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Restaurant list

Austin’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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by The OpenTable team
Updated December 15, 2023
Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the Austin dining scene. Here are Austin’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.
Uchi Austin
4.9 (5473)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
Everything is special about this James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant housed in what looks like a little home. The contrast of a cottage exterior with a chic interior of red walls and honey lighting sets the stage for the impressive meal ahead. They have exceptional sushi that they fly in fresh from Japan each day, accompanied by masterful service. This is definitely a place fit for a special occasion. Everything is outstandingly good, so a great option is to go for their very unique “Sake Social” menu—offered on weeknights from 5-6:30—where you can get things from the regular dinner menu for nearly half the price.
Top review
Phil
Dined 5 days ago
My favorites were the Pork Belly, Akami TE (tuna and watermelon), Sake Tom Kha (salmon and coconut) and the Hiramasa Karai (Amberjack with pear). The Wagyu (hot rock and Gyutoro) were awesome; as always!
Everything is special about this James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant housed in what looks like a little home. The contrast of a cottage exterior with a chic interior of red walls and honey lighting sets the stage for the impressive meal ahead. They have exceptional sushi that they fly in fresh from Japan each day, accompanied by masterful service. This is definitely a place fit for a special occasion. Everything is outstandingly good, so a great option is to go for their very unique “Sake Social” menu—offered on weeknights from 5-6:30—where you can get things from the regular dinner menu for nearly half the price.
Top review
Phil
Dined 5 days ago
My favorites were the Pork Belly, Akami TE (tuna and watermelon), Sake Tom Kha (salmon and coconut) and the Hiramasa Karai (Amberjack with pear). The Wagyu (hot rock and Gyutoro) were awesome; as always!
Eddie V's - 5th Street
4.9 (5906)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
Eddie V’s has classic written all over it. They’ve thought of everything and work diligently to deliver on all of it. From a robust menu of delicious food options, a wine list curated by a Master Sommelier, and a live jazz band to set the mood, this is a great restaurant for a special occasion or big night out. Though they’re known for sumptuous seafood like swordfish steak, a wildly popular chilean sea bass dish, and a plethora of oysters (with champagne pairings), caviar, and shellfish, they also make great steaks. If you can’t decide between surf or turf, you can have both and get their filet mignon and lobster tail combo. In addition, they have devilishly decadent sides—like potatoes au gratin, lobster mashed potatoes, and truffle mac n cheese—so while that might make it hard to make a decision, don’t fret, it’s all top-notch here.
Top review
Rick
Dined 5 days ago
We always go for their happy hour. It’s great with a nice selection of food and drinks. The martini is the best part of the night. We’ve been there many times and planning to return. Last night our server Whitney did her job perfectly making our visit the best.
Eddie V’s has classic written all over it. They’ve thought of everything and work diligently to deliver on all of it. From a robust menu of delicious food options, a wine list curated by a Master Sommelier, and a live jazz band to set the mood, this is a great restaurant for a special occasion or big night out. Though they’re known for sumptuous seafood like swordfish steak, a wildly popular chilean sea bass dish, and a plethora of oysters (with champagne pairings), caviar, and shellfish, they also make great steaks. If you can’t decide between surf or turf, you can have both and get their filet mignon and lobster tail combo. In addition, they have devilishly decadent sides—like potatoes au gratin, lobster mashed potatoes, and truffle mac n cheese—so while that might make it hard to make a decision, don’t fret, it’s all top-notch here.
Top review
Rick
Dined 5 days ago
We always go for their happy hour. It’s great with a nice selection of food and drinks. The martini is the best part of the night. We’ve been there many times and planning to return. Last night our server Whitney did her job perfectly making our visit the best.
Ranch 616
4.6 (1608)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
Bring your gang here if you’re looking for a fun, indulgent, and boisterous night out. Decorative character and big flavors are abundant, so there’s lots to observe and delight in. You’ll see an enormous neon pistol festooning their front patio, and some pretty unique options on their menu. Guests rave about their fried oysters and frog legs, and also really enjoy the quail and trout dishes served in a “divorced” style (meaning they prepare each protein two ways and place sides down the middle to separate the two). On the cheesier side of things, they have goat cheese mashed potatoes and a baked tomato stuffed with arugula, brie, and Boursin cheese! This is definitely not a meal to count calories at, and while they do have salads and vegetable options, you’re coming here to let loose and get a little zany.
Top review
ElVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great great place! Atmosphere is electric, the staff treats you well and the food is delicious! Great experience
Bring your gang here if you’re looking for a fun, indulgent, and boisterous night out. Decorative character and big flavors are abundant, so there’s lots to observe and delight in. You’ll see an enormous neon pistol festooning their front patio, and some pretty unique options on their menu. Guests rave about their fried oysters and frog legs, and also really enjoy the quail and trout dishes served in a “divorced” style (meaning they prepare each protein two ways and place sides down the middle to separate the two). On the cheesier side of things, they have goat cheese mashed potatoes and a baked tomato stuffed with arugula, brie, and Boursin cheese! This is definitely not a meal to count calories at, and while they do have salads and vegetable options, you’re coming here to let loose and get a little zany.
Top review
ElVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Great great place! Atmosphere is electric, the staff treats you well and the food is delicious! Great experience
Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown
4.8 (5391)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Downtown
Though the outside of this two-story warehouse-style building might look a bit industrial, inside it’s filled with a myriad of elegantly-set tables with white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows offering great sunset views. Their crab—sourced from their own fisheries—is definitely the star of the show here and (aside from entré options) it finds its way into many delicious dishes, from crab claws and crab cakes to crab mac n cheese and crab fried rice. Truluck’s has earned several accolades for their great food and superior service, and because of the upscale experience they offer, they maintain a business casual dress code for their guests, so take the opportunity to dress up a little and make it a really special night!
Top review
David
Dined 3 days ago
Ryan made sure we enjoyed an exceptional dinner. Thank you Ryan!
Though the outside of this two-story warehouse-style building might look a bit industrial, inside it’s filled with a myriad of elegantly-set tables with white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows offering great sunset views. Their crab—sourced from their own fisheries—is definitely the star of the show here and (aside from entré options) it finds its way into many delicious dishes, from crab claws and crab cakes to crab mac n cheese and crab fried rice. Truluck’s has earned several accolades for their great food and superior service, and because of the upscale experience they offer, they maintain a business casual dress code for their guests, so take the opportunity to dress up a little and make it a really special night!
Top review
David
Dined 3 days ago
Ryan made sure we enjoyed an exceptional dinner. Thank you Ryan!
ASTI Trattoria
4.6 (2158)
$30 and under
Italian
Midtown
The husband and wife team behind this comfortable and cozy Italian spot are experts at making people feel right at home. Their charming little restaurant is perfect for a low-key dinner for two or even a night to catch up with friends, which is why this adorable trattoria is such a beloved neighborhood gem. Their semolina fried calamari and white bean purée (irresistible with truffle oil) are great ways to rev your engine before getting into their pastas and pizzas (all of which can be made with gluten-free dough). When you’re served freshly baked bread and breadsticks, your mind can quickly jump to the delicious sauces you’ll get to wipe up with them, and their rigatoni with pork ragu and chili flakes (we recommend adding the sausage to it) and seafood & saffron risotto (with four types of seafood) are perfect for that.
Top review
BeccaVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food is fantastic! The wine and service were also top notch. I was very impressed with the gluten free accommodations including tiramisu. YUM!
The husband and wife team behind this comfortable and cozy Italian spot are experts at making people feel right at home. Their charming little restaurant is perfect for a low-key dinner for two or even a night to catch up with friends, which is why this adorable trattoria is such a beloved neighborhood gem. Their semolina fried calamari and white bean purée (irresistible with truffle oil) are great ways to rev your engine before getting into their pastas and pizzas (all of which can be made with gluten-free dough). When you’re served freshly baked bread and breadsticks, your mind can quickly jump to the delicious sauces you’ll get to wipe up with them, and their rigatoni with pork ragu and chili flakes (we recommend adding the sausage to it) and seafood & saffron risotto (with four types of seafood) are perfect for that.
Top review
BeccaVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food is fantastic! The wine and service were also top notch. I was very impressed with the gluten free accommodations including tiramisu. YUM!
Chez Zee
4.7 (4683)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
Can you think of a more delicious way to start your day than with complimentary warm croissants and strawberry butter? We can’t either, and at Chez Zee, brunch is the name of the game. The dining room is adorably inviting, with glowing little lights strung overhead and a wall full of French Doors. Another French delight is their creme brulee French toast (which is definitely a commitment to sweetness), but they’re known for it and it’s outrageously good! On the more savory side, they have eleven different benedicts to choose from, and a slew of great egg dishes and salad options. To top it all off, they have a large selection of mimosas and bloody marys.
Top review
Brenda
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful brunch on July 4! We had the brunch special - brisket, potatoes, eggs and coleslaw. It was all delicious. The brisket was outstanding as usual! For dessert we had the "All American Pie" which had apples, blueberries, cranberries and toasted walnuts. This was one of the best desserts we've ever had. We love Chez Zee so much!!
Can you think of a more delicious way to start your day than with complimentary warm croissants and strawberry butter? We can’t either, and at Chez Zee, brunch is the name of the game. The dining room is adorably inviting, with glowing little lights strung overhead and a wall full of French Doors. Another French delight is their creme brulee French toast (which is definitely a commitment to sweetness), but they’re known for it and it’s outrageously good! On the more savory side, they have eleven different benedicts to choose from, and a slew of great egg dishes and salad options. To top it all off, they have a large selection of mimosas and bloody marys.
Top review
Brenda
Dined 1 day ago
Had a wonderful brunch on July 4! We had the brunch special - brisket, potatoes, eggs and coleslaw. It was all delicious. The brisket was outstanding as usual! For dessert we had the "All American Pie" which had apples, blueberries, cranberries and toasted walnuts. This was one of the best desserts we've ever had. We love Chez Zee so much!!
wink
4.9 (2360)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Downtown
This elegant and simply-designed restaurant is plating up inventive and seasonally-inspired dishes for their guests. Wink is often chosen as a special occasion destination, but it doesn’t feel overly fancy at all. While their à la carte menu has a host of delicious options, many of our favorites also show up on their five and seven-course tasting menus, so those are both great options. In particular, their hamachi ceviche with sweet potato, scallops with somen noodles, and duck breast with potato confit are strong standouts that you’ll see on all three menus. End things on a sweet note with their lemon meringue or the dessert sampler (why pick only one, if you don’t have to).
Top review
LawrenceVIP
Dined 7 days ago
A treasured neighborhood spot. Food was exceptional and service was attentive. Fairly pricey but totally worth it!
This elegant and simply-designed restaurant is plating up inventive and seasonally-inspired dishes for their guests. Wink is often chosen as a special occasion destination, but it doesn’t feel overly fancy at all. While their à la carte menu has a host of delicious options, many of our favorites also show up on their five and seven-course tasting menus, so those are both great options. In particular, their hamachi ceviche with sweet potato, scallops with somen noodles, and duck breast with potato confit are strong standouts that you’ll see on all three menus. End things on a sweet note with their lemon meringue or the dessert sampler (why pick only one, if you don’t have to).
Top review
LawrenceVIP
Dined 7 days ago
A treasured neighborhood spot. Food was exceptional and service was attentive. Fairly pricey but totally worth it!
III Forks - Austin
4.9 (4334)
$50 and over
Steak
Downtown
It’s unique to have a steakhouse with the size and upscale presentation to match their food. The grandeur and handsome interiors of their space feels impressive, and they have eight different dining rooms for guests to choose from, each with a different theme and historic artwork to bring it to life. As a prime destination for steak, you can get anything from a six-ounce filet mignon to a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye and cover it with a variety of different “butters & crowns.” If you’re not a steak-lover, they also have a seafood section to their menu (with a great chilean sea bass), some other meat and pasta options, and stellar side dishes (like off-the-cob cream corn).
Top review
Jenay
Dined 1 day ago
The food was amazing. And the service was 10 out of 10. 
It’s unique to have a steakhouse with the size and upscale presentation to match their food. The grandeur and handsome interiors of their space feels impressive, and they have eight different dining rooms for guests to choose from, each with a different theme and historic artwork to bring it to life. As a prime destination for steak, you can get anything from a six-ounce filet mignon to a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye and cover it with a variety of different “butters & crowns.” If you’re not a steak-lover, they also have a seafood section to their menu (with a great chilean sea bass), some other meat and pasta options, and stellar side dishes (like off-the-cob cream corn).
Top review
Jenay
Dined 1 day ago
The food was amazing. And the service was 10 out of 10. 
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