John Anderson
Emmett and Lisa Fox have been serving up seasonal, reasonably priced Italian fare in the heart of Hyde Park for more than a dozen years. Suitable for a lunch meeting, early dinner with the kids, or a romantic night out for two, Asti is the portrait of comfortable elegance. – Melanie Haupt
408-C E. 43rd
512/451-1218
www.astiaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
Creative pub grub meets terrific microbrews in an unpretentious setting. Plates like bangers and mash give the menu an English accent, while chicken-fried chicken and shrimp with grits strike a decidedly Southern twang. Ultimately, the beers best reflect cultural provenance. Sporting names like Moebius, Epsilon, and Vulcan, you know that dorky geniuses are behind it all. – Rachel Feit
7020 Easy Wind #100
512/452-2337
www.blackstar.coop
view this award on its own page ›
photo by John Anderson
Ten years ago, North Loop was a quiet neighborhood of run-down student rental housing and aging family bungalows. Michael and Jessica Sanders have helped to add some vibrancy and culinary adventurousness to the area since 2012, redefining craft cocktails and pub fare, not to mention the iconic Twinkie. – Melanie Haupt
207 E. 53rd
512/614-6683
drinkwellaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
After initial worries over noise and parking, owner Sarah McIntosh's classy take on Cajun and French cooking has won over the Rosedale neighborhood. Whether it is seasonal fried green tomatoes and smoked shrimp, or slow simmered oxtail stew over grits, there's always something new and interesting on the menu at this quaint cafe and mini-grocery. – Rachel Feit
2307 Hancock
512/371-6840
www.epicerieaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
Photo by John Anderson
John Anderson
This grande dame of Austin's fine dining court is where the culinary cognoscenti go to experience authentic Mexican gastronomy, unadulterated by tacky Texan bling. Sunday brunches are legendarily lavish. – Rachel Feit
2330 W. North Loop
512/459-4121
fondasanmiguel.com
view this award on its own page ›
Ned Elliott's spare-but-homey American diner is effectively a laboratory for the charismatic chef's pursuit of modern comfort food. Elliott's drive and curiosity have ensured that the small North Loop spot is the first place to look if you want to know what this year's culinary trends will be. – Melanie Haupt
306 E. 53rd
512/459-1010
www.fndaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
Photo by David Brendan Hall
Just down the road from I Luv Video, this unassuming gem happens to feature a masterful wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza for an excellent price. The spicy, roasted olive appetizer; mixed green salad with strawberries and goat cheese; and a traditional 12-inch Margherita – plus at least one glass from their sustainably-minded wine list – make a perfect meal. – Jessi Cape
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
Takehiro and Kayo Asazu got their start selling bento boxes at the farmers' market in 2006; the Sushi-A-Go-Go trailer followed in 2009. In 2011, they opened their brick-and-mortar shop with a full Japanese menu including ramen, and there is almost always a (well-deserved) line out the door. – Melanie Haupt
5301 Airport Blvd.
512/712-5700
www.kome-austin.com
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
photo by John Anderson
Blink and you might miss this hole-in-the-wall pizzeria hidden in the Crestview neighborhood. Little Deli makes pizza like they do back in Jersey, with thin crust, gooey cheese, and a generous dose of bada-bing. Mile-high sandwiches on thick-sliced bread and classic Italian subs are tempting, too. – Rachel Feit
7101-A Woodrow
512/467-7402
www.littledeliandpizza.com
view this award on its own page ›
This second location of the popular Lucy's on South Congress has got all the sass that made the first restaurant so popular: deep-fried deviled eggs, mountain oysters, and, of course, crisp buttermilk fried chicken, plus the recent addition of a new weekend brunch menu. But don't overlook the fantastic wood-fired baked oysters. – Rachel Feit
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
For three blissful hours a day, Tuesday through Saturday, savvy Austinites have at their disposal some of the best deli food south of the Mason-Dixon. The house-cured pastrami, pork belly confit, and roast beef are transcendent; what's more, they're all cured in-house at this upstart little trailer. – Melanie Haupt
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
Another trailer-gone-brick-and-mortar success story, Freddy Lee couldn't keep up with the demand for his product when he opened his truck at the now-defunct North Austin Trailer Yard in May 2012. The restaurant followed a few months later, and has handily established itself as a contender in Austin's ramen wars. – Melanie Haupt
6519 N. Lamar
512/386-1908
www.michiramen.com
view this award on its own page ›
A sentimental favorite, Mother's was one of the first dedicated all-vegetarian restaurants in Austin. From the timeless cashew tamari dressing to the artichoke enchiladas to the wheat-free almond mocha torte, Mother's reminds us that comfort food doesn't have to be modernized, nor does it need to contain meat. – Melanie Haupt
4215 Duval St.
512/451-3994
www.motherscafeaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
This may be one of the best restaurants you've never heard of. Serving up classic Persian dishes from their grocery store kitchen, Pars' deli attracts a loyal following that can't get enough of the lush fesenjon (chicken stewed in pomegranate and walnut sauce), or the earthy gorma sabzi (beef stewed with herbs and kidney beans). – Rachel Feit
8820 Burnet Rd. #502
512/452-4888
www.austinparsdeli.com
view this award on its own page ›
Phoenicia has always been a foodie heaven. After you've made yourself dizzy scanning the rare grocery treats imported from around the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, order a chicken shawarma from their deli counter, or try the zatar bread sandwich. You're cheating yourself if you don't try the sinful pecan and date coconut macaroons. – Rachel Feit
4701-A Burnet Rd.
512/323-6770
www.phoeniciabakery.com
view this award on its own page ›
This friends-and-family eatery hit the bull's-eye when it opened last year. Serving hop forward microbrews and puffy pizzas, it became an instant hangout for Midtowners. Don't forget to bring plenty of quarters for Donkey Kong! – Rachel Feit
4729 Burnet Rd.
512/436-9605
www.pinthousepizza.com
view this award on its own page ›
photo by John Anderson
photo by John Anderson
For more than three quarters of a century, Quality Seafood has offered fresh fish for retail sale, as well as a variety of fried delights and oysters galore. Where else in Austin can you pick up squid to dissect in biology class, lobster tails to serve at a fancy dinner, or take your kids for $3 fish tacos on Tuesday night? Nowhere else, that's where. – Melanie Haupt
5621 Airport
512/452-3820
qualityseafoodmarket.com
view this award on its own page ›
Weekend brunches at this popular neighborhood cafe are the bomb, which is what you'd expect from the sister restaurant to the established west Austin bakery, Russell's. After you've sampled the excellent crab cakes Benedict, or the pecan banana pancakes, come back for dinner. The menu is an eclectic mix of modern American fare featuring a reliable array of steaks, burgers, and seafood. – Rachel Feit
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
Owner Foo Swasdee knows a thing or two about Thai food after 26 years in the biz. Not content to rest on her laurels, Swasdee's kitchen always has some new treat brewing. It might be seafood in red curry topped with coconut cream and shredded magrood, or Pilipino egg rolls stuffed with minced chicken; her food is always polished and professional. – Rachel Feit
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
Most places in Austin don't require a lunch reservation. But most places aren't the Steeping Room, which specializes in deliciously dainty tea sandwiches (no crusts here!), delicate pastries, and, naturally, a wide selection of specialty teas. Demand is deservedly high for the chance to luncheon in this mid-city oasis. – Melanie Haupt
512/467-2663
www.thesteepingroom.com
view this award on its own page ›
photo by John Anderson
Co-owner Lance Kirkpatrick's barbecued beef ribs made judges swoon at the Chronicle's inaugural beef rib smackdown in January, but the restaurant's peppery brisket and spicy, coarse-ground sausage have also earned this family-friendly dining spot a solid reputation among the pit bosses. Sides here go beyond the standard potato salad and coleslaw to include excellent corn casserole and mac and cheese. – Rachel Feit
6610 N. Lamar
512/380-9199
www.stilesswitchbbq.com
view this award on its own page ›
Every bit of Uchiko's stellar reputation is earned, from the innovative cuisine (Jar Jar Duck! Hot Rock! Brussels sprouts!) to the impeccable service. While the price point might intimidate some, the weekday Sake Social Hour also means that you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy truly special food. – Melanie Haupt
4200 N. Lamar
512/916-4808
uchikoaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
Yes, it's a wine bar, and a damn good one at that. But, in addition to its sophisticated wine list, reflecting both depth and breadth of expertise, Vino Vino also has an incredible French-inspired menu that is emblematic of elegant Austin. The mussels and fries alone make Vino Vino a can't-miss dining destination. – Melanie Haupt
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
In 2001, Chronicle readers voted this Hyde Park mainstay the Best New Restaurant in our annual Restaurant Poll. Customers haven’t stopped raving since. It’s rare for a restaurant to have longevity over a more than 15-year span; it’s rarer still when a restaurant still feels relevant. Inducted in 2016.
408-C E. 43rd
512/451-1218
www.astiaustin.com
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
When we talk about restaurateurs that helped put Austin on the food city map, multiple James Beard Award finalist Bryce Gilmore – executive chef and co-owner of Barley Swine, Odd Duck, and Sour Duck Market – is up there with the best. In 2009, back when our farmers’ markets were small and the food truck scene was still gestating, Gilmore and his brother refurbed an old trailer and opened fan-favorite Odd Duck, serving only local produce and utilizing whole animals. Gilmore’s acclaimed fine dining restaurant Barley Swine opened the next year, spotlighting his dedication to seasonal ingredients with an always exquisite tasting menu, and the crowds went wild. The continuous efforts to celebrate local ranchers and farmers, and up the ante with casual sister restaurant Sour Duck Market, an annual almanac, and a carbon neutral initiative, are forever seared in our hearts. Inducted in 2021.
6555 Burnet Rd. #400
512/394-8150
www.barleyswine.com
view this award on its own page ›
Serving regional Mexican cuisine since 1975, Fonda San Miguel is as much of an Austin icon as it is a great happy hour spot. The walls of the expansive hacienda-style space showcase a fine gallery of Mexican art, and the dishes served are equally remarkable. Do not visit without ordering a ceviche and house margarita. Inducted in 2016.
2330 W. North Loop
512/459-4121
fondasanmiguel.com
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
We suppose there’s a sentiment around 24-hour diners like Kerbey Lane that inevitably boils down to “it’s open,” but there are spoons that rise above the greasiness. Most of the locations maintain those endless hours (keep them in your thoughts), and Kerbey Lane has been doing this town a public service for going on 40 years, feeding their wonderfully absorbent and delicious array of pancakes to patrons needing a particular brand of restorative. We recommend starting with the Cowboy Queso before moving on to the California Omelet. In a town that constantly reckons with its identity, Kerbey’s recent expansion into the Mueller community solidifies and expands on its role as a particular and much-needed cultural and culinary mainstay. Inducted in 2019.
3704 Kerbey
512/451-1436
kerbeylanecafe.com
view this award on its own page ›
Long before Korean food was a popular cuisine in the Austin restaurant scene, Korea House opened in 1988, and legions of fans, new and old, still frequent what is considered the first Korean restaurant in town. Outside seating overlooking a lovely koi pond, twinkly lights, and peaceful music all contribute to their wonderful ambience, but it’s the delicious and consistent food that keeps customers coming back. While the menu continues to expertly execute classic dishes like bibimbap, galbi, and seafood pajeon – and helped introduce banchan and one of the world’s greatest condiments, kimchi, to many diners – they’re set on maintaining the magic with new concepts like family meal kits for budae jjigae and Korean-style barbecue (both grilled and DIY). We’re big fans of this delightful place. Inducted in 2021.
2700 W. Anderson Ln. #501
512/458-2477
koreahouseaustin.com/
view this award on its own page ›
photo by David Brendan Hall
photo by John Anderson
Did you know that this Austin institution supplies many of your favorite restaurants with fresh Gulf seafood? Even better, their own menu will satisfy just about any seafood craving you’ve got: peel-n-eat shrimp, grilled Texas black drum, and buttery lobster. Plus, they’ve got that family reunion-style mac & cheese you not-so-secretly love. Inducted in 2017.
5621 Airport
512/452-3820
qualityseafoodmarket.com
view this award on its own page ›
Calling Eddie Wilson’s down-home restaurant an institution is an understatement. Generations of Austinites have downed a beer (or two) at Threadgill’s while feasting on chicken-fried steaks that are as legendary as the musicians who performed there. The massive selection of sides still makes us hoot and holler. Inducted in 2016.
CLOSED
view this award on its own page ›
John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
We’ve sampled so many delicious selections from this incredibly popular Thai restaurant, from yum nuer (a wonderfully spicy variant on steak salad) to endless combinations of fried rice and a selection of curry that has no equal. But there are two dishes (both staff favorites) that we return to time and time again: the pork garlic mixed peppercorn, with its wonderfully seasoned meat and vibrant spinach salad, and the Ta-lay Dancing, a three-chile-hot seafood, mushroom, tomato, and onion medley in tom yum sauce. Add to that the skillful and eternally effusive waitstaff who cover the comfortably cozy space with an ease that mimics a flawless dance routine, and you have all the makings of a perfect dining experience. Inducted in 2019.
5501 N. Lamar Ste. C-101
512/458-1792
titayasthaicuisine.com
