15 Best Restaurants in Austin (2022 Edition)

Austin Food Bucket List: 15 Best Restaurants in Austin (Updated 2021)

Austin is one of the best places to experience a wide range of culinary styles ranging from tacos to Thai to barbecues and even Mexican! Trying its sumptuous treats is a major reason for tourists to visit Austin apart from its bevy of cultural and historical attractions. You can check out beautifully designed furnished apartments in Austin for a charming stay with good old Texan charm on display!

If you are a true blue foodie, take a closer look at 15 best restaurants in Austin:

1. Fresa’s

Fresa's, Austin (image courtesy: facebook.com)

Fresa’s is the first port of call for visitors after settling into their Austin furnished apartments. Fresa’s is an institution in Austin, serving up fabulously delicious menus packed with healthy eats. It is certainly an ideal joint when you are craving something chunkier and more filing. Work up an appetite after a day of exploring Austin and dig into the delightful tacos whipped up here. You should not miss trying the La Fresa which will help you sample another in-house specialty, namely the pulled achiote chicken. Mexican street corn is a hot favorite at Fresa’s and so is the guacamole. Check out the location in South First or Drive Thru which is the highly convenient pit stop in 9th and Lamar.

Address: 915 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-428-5077

Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 10: 00 pm

Happy Hours: Monday to Friday (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery

2. Swedish Hill

Swedish Hill, Austin (image courtesy: exploretock.com)

Once you’ve booked your furnished apartments in Austin, made your travel itinerary and ticked off a bucket list of places to explore, make sure that you get a reservation at Swedish Hill. This is arguably Austin’s best bakery and a fantastic restaurant at the same time. Swedish Hill lies perched in one of the most beautiful and vibrant localities in the city, namely Clarksville. This joint whips up a delightful collection of freshly baked goodies along with hosting dinner and daytime menus alike. Some of the top baked goods on offer include the chocolate croissant, cinnamon rolls and cakes by the slice. The bagel and lox represents one of the top breakfasts that you can have and so is the in-house pastrami sandwich! It is seriously drool worthy!

Address: 1120 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-472-1347

Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 9: 00 pm

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup

3. Sway Thai

Sway Thai, Austin (image courtesy: eventective.com)

Austin locals love their Thai food and if you venture to Sway, you’ll know why! Tourists in the city also make a beeline for the place which is sometimes jam packed even during work days! Getting reservations may be tough so plan it out in advance. You can also wait for a bit to get a seat at one of the bars or even a communal table. The dishes come with a riot of flavors and are simply amazing to say the least. Make sure to try the peanut curry and Satay here among other lip-smacking offerings.

Address: 3437 Bee Cave Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-326-1999

Opening Hours: Sunday and Monday (Closed)

                               Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                              Friday and Saturday (4:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

Happy Hours: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery

4. Tiny Boxwoods

Tiny Boxwoods, Austin (image courtesy: dawnthompsoninteriors.com)

Tiny Boxwoods is a charming restaurant in Houston that is one of the top places to eat today in Austin as well. Since coming to Austin, it has become immensely popular amongst tourists and locals for its picturesque and gorgeous location and the delicious food of course! The Southside Breakfast is at the top of the heap and the best brunch in Austin, with a veritable feast of cheddar, scrambled eggs, tomatillo salsa, avocado mash and nicely warm tortillas too! The Lucky Burger is a great dinner or lunch pick while you should round off the gastronomic indulgence with freshly backed chocolate chips which are served warm throughout the day here.

Address: 1503 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-220-0698

Opening Hours: Sunday (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)

                               Monday (4:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                               Friday and Saturday (4:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

5. Bufalina Due

Bufalina Due, Austin (image courtesy: levyarchitects.com)

If you’re staying in one of the elegant and luxurious Austin furnished apartments, you’ll naturally be in close proximity to all the landmarks in town. Check out a few and then saunter in for a pizza lunch here at Bufalina. Austin is already hallowed for its pizza but the best of the lot could be this charming Neapolitan pizza joint with its lovely wood-fired crust and fresh mozzarella and toppings galore. You can try margherita pizzas or even the fresca for something truly tasty and light on the stomach. 

Address: 6555 Burnet Rd #100, Austin, TX 78757, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-215-8662

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (4:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

                               Saturday and Sunday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No-contact delivery

6. Elizabeth Street

Elizabeth Street, Austin (image courtesy: rachaelraymag.com)

Elizabeth Street is possibly the best lunch date that you’ve been on in a really long time! The Elizabeth Street Café is straight out of an Instagrammer’s fantasy although the food is the real star above everything else. The Vietnamese entrees and French pastries are top draws along with wonderful and lingering desserts as well. Try the bun bowls which are essentially rice vermicelli bowls packed with herbs, roasted peanuts, a meat of your choice and fresh vegetables. The grilled chicken is a comforting choice and there are tons of options available alongside. The macaron is the icing on the cake (quite literally)!

Address: 1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-291-2881

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)

                               Saturday and Sunday (8:00 am - 10:00 pm)

Happy Hours: Monday to Friday (3:00 pm - 6:00 pm)

Brunch: 11:00 am - 2:30 pm

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup

7. 40 North

40 North, Austin (image courtesy: usarestaurants.info)

In the mood for pizzas or burgers or even both? Try them all at 40 North! This is a cozy neighborhood outlet in Austin which has turned into one of the city’s best and most popular restaurant brands. The feel is the real deal at 40 North with a chilled out, lazy and relaxed vibe and the food is simply outstanding to say the least. If you are looking to gorge on some fresh and tasty Neapolitan-styled pizzas, check out the delightful Hot Honey and Margherita alike! Do not miss the burger that is made with the very best mustard aioli, Angus beef, red onion, American cheese and pickle. This is one of the best options you will find in all of Austin!

Address: 900 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-660-5779

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                               Friday and Saturday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)

                               Sunday (11:00 am - 9:00 pm)

                               Monday (Closed)

Happy Hours: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, Delivery

8. Clark’s Oyster Bar

Clark’s Oyster Bar, Austin (image courtesy: pinterest.co.uk)

No matter how many Austin restaurant guides you check out, they’ll all point you in the direction of this fabulous restaurant. Happy hours are always omnipresent in this part of town and the one at Clark’s Oyster Bar is worth it for sure! Between 3-6 PM from Monday to Friday, you can get 50 cents off on oysters along with half off on the best burgers. You will be floored by the delicious and succulent pan roasted Black Angus burger and the tempting shoestring fries that accompany it.

Address: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-297-2525

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)

                               Saturday and Sunday (11:00 am - 11:00 pm)

                               Sunday (11:00 am - 10:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No Delivery

Also Read: The Top Pizza Places in New York

9. Odd Duck

Odd Duck, Austin (image courtesy: oddduckaustin.com)

Odd Duck is one of the leading Austin restaurants and has held onto this tag for several years. However, you should not miss out on this marvel once you’re in town! The farm to trailer and farm to table restaurant offers scintillating chef dominated vibrant and reinvented classics for brunch and dinner alike. You will love relishing top draws like quesadillas, burgers, steaks, salads and waffles along with other hot picks such as the quail tender taco, dry-aged wagyu burger and country-fried chicken on bourbon pecan waffles. 

Address: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-433-6521

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday (5:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

                               Friday and Saturday (5:00 pm - 9:30 pm)

                               Sunday (5:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

Happy Hours: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday (11:00 am to 2:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No Delivery

10. Kemuri Tatsu Ya

Kemuri Tatsu Ya, Austin (image courtesy: chasedaniel.co)

Kemuri Tatsu Ya is another premier Austin restaurant and certainly one of the best in the city. They whip up delicious Japanese dishes with barbecue and Texan aplomb and the whole thing is nothing short of spectacular. There are some fabulous options on the menu although you should not miss out on the smoked brisket, Tokyo street corn, kurobuta pork belly and the BBQ tsukemen ramen with smoked jalapeno and brisket. Kemuri is a great place for a romantic or relaxed dinner or simply to catch up with colleagues, friends and acquaintances in Austin. The patio is great too, in spite of the famed Texas heat!

Address: 2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-803-2224

Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday (5:30 pm - 10:00 pm)

                               Friday and Saturday (5:30 pm - 11:00 pm)

                               Sunday (5:30 pm - 10:00 pm)

                               Monday and Tuesday (Closed)

Service Options: Dine-in, Take Away, Delivery

11. Mattie's

Mattie's, Austin (image courtesy: facebook.com)

Mattie’s is one of the truly delightful restaurants in Austin and one of the best picks for brunches by a long shot! The menu is fabulous with hashes, waffles, pancakes, benedicts and a whole lot more! The fried chicken eggs Benedict is certainly one of the best breakfasts you will ever have in your life as vouched for by tourists and locals alike! Pair this up with brioche French toast, fresh berries and candied pecans for a nice touch. The lovely grounds of an even lovelier mansion make this spot one of the top draws in Austin. The wrap-around porch is also the masterpiece of the entire setup! Brunches here are classy experiences by all means!

Address: 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-444-1888

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                               Saturday (11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                               Sunday (11:00 am - 2:00 pm)

                               Monday and Tuesday (Closed)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No-contact Delivery

12. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, Austin (image courtesy: acezula.com)

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ represents a fusion of beautiful tastes and flavors. It offers delightful barbecue including pulled pork, chopped and sliced brisket and chicken. The breakfast tacos are simply out of this world while the homemade flour tortilla, potatoes, bacon, fried eggs and Serrano salsa are really delicious too! The Tex and Mex portions of the incredible menu will sweep you off your feet without a doubt!

Address: 11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-221-4248

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday (7:30 am - 6:00 pm)

                               Monday and Tuesday (Closed)

Service Options: Dine-in, Takeaway, No Delivery

Also Read: 10 Cafes in San Francisco That Everybody Loves

13. Jeffrey’s

Jeffrey's, Austin (image courtesy: exploretock.com)

Jeffrey’s is one of the top restaurants in Austin and is owned by the same people who have ownership of Josephine House. Jeffrey’s offers a wonderful dining experience for tourists and locals alike. This is a great place for dinners, special occasions, birthdays and even for impressing that new colleague or acquaintance. Steak is the house special here and you will love the chance to gobble down a large, juicy and tempting ribeye or medium-rare filet.

Address: 1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-477-5584

Opening Hours: 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup

14. Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile, Austin (image courtesy: eatonthehouse.com)

Jacoby’s Restaurant & Mercantile is one of Austin’s top restaurants for almost every occasion. They offer delightful ranch to table American fare with Southern influences galore. Jacoby’s is ideal for weekend brunches, dinners, holidays and even casual meals. Menu offerings are delightful and parking space is considerable. The restaurant has a gorgeous ambiance fused with the mercantile and outdoor patio. Jacoby’s is one of the top places for eating the best desserts, best burgers and fabulous brunches. Top draws here include chicken fried steak, deviled eggs, Mac & cheese and Grandma Hagler’s strawberry cake.

Address: 3235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-366-5808

Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday (5:00 pm - 9:00 pm)

                               Friday (5:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

                               Saturday (10:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

                               Sunday (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)

                               Monday and Tuesday (Closed)

Happy Hours: Tuesday (5:00 pm - 10:00 pm)

                           Wednesday to Friday and Sunday (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

                            Saturday and Monday (Closed)

Brunch: Saturday and Sunday (10:00 am- 3:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No Delivery

15. Emmer and Rye

Emmer and Rye, Austin (image courtesy: austinchronicle.com)

The dining experience is fabulous at Emmer and Rye. This is one of Austin’s top restaurants and on the foremost position of the bucket list. This downtown restaurant offers scintillating American fare with a dim sum style topping off things. You can delightfully gorge on shared plates and small bites. The cacio de pepe is the top item on the menu and is possibly one of the best dishes that you will have in your life. 

Address: SkyHouse, 51 Rainey St UNIT 110, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Phone No.: +1 512-366-5530

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (5:30 pm - 10:00 pm)

Service Options: Dine-in, Kerbside pickup, No Delivery

These are 15 of the best Austin restaurants that you should not miss trying.

The food aside, Austin is one of the best cities to explore on a nice long weekend vacation. Check out our vast lineup of Austin furnished apartments and book your accommodation today without further ado.