The Absolute Best Paella in Austin [Updated 2025]

I'm always on the hunt for a good paella and I've tried eight different places in Austin . After my taste test, I can say with confidence where you should get the best paella in Austin .

Eating my way around town got me to some tasty spots. My search for a great bowl of paella has taken me to all sorts of eateries ranging from small take-outs to high end restaurants. I'd like to share my findings with you and help you decide which place serves up the best paella in town.

So, let's discover together the perfect plate of paella that you can enjoy here in Austin !

Freda's Seafood Grille

The paella has both the authentic flavors of a Spanish paella and is cooked with the freshest seafood in town. The combination of smoky chorizo, succulent chicken, tender shrimp, clams and mussels bring together a wonderful array of textures and flavors.

I could tell from the moment I tasted it that Freda's takes great pride in their recipes. It was served hot which gave all the ingredients a chance to shine - particularly the saffron rice which had been cooked to perfection.

If you're looking for the best paella in Austin , look no further than Freda's Seafood Grille. Whether you're dining alone or with friends, it is sure to make your meal memorable!

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Perla's

The paella was incredible. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the combination of the rich flavor from the chorizo and the bright flavors of shrimp made for a truly unforgettable meal. The paella was served with roasted red peppers, which added a slight sweetness that complemented all the other ingredients beautifully.

The presentation was also impeccable - the dish came in a large cast iron pan, providing an elegant backdrop to such an exquisite dish.

Overall, I highly recommend Perla's! They truly have some of the best paella in Austin.

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Habana Restaurant

The paella at Habana Restaurant was truly amazing - it had the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The seafood used in the dish was incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection. The saffron gave it a wonderful aroma and flavor that really made my taste buds happy.

I have to say, Habana Restaurant’s paella is definitely one of the best I’ve ever tried! It is well worth the price, and makes for an incredible dinner experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the best paella in Austin.

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Lima Criolla

Their traditional paella had unmatched flavor, made with fresh ingredients and cooked over a low fire. I really enjoyed the unique combination of tart saffron seafood broth, succulent shrimp and clams - all cooked together with the characteristic local spices.

The presentation was also stunning - every plate arrived individually served in an iron skillet. It was clear that the chefs take pride in their cooking and go the extra mile to make sure that you have an unforgettable experience.

Overall, I highly recommend Lima Criolla for anyone looking for the best paella in Austin. I'm certain you won't be disappointed!

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Cafe Malta

I've had many paellas around the world and the paella dish served at Cafe Malta is truly special. It's full of well cooked ingredients that have a great salty flavor from the briny seafood and savory saffron. The rice was cooked perfectly - it was still firm with a slight crunch on the outside yet still moist in the middle.

Their paella has interesting influences from Mediterranean flavors like paprika and saffron, but also has touches of Mexican flavors like cilantro and lime that really stands out when combined with the seafood.

What really makes Cafe Malta stand out from other paella dishes I've had is the presentation - they serve it in a huge skillet with bold colors and spices, which adds to its overall beauty.

If you're looking for the best paella in Austin , look no further than Cafe Malta !

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Péché

The menu offers a variety of traditional paellas like Valenciana, Negra and Fideuà. My favorite one was the Valenciana with its classic blend of chicken, rabbit, seafood and rice. The flavors were mouthwatering and I could taste the freshness in every bite.

The staff was very attentive and welcoming at Péché, making it an even more enjoyable experience. Every dish that came out of the kitchen smelled so delicious !

All in all, if you're looking for the best paella in Austin then look no further than Péché. You won't be disappointed.

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CUBA512

The atmosphere is amazing and very welcoming, the servers took the time to explain all menu items and what makes each one special. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated with Cuban artwork and decorations, with a touch of the Texas music vibe.

The food was nothing short of amazing! The paella was perfectly cooked with just enough spices to give it an incredible flavor. There was something for everyone, with plenty of variety in each dish. I had their classic paella and it was filled with vegetables, chicken, shrimp, and mussels. It was so delicious that I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for the best paella in Austin!

The service at CUBA512 was top-notch. Everyone was so friendly and accommodating – happy to help if we needed anything or just talking about our day. It's clear that they care about their guests and want them to have a great experience.

All in all, CUBA512 is an excellent place to get some of the best paella in Austin . Highly recommended!

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Taverna Austin (Downtown) | The Baci Room

I decided to give the paella a try and I was blown away - it was the best paella in Austin I've ever had! The flavors of the seafood, meats, and vegetables were so distinct and savory with a perfect blend of spices. The texture of the rice was also spot on - not too dense or soft.

The presentation added to the experience as well - it came out looking like a work of art. It definitely made for a memorable experience.

All-in-all, if you're looking for one of the best paellas in Austin, Taverna Austin (Downtown) | The Baci Room is definitely worth checking out!

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