The Absolute Best Restaurants in Austin [Updated 2024]

Having explored the vibrant culinary scene of this Texan city, I can promise you a mouth-watering adventure filled with diverse flavors and unique dining experiences. From food trucks to fine dining establishments, I have meticulously reviewed eight exceptional restaurants that have left an indelible mark on my taste buds.

So, loosen your belts and prepare to embark on a lighthearted journey through a city that knows how to satisfy your every craving. Let's dig in and uncover the hidden gems that make Austin a true food lover's paradise!

Swift's Attic

Highlights
Amazing food and service!
Friendly server with good recommendations
Your favorite drink was a hit
Divine halibut and excellent risotto
Amazing drinks and modern speakeasy vibe

From start to finish, my visit to Swift's Attic was a delightful journey filled with surprises and exceptional culinary experiences. The moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with a warm smile and immediately felt at ease. The friendly server was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also had excellent recommendations for both food and drink.

Speaking of drinks, did I mention that your favorite drink was an absolute hit? The bartender effortlessly crafted a refreshing concoction that perfectly complemented the savory dishes that were to come.

Now, onto the main event – the food. Swift's Attic truly knows how to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. The divine halibut was perfectly cooked, with a delicate balance of flavors that danced on the palate. Accompanying the fish was an excellent risotto that was creamy and cooked to perfection, making it the ideal pairing for the star of the dish.

As if the outstanding food and drink weren't already enough, the modern speakeasy vibe of the restaurant added an extra layer of charm and allure to the whole experience. The dimly lit space and stylish decor created an ambiance that made me feel like I was stepping into a secret hideaway.

All in all, Swift's Attic exceeded all expectations and left me with a lingering desire to return. The combination of amazing food and service, a friendly server with good recommendations, and a modern speakeasy vibe all came together to create an unforgettable dining experience. If you're searching for one of the best restaurants in Austin, Swift's Attic should be at the top of your list.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Cedar Park.

Roaring Fork

Highlights
Excellent flavors
Tasty and moist
Best tasting grits
Tender and tasty ribs
Fantastic overall food

Where do I begin with the flavorful explosion that is Roaring Fork? From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by an ambiance that is both inviting and charming, setting the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.

The menu at Roaring Fork is a medley of culinary delight, filled with options that are sure to satiate any palate. As I perused the offerings, my attention was immediately drawn to the tasty and moist dishes that were being served at nearby tables.

I decided to start my culinary journey with their renowned grits. Let me tell you, these were not just any grits. They were a blend of perfection, boasting the title of the best tasting grits I've ever had the pleasure of devouring. Creamy, buttery, and packed with flavor, they set the tone for what was to come.

For the main course, I couldn't resist ordering their ribs. Tender, juicy, and exploding with a combination of spices that danced on my taste buds, these ribs were a true testament to the artistry of the chefs at Roaring Fork. Each bite brought me closer to pure gastronomic bliss.

As I savored my meal, I couldn't help but marvel at the fantastic overall food that was presented before me. Roaring Fork truly exceeded my expectations in every way imaginable. The flavors, the presentation, and the service were all exceptional.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a restaurant that combines excellent flavors and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home, look no further than Roaring Fork. This hidden gem in Austin is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Round Rock.

Péché

Highlights
Fantastic ambiance
Unique menu
Excellent food and drink
Warm service
Delicious dishes

Walking through the doors of Péché, I immediately felt transported to a different time and place. The fantastic ambiance of this restaurant sets it apart from the rest. With its dimly lit space adorned with vintage accents, it exudes an air of elegance and sophistication.

But the ambiance is just the beginning. Péché boasts a unique menu that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. From classic French dishes with a modern twist to innovative creations that push the boundaries of flavor, their offerings truly stand out among the sea of options in Austin.

And let's not forget about the excellent food and drink. Each dish we ordered was a symphony of flavors, carefully crafted and beautifully presented. The culinary prowess of the chefs at Péché is evident in every bite. And to complement the exceptional cuisine, their extensive drink menu features a wide selection of expertly crafted cocktails and an impressive collection of absinthe.

What truly made my experience special was the warm service. The staff at Péché go above and beyond to ensure that their guests feel welcome and pampered. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with genuine smiles and impeccable attention to detail.

In conclusion, Péché is a true gem among the culinary scene in Austin. Its delicious dishes, fantastic ambiance, unique menu, and warm service make it a top contender for the best restaurants in the city. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to indulge in exquisite cuisine, Péché is a must-visit.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Pflugerville.

Corner Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious dinner and great dining experience
Helpful and knowledgeable server
Outstanding food with clean presentation
Excellent service throughout the night
Picture perfect drinks

Let me just say, I had a delightful evening dining at Corner Restaurant in Austin. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm welcome and shown to a cozy table. The atmosphere was lively, yet intimate, making it the perfect spot for a memorable evening.

Our server was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the menu. They made some fantastic recommendations which only added to our dining experience. I must say, the food surpassed my expectations. Each dish was not only delicious but also presented with precision and finesse. It was a feast for both the taste buds and the eyes.

Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable. Our server was attentive and ensured that our glasses were never empty. They checked in regularly to make sure we were enjoying our meal, but never intruded on our conversation. It was a lovely balance of attentiveness and respect for our privacy.

As if the food and service weren't enough, the drinks were picture perfect. Each cocktail was crafted with care and attention to detail. The flavors were bold and refreshing, the perfect accompaniment to our meal.

Overall, Corner Restaurant is a true gem in the heart of Austin. With its delicious dinner, outstanding food presentation, and excellent service, it is definitely one of the top options for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the city.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Bastrop.

Stella San Jac

Highlights
Smoked salmon Benedict
Exceptional customer service
Amazing biscuits
Fantastic coffee
Delicious avocado toast

As soon as I walked through the doors of Stella San Jac, I was greeted with a warm smile and an enthusiastic "Welcome!" The exceptional customer service immediately set the tone for my dining experience.

One dish that truly stood out was the smoked salmon Benedict. The delicate balance between the smoky salmon and the rich hollandaise sauce was perfection on a plate. Each bite was a delightful combination of flavors that danced on my tongue.

But it wasn't just the main course that stole the show. The biscuits, oh the biscuits! Served warm and fluffy, they were like little pillows of heaven. Spread some butter on them and they practically melted in my mouth. I couldn't resist ordering seconds!

To complement my meal, I sipped on their fantastic coffee. The smooth blend and robust flavor woke up my taste buds, making each bite even more enjoyable.

If you're looking for something on the lighter side, I highly recommend their avocado toast. The creamy avocado paired perfectly with the crunchy toast, creating a satisfying and healthy dish.

Overall, my experience at Stella San Jac was nothing short of delightful. The combination of exceptional customer service, amazing biscuits, and deliciously creative dishes made it a standout in a city filled with culinary treasures. Don't miss out on this gem when exploring the best restaurants in Austin.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Leander.

Comedor

Highlights
Quality of food
Cocktails
Atmosphere
Dietary restrictions accommodation
Impeccable service

Upon walking into Comedor, I was immediately captivated by the atmosphere, which effortlessly blended modern elegance with a warm, inviting charm. The interior design featured sleek lines and contemporary artwork, creating a visually stunning space that perfectly complemented the dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh my heavens! Comedor truly raised the bar in terms of culinary excellence. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously crafted with attention to detail and bursting with flavor. From the first bite, I could tell that the quality of ingredients was top-notch and the chefs' passion for their craft was evident. Whether you're a meat-lover, pescatarian, or have specific dietary restrictions, Comedor goes above and beyond to accommodate everyone's preferences and needs.

But that's not all; the cocktails at Comedor were nothing short of spectacular. The mixologists took great care in crafting inventive and refreshing drinks that perfectly complemented the flavors of the cuisine. From classic cocktails with a twist to unique creations that highlighted local spirits, the bar team was truly exceptional.

What truly set Comedor apart was their impeccable service. The staff was not only knowledgeable about the menu, but they were also friendly and engaging. They helped guide me through the extensive options and made insightful recommendations that enhanced the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, Comedor is undoubtedly a standout restaurant in Austin. From the exceptional quality of food and creative cocktails, to the inviting atmosphere and accommodating service, this establishment truly delivers the finest dining experience. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights at Comedor—it's an experience worth savoring.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Northwest Austin.

Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish

Highlights
Wonderful service, food, and drinks
Fantastic wagyu, pasta, and desserts
Authentic and knowledgeable server
Incredible crudo, crispy rice, and pistachio mousse
Exceeded expectations and worth revisiting

Let me start by saying that Arlo Grey has earned its spot on my list of the best restaurants in Austin. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with wonderful service, setting the tone for the entire evening.

The menu at Arlo Grey is a culinary adventure, offering a range of dishes that showcase Chef Kristen Kish's creativity and expertise. I had the pleasure of trying their fantastic wagyu, which was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth. The flavors were expertly balanced, leaving me wanting more.

But the indulgence didn't stop there. The pasta dishes at Arlo Grey are a work of art. One bite of their handmade pasta, and I was transported to Italy. The noodles were delicate, the sauce rich, and the combination of flavors was simply divine.

The desserts at Arlo Grey deserve a special mention. I couldn't resist trying their pistachio mousse, and I'm so glad I did. It was a creamy, nutty delight that left me feeling completely satisfied.

What truly impressed me, besides the amazing food, was the knowledge and enthusiasm of our server. They guided us through the menu, answering all our questions and ensuring that we had the best possible experience. Their level of expertise added an extra layer of authenticity to the already exceptional dining experience.

Arlo Grey exceeded my expectations in every way. The crudo, the crispy rice, the pistachio mousse, all of it made for an evening of pure bliss. This is a restaurant that I will undoubtedly be revisiting, as it has secured its place as one of the best in Austin.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Central Austin.

Caroline

Highlights
Attentive service
Shockingly good food
Great atmosphere

As I stepped into Caroline, I was instantly greeted by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The sleek, modern decor combined with cozy seating made me feel right at home. The staff provided attentive service from start to finish, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of excellent.

Now, let's talk about the food. Trust me when I say it was shockingly good. Each dish I tried was bursting with flavors that danced on my taste buds. From the perfectly seared steak to the decadent chocolate mousse, every bite was a delightful surprise. The menu showcased a blend of classic favorites and innovative creations, catering to all palates.

One aspect that truly impressed me was their attention to detail. The presentation of every dish was as visually stunning as it was delicious. The chefs clearly put thought and artistry into their creations, elevating the dining experience.

Caroline has managed to strike the perfect balance between casual and elegance. It's a place where you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal with friends or have a romantic date night. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, creating an ambiance that you won't want to leave.

If you find yourself in Austin, Caroline is a must-visit. With its attentive service, shockingly good food, and great atmosphere, it effortlessly earned its spot on my list of the best restaurants in Austin.

You might also want to check out the best restaurants in Westlake Austin.