40 Restaurants to Try in Downtown Austin
Check off all your food goals without leaving the city center
By Jessika Roth, Fri., March 15, 2019
Whether you're on a break, or you've designated time to indulge in a leisurely dinner, we've mapped out the Downtown restaurant scene to help you plan for any kind of meal. Spread across the city center, you'll find dining options from Lamar to I-35, and Cesar Chavez to 10th.
WHEN THE BOSS IS PAYING
Red Ash (Photo by John Anderson)
Otoko
1603 S. Congress, www.otokoaustin.comA unique multicourse omakase experience hosted by chef Yoshi Okai will require reservations at this intimate 12-seat restaurant within the South Congress Hotel.
Red Ash
303 Colorado, www.redashgrill.comA modern Italian restaurant utilizing a wood-burning grill to create nuanced flavors in their wood-roasted vegetables, wood-fired pizza, and wood-grilled prime cuts of meat and seafood.
Garrison
101 Red River, www.garrisongrill.comThe fancy Fairmont Hotel features a modern American grill with exquisitely designed plates, like shareable whole grilled branzino or 28-oz. prime porterhouse.
Lonesome Dove
419 Colorado, www.lonesomedoveaustin.comChef & owner Tim Love designed a modern menu influenced by the flavors of the West packed with wild game and wood-fired cooking; savor rabbit ravioli or spit-roasted duck.
Ciclo
98 San Jacinto, www.cicloatx.comEffortlessly peer at the lake while fine dining at the Four Seasons Hotel. Ciclo offers an elegant indoor or outdoor dining experience and carefully crafted menu mixing local and Latin flavors.
UPSCALE TABLE FOR TWO
Wu Chow (Photo by David Brendan Hall)
Geraldine's
605 Davis, www.geraldinesaustin.comLocated in the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt, this trendy rooftop restaurant and bar serves Southern-inspired dishes with staples like grilled quail and shrimp hush puppies.
Parkside
301 E. Sixth, www.parkside-austin.comA dinner-only, farm-to-table restaurant with a seasonally changing menu and raw bar, Parkside is currently serving up crab fritters, hamachi, and chicken roasted with brown butter crumble.
Chez Nous
510 Neches, www.cheznousaustin.comAuthentic French cuisine has been shared in this Downtown bistro since the 1980s, including all things crepe, croque, and confit.
North Italia
500 W. Second, www.northitaliarestaurant.comAn upscale Italian eatery using select ingredients to make mushroom arancini, prosciutto & fig pizzas, and Tuscan kale salads. Take a peek into the kitchen to watch pasta made daily.
Wu Chow
500 W. Fifth, www.wuchowaustin.comA fresh take on Chinese cuisine, offering modern versions of the classics using locally sourced ingredients. Tiki cocktails and house-made dumplings flow daily, with dim sum served on Sundays.
Le Politique
110 San Antonio, www.lepolitiqueaustin.comThis gorgeous brasserie offers classic French cuisine; order steak frites, escargot, or daily made macarons.
Second Bar + Kitchen
200 Congress, www.secondbarkitchen.comTry their modern American small plates for sharing or larger plates to individually savor every bite of a Congress burger topped with shallot confit and Gruyere.
FUN, FLIRTY VIBES
Holy Roller (Photo by John Anderson)
G'raj Mahal Cafe
73 Rainey, www.grajmahalaustin.comTasty Indian specialties in a haute bohemian atmosphere.
Swift's Attic
315 Congress, www.swiftsattic.comInventive small plates influenced by global flavors; you'll find an ever-changing menu and a generous happy hour from 2-6:30pm every weekday.
Banger's
79 Rainey, www.bangersaustin.comThey'll have limited hours for the public during SXSW; all other times it's your laid-back, sausage and beer slinging, chill outdoors at a picnic table while listening to live music, type of place.
Holy Roller
509 Rio Grande, www.holyrolleraustin.comAmerican comfort food with attitude – Grilled Cheesus sandwiches, trash fries, and choco tacos.
Péché
208 W. Fourth, www.pecheaustin.comAbsinthe bar proudly serving "sinful cocktails" along with classic French food within a Prohibition-era setting.
Backspace
507 San Jacinto, www.thebackspace-austin.comIntimate Neapolitan pizzeria which keeps the colorful antipasti and crisp Peroni flowing while baking brick oven-fired pies.
TEX-MEXICAN FOOD
La Condesa
400-A W. Second, www.lacondesa.comFeaturing a range of Mexican cuisine, the menu offers traditional tortas and more complex flavor profiles such as mole and ceviche.
Manuel's
310 Congress, www.manuels.comThis staple restaurant specializes in mole, margaritas, and wild-caught sustainable seafood prepared with Mexican flair.
Austin Taco Project
500 E. Fourth, www.austintacoproject.comYour one-stop taco shop, featuring an eclectic array of tacos inspired by global flavors and pouring equally vibrant cocktails.
Polvos
360 Nueces, www.polvosaustin.comPolvos will satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings with copious amounts of enchiladas, flautas, fajitas, aguas frescas, and margaritas to fill your table and belly.
El Naranjo
85 Rainey, www.elnaranjorestaurant.comA sophisticated window to Mexican cuisine, their moles bring a special elegance to the menu, while their appetizers and smaller plates like the guacamole and empanadas bring the simple deliciousness.
SOUTHERN FOOD
Fixe (Photo by John Anderson)
Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
303 Red River, www.moonshinegrill.comComfort food-centric with chicken & waffles, shrimp & grits, and signature skillet apple pie.
Gus's Fried Chicken
117 San Jacinto, www.gusfriedchicken.com/austin-texas-locationThis Memphis-born restaurant made it to Austin bearing the gift of fried chicken, mac & cheese, fried green tomatoes, and sweet potato pie.
Iron Works BBQ
100 Red River, www.ironworksbbq.comPractically unchanged since opening in the 1970s, Iron Works serves no-frills traditional barbecue in an old Austin setting.
Fixe
500 W. Fifth, www.fixesouthernhouse.comA Texan approach to Louisiana flavors and the place to wear your Sunday best, Fixe crafts Southern favorites with elegant presentation and ambience.
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
801 Red River, www.stubbsaustin.comThe restaurant side of one of Austin's most popular music venues, serving barbecue that's just as popular. Don't miss the Sunday gospel brunch for a side of live music with your brisket.
CLASSIC CAFES
Austin Java
301 W. Second, www.austinjava.comCoffee shop meets modern diner, serving a lengthy food menu to cover all of Austin's local flavors and food groups.
Jo's Coffee
242 W. Second, www.joscoffee.comBreakfast, burgers, and beer served all day, along with Intelligentsia coffee for fuel. There's outdoor seating for sunny days. (The original location is on South Congress – you know, with the "I Love You" mural.)
Walton's Fancy & Staple
609 W. Sixth, www.waltonsfancyandstaple.comA nostalgic American cafe with flavor-packed pastries, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast dishes to savor any time of day.
Cookbook Bar & Cafe
710 W. Cesar Chavez, www.cookbookatx.comBrightly lit indoor/outdoor cafe within the Central Library, featuring dishes and beverages inspired by acclaimed cookbooks and chefs from around the country.
40 North
900 W. Tenth, www.40northpizza.comCharming and delicious; this restaurant within a house specializes in Neapolitan pizza, along with a noteworthy burger, salads, and Italian desserts.
QUICK, HEALTHY MEALS
Dai Due Taqueria at Fareground (Photo by John Anderson)
Fareground
111 Congress, www.faregroundaustin.comAustin's first food hall and Downtown dining hub features six local restaurants and a bar, with ample seating inside and a park-like setting outside.
Koriente
621 E. Seventh, www.koriente.comA family-owned restaurant serving Asian-inspired made-from-scratch dishes at affordable prices with the friendliest service.
Daruma Ramen
612-B E. Sixth, www.darumaramen.comMaking healthier varieties of Japanese ramen by using chicken and veggie broth, as well as stocking Japanese beer and inventing unique flavors of soft serve.
Darna
408 W. Eleventh, www.darnatx.comMoroccan & Mediterranean salads, shawarmas, and baklava.
Malibu Poke
211 Walter Seaholm #115, www.malibupoke.comA touchscreen poke menu packed with options, from classic to spicy predesigned bowls, and à la carte ingredients to craft your own.
Flower Child
500 W. Second #133, www.iamaflowerchild.comCheery, modern restaurant with wholesome foods including veggie-packed and protein-optional plates, salads, and grain bowls.
True Food Kitchen
222 West Ste. HR100, www.truefoodkitchen.comFeaturing a seasonal menu that changes regularly to offer a variety of creative salads, bowls, and sandwiches.
