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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Central Austin

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29 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Suerte restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(217)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • East Austin
Booked 76 times today
Suerte is a restaurant inspired by the people, cooking techniques, and flavors of Mexico. Nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez and his team pride themselves on the use of local ingredients from our beloved farmers to achieve something delicious and uniquely East Austin.
A photo of Sushi Endo restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(135)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 4 times today
For only $150 a seat for a limited time, experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Chef Endo Yasuhiro's 20-course omakase at our establishment, a collaboration with the renowned Sushi Nakazawa of Washington D.C. and New York City fame. Indulge in a culinary journey meticulously curated by Chef Endo, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.Enhancing your dining experience, our custom bar features an impressive selection of rare Japanese whiskies, top-rated sake, and artisanal beers sourced from both local and Japanese breweries. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Japan as you savor each sip and bite.To further entice your palate, please note that our menu changes daily, ensuring that you experience the freshest and most seasonal offerings handpicked by Chef Endo himself. Join us and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
A photo of Uchiko Austin restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6083)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Central Austin
Booked 35 times today
:: ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE ON RESTAURANT WEBSITE :: Uchiko is the sister restaurant to Tyson Cole’s original Uchi. It matches that restaurant’s dedication to food, wine, and service, but it has a Japanese farmhouse aesthetic with crafted materials and warm finishes to round out a completely updated setting. The chef team at Uchiko has created a brand new selection of composed dishes and sushi, taken from ideas and plates created at Uchi. Uchiko is Uchi rede­fined. Reservations are encouraged and can be booked online up to 1 month in advance. Walk-in bar seating is available and is subject to wait times. Patio seating is weather permitting and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. We look forward to serving you, Kanpai!
A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1497)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 51 times today
Dean's Italian Steakhouse is definitely worth the drive. It's a classic American steakhouse with an Italian twist that's got everyone raving. Reviews highlight the 'excellent food', 'outstanding service' and 'beautiful ambiance'. One reviewer even said 'it is worth the price you will pay as quality is 10'. With their prime cuts of beef, house-made pasta, and fresh seafood, it's not just a meal, it's an experience!
A photo of Nômadé restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(603)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • Austin
Booked 37 times today
Nômade is a gem in Austin, transporting visitors to the Yucatán with its open-fire grills and flavors that are both authentic and creative. As one reviewer put it, 'the food is delicious and interesting - flavors are authentic with a twist.' It's not just about the food, though - the ambiance is consistently praised as a 'vacation mode' and the service is 'wonderful, professional and caring.' It's a must-visit for any foodie or anyone seeking a unique dining experience.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2250)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 49 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 Casa Bianca restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(109)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 38 times today
Named one of Austin Monthly's 2024 Best New Restaurants, Casa Bianca is a full service restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on high quality seafood, handmade pastas, and local ingredients. Executive Chef/Owner Joseph Zoccoli's maximalist take on contemporary Italian-American cuisine presents a new and exciting addition to the Austin culinary landscape. While the flavors and names of Chef Zoccoli's dishes come from his family’s origin in Italy, the forms and techniques he employs are informed by a decade of experience cooking Japanese cuisine. Sporting Bauhaus and Art Deco influenced interior design and centrally located just east of Downtown Austin, Casa Bianca offers reservations for bar, dining room, and al fresco patio dining. *Note for Happy Hour: we have a limited quantity of oysters available for happy hour each day and they are first come first serve until we sell out!
A photo of Corinne - Downtown restaurant
4.3
Awesome(588)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 66 times today
Corinne, in downtown Austin, Texas, is worth the drive for its modern American cuisine and exceptional service. As per the reviews, it's a vibrant spot with delicious food like the baked half rotisserie chicken and wagyu beef. The service is praised for being knowledgeable and attentive. Even with the limited menu, each dish is carefully curated for a great experience. The ambiance is described as social and energetic. It's a great place for a family meal, date night, or special occasions.
A photo of Top Roe restaurant
4.5
Awesome(59)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Top Roe is a Yōshoku Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Austin, Texas coming from the creative culinary mind of Executive Chef Paul Qui offering two experiences under one roof: Top Roe Handroll and Top Roe Izakaya. Top Roe's Handroll counter is a 12-seat counter serving fresh handrolls, which are exclusively offered at the handroll counter to preserve the quality of each ingredient, as they should be enjoyed. Expect a quicker dining experience of about 45 minutes: tasty bites to start your night! We also offer select small bites from the izakaya menu. Top Roe's Izakaya menu offers an extended menu and dining experience to it's handroll counterpart. Here you'll find our signature Tuna Toro Steak and Wagyu steaks, along with delicious Yakimonos (grilled dishes), Agemonos (fried dishes), Sashimis, Salads, and more.If interested in both handrolls and izakaya please call in advance to your reservation so we may best accommodate.
A photo of J-Prime Steakhouse Austin restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(974)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 25 times today
Welcome to J Prime Steakhouse, reservations are ready to make, choose a day and time and we will be ready for your arrival. Don’t forget to let us know if you’re celebrating a special occasion, we want to ensure a memorable night! See you soon.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Central Austin

Discover the culinary treasures of Central Austin with our curated list of restaurants that are truly "worth the drive". Each dining spot offers a unique blend of flavors, atmosphere, and top-notch service that stands out in the vibrant Austin food scene. Whether you're craving innovative Tex-Mex, authentic Interior Mexican cuisine, or farm-to-table freshness, these establishments promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Central Austin is not just a hub for political and cultural activities; it’s also a thriving gastronomic center known for its eclectic food offerings that cater to all taste buds. Our selection focuses on restaurants that not only provide exceptional meals but also enrich your dining experience with their charming ambiances and expert staff. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful culinary exploration, these restaurants make every drive worthwhile. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination as you explore these gastronomic gems in Central Austin.

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