The Absolute Best Lunch in Austin [Updated 2024]

Hey y'all, buckle up for a mouthwatering adventure as we delve into the most delectable dishes that Austin has to offer. From food trucks to fancy bistros, I've scoured the city to bring you a carefully curated list of the top spots for a midday feast.

With my taste buds as your trusty guides, we'll explore eight culinary gems that are guaranteed to leave you licking your lips and planning your next lunch outing. So pack your appetite and let's dig into the best lunch in Austin!

Swift's Attic

Highlights
Amazing food and service
Friendly server with good recommendations
Favourite drink was a hit
Divine halibut and excellent risotto
Unique and amazing drinks

Walking through the doors of Swift's Attic, I knew I was in for a unique and amazing lunch experience. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively, with a playful yet sophisticated décor that immediately caught my eye.

From the moment I sat down, the service was top-notch. Our server was not only friendly, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Their recommendations were spot-on, leading us to choose some truly outstanding dishes.

My taste buds were tantalized from the first bite. The halibut was cooked to perfection, flaky and moist with a delicate balance of flavors. But it was the risotto that stole the show - each spoonful was creamy and rich, with subtle hints of Parmesan and truffle.

To complement our meal, we ordered one of their signature drinks, and boy, was it a hit! The combination of flavors was simply divine, making it my new favorite drink in Austin.

What truly sets Swift's Attic apart is their commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity. Every dish is a work of art, crafted with precision and care. It's evident that the chefs take pride in their creations, and their passion shines through in every bite.

In the crowded landscape of lunch spots in Austin, Swift's Attic stands out as a shining gem. With its amazing food, friendly service, and unique drinks, it's no wonder that this place is considered one of the best. If you're looking for a lunch experience that is playful yet professional, make sure to add Swift's Attic to your must-visit list.

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Caroline

Highlights
Attentive service
Spicy deviled eggs
Airy and crisp waffles
Wagyu burger with runny egg
Great atmosphere

My lunch adventure began at Caroline, where I was greeted with attentive service that set the stage for a memorable experience. The menu was filled with enticing options, but the spicy deviled eggs caught my eye. They arrived beautifully presented with just the right amount of heat to awaken my taste buds.

For the main course, I couldn't resist ordering the wagyu burger with a runny egg. As soon as it was placed in front of me, I could tell it was going to be a juicy delight. The first bite confirmed my suspicions – the wagyu beef was perfectly cooked and the runny egg added a luxurious touch. It was a symphony of flavors in each bite.

The side dish of airy and crisp waffles was a pleasant surprise. They were light, fluffy, and had just the right amount of crispiness. Topped with melt-in-your-mouth butter and drizzled with maple syrup, they were a perfect accompaniment to the burger.

Beyond the fantastic food, the atmosphere at Caroline was equally impressive. The cozy yet vibrant ambiance made me feel right at home. The rustic decor and warm lighting created a welcoming and comfortable environment for an enjoyable lunch.

As a seasoned lunch connoisseur, I can confidently say that Caroline deserves a spot in the list of the best lunch spots in Austin. With its attentive service, delightful dishes like the spicy deviled eggs, the wagyu burger with a runny egg, and the airy waffles, and a great atmosphere, Caroline truly delivers a memorable lunch experience.

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Corner Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious dinner
Great dining experience
Helpful server
Outstanding food
Clean presentation

From the moment I entered Corner Restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. The elegant yet cozy ambiance created the perfect atmosphere for a delightful lunch. The highlights of my experience were numerous, but let me focus on a few that really stood out.

First and foremost, the food was absolutely outstanding. Every bite was bursting with flavor, leaving me wanting more. From the appetizers to the main course, each dish was expertly crafted with fresh and high-quality ingredients. The clean presentation only added to the anticipation and satisfaction of each dish.

The dining experience itself was also top-notch. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring that my every need was met. The service was prompt and efficient, allowing me to enjoy my lunch without any unnecessary delays. In particular, our server was incredibly helpful in guiding us through the menu and making recommendations that suited our preferences. It truly elevated the overall experience.

While it was lunchtime, I must mention that Corner Restaurant is also known for its delicious dinner. The extensive menu offers a wide range of options that cater to various dietary preferences. It's a place worth revisiting for a special dinner night!

In conclusion, Corner Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone searching for the best lunch in Austin. The combination of delicious food, wonderful ambiance, and helpful staff creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, make sure to add this gem to your lunchtime itinerary.

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Stella San Jac

Highlights
Smoked salmon Benedict
Exceptional customer service
Fantastic biscuits
Amazing coffee
Delightful dining experience

Upon entering Stella San Jac, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant and stylish atmosphere. The first highlight that caught my attention from the highlights table was the smoked salmon Benedict. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The delicate flavors of the smoked salmon combined with the perfectly poached eggs and rich Hollandaise sauce created a symphony of flavors that danced in my mouth.

However, what truly set Stella San Jac apart was the exceptional customer service. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and attended to with genuine care. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, making sure that every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable.

Of course, I couldn't resist trying the fantastic biscuits that have earned Stella San Jac a well-deserved reputation. These flaky, buttery creations were the perfect accompaniment to my meal, and I found myself savoring every bite.

To complement my meal, I ordered their amazing coffee. The aroma alone was enough to make my taste buds tingle with excitement. The barista clearly took pride in their craft, as the coffee was expertly brewed and had a smooth, robust flavor that left me craving for more.

Overall, my experience at Stella San Jac was nothing short of a delightful dining experience. With its delectable menu, exceptional customer service, and charming atmosphere, it has cemented its place as one of the contenders for the best lunch spot in Austin. Without a doubt, Stella San Jac is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable lunch experience in the heart of Austin.

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Fareground Austin

Highlights
Food options
Cool vibe
Outdoor tables
Rotating restaurants
Hang out outside

Walking into Fareground Austin, I was immediately struck by the wide array of food options available. From sushi to sandwiches to tacos, there was something to satisfy every craving. The best part? It's all in one place. No more compromising on where to eat when you're dining with a group of finicky friends.

The cool vibe of Fareground Austin added to the overall experience. The modern and urban design created an atmosphere that was both trendy and inviting. Whether you're meeting a client for a business lunch or catching up with friends, you'll feel right at home.

One of the highlights of Fareground Austin is the option to dine at one of their outdoor tables. This is perfect for those beautiful Austin days when you just want to soak up the sun while enjoying a delicious meal. It's nice to escape the confines of an indoor restaurant and enjoy some fresh air while you eat.

What sets Fareground Austin apart from other lunch spots in the city is its rotating restaurants. The ability to try something new each time you visit keeps things exciting and ensures that you'll never get bored. You could come back every day and have a completely different dining experience.

Lastly, Fareground Austin is a great place to hang out outside after you finish your meal. The open layout and communal seating make it easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger or relax with a book. It's the perfect spot to linger and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Overall, my experience at Fareground Austin was fantastic. The abundance of food options, cool vibe, outdoor seating, rotating restaurants, and opportunities to hang out outside make it a definite must-visit for anyone looking for the best lunch in Austin.

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Roaring Fork

Highlights
Excellent combination of flavors
Fantastic food and great ambiance
Super tasty and moist meatballs
Tender and tasty short ribs
Hands down the best tasting grits

Walking into Roaring Fork, I was immediately struck by the fantastic ambiance of the restaurant. The cozy rustic decor, paired with dim lighting, created an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

As I perused the menu, it became clear that Roaring Fork offered an excellent combination of flavors. From the first bite, I knew I was in for a treat. The starters were simply delightful, and the main course was even better.

One dish that truly stood out was the super tasty and moist meatballs. Made with a secret blend of spices and topped with a rich tomato sauce, each bite was heaven. The meatballs were perfectly seasoned and melted in my mouth. It was evident that great care was taken to ensure their tenderness and flavor.

Another highlight was the tender and tasty short ribs. Cooked to perfection, the meat fell off the bone with each forkful. The seasoning was spot-on, providing a burst of flavor with every bite.

And then there were the grits, which were hands down the best tasting grits I've ever had. Creamy, perfectly cooked, and rich in flavor, these grits were an excellent complement to the mains.

In conclusion, Roaring Fork in Austin is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fantastic lunch experience. The combination of flavors, along with the great ambiance, made for a memorable meal. Whether you're a meat lover or an adventurous foodie, this restaurant has something for everyone.

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Corinne Austin

Highlights
Amazing service
Impeccable menu knowledge
Excellent food and service
Recommended dishes: Bread Pudding, Key Lime Pie, Braised Wagyu, Scallops
HONEST FOOD + DRINK statement

Note: Each highlight is kept to 5-6 words as mentioned.

As soon as I walked in, it was evident that the service at Corinne Austin was going to be top-notch. The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure that every need was met. They had an impeccable menu knowledge, able to answer any question thrown their way.

Now let's get to the food. Oh my, the food! Corinne Austin truly lives up to its reputation for excellent food and service. Each dish was prepared with such care and attention to detail, making every bite absolutely divine. From the first course to dessert, I was blown away by the flavors and presentation.

The menu at Corinne Austin is truly a masterpiece. With so many delicious options to choose from, it was hard to narrow down my choices. However, I highly recommend trying the Bread Pudding and Key Lime Pie for dessert. They were the perfect sweet ending to an already unforgettable meal.

For the main course, the Braised Wagyu and Scallops were absolute standouts. The flavors were robust and the execution was flawless. It's clear that the chefs at Corinne Austin pay great attention to sourcing high-quality ingredients and creating dishes that are both comforting and innovative.

Corinne Austin truly lives up to its "HONEST FOOD + DRINK" statement. The combination of a playful yet professional atmosphere, amazing service, and mouthwatering dishes makes it a must-visit for anyone in search of the best lunch experience in Austin.

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Launderette

Highlights
Neighborhood atmosphere
Friendly staff
Fabulous aroma from the kitchen
Excellent cocktails
Solid and good food

When I walked into Launderette, I immediately fell in love with its neighborhood atmosphere. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, with a warm and rustic decor that sets the perfect mood for a casual lunch. The friendly staff welcomed me with genuine smiles and made me feel right at home.

As soon as I stepped in, the fabulous aroma from the kitchen filled the air, teasing my taste buds and making my stomach rumble with anticipation. I knew right then that I was in for a treat.

To start off my lunch, I decided to indulge in one of their excellent cocktails. The mixologist behind the bar was a true artist, crafting intricate concoctions that were as pleasing to the eye as they were to the palate. Sipping on my cocktail, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the meal to come.

When the food arrived, I was delighted to find that it matched the high expectations set by the ambiance and drinks. The menu at Launderette offers a solid and good variety of options, with something for everyone. From fresh salads to mouthwatering sandwiches, each dish was meticulously prepared and bursting with flavors.

Overall, Launderette is a gem that truly deserves its place among the best lunches in Austin. With its welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, fabulous aromas, excellent cocktails, and solid and good food, it's a place that will leave you craving for more. So, if you find yourself in Austin looking for an unforgettable lunch experience, make sure to pay a visit to Launderette.

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