Are you looking for the best restaurants in Austin, Texas? From Austin’s fine-dining scene to fast-casual cafes, there’s a little of everything on this personally-vetted list.

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(Another food post?! Listen, in my last life, I’m pretty sure I was Pac-Man. Chomp, chomp, chomp!)

The thing they don’t tell you about a cross-country van road trip is that meals out are a huge source of comfort and relaxation. Few things are as much of a treat as someone placing a steaming hot bowl of creative, tasty cuisine in front of you after a long drive… and then clearing the dirty dishes away! 

Austin, Texas was the turnaround point on our road trip this winter, and what better spot to eat your heart out before the long drive home?!

Austin is full of creative eateries, delicious fine dining, and colorful, yummy fast-casual restaurants. I did an intensive deep dive on Austin restaurants before we hit the town, and all that passenger-seat research absolutely paid off (even if my jeans don’t fit anymore). Here are some of the most unforgettable meals we had. 

Bon appetit!

8 Must-Try Restaurants in Austin, Texas

Sour Duck Market

Are you looking for delicious eats and a hip, chill space to hang out? Head to Sour Duck Market; it’s equal parts bakery, cafe, beer garden, and neighborhood bar.

We stumbled on this local gem and instantly fell in love with the massive breakfast tacos (house-made flour tortilla, scrambled egg, fries, red chili sauce, onion, and queso fresco).

We also devoured Ahmad’s Brekky Sammie (YUM!), and a TX Farm Chop Salad (Steelbow Farm greens, maple mustard vinaigrette, sweet potato, shishito peppers, mole granola, and queso fresco).

I could go on and on about the delicious local farm-to-table eats, but the space itself deserves a moment. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to wrap up emails with a latte and breakfast sandwich or you’re meeting the gang for a post-work beer and board game, Sour Duck Market’s sprawling space has you covered.

Joann’s Fine Foods

If the adorable kissing lips neon sign and modern diner vibe don’t reel you into Joann’s Fine Foods, the Hashbrown Nachos will. They’re worth every penny (and calorie). The on-trend design and stylish atmosphere at this Austin restaurant is backed up by precisely balanced cocktails and delicious eats. Order the Vampiro Cocktail, the Rice Bowl with Chicken Tinga, and absolutely the Mojo de Ajo Shrimp. We almost fought over that last tasty skrimpy. 

And, finally, we loved that this yummy eatery was centrally located in one of Austin’s best neighborhoods for catching live music.

Dai Due

Dai Due specializes in contemporary, contentious fine dining. Founded in 2006, this veteran Austin eatery encourages diners to reconsider what food is and will be by serving ingredients that are present in their region. 

The atmosphere is sophisticated and modern, and the meat-heavy, constantly rotating menu is delicious. We got the Centex Mezze board (this is the stuff dreams are made of), the Tallow-Fried Fish and Chips, a ridiculously tasty Wild Boar Hand Pie, and a zesty, surprisingly large side salad. We also had a lovely Mulled Wine Sorbet special for dessert.

Also of note: Dai Due’s wine list deserves two thumbs up.

Lucky Robot

Food is art at Lucky Robot. This colorful, whimsical Austin restaurant makes a lot of must-visit lists for its vibrant decor, but the menu is where the real magic happens.

Japanese and Latin American flavors intertwine seamlessly, and each dish is more delicious than the last. I think we ordered about the whole menu, and the Hiramasa Serrano, R2-D2, and Yuzu Pie are standouts.

Lucky Robot also made my list of the best weird things to do in Austin for the Midnight in Tokyo cocktail, which contains squid ink and edible glitter.

Bouldin Creek Cafe

Sometimes a gal just needs a big, hot breakfast sandwich, am I right? Austin voted Bouldin Creek Cafe “Best Established Restaurant” and “Best Vegetarian/Vegan” for a reason, and that reason is (in our opinions) the Breakfast Scramwich and the Fajitas Ricas. 

After ten days on the road, Bouldin Creek Cafe’s cheerful, welcoming vibe and veggie-forward cuisine felt like nothing short of self-care.

Cenote

Housed in a historic building built in 1887, Cenote is a slice of authentic Austin. The fine coffee purveyor and locally-oriented eatery is the brainchild of Cody Symington and Mary Jenkins, who dreamed of creating a cafe to serve their neighborhood and friends. 

Order a coffee, fish tacos, or half a BLAT and half salad and settle in on one of the darling patios. You’re sure to fall in love with this urban oasis.

Lola’s Donuts

DONUT sleep on Lola’s Donuts: this flowery little eatery sells out of their heavenly baked good quickly! 

Place your order for one of Lola’s delicious creations at the splashy, flower-encrusted window and eat your fresh donut right there in the parking lot (like we did), or take a dozen home to the fam.

Roaring Fork

Are you looking for a classic fine dining experience with flavorful, wood-fired cuisine and an in-depth wine list? Make a reservation at Roaring Fork! 

Roaring Fork “captures the spirit of bold American cuisine, creating flavors that crackle with a rugged edge.” The menu features wood-fired meats and dishes with a Southwestern flair, and all of it is tasty. We should know; we ordered the “Big Ass” Spicy Meatballs, Tortilla Soup, Iceberg BLT Wedge, Mexican Street Corn, Steak Mushroom, and green beans (whew).

Looking for more insider info? Austin’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors, showcasing everything from traditional Texas barbecue to inventive fusion cuisine. So whether you’re looking for an apartment in Austin, TX, or searching for a home in the area, this Redfin guide that I was featured in will lead you on a delicious food journey featuring 16 eateries that define Austin. From iconic barbecue joints to trendy food trucks, get ready to tantalize your taste buds. Be sure to check out Savor Austin: A Culinary Expedition Through 16 Must-Try Restaurants in Austin, TX.

Did I miss one of the best restaurants in Austin? Drop it in the comments below!