As Austin grows and expands, its culinary scene grows and expands as well. The city is home to numerous talented chefs and teams who have received local and national recognition. When determining the best restaurants in Austin for 2023, we focused on our personal favorites rather than attempting to list every amazing restaurant or further hype up already popular spots. As proud Austin locals who are passionate about food, we want to share the restaurants that have made their mark and earned a special place in our hearts.
The Camille Styles team has not only eaten at, but also loved and revisited, all of the restaurants mentioned below. Therefore, we couldn’t help but share not only the basics, but also our recommended orders that guarantee an unforgettable dining experience. This guide is presented as if we were recapping an incredible meal from the previous night over brunch. From the ambiance to insider culinary secrets, consider this an insider’s guide to the best restaurants in Austin. Whether you’re seeking brunch, rooftop dining, or something to satisfy your curiosity (and taste buds), you’ll find it all here. Read on for our top picks.
The Best Austin Restaurants: Top 25 for 2023
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Image above: Otoko Sushi: Otoko
Although making a reservation at this South Congress hot spot typically requires planning months in advance, we guarantee that Otoko is worth the wait. This Japanese kaiseki omakase-style restaurant, with only 12 seats, is nestled inside the South Congress Hotel. It also features an intimate Japanese-inspired cocktail bar called Watertrade (no reservation needed for the bar, but they do accept reservations for cocktail tables if you prefer advance planning). Chef Yoshi ensures a fun experience, and if you’re lucky, you might witness him breaking down a whole tuna.
Expert Tip: Reservations open on a rolling three-month basis on the first of every month at 12 pm and tend to fill up quickly. If you need an Otoko-style quick fix without the lengthy wait, book a reservation at Watertrade.
What to Order: The beauty of Otoko is that you don’t have to worry about ordering. The chef guides you through a 20-course omakase experience that includes nigiri, sashimi, and hot and cold Japanese dishes. Everything is perfect, but the ocean trout with ponzu and Asian pear is particularly memorable. Trust us when we say you won’t leave hungry.
Price: $$$$
Cuisine: Omakase
1603 S Congress Ave | (512) 994-0428 | website | Instagram
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Images above: Nixta Taqueria by Dimitri Staszewski
Must-Have Mexican: Nixta Taqueria
Chef Edgar and Sarah were featured in The New York Times discussing how their Iranian and Mexican backgrounds influenced their standout rice pudding (which also happens to be one of our favorite dishes). Nixta Taqueria always has a line out front, and for good reason—the food is incredible. Gather a group and order the entire menu. We wish we were joking.
What to Order: Never skip the daily specials.
Price: $$
Cuisine: Mexican
2512 E 12th St | no phone | website | Instagram
Street-Style Tacos: Cuantos Tacos
For the best Mexico City street-style tacos in Austin, look no further than Cuantos Tacos. This is the perfect spot if you’re searching for a relaxed outdoor picnic table vibe with exceptional food. We recommend the cachete tacos, champiñones tacos, and the revuelta quesadilla.
What to Order: The three choices mentioned above are always a hit.
Price: $
Cuisine: Mexican
1108 East 12th St | (512) 903-3918 | website | Instagram
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Images above: June’s All Day
Vibey Lunch: June’s All Day
Master sommelier June Rodil has been a fixture in the Austin restaurant scene for over a decade (and now also in Houston!). When June’s All Day opened, we knew it would have the best wine list in town. What surprised us was that the food was good enough to earn the coveted title of “Best New Restaurant in America” from Food & Wine in 2017. This super trendy hotspot on South Congress has become a beloved neighborhood hangout, where you’re likely to spot local celebrities, influential figures, and cool locals. Visit for the cozy and lively atmosphere, and stay for the incredible dishes.
What to Order: The snapper carpaccio is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Price: $$
Cuisine: American
1722 S Congress Ave | (512) 416-1722 | website | Instagram
All-Day Café: The Meteor
We adore this relaxed coffee shop and café founded by two friends who are passionate cyclists. Not only is the coffee and pastry selection top-notch, but their carefully curated natural wine options (hello, Scotty Boy) have also caught our attention. The Meteor is the perfect place to grab a bottle of wine, some pizza, and relax on the patio away from the bustling South Congress crowds.
What to Order: This is one of the rare coffee shops that also serves excellent food. The breakfast tacos are solid, but we usually go for the Sunup Salad with potatoes, avocado, and a fried egg. And, of course, don’t forget the coffee.
Price: $$
Cuisine: American
2110 S Congress Ave | (512) 351-9541 | website | Instagram
The Best BBQ In Town: Leroy & Lewis BBQ (At Cosmic Coffee)
While there is no shortage of BBQ joints in Austin, Leroy & Lewis BBQ in South Austin is one of our favorites. Visit on the weekend to try their Akaushi Brisket, and don’t forget to sample the Kale Cesar Slaw and House Made Kimchi. They even offer a burnt cauliflower dish that will satisfy both vegans and meat-eaters alike. You may have seen their burger on Somebody Feed Phil and been blown away—it’s well-deserved! The smoked brisket patty is topped with cheese, grilled onions, pickles, and sauce, all sandwiched between a soft toasted potato bun. It’s easily one of the best burgers in Austin, sourced from one of the best food trucks.
What to Order: You can’t go wrong with the L and L Burger, but make sure to come hungry.
Price: $$
Cuisine: BBQ
121 Pickle Rd | (512) 945-9882 | website | Instagram
Modern Steakhouse: Maie Day
The newest endeavor of Michael Fojtasek, Maie Day offers a lively dinner experience with friends. According to Fojtasek, “much like the ancient tradition itself, Maie Day is a daily festival of food and community. It’s all the things we love about steakhouses and always a party.” We recommend ordering from the raw bar menu, trying the smoked fish dip, indulging in the perfectly dressed plain salad, and exploring the chophouse section—especially their grilled chicken.
What to Order: The New York Strip never disappoints, but don’t miss out on the huge and delicious shared salads.
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Steakhouse
1603 S Congress Ave | (512) 942-0823 | website | Instagram
Date Night: Emmer & Rye
If you’re a fan of cacio e pepe, fermentation, and exceptional wine, look no further than Emmer & Rye. From the same team behind Canje, Kalimoxto, Hestia, TLV, and more, which are also opening in San Antonio, we love this spot for date night, celebrations, or simply enjoying a few bites and a glass of wine at the bar. The menu changes seasonally, and we appreciate the chefs’ creativity with in-season ingredients.
What to Order: The spaghetti cacio e pepe is out of this world.
Price: $$$
Cuisine: American
51 Rainey St UNIT 110 | (512) 366-5530 | website | Instagram
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Image above: The Peacock
Mediterranean & Aesthetic: The Peacock
I’ll never forget the first time I tried the crispy shallot hummus at The Peacock, the Mediterranean restaurant designed by Kelly Wearstler located on the ground floor of the Austin Proper Hotel. Unbelievably creamy with layers of flavor, I could have easily made that hummus, paired with fresh-from-the-oven pita bread, my entire dinner. However, I would have missed out on the Oak Grilled Octopus, Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Kebabs, and Baklava. Note to self: this is a restaurant that offers…