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

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Central Austin

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

42 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Hopfields restaurant
1. Hopfields
4.6
Exceptional(335)
Price: Expensive
• French • Midtown
Booked 15 times today
Hopfields specializes in French-fusion locally focused cuisine, 40 tap craft beer wall, a thoughtfully curated wine list and full bar. Boasting a warm inviting atmosphere with cozy nooks to venture into. Often praised for it's elevated but approachable style. The scratch-made menu offers food ranging from upscale specials, a finger-food bar menu, traditional-fusion French comforts and our Pascal Burger that has won Best Burger in Austin 6 years in a row.Hopfields has tableside service reservable for dinner in our dining room and patio, as well as a walk-in bar service, so you can customize the experience you want and always find a seat. Our lunch is a bar-service style that features traditional French sandwiches, salads and snacks. Brunch has a special menu reservable for tableside service or casual bar-style service; all in a 'not your average too-busy-to-book restaurant' setting. A few brunch classics, but many twists that make the menu scrumptious for everyone.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant
2. Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin
4.9
Exceptional(1854)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Clarksville
Booked 33 times today
Clark's Oyster Bar in Austin is a local gem, serving fresh, local seafood in an intimate setting. Reviews rave about the amazing oysters, lobster rolls, and cocktails. The restaurant is described as having great energy and understated elegance. One reviewer even said it's one of the highest quality restaurant experiences in Austin. Despite its small size, Clark's offers a fantastic dining experience, making it a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurant
3. Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar
4.9
Exceptional(3827)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 77 times today
Perla's offers fresh fish and oysters flown in daily from both coasts with an emphasis on sourcing from the gulf and locations around the world. The bar makes delicious coastal cocktails and the wine list is stocked with fun sparkling, rosé & white wines.Perla's has Austin’s prettiest oak-shaded patio and a comfortable airy dining room featuring a huge saltwater fishtank, poured concrete oyster bar and open kitchen. Learn more about McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mmlhospitality.com.
A photo of The Salty Sow restaurant
4. The Salty Sow
4.8
Exceptional(4122)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • East Austin
Booked 57 times today
Love SWINE+Wine+BEER? From the creators of Eddie V's, Roaring Fork & Hopdoddy, Larry Foles & Guy Villavosa brings you Salty Sow. The culinary force of Chef Harold Marmulstein & Chef Nick Sheley are together at Austin's premier head to tail restaurant. Salty Sow serves modern farmhouse cuisine, combining new cooking techniques with old-world methods like braising, poaching, and stewing. Our signature cocktail ingredients come fresh out of the garden, featuring local and organic spirits. Founded by long-time food lovers, we take special care to prepare everything we serve from scratch and by hand daily.
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
5. La Condesa
4.6
Exceptional(2339)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
La Condesa is a local favorite in Austin's 2nd Street District, known for its inventive, farm-to-table Mexican cuisine. It's praised for its excellent service, beautiful decor, and unique dishes. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'real gem in the 2nd area and a new favorite stop!', with others calling it 'one of the absolute best in all of Austin'.
A photo of Caroline restaurant
6. Caroline
4.2
Awesome(1217)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 41 times today
Our all-day spot is perfect for homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go options. Located in the buzzing Austin's central district, Caroline Restaurant is a great place to jump start your day or enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine, curated cocktail, and full dinner menu. With a focus on regional cuisines our neighborhood restaurant has recreated classic dishes to make them healthful but delicious.
A photo of June's All Day restaurant
7. June's All Day
4.8
Exceptional(1099)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • South Austin
Booked 52 times today
June’s All Day is a little bit of Paris in Austin—a neighborhood cafe and bar offering late breakfast, brunch, and an all day menu late into the evenings, along bustling South Congress Avenue.The bistro-style food menu (think Croque Madame, Steak Tartare & Frites, Grilled Chicken Paillard, & Steak au Poivre) is complemented by a frequently changing wine & bar program including unique bottles and classic cocktails The restaurant has a wraparound patio (open year round) and is ideal for people watching and hanging with your friends.
A photo of Kemuri Tatsu-ya restaurant
8. Kemuri Tatsu-ya
4.6
Exceptional(151)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Austin
Booked 48 times today
Recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Michelin Guide and named one of the best restaurants in the U.S. by Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, GQ and more! Japanese izakaya and Texas barbecue are arguably the two best cuisines to enjoy while imbibing. Kemuri Tatsu-ya offers a mash-up of the two, plus an excellent selection of booze—including a ‘whisky bible.’ Guests are welcomed into the space with an enthusiastic “irasshaimase!” from the staff. The experience only gets better from there with creative dishes like Taiyaki Cornbread, Brisket Tsukemen and Guaca-Poke. Bright, innovative cocktails, including super-chilled Toki highballs cranked out from a machine, arean essential part of the experience. Reserve a table today to get a taste of this iconic Austinrestaurant, brought to you by Tatsu Aikawa and the team behind Ramen Tatsu-Ya.
A photo of Lucky Robot restaurant
9. Lucky Robot
4.8
Exceptional(1295)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Bouldin Creek
Booked 52 times today
Lucky Robot is a neighborhood gem with its unique blend of Japanese and Latin American cuisine. The food is highly praised, with reviews calling it 'incredible', 'amazing', and 'delicious'. The ambiance is also often mentioned as 'beautiful', 'outstanding', and 'like being in Japan'. The service is consistently rated highly, with comments like 'best service ever' and 'considerate and careful'. The restaurant is also noted for its 'great little spot' and 'nice ambiance'.
A photo of Roaring Fork - Downtown, Congress restaurant
10. Roaring Fork - Downtown, Congress
4.5
Awesome(3592)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Roaring Fork is a neighborhood gem because it offers an exceptional dining experience. It's praised for its cozy, comfortable atmosphere and the exceptional service. The food is consistently great, with the wood-fire grilled items being a standout. It's located right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to access other venues. The reviews show that it's a favorite spot for special occasions and memorable meals.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Central Austin

Discover the charm of Central Austin's dining scene with our curated selection of neighborhood gems, each offering a unique and intimate dining experience. Central Austin boasts a vibrant culinary landscape that blends local flavors with innovative cooking styles, making it a prime destination for food lovers seeking hidden treasures in their neighborhood. These establishments are celebrated for their warm ambiance, exceptional service, and commitment to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for the comforting embrace of Southern comfort food, the bold tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine, or something uniquely local, you'll find establishments that are deeply embedded in the fabric of Central Austin. They are praised for their delightful menus, which often feature seasonal specials and locally sourced ingredients. Each restaurant stands out for its beautifully designed spaces that provide both cozy indoor settings and inviting outdoor dining options. Ideal for both casual diners and culinary aficionados, these neighborhood gems in Central Austin are perfect spots to enjoy a meal that feels like home yet surprises with its culinary creativity. Join the community of locals and visitors alike who celebrate these spots not just for their food, but for the stories and experiences they offer.

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