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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(270)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • East Austin
Booked 79 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 Sammie's Italian restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1654)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 60 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 Sushi Endo restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(145)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 9 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
4.9
Exceptional(6099)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Central Austin
Booked 52 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 Yamas Austin restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1386)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Northwest
Booked 70 times today
For parties of 12 or more, please email reservations@yamasatx.com. We look forward to having you dine with us.
A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1519)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 21 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 Casa Bianca restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(121)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 29 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 Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2259)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 35 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 Corinne - Downtown restaurant
4.3
Awesome(595)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 28 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
4.4
Awesome(69)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 14 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.

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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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