Austin has a reputation as a welcoming, friendly place, but just like New Yorkers over pizza, locals here may come damn near throwing a punch if you take issue with their choice of brisket or breakfast tacos. The Texas capital is spoiled for food choices after years of solidifying its spot as one of the top culinary havens; seasonal ingredients, on-site gardens, unique proteins and presentations, and everything-made-in-house philosophies drive a fine-dining scene of dishes you can only find here. And even the more casual fare has international travelers flying thousands of miles—whether they intend to dip through varieties of gooey queso, experience intimate omakase, sweat over smoky live-fire morsels, and unearth vegetable-forward vegan. You’re never far from a place that overdelivers; these are the best restaurants in Austin.
Read our complete Austin travel guide here.
Every restaurant on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new restaurants open and existing ones evolve. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
