Top 10 Best Austin Restaurants

The Austin food scene is famous for two main things which are barbecue and breakfast tacos. Central Texas-style barbecue, with its focus on slow-smoked brisket, is considered the best food in Austin. Breakfast tacos, simple tacos filled with eggs, potatoes, cheese, or bacon, are a staple of the city's diet. Other notable foods include queso, a melted cheese dip, and kolaches, a Czech pastry with fruit or sausage fillings. 

The average cost of a meal in Austin varies by restaurant type. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant or food truck costs between $15 and $25. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant averages between $70 and $110. At fine-dining establishments, tasting menus or multi-course meals can cost $125 to over $200 per person. Breakfast tacos are under $5 each, while a fast-food meal is under $15.

Yes, there are fancy restaurants in Austin, with several located in the northern part of the city. Although downtown and South Austin have a higher concentration of fine dining, North Austin has its own popular spots. Some of the best restaurants north Austin include Andiamo Ristorante, an intimate Italian restaurant, and Truluck's, an upscale seafood and steakhouse in the Arboretum area. 

The most popular fast-food restaurants in Austin are listed below:

• Whataburger: A Texas-based chain with a devoted following, famous for its large, customizable burgers and iconic orange-and-white A-frame buildings.
• P. Terry's Burger Stand: An Austin-based chain known for its simple menu of high-quality burgers, fresh-cut fries, and milkshakes, all served at low prices.
• Torchy's Tacos: Started as a food trailer in Austin, this chain is famous for its creative and unconventional tacos with names like the "Trailer Park" and "Democrat."
• Taco Cabana: A Texas chain known for its Mexican-style fast food, including sizzling fajitas, margaritas, and a 24-hour drive-thru at many locations.

The new restaurants in Austin are listed below. These Austin new restaurants are generating excitement in the city:

• Bureau de Poste: An all-day French cafe and bistro located in the former post office on Hyde Park's Duval Street, serving pastries, sandwiches, and classic French dishes. Located at 4300 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751.
• The Tatsu-ya Restaurant Group Test Kitchen: An intimate, 10-seat tasting counter from the acclaimed Tatsu-ya team, offering a multi-course menu that explores new concepts. Located at 2323 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704.
• Ezov: A modern Israeli restaurant in the Holly neighborhood from the team behind Emmer & Rye, focusing on dishes cooked over a charcoal hearth. Located at 2708 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702.
• Underdog: A Korean-American bar and restaurant on South First Street, serving dishes like kimchi fried rice and Korean fried chicken. Located at 1600 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704.

Some of the best downtown Austin restaurants are listed below, popular for their food and atmosphere:

• Comedor: A modern Mexican restaurant known for its striking architecture, creative dishes, and extensive selection of tequila and mezcal.
• Hestia: A live-fire restaurant where chefs cook over a 20-foot custom hearth, offering a menu of grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Roaring Fork: Located in the historic Stephen F. Austin hotel, this restaurant serves rugged American food cooked over a wood fire.
• Red Ash: An Italian restaurant specializing in handmade pastas and dishes cooked in a custom-built wood-burning grill and oven.

Yes, there are many nice restaurants in Austin for birthdays. For a celebratory atmosphere, Aba offers Mediterranean-inspired food in a tree-filled patio setting. Suerte is one of the more fun restaurants in Austin for birthdays, known for its modern Mexican food, lively bar, and energetic dining room. For a more classic fine-dining experience, Jeffrey's is an upscale steakhouse with an elegant, old-world feel. Uchi provides a sophisticated and inventive Japanese dining experience perfect for a special occasion.

The East Side has some of the best places to eat in Austin including:

• Suerte: A modern Mexican restaurant that focuses on dishes made with house-made masa, known for its creative food and vibrant atmosphere.
• Canje: A Caribbean-inspired restaurant from the team behind Emmer & Rye, offering a menu of flavorful dishes in a lively setting.
• Birdie's: A casual, counter-service restaurant and wine bar with a seasonal menu of high-quality American food and a large patio.
• Franklin Barbecue: One of the most famous barbecue joints in the world, serving exceptional Central Texas-style brisket from its East Austin location.

Austin has many restaurants that serve vegan food. The Vegan Nom is a popular food truck and restaurant serving a wide variety of plant-based tacos. Counter Culture is a long-standing cafe offering vegan comfort food, including sandwiches, salads, and mac and cheese. Casa de Luz is a community-focused restaurant serving a set daily menu of 100% organic, vegan, and gluten-free food.

Many Austin restaurants serve gluten-free food. Picnik is a health-focused restaurant with a 100% gluten-free menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Via 313, a popular Detroit-style pizzeria, offers a gluten-free crust option. The entire menu at modern Mexican restaurant ATX Cocina is gluten-free, with a focus on dishes made with corn.

The most famous cuisines in Austin are listed below:

• Barbecue: Central Texas-style barbecue, with its emphasis on brisket and simple salt-and-pepper rubs, is the city's most iconic food.
• Tex-Mex & Mexican: From breakfast tacos and queso to interior Mexican food, this is a fundamental part of the Austin diet.
• Tacos: Beyond Tex-Mex, Austin has a strong taco culture, with countless food trucks and restaurants serving every imaginable style.
• New American: Many of the city's top restaurants offer modern American menus that focus on local, seasonal Texas ingredients.