The gem of the US south for foodies everywhere, Austin, Texas, has everything from food trucks to barbecue to high-end dining. The constantly evolving restaurant scene in Austin makes it an incredibly exciting culinary hub and one that we can see is on the rise. Here is our selection of just some of the amazing eating experiences Austin has to offer.
1. Foreign & Domestic
Championing the heights of casual yet refined cooking, Foreign & Domestic prioritises a quality of ingredients, mastery of techniques and a relaxed atmosphere. Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley have achieved this splendour through sheer dedication to what Southern cuisine dreams of being. Somewhere between a pit-fire Texan ranch and Parisian bistro, the smokey chicory flavours are paired with artisanal techniques to create something special.
Located in the North Loop neighbourhood, diners can indulge themselves with blueberry salads enlivened by hints of lemon and ricotta or handmade gnocchi with earthy oyster mushrooms reduced in koji butter. From the minimalist and refined to the wholesome and hearty, Foreign & Domestic is a must-visit in Austin.
Credit: Foreign & Domestic (Pinterest)
2. Jeffrey’s
This establishment is perhaps considered the most iconic of Austin’s great food scene. Starting life back in 1975 as a neighbourhood bistro and joint venture by University of Texas graduates, it has profited as Austin’s desirable destination. Restored and upgraded in 2013 by McGuire Moorman Hospitality group as a modern, fine-dining restaurant, diners will be advised to book in advance for the upscale venue. Serving new American cuisine, Jeffrey’s head chef, Deegan McClung, melds southern flavours with European techniques to create refined courses packed with flavour of the ‘Lone Star’ state.
Jeffrey’s signature specialty burger layers dry-aged wagyu with mustard frisée, caramelised onion, caper mayonnaise and steak, triple-cooked fries. The mouth-watering spectacle is not to be missed but diners must be willing to break the bank as Jeffrey’s is one of Austin’s most expensive, exclusive and exquisite restaurants.
Credit: Jeffrey's
3. Olamaie
This converted townhouse with traditional picket fence and beautiful porch dining area is the perfect example of southern comfort. It feels casual and fancy simultaneously whilst delivering on food, service and atmosphere. Olamaie is a great place to escape the summer heat, with a shaded porch and wide windows, it is an airy and bright alternative to the downtown restaurants.
Olamaie is famed for southern flavours so it is only right to go for the Hush Puppies, which here are deep-fried and golden brown served with smoked cod's roe and a light turnip purée. The ‘Hoppin John’ is a house classic, with soft boiled egg and beans, it is the unexpected combination nobody knew would work so well. Book ahead to avoid disappointment and enjoy a relaxed, long meal with a group of friends in their spacious private-dining spaces.
Credit: Olamaie (Olamieaustin.com)
4. Franklin Barbecue
The South’s favourite tradition is realised perfectly at Franklin Barbecue. Unadulterated, pit-fire barbecue, slow cooked and as tender as can be, served with simple garnishes of fresh coleslaw and mash to complete a feast fit for any local or honorary Texan. The no-frills cooking has caused quite the stir amongst critics, awarding head chef and pit-master, Aaron Franklin, Texas Monthly’s coveted ‘Best Barbecue Joint in Texas’ award and the title of ‘Best Barbecue Joint in America’ from Bon Appetit. This is made all the more impressive by its origins as a food-trailer at the side of the Texas interstate. For the best barbecue you will possibly ever have, head to Franklin’s next time you're in town and be prepared to queue with other hungry mouths!
Credit: Eater (Eater.com)
5. Suerte
There is plenty of great Mexican food to be had in Austin. In fact, Texas is almost famous for it. But if you want to find the best, a strong competitor is Suerte. Their local approach champions corn as a central product; the heirloom strains are grown by specific Texan farmers to ensure organic locality in every dish. Capturing the Texan sunshine, the corn tortillas at Suerte are more than just vehicles for the confit brisket and ‘black magic oil’ made from sesame and smoked chilis. Adorned with trinkets from the owner’s travels the internal atmosphere is a delicate fusion of Texan and Mexican. Enjoy the lively, flavourful food with a partner or two whilst sipping mezcal at this brilliant destination in East Austin.
Credit: Texas Monthly (texasmonthly.com)
6. La Barbecue
Another barbecue joint, La Barbecue, is hardly living in Franklin’s shadow. At La Barbecue, the rubs are a salty, savoury mix with no added sugar in the ‘slaw and the owners utilise a Texan low’n’slow style over post oak for 14 to 16 hours to create a melt-in-your mouth platter. This place holds a candle to its main competitor so should you find that the Saturday morning queue (not ‘cue) at Franklin’s is 6 hours long (it’s not unheard of!) then La Barbecue will help fix those cravings for flavourful, juicy brisket.
Credit: Eater (Eater.com)
7. Intero Restaurant
Should barbecue prove overwhelming after many days (we doubt it!), Intero offers a journey to the Mediterranean with its upmarket, refined palette and handmade chocolate delicacies. Chef couple Ian Thurwatcher and Krystal Craig, both lifelong Austinites, are passionate about the quality of ingredients with a locally sourced ‘intero’ or ‘whole’ animal savoured throughout the menu. The indulgent menu consists of reimagined Mediterranean favourites such as a creamy risotto swirled with brie and peppered with dry-aged beef sausage and delicate cabbage. The directness of what they are trying to achieve, allowing the food to speak for itself, has earned the restaurant the accolade of 5th best restaurant in the entire state of Texas.
Credit: Intero Restaurant (interorestaurant.com)
8. Launderette
Repurposing a (yes, you guessed it) laundromat, the restaurant Laundrette has a sleek interior and its retro-chic design language separates it from the rest of Austin’s East side. The America-meets-the-world menu focuses on sharing so be prepared to order many little plates and a few of their delicious cocktails to keep everyone happy. No matter how much the appetisers and mains may be, save some room for desert, which here is throwback favourites that will make you feel giddy and childish whilst playing with your tastebuds. This spot is great for a girls night out, but be prepared, demand is fierce for Laundrette.
Credit: The Telegraph (Telegraph.co.uk)
9. Justine’s Brasserie
Flying the flag for French cuisine, Justine’s Brasserie (or simply known as Justine’s to the locals) is a cult favourite amongst Austinites. This restaurant is famed for its outdoor patio, a beautifully imagined interior space and renowned for a drink at any time of year. The establishment carries an authentic 1920s Parisian bistro vibe complete with snails and steak frites on the menu. The way this place separates itself from the bountiful competition in Austin is the music, late night dining and alluring, sensual atmosphere that bubbles with romantic deep red wallpaper lit by candlelight. Chef Taylor Chambers’ weekly specials demonstrate versatility and locality meaning there is always something new to eat.
Credit: TimeOut (timeout.com)
10. The Peached Tortilla
A stand-out from the crowd, The Peached Tortilla removes any conundrum you may have about what to eat - burger or tacos, pork buns or wings. Here, the fusion of Southern comfort and Asia may leave you questioning the sanity of its chef, but rest assured the first bite will convert you. Like with Laundrette, at The Peached Tortilla, sharing is key and combining flavours is recommended. They have brunch, lunch, social and dinner menus that feature time specific dishes and fond favourites. This street-food vibe is worth visiting to experiment with full flavours from both sides of the Pacific.
Credit: Eater (Eater.com)
