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Restaurant list

Discover Trending Restaurants in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated December 15, 2023
Austin has an incredible dining scene. Locals get to eat a range of cuisine from late-night bites downtown to gourmet prix fixe at trendy spots around the edges of Brentwood and Rosedale. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Enjoy one of the widest varieties of food in the world, from the South Lamar sushi delights of Uchi to South Austin’s Dai Due with its farm-to-table ethos, where they even source the cooking oils locally. This list is the perfect guide to navigating the multitude of trendy restaurants in Austin.
Nightcap
4.6 (731)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown
Sometimes, it’s the basics that keep people coming back again and again: good service, good atmosphere, and good food. Nightcap has all of these, plus a mission to create a cozy and intimate space for all diners, whether a couple on a date night or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Share some small, savory plates such as roasted shishito peppers or their famous kimchi fries. A bustling and cheerful venue with staff who make it their mission to look after hungry and happy diners.
Top review
Audra
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Always enjoy our dinner at Nightcap, especially on the patio.
Sometimes, it’s the basics that keep people coming back again and again: good service, good atmosphere, and good food. Nightcap has all of these, plus a mission to create a cozy and intimate space for all diners, whether a couple on a date night or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion. Share some small, savory plates such as roasted shishito peppers or their famous kimchi fries. A bustling and cheerful venue with staff who make it their mission to look after hungry and happy diners.
Top review
Audra
Dined on Apr 17, 2025
Always enjoy our dinner at Nightcap, especially on the patio.
Emmer & Rye
4.6 (3591)
$50 and over
American
Downtown
In 2018, one critic hailed Emmer & Rye as the best restaurant in Austin right now, saying their dishes are "a study in flavor and textures." The name refers to two grains not so widely used these days, as the restaurant loves to explore using "relic," or heirloom, grains for their bread, pasta, and even dessert. The menu changes daily based on whatever fresh ingredients are available, and one of the most exciting ways to dine here is to sample the circulating dim sum carts. These carts hold around 10 different dishes each night, and servers are happy to recommend dishes and suitable wine pairings.
Top review
Benno
Dined 3 days ago
It was a great dining experience and we so enjoyed the food, the staff, and the energy of a wonderful evening!
In 2018, one critic hailed Emmer & Rye as the best restaurant in Austin right now, saying their dishes are "a study in flavor and textures." The name refers to two grains not so widely used these days, as the restaurant loves to explore using "relic," or heirloom, grains for their bread, pasta, and even dessert. The menu changes daily based on whatever fresh ingredients are available, and one of the most exciting ways to dine here is to sample the circulating dim sum carts. These carts hold around 10 different dishes each night, and servers are happy to recommend dishes and suitable wine pairings.
Top review
Benno
Dined 3 days ago
It was a great dining experience and we so enjoyed the food, the staff, and the energy of a wonderful evening!
Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish
4.5 (1774)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown
The desirably placed Arlo Grey boasts stunning views over Town Lake and a chance to catch a sight of the famous Congress Bridge bats in flight. Once diners get over the amazing scenery, the menu wows them even more. Listed from the lightest to the heaviest dishes, Top Chef winner Kristen Kish’s dishes explore French and Italian influences, utilizing the bounty of Texan ingredients in new and exciting ways. Enjoy a satisfying brunch or a fine dinner in a sleek and contemporary setting. For a quirky extra, look out for Kristen’s story painted across a corner wall.
Top review
Ken
Dined 2 days ago
Simply amazing! Recently dined at Arlo Grey after it being on my list for a while. I will definitely return and try anything on the menu because I trust Chef Kish with any ingredient!
The desirably placed Arlo Grey boasts stunning views over Town Lake and a chance to catch a sight of the famous Congress Bridge bats in flight. Once diners get over the amazing scenery, the menu wows them even more. Listed from the lightest to the heaviest dishes, Top Chef winner Kristen Kish’s dishes explore French and Italian influences, utilizing the bounty of Texan ingredients in new and exciting ways. Enjoy a satisfying brunch or a fine dinner in a sleek and contemporary setting. For a quirky extra, look out for Kristen’s story painted across a corner wall.
Top review
Ken
Dined 2 days ago
Simply amazing! Recently dined at Arlo Grey after it being on my list for a while. I will definitely return and try anything on the menu because I trust Chef Kish with any ingredient!
wink
4.7 (2358)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Downtown
Downtown Austin is full of busy people looking for a cool place to grab a drink and a bite to eat after a hard day at work. Wink welcomes food lovers with open arms, and offers superb wines and a menu that has made the restaurant "a vital piece of the Austin dining landscape," according to one critic. Diners looking for a trendy spot to enjoy some top cuisine should check out the chef’s tasting menus, with delights such as beef tataki, Hamachi sashimi, and grilled venison with bok choy. Truly one of the most trendy restaurants in Austin today.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always a favorite. From service to meal, it’s all an amazing experience. Austin was our server and was the best we have ever had. Will be back very soon.
Downtown Austin is full of busy people looking for a cool place to grab a drink and a bite to eat after a hard day at work. Wink welcomes food lovers with open arms, and offers superb wines and a menu that has made the restaurant "a vital piece of the Austin dining landscape," according to one critic. Diners looking for a trendy spot to enjoy some top cuisine should check out the chef’s tasting menus, with delights such as beef tataki, Hamachi sashimi, and grilled venison with bok choy. Truly one of the most trendy restaurants in Austin today.
Top review
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always a favorite. From service to meal, it’s all an amazing experience. Austin was our server and was the best we have ever had. Will be back very soon.
Hillside Farmacy
4.4 (411)
$30 and under
American
East Austin
Ever been to one of those restaurants that just looks amazing, even before smelling or tasting the food? Hillside Farmacy in Rosewood is one of those. The outside speaks of its drugstore heritage, while the inside displays glass cabinets full of bottles and jars just to add more intrigue and character to this neighborhood gem. There’s a daily raw bar with a selection of oysters, and a full menu completely based around locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Go back in time with some homemade soda, or add some zing with a shot of whiskey or vodka!
Top review
Kathy
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food, great drinks, great service & great vibe. Highly recommend. Truly a unique Austin experience.
Ever been to one of those restaurants that just looks amazing, even before smelling or tasting the food? Hillside Farmacy in Rosewood is one of those. The outside speaks of its drugstore heritage, while the inside displays glass cabinets full of bottles and jars just to add more intrigue and character to this neighborhood gem. There’s a daily raw bar with a selection of oysters, and a full menu completely based around locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Go back in time with some homemade soda, or add some zing with a shot of whiskey or vodka!
Top review
Kathy
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Great food, great drinks, great service & great vibe. Highly recommend. Truly a unique Austin experience.
Juniper
4.6 (2773)
$31 to $50
Italian
East Austin
With former Uchi creative director Nicholas Yanes involved, it’s no surprise that Italian -inspired restaurant Juniper is making waves in the trendy Austin dining scene. The outside is smart and fairly unassuming, with a small seating area for al fresco dining. Inside, the décor is cool and contemporary, with a menu to match. Dishes range from small plates of smoked whitefish spread and roasted beets, to pan-roasted fish with pea ragu. When booking for a special occasion, let the staff know as they might provide a special surprise.
Top review
mark
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and service! Look forward to the next visit.
With former Uchi creative director Nicholas Yanes involved, it’s no surprise that Italian -inspired restaurant Juniper is making waves in the trendy Austin dining scene. The outside is smart and fairly unassuming, with a small seating area for al fresco dining. Inside, the décor is cool and contemporary, with a menu to match. Dishes range from small plates of smoked whitefish spread and roasted beets, to pan-roasted fish with pea ragu. When booking for a special occasion, let the staff know as they might provide a special surprise.
Top review
mark
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and service! Look forward to the next visit.
Foreign & Domestic - Austin
4.8 (2107)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Central Austin
Billed as a "nose to tail, farm to table dining experience," Foreign & Domestic is an intimate, neighborhood restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. The nose to tail tasting menu perfectly demonstrates the restaurant’s ethos, with dishes such as sweetbread roulade and seared lamb heart. A real treat for the adventurous diners out there! More standard fare includes gnocchi, braised pork, and the ever-popular popovers. Tuesday to Saturday diners should look out for happy hour at 5:30 p.m.
Top review
Dr. NeferiatitiVIP
Dined 5 days ago
The flavors were on point!!! The oysters and pop overs were amazing! And the customer service was perfect! 👌 we will be back!
Billed as a "nose to tail, farm to table dining experience," Foreign & Domestic is an intimate, neighborhood restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. The nose to tail tasting menu perfectly demonstrates the restaurant’s ethos, with dishes such as sweetbread roulade and seared lamb heart. A real treat for the adventurous diners out there! More standard fare includes gnocchi, braised pork, and the ever-popular popovers. Tuesday to Saturday diners should look out for happy hour at 5:30 p.m.
Top review
Dr. NeferiatitiVIP
Dined 5 days ago
The flavors were on point!!! The oysters and pop overs were amazing! And the customer service was perfect! 👌 we will be back!
Uchi Austin
4.9 (5461)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
Why is Uchi consistently hailed as one of the top trendy restaurants in Austin, and even the whole of America? It could be chef and sushi master Tyson Cole’s mission to get customers to be as fanatical about Japanese food as he is. Or maybe it’s the intriguing combinations of flavors like salmon and blueberries, or yellowtail with Asian pear. It could even be the simple wood and striking floral panels that bring a touch of Japanese culture to South Lamar. Brave, bold, and always trying new things, Uchi is bound to be an Austin hot spot for many years to come.
Top review
Tam
Dined 5 days ago
First time at Uchi. Top notch experience. The food, service, ambience was perfect. We went for happy hour and they have a pretty extensive menu for happy hour. Lovely time
Why is Uchi consistently hailed as one of the top trendy restaurants in Austin, and even the whole of America? It could be chef and sushi master Tyson Cole’s mission to get customers to be as fanatical about Japanese food as he is. Or maybe it’s the intriguing combinations of flavors like salmon and blueberries, or yellowtail with Asian pear. It could even be the simple wood and striking floral panels that bring a touch of Japanese culture to South Lamar. Brave, bold, and always trying new things, Uchi is bound to be an Austin hot spot for many years to come.
Top review
Tam
Dined 5 days ago
First time at Uchi. Top notch experience. The food, service, ambience was perfect. We went for happy hour and they have a pretty extensive menu for happy hour. Lovely time
Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6 (2231)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
Farm to table is a phrase that really means something at Wu Chow, the home of authentic, modern Chinese food in the middle of downtown Austin. Both the executive and dim sum chefs trained in China, and all eight styles of Chinese cuisine appear on the extensive menu. One of the most exciting weekly events at Wu Chow is the Sunday dim sum brunch, where waiters serve potstickers and dumplings as fast as diners can eat them. Wash the meal down with a refreshing Tsingtao shandy, with added lime and ginger for a more Oriental twist.
Top review
Kelsey
Dined 1 day ago
I have eaten at Wu Chow a couple of times but today was the first time I ate there for their dim sum brunch. The food was as awesome as it is for dinner! Can’t wait to go again the next time I am in Austin. My daughter insists on going to get their soup dumplings when we are in town and they never disappoint.
Farm to table is a phrase that really means something at Wu Chow, the home of authentic, modern Chinese food in the middle of downtown Austin. Both the executive and dim sum chefs trained in China, and all eight styles of Chinese cuisine appear on the extensive menu. One of the most exciting weekly events at Wu Chow is the Sunday dim sum brunch, where waiters serve potstickers and dumplings as fast as diners can eat them. Wash the meal down with a refreshing Tsingtao shandy, with added lime and ginger for a more Oriental twist.
Top review
Kelsey
Dined 1 day ago
I have eaten at Wu Chow a couple of times but today was the first time I ate there for their dim sum brunch. The food was as awesome as it is for dinner! Can’t wait to go again the next time I am in Austin. My daughter insists on going to get their soup dumplings when we are in town and they never disappoint.
La Condesa
4.7 (2309)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
Austin has always been famous for Tex-Mex fare, but for those who want to try some hip yet traditional Mexican food, La Condesa delivers this in a truly urban setting. The stunning mural across the back wall is a riot of color and joy, while the patio allows for some professional people-watching and a chance to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the city. Diners enjoy the carne asada and the detailed and flavorful cocktail menu. Check out happy hour for half-price bar snacks and the famous guacamole sampler.
Top review
JorgeVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Great service and great food. Brunch was very enjoyable and the queso was especially delicious 😋
Austin has always been famous for Tex-Mex fare, but for those who want to try some hip yet traditional Mexican food, La Condesa delivers this in a truly urban setting. The stunning mural across the back wall is a riot of color and joy, while the patio allows for some professional people-watching and a chance to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the city. Diners enjoy the carne asada and the detailed and flavorful cocktail menu. Check out happy hour for half-price bar snacks and the famous guacamole sampler.
Top review
JorgeVIP
Dined on Apr 19, 2025
Great service and great food. Brunch was very enjoyable and the queso was especially delicious 😋
Uchiko Austin
4.8 (6077)
$50 and over
Sushi
Central Austin
The sister restaurant to the popular and very cool Uchi, Uchiko is another brainchild of Tyson Cole. This restaurant has a little less focus on the sushi, making for a more well-rounded menu. Uchiko dedicates itself to sustainability; ideal for ethical eaters. The 10-course tasting menu is a big hit with diners who want to take their time and really enjoy the experience. Servers are happy to advise on the menu and make recommendations. Look out for the quirky ham and eggs roll and coffee bacon.
Top review
Kevin
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, great service. Dax was great with all his suggestions on sushi and made it a special evening!
The sister restaurant to the popular and very cool Uchi, Uchiko is another brainchild of Tyson Cole. This restaurant has a little less focus on the sushi, making for a more well-rounded menu. Uchiko dedicates itself to sustainability; ideal for ethical eaters. The 10-course tasting menu is a big hit with diners who want to take their time and really enjoy the experience. Servers are happy to advise on the menu and make recommendations. Look out for the quirky ham and eggs roll and coffee bacon.
Top review
Kevin
Dined 5 days ago
Great food, great service. Dax was great with all his suggestions on sushi and made it a special evening!
The Salty Sow
4.8 (4098)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
East Austin
Manor Road is a bit of a go-to spot in Austin right now for exciting food and drink. The Salty Sow stands out from the crowd with its quirky décor and outdoor dining area known as the Pig Pen. There’s no mistaking what’s on the menu here. Images of pigs are everywhere, just to remind diners of the star of the show. There’s plenty of "non-sow" options though, from green chile grits to crispy chicken thighs. A fun and vibrant restaurant with an excellent happy hour.
Top review
Jennie
Dined 2 days ago
Food was delicious as always. Service was excellent. Definitely recommend going.
Manor Road is a bit of a go-to spot in Austin right now for exciting food and drink. The Salty Sow stands out from the crowd with its quirky décor and outdoor dining area known as the Pig Pen. There’s no mistaking what’s on the menu here. Images of pigs are everywhere, just to remind diners of the star of the show. There’s plenty of "non-sow" options though, from green chile grits to crispy chicken thighs. A fun and vibrant restaurant with an excellent happy hour.
Top review
Jennie
Dined 2 days ago
Food was delicious as always. Service was excellent. Definitely recommend going.
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