12 Best Restaurants in Austin, TX

Austin, Texas isn’t just known for live music and outdoor living, it’s also one of the most exciting food cities in the country. From iconic barbecue joints to upscale dining and cozy neighborhood favorites, Austin offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a longtime local or thinking about calling Austin home, these restaurants capture the flavor, creativity, and heart of the city.

Here are 12 of the best restaurants Austin has to offer.

1. Franklin Barbecue

No Austin food list is complete without Franklin Barbecue. Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, perfectly smoked ribs, and house-made sausages, Franklin has earned national recognition and a loyal following. Yes, there’s usually a line, but every bite makes it worth the wait.

2. Uchi

For world-class sushi in the heart of Texas, Uchi sets the standard. Led by Chef Tyson Cole, this award-winning restaurant delivers inventive Japanese cuisine with flawless execution. From delicate nigiri to bold hot and cold plates, every dish feels intentional and elevated.

3. Olamaie

Housed in a charming historic bungalow, Olamaie reimagines Southern cuisine with modern refinement. Chef Michael Fojtasek’s menu highlights locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful technique. The famous biscuits with honey butter alone are worth the visit, but the entire experience embodies Southern hospitality at its finest.

4. Emmer & Rye

Emmer & Rye is a leader in Austin’s modern American dining scene, known for seasonal ingredients, house-milled grains, and inventive small plates. Chef Kevin Fink’s rotating menu showcases Central Texas flavors with creativity and sustainability at the forefront. The signature dim sum cart adds a fun and flavorful twist to the experience.

5. Intero Restaurant

Intero offers a beautifully executed farm-to-table take on contemporary Italian cuisine. The menu blends classic techniques with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, resulting in thoughtful, refined dishes. With its intimate atmosphere and handcrafted desserts, Intero is a favorite for special occasions and memorable dinners.

6. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

A staple of Austin fine dining, Perry’s Steakhouse delivers an upscale experience with exceptional service and expertly prepared cuts. Known for its famous seven-finger-high pork chop and stylish Bar 79, Perry’s combines classic steakhouse tradition with modern sophistication.

7. Corner Restaurant

Tucked into the Hyde Park neighborhood, Corner Restaurant is a true local favorite. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and creative takes on comfort food, offering a dining experience that feels both familiar and elevated. It’s the kind of spot where you instantly feel like a regular.

8. Matt’s El Rancho

Few places define Austin’s Tex-Mex scene like Matt’s El Rancho. This long-standing, family-owned restaurant is famous for its Bob Armstrong dip, vibrant atmosphere, and generous portions. With fresh ingredients and recipes passed down for generations, it’s a go-to for authentic Austin flavor.

9. Jack Allen’s Kitchen

Rooted in Texas culinary tradition, Jack Allen’s Kitchen celebrates local flavors with thoughtful, approachable dishes. From farm-fresh salads to hearty entrées and indulgent desserts, every meal reflects warm hospitality and a true sense of place.

10. The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen

With multiple locations across Austin, The Grove is a favorite for relaxed dining, an extensive wine selection, and a menu that balances quality with affordability. It’s perfect for everything from casual lunches to evening wine and small plates with friends.

11. NADC Burger

NADC Burger has quickly built a reputation for delivering some of the best burgers in Austin. Using locally sourced ingredients, creative toppings, and perfectly toasted buns, every burger is crafted with care. Add in hand-cut fries and signature shakes, and it’s a must-visit for burger lovers.

12. Vic and Al’s

For comforting Italian-American classics in a cozy setting, Vic and Al’s is a longtime local favorite. This family-owned restaurant serves generous portions of pasta, pizza, and traditional specialties with warm hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.

Call Austin Home

Exploring Austin’s incredible food scene is just one of the many reasons people fall in love with this city. If you’re thinking about making Austin home, the Kathryn Scarborough Group is here to help you find the perfect place that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you’re dreaming of a downtown condo near your favorite restaurants or a charming home in one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods, we’re ready to guide you every step of the way. Let’s find the home that matches the life you want to live here in Austin.