John Anderson
For a restaurant this good, Cafe Josie is still surprisingly under-the-radar. Literally tucked away on West Sixth, the cafe utilizes local and sustainable ingredients to create dishes that are colorful, inventive, and consistently exceptional. Open for lunch and dinner with nary a wait (for now), Cafe Josie does not disappoint.
CLOSED
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When you're in Clarksville and have a hankering for Italian food, Cipollina is your first and best option. The bistro, a younger sibling to the original Jeffrey's, specializes in house-made pizzas and pastas, which fit the bill both for a quick bite with the kids or an elegant night out. Regardless of the occasion, be sure to save room for tiramisu.
1213 West Lynn
512/477-5211
www.cipollina-austin.com
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photo by John Anderson
An upscale oyster bar from the restaurant group behind Perla's and Jeffrey's, Clark's remains pristine yet unpretentious – no small feat when the menu includes caviar. An impeccable array of oyster varieties and an expertly curated wine list punctuate the offerings which include cioppino, crab cakes, and lobster rolls. Tightening the purse strings? Try lunch or happy hour.
1200 W. Sixth
512/297-2525
www.clarksoysterbar.com
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Austin's cozy go-to breakfast diner added a larger second outlet in late 2014, but we still prefer the cozy quarters and the camaraderie of the original. Both locations boast one of the best burgers in town.
CLOSED
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John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
Fabi + Rosi serves classic German cuisine with a sustainable, modernized twist in a cozy cottage just north of Deep Eddy. Look for fresh and handmade food that tastes like it just leaped off of the farm, great charcuterie, melt-in-your-mouth schnitzel, pristine seafood, and one of Austin's best dry-aged steaks.
CLOSED
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McGuire Moorman reimagined Jeffrey's as the company flagship back in 2013. The well-loved clubby ambience of the bar and distinctive personal hospitality remain, but are now paired with exemplary dry-aged beef and June Rodil's extensive wine knowledge. Now the West Austin fine-dining landmark has settled into a new groove for a new generation of Austin diners.
1204 W. Lynn
512/477-5584
jeffreysofaustin.com
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courtesy of Jeffrey's
It's difficult for a 14-year-old restaurant to remain in business, much less remain relevant, but wink's locally focused menu continues to astound. There's a timelessness in the ingredients that still manages to set trends. Some look to New York or San Francisco for the next big thing. We'd rather look to chef Eric Polzer.
1014 N. Lamar
512/482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
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This European gastronomic exploration exudes taste inside and out. The love story that started it all continues through the care and craftsmanship incorporated into everything from the homemade bread to the house-cured Metzger board. Perhaps the very best part, however, is that the price point of this luxe-sounding menu makes it accessible to most. Inducted in 2018.
CLOSED
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Photo by John Anderson
courtesy of Jeffrey's
Jeffrey’s is a rare classic establishment where heart-stopping prices actually equate to fine dining. The centerpiece of the menu revolves around perfectly seasoned and seared steaks, but even those who aren’t carnivores can make a meal of the sides and salads that are just as legendary as the delectable meat. Inducted in 2018.
1204 W. Lynn
512/477-5584
jeffreysofaustin.com
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In an Austin that often mistakes fine surfaces for fine dining, chefs Stewart Scruggs and Mark Paul’s strip mall eatery is the real deal. Maybe there’s no miles of carrara marble and the fixtures may not require weekly wipe downs with Brasso, but wink has it where it counts – beautiful food made with the best ingredients, immaculate service, and a wine program that’s worth raising a glass to. Inducted in 2017.
1014 N. Lamar
512/482-8868
www.winkrestaurant.com
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