Austin, Texas is a city where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly, particularly in its gastronomic landscape. The capital city’s vibrant food scene embodies its diverse cultures, innovative spirit, and a fierce dedication to local sustainability. This guide will take you on a tour of some of the city’s most beloved eateries.
Guide to the Best Restaurants in Austin
Franklin Barbecue
We begin our journey with a classic Texas institution: barbecue. And there’s no better place than Franklin Barbecue, a smokehouse so famous, customers routinely line up for hours before its doors open. Founded by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, this locale excels in meltingly tender brisket, succulent ribs, and flavorful sausage. The secret lies in their low and slow cooking process over local, post oak wood. Their sides, like tangy coleslaw and pinto beans, are equally praise-worthy.
Uchi
Next, we dive into the heart of Austin’s innovative spirit at Uchi, an upscale Japanese fusion restaurant. Led by chef Tyson Cole, Uchi skillfully combines traditional Japanese techniques with local ingredients. The result is an extensive menu featuring exquisite sashimi, sushi, and hot and cool tastings, all presented with stunning artistry. Don’t miss out on their signature dishes like Hama Chili (yellowtail with ponzu, Thai chili, and orange) and the Machi Cure (smoked baby yellowtail with yuca crisps).
Odd Duck
A beacon of Austin’s farm-to-table movement is Odd Duck. This restaurant transforms locally sourced, seasonal ingredients into small plates packed with explosive flavors. Every dish is a testament to the culinary creativity of the team led by chef Bryce Gilmore. Standout dishes include the goat carnitas and pork belly sliders. Also, their brunch menu is stellar, with inventive takes on classics like eggs Benedict.
Sway
Sway’s modern take on Thai cuisine elevates it into a must-visit food destination in Austin. This restaurant is a visual spectacle, with communal tables creating a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing spicy, sweet, sour, and salty dishes. Don’t forget to try the Son in Law, a flavorful plate of crispy pork shoulder, chili caramel, pickled radish, and Thai herbs.
Suerte
Bringing the flavors of Mexico to East Austin, Suerte is a gem that champions heirloom corn. Their in-house, from-scratch tortillas are the canvas for many of their dishes, including fantastic tacos filled with duck carnitas or confit brisket. Equally impressive are their mole and other shared plates, all of which are best enjoyed with a mezcal from their extensive list.
Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye takes a unique approach to dining by combining a dim sum-style service with a seasonally changing menu. Here, you’ll find carts offering inventive small plates, while a more traditional menu features dishes made with heritage grains. Their creative use of grains extends to their in-house milled pastas, served with locally sourced ingredients.
Dai Due
Dai Due, a butcher shop and restaurant, emphasizes Texas-sourced ingredients, reflecting Austin’s commitment to sustainability. Their mantra is to use the ‘whole animal,’ leading to a menu filled with hearty, rustic dishes. Game meat is the star here – the venison, wild boar, and axis are all worth a try. Dai Due also offers a spectacular brunch featuring a wild boar sausage and egg biscuit.
Olive & June
A beautiful multi-level treehouse setting makes Olive & June stand out. This Southern Italian restaurant serves dishes inspired by all the regions of Italy. Handmade pastas, high-quality seafood, and an extensive wine list make this an excellent choice for Italian food lovers. Their Sunday Supper, a family-style meal featuring a rotating menu, is a favorite among locals.
Barley Swine
A sister restaurant to Odd Duck, Barley Swine serves thoughtfully sourced, sophisticated fare in a communal dining setting. Their seasonal tasting menu is full of surprises, with each dish revealing the local bounty in exciting ways. Be prepared for playful and unexpected combinations that satisfy the palate.
La Barbecue
Our list wouldn’t be complete without another barbecue joint. La Barbecue, a food trailer turned brick-and-mortar establishment, gives Franklin a run for its money. Their melt-in-your-mouth brisket and beef ribs are the stuff of legends. Don’t forget to try their homemade pickles and a slice of the bourbon banana pudding.
The Austin culinary scene is dynamic, diverse, and constantly evolving, reflecting the city’s passion for food and innovation. Whether you’re craving traditional Texas barbecue, innovative farm-to-table dishes, or globally inspired fare, Austin’s vibrant restaurant landscape offers something for every palate.
Remember, this is just a guide. Exploring and finding your favorite spots is what makes the Austin food scene so exciting. So, get out there, enjoy the ambiance, engage with the locals, and most importantly, savor the food.
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