Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Austin

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Verbena

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Mexican • Downtown

Booked 19 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 Lamberts Downtown Barbecue restaurant

2. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

4.7

Exceptional(2292)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Downtown

Booked 37 times today

BBQ ALWAYS, LIVE MUSIC OFTENLocated on the corner of 2nd and Guadalupe Streets in downtown Austin (a block away from Town Lake & Moody Theater), in a historic 1873 Victorian building once home to J.P. Schneider general store, Lamberts features modern Texas classics including expertly smoked barbecue, grilled prime steaks, simple yet elegant apps and mains, and homestyle sides. We are open daily for lunch and dinner.The two-story dining room features an open kitchen, two bars (with one of the best whiskey selections in town) as well as an outdoor patio surrounding our Mill Scale smoker. The design includes black leather banquettes and repurposed sinker pine table tops. The vibe is laid-back Austin and not afraid to get a little rowdy at times—especially when there's live music Upstairs at Lamberts. *If booking an outdoor table, please note that patio seating is weather contingent. During those times, we will do our best to accommodate indoor seating depending on availability.

3. Stella San Jac

4.4

Awesome(1569)

Price: Expensive

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown

Booked 44 times today

Stella San Jac, located in the heart of downtown Austin, offers a distinctive dining experience that combines modern Southern cuisine with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Our carefully crafted menu features locally-sourced ingredients and creative dishes that highlight the best of Austin’s culinary scene, from savory starters to mouthwatering main courses. Whether you're planning a special celebration, a business lunch, or simply looking for a memorable meal, we welcome you to join us. While reservations are recommended for the best experience, walk-ins are always welcome — just stop by and let our team take care of the rest.

A photo of Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurant

4. Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(3748)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 100 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.

5. Juniper

4.6

Exceptional(2699)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • East Austin

Booked 57 times today

Consistently listed in the top 10 best restaurants in the city by the Austin American-Statesman, Juniper combines locally-sourced, hyper-seasonal Texas ingredients and old world technique, creating comforting yet innovative dishes that connect Northern Italy to Central Texas. Rounding out the offerings are a world-class beverage program and a special 6 course Pre Fixe Menu at $95 per person, which guests can pair with an optional 6 course wine tasting at $65 per person.Located on the 2nd floor of Juniper, our private event space can accommodates groups of all sizes. Perfect for holiday parties, networking events, corporate dinners, luncheons, birthday parties, and weddings. Select the Private Dining below to view additional information.

6. Cannon+Belle

3.9

Excellent(143)

Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

With a menu as ambitious, inspired and unexpected as Austin itself, Cannon + Belle - a 2023 recipient of the OpenTable Diners' Choice award - captures the taste and the texture of the weird city everyone loves to love. From the Bourbon Bar Experience to fresh cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, Cannon + Belle's bar, indoor biergarten and dynamic (open-view) kitchen are Austin's answer to Texas-fresh.

7. Cipollina

4.8

Exceptional(1216)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Cipollina is a beloved Italian restaurant in Clarksville, known for its dedication to fresh, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and other traditional Italian dishes, all made from scratch. Since 1999, we’ve been serving the Clarksville community with high-quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Cipollina is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. Join us and taste why we’re a favorite spot for Italian food lovers in Clarksville.

8. Vespaio Austin

4.8

Exceptional(1747)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.

A photo of VERDAD True Modern Mexican restaurant

9. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

4.8

Exceptional(612)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Austin

Booked 88 times today

VERDAD pulls from traditions cultivated throughout Mexican history to authentically capture and appreciate the relationship between the past and the present – a focus that inspired the concept’s name VERDAD. VERDAD translates to “truth”. VERDAD will bring this promise to life with authentic, ingredients-focused Mexican dishes modernized through high-end cooking technique and innovative presentation, providing an elevated dining experience inspired by a steakhouse point-of-view. Follow the history as it unfolds through the VERDAD menu, robust collection of tequila, sweet treats and more!

A photo of It's Italian Cucina restaurant

10. It's Italian Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(881)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Austin

Booked 20 times today

Northern Italian Cuisine, A True Piedmont Restaurant, Martini and Wine Bar, along with an Award winning Patio (il Cortile) Comfortable and cool in Summer with misting fans, and warm in winter with heaters.Our philosophy - is one of Cucina Italiana! We cook for you as we do for our family with “Una Passione Grande” in a polished casual atmosphere.Our focus on the menu, includes fresh handmade pasta, seafood, meats, cheese, and desserts, along with handmade craft cocktails and award winning wine list.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Aly
Austin •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
We ended up choosing the salad and the rigatoni it was good but I wouldn’t say spectacular I was left longing for more flavor in general in all the food.
More info
JuniperPrice: Expensive• Italian• East Austin
•
4.6
J
Jeremy
Oklahoma City •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was great but the manager came to tell us our food was delayed because of an "issue" in the kitchen. He should have offered us something for our wait but didn't. Otherwise good experience.
More info
Stella San JacPrice: Expensive• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Downtown
•
4.4
C
ChrisVIP
Nebraska •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Fantastic food and service. Definitely put on your list when dining in Austin
More info
VerbenaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Mexican• Downtown
•
4.5
L
Lisa
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 16, 2025
Fantastic experience. Staff was pleasant and efficient. Kitchen kept the plates moving. Great mood lighting in the main dining room and live music above was a bonus. Well curated menu - I could have eaten everything on the menu.
More info
Lamberts Downtown BarbecuePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Downtown
•
4.7
L
Lydia
Atlanta •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 14, 2025
Food was great- Service was fantastic. My aunt stopped through town and we decided last minute dinner plans. We were obvi underdressed but the staffed made us feel welcome. Our server picked up on the fact we will be chatting quite a bit and left us to catch up (great timing). I knew my aunt was gonna fight for the bill but I already told him- I’m taking it. And I’m glad he held up the bargain and didn’t give in to the sweet old lady eyes. She truly is a wonderful lady and you made this evening make her feel wonderful. So thank you to the server from table 209. <3
More info
Perla's Seafood and Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Austin

Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in Austin

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

13 restaurants available nearby

1. Verbena

2. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

3. Stella San Jac

4. Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar

5. Juniper

6. Cannon+Belle

7. Cipollina

8. Vespaio Austin

9. VERDAD True Modern Mexican

10. It's Italian Cucina

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable