fixture in the area, foodies head here in droves to try the 17 different types the restaurant offers. If seafood is not your thing, Perla’s also offers prime steaks.

Address: 1400 S Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 291 7300.

Jeffrey’s

Price: Expensive
Cuisine: American

Opened in 1975, this Clarksville restaurant went through a complete remodel in 2013 and is now held in the talented hands of chef Larry McGuire. Recently named one of Bon Appetit Magazine’s best new restaurants, the eatery is known for their dry-aged prime rib and French-American classics. Must-try menu items includes asparagus macaroni and cheese, blue crab cakes and lobster thermidor.

Address: 1204 W Lynn Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 477 5584.

Foreign & Domestic

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: American

This gastropub featuring American food with European influence has been a food show darling ever since it opened its doors three years ago. Owned by a former couple who honed their skills in both New York City and London, Foreign & Domestic features unique dishes incorporating brave ingredients such as pig brains, beef tongue and blood sausage.

Address: 306 E 53rd Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 459 1010.

Justine’s Brasserie

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: French

A delicious French bistro located in a quaint turn-of-the-century house in deep East Austin, Justine’s features your standard French fare such as escargot, beef tartare, ratatouille and duck confit.Their cocktails such as Palomas and French 75s are just as tasty as their perfectly-crafted plates.

Address: 4710 E 5th Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 385 2900.
Website:

La Condesa

Price: Moderate
Cuisine: Mexican

Touting itself a “Modern Mexican” restaurant, La Condesa boasts a variety of chef-inspired ceviche, tacos, rellenos, tostadas and salads. Located in Downtown’s hip Second Street District, this is a great starting point for a night out on the town. They also feature an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal and a weekend brunch.

Address: 400 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 499 0300.

Franklin Barbecue

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: BBQ

Named the best BBQ in America by Bon Appetit Magazine, Franklin is such a popular smokehouse that foodies line up two hours before the doors open. It’s a good thing they do because the popular brisket and sausage sells out before noon almost every day. Some bemoan how quickly Franklin sells out of food, but the BBQ team gets up at 3am to cook the fresh meats for the day.

Address: 900 E 11th Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 653 1187.

Kome

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: Japanese

Named one of the best new sushi restaurants in America by Bon Appetit Magazine, this sushi and Japanese restaurant features delicious fare for half the price of Uchi. The restaurant is small and can fill up quickly, so make sure to get there early. Popular dishes are their ramen during the lunch hours and their plethora of creative sushi concoctions.

Address: 4917 Airport Boulevard, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 712 5700.

Takoba

Price: Cheap
Cuisine: Mexican

Featuring Mexican fare and fresh margaritas, Takoba is a popular East Austin hangout for people who enjoy a foodie atmosphere and menu without paying a steep price. Popular dishes include their pozole, tortas and street tacos. Their brunch is a main attraction due to their vast outdoor patio that accommodates dogs.

Address: 1411 E 7th Street, Austin, Texas, United States
Telephone: (512) 628 4466.
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