Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Austin

Best Authentic Restaurants in Austin

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

36 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
1. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1610)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 73 times today
Sammie’s is a little taste of old Italy in downtown Austin. It celebrates the great ‘red sauce’ institution—inspired by old school, legendary Italian-American restaurants. The menu offers classic dishes in a casual but sophisticated, retro-designed space that is both lively and comfortable, capturing the essence of a night out at your favorite neighborhood joint. The space consists of a central dining room overlooking Shoal Creek and 6th Street, polished wood bar, Mildred’s Room (a private dining/wine room), and wraparound patio dining area. Please note that patio seating is weather contingent. The menu offers riffs on standards including Housemade Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Casino, and Caesar Salad a la Tommy; timeless pastas like Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Linguine Vongole; and Sammie’s Classics: big portions of iconic plates like Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Baked Manicotti.
A photo of El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant
2. El Alma Cafe y Cantina
4.7
Exceptional(1023)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home."It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma
A photo of The Well restaurant
3. The Well
4.7
Exceptional(667)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 59 times today
Located in Austin's iconic 2ND Street District at 440 W. 2nd St., The Well blends top-tier nutrition, local and sustainable farming, and authentic flavors for a culinary experience that redefines healthy food in Downtown Austin.
A photo of Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria restaurant
4. Quattro Gatti Ristorante e Pizzeria
4.8
Exceptional(1552)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
A neighborhood gem! This family-run Italian restaurant offers a chic, rustic atmosphere in a downtown Austin landmark historic 1876 building. Enjoy outdoor sidewalk cafe dining just steps from the Texas State Capitol (dog friendly).We feature a wide variety of authentic Italian pastas, pizza, meats, seafood & unique daily specials. (GF and Veg options). Daily specials highlight the freshest and most seasonal offerings, such as Rigatoni Alla Norcina (sausage with truffle oil), house-made Gnocchi Sorrentina, and Whole Roasted Fish. Gelato, sorbets and desserts are delicious and made in-house. The cozy full-bar offers classic Italian cocktails and a sizable wine list representing Italy’s diverse regions.All breads and pizza are made daily using naturally leavened dough and an ancient fermentation process; this improves digestibility and creates a delicious flavor. Neapolitan pizzas are baked at 1000 degrees in a wood-fired brick oven. Your new Austin favorite.
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
5. La Condesa
4.7
Exceptional(2338)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
La Condesa is a highly acclaimed Mexican restaurant in Austin, praised for its unique dishes and authentic Mexican flavors. Customers have mentioned 'true Mexico City flavors' and the 'farm-based twist' on traditional dishes. The restaurant also has a vast collection of tequila, mezcal, and other Mexican spirits, adding to the authenticity. The reviews consistently highlight the delicious food, great service, and vibrant ambiance.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
6. Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6
Exceptional(2250)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 48 times today
We are now open for Dine-in, Patio Service, Curbside, and Delivery! Lunch Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm Dinner Monday – Thursday 5pm–10pm | Friday – Saturday 5pm–11pmSunday Dim Sum 11am–3pm Happy Hour | Monday -- Friday (Cocktail Area & Patio Only) 5pm–6pmWu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes representative of all eight styles of Chinese cuisine, as well as Dim Sum service on Sunday's -- dine-in or to go!
A photo of De Nada Cantina restaurant
7. De Nada Cantina
4.7
Exceptional(608)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • East Austin
Booked 102 times today
De Nada Cantina. Tacos y margs y menos. East Austin’s loveliest little taco spot. Handmade tortillas pressed and cooked on the comal, slow-braised meats, and traditional handcrafted margaritas served in a greenhouse.
A photo of Verbena restaurant
8. Verbena
4.4
Awesome(465)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
Verbena is a restaurant and bar located in the heart of West 6th Street occupying the street side ground level of the award-winning Canopy by Hilton Hotel. The venue is comprised of a 36-seat bar and lounge, a 60-seat dining room with open kitchen, and wood-burning hearth, both which open to a lush open-air courtyard. Journey through Chef Paolo's gastronomic narrative where he pays homage to his contemporary Mexican roots. His menu is highly influenced with essences of French techniques and contains stories and flavors he's discovered throughout his travels. It is truly a memorable dining experience. Come grab a coffee and freshly baked pastry on your way to work or spend a Sunday morning over a bountiful brunch. Meet a friend for a vibrant patio lunch or gather with co-workers for drinks and dinner. You’re always welcome at Verbena.
A photo of Taverna - Downtown Austin restaurant
9. Taverna - Downtown Austin
4.4
Awesome(1257)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Taverna is a restaurant utilizing authentic Italian flavors to create memorable dishes. This restaurant is designed from the ground up to be a neighborhood bistro. Taverna is meant to be the kind of restaurant that guests can bring their family for either a casual meal or to celebrate special occasions. While the inside of the restaurant is cozy, the best place to enjoy the great food is out on the wraparound patio.Taverna is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. During lunch and dinner service, guests will find a large variety of menu items available. Pasta, soups, salads and pizza are all popular choices. Taverna is also known for their risotto, as an entire section of the menu is devoted to the "risotteria". The signature risotto topped with a simple blend of parmesan cheese and black truffle cream sauce.
A photo of Comedor restaurant
10. Comedor
4.7
Exceptional(130)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
Comedor and award-winning Chef Philip Speer serve Michelin recommended, modern Mexican cuisine with Texas influences and a focus on sourcing organic and sustainable ingredients through Austin area farmers. Comedor won Best New Restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly, Best New Restaurants in the United States by Esquire and Robb Report, and has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Condé Naste Traveler. Comedor is also internationally recognized for its building architecture designed by world renowned architect Tom Kundig.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best authentic restaurants in Austin

Experience the essence of authenticity in Austin's Exclusive dining scene, where a curated selection of restaurants awaits to transport you to culinary excellence. Each establishment in this exclusive list prides itself on delivering truly authentic flavors, using traditional cooking methods and the finest local ingredients. From intimate settings that evoke the warmth of a home kitchen to more sophisticated venues that blend modern aesthetics with classic culinary techniques, Austin's Exclusive area offers a diverse dining experience. The dining environment in this locale is characterized by its commitment to authenticity, ensuring that each meal is both a discovery and a delight. Whether you're looking for a place that serves heirloom recipes passed down through generations or a spot that innovatively melds diverse culinary traditions, these restaurants promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Enjoy the best of what Austin has to offer, where every meal is prepared with passion and served with pride. This is the perfect destination for food lovers seeking an authentic dining experience in a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo