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20 Best Lunch Spots in Austin

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 27, 2020

With a slogan like "Keep Austin Weird", this Texas town has a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest of the region. Perhaps that has to do with the college culture, the annual South by Southwest film festival, the thriving live music scene or even the huge number of bats. When it comes to food, Austin has a surprising mix of Tex-Mex and barbeque, of course. But you can also enjoy oysters with work colleagues in classy surroundings. Grab a friend for a French-style lunch date, in a bistro-style setting or head south of the river to buzzy spots like South Congress. But where do the smartest, savviest diners go for the best lunch Austin style? Find out in the Tastemaker 20 Lists. We’ve found 20 of the best lunch Austin can offer. Book today for some of the best lunch Austin diners have found so far.

June's All Day
4.8 (1099)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
South Austin
It’s in the name: June’s serves up a range of dishes and grab-and-go coffee and pastries all day long. Lunch can be anything like a light Boston Lettuce Salad- with a luxurious black truffle vinaigrette- to hearty fare like the fried chicken sandwich with kohlrabi ranch slaw. Sit out on the patio and soak up the sun at this cheerful spot on the corner of South Congress Avenue.
Top review
MindyVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Another fabulous brunch at June’s All Day! We love the surprise pastries every visit … we tried the buckwheat scone with blueberry jam and the coffee pistachio babka. Amazing. You can never go wrong with the breakfast chalupa and farm egg omelette. Great service, as always.
It’s in the name: June’s serves up a range of dishes and grab-and-go coffee and pastries all day long. Lunch can be anything like a light Boston Lettuce Salad- with a luxurious black truffle vinaigrette- to hearty fare like the fried chicken sandwich with kohlrabi ranch slaw. Sit out on the patio and soak up the sun at this cheerful spot on the corner of South Congress Avenue.
Top review
MindyVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Another fabulous brunch at June’s All Day! We love the surprise pastries every visit … we tried the buckwheat scone with blueberry jam and the coffee pistachio babka. Amazing. You can never go wrong with the breakfast chalupa and farm egg omelette. Great service, as always.
Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin
4.9 (1853)
$50 and over
Seafood
Clarksville
A favorite spot for business lunches, Clark’s is the Downtown destination for the best in East and West Coast oysters. There’s always a buzzing atmosphere here, whether diners drop in during work for a couple of oysters or sit down for a leisurely lunch of the house burger with Black Angus beef and gooey Gruyere. Queues form quickly at lunchtime so reservations are always recommended.
Top review
NancyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
There were 4 of us and every single dish we ordered was perfection. Looking forward to my next visit.
A favorite spot for business lunches, Clark’s is the Downtown destination for the best in East and West Coast oysters. There’s always a buzzing atmosphere here, whether diners drop in during work for a couple of oysters or sit down for a leisurely lunch of the house burger with Black Angus beef and gooey Gruyere. Queues form quickly at lunchtime so reservations are always recommended.
Top review
NancyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
There were 4 of us and every single dish we ordered was perfection. Looking forward to my next visit.
Joann's Fine Foods
4.7 (537)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Downtown
A dreamy diner destination on the edge of Bouldin Creek, Joann’s Fine Foods boasts an outdoor dining area to soak up the vibrant South Congress Avenue vibes plus a real retro feel. The classic diner elements are all here, but it’s had a modern makeover. Nowhere is that better seen than on the menu. Lunch runs right through until 4 pm, allowing guests to relax with avocado smoothies, grilled chicken tortas, or tacos and caldo de rez. The most fun Tex-Mex in town.
Top review
Kayleigh
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
Joann’s Fine Foods nails it every time! Amazing food, great drinks, and a super chill yet stylish vibe. Every dish was delicious and thoughtfully made. Cocktails were top-tier, and the service was genuinely outstanding. Can’t wait to come back!
A dreamy diner destination on the edge of Bouldin Creek, Joann’s Fine Foods boasts an outdoor dining area to soak up the vibrant South Congress Avenue vibes plus a real retro feel. The classic diner elements are all here, but it’s had a modern makeover. Nowhere is that better seen than on the menu. Lunch runs right through until 4 pm, allowing guests to relax with avocado smoothies, grilled chicken tortas, or tacos and caldo de rez. The most fun Tex-Mex in town.
Top review
Kayleigh
Dined on Jun 4, 2025
Joann’s Fine Foods nails it every time! Amazing food, great drinks, and a super chill yet stylish vibe. Every dish was delicious and thoughtfully made. Cocktails were top-tier, and the service was genuinely outstanding. Can’t wait to come back!
Colleen's Kitchen
4.7 (1021)
$30 and under
Southern
Central Austin
Colleen’s Kitchen invites diners to “Be Our Guest”, and join them for some of the best lunch Austin has to offer. Arrive any time between 11 and 4, and either relax in the bright and airy dining area or sit right out by the sidewalk. Catfish bites with pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a house burger with a blend of two cuts of beef are just some of the lunchtime home-style dishes on offer. Kids are welcome here, which is great as Colleen’s is just moments from the famous children’s museum, The Thinkery.
Top review
MelanieVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent experience! The service and food were amazing!
Colleen’s Kitchen invites diners to “Be Our Guest”, and join them for some of the best lunch Austin has to offer. Arrive any time between 11 and 4, and either relax in the bright and airy dining area or sit right out by the sidewalk. Catfish bites with pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a house burger with a blend of two cuts of beef are just some of the lunchtime home-style dishes on offer. Kids are welcome here, which is great as Colleen’s is just moments from the famous children’s museum, The Thinkery.
Top review
MelanieVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent experience! The service and food were amazing!
Josephine House
4.8 (1447)
$31 to $50
American
Central Austin
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin locals know that relaxation and beautiful surroundings are often as important (or nearly as important) as great food. Josephine House, set in a traditional Clarksville cottage, is so pretty and so chilled. Plus, it has an all-day menu showcasing the absolute best of Texan produce. Marinated cucumbers with green pea hummus, rice bowls with chimichurri, and chipotle shrimp all provide filling and flavorful lunchtime treats. Hours vary day to day so check before booking.
Top review
Dick
Dined 2 days ago
Josephine House is a small restaurant that offers consistently excellent food and service in an intimate setting. It's prefect for a date or special occasion or anytime you want to have a great meal in a quiet, intimate setting. It is one of our go-to places in Austin. Highly recommended!
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin locals know that relaxation and beautiful surroundings are often as important (or nearly as important) as great food. Josephine House, set in a traditional Clarksville cottage, is so pretty and so chilled. Plus, it has an all-day menu showcasing the absolute best of Texan produce. Marinated cucumbers with green pea hummus, rice bowls with chimichurri, and chipotle shrimp all provide filling and flavorful lunchtime treats. Hours vary day to day so check before booking.
Top review
Dick
Dined 2 days ago
Josephine House is a small restaurant that offers consistently excellent food and service in an intimate setting. It's prefect for a date or special occasion or anytime you want to have a great meal in a quiet, intimate setting. It is one of our go-to places in Austin. Highly recommended!
ATX Cocina
4.8 (2765)
$50 and over
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown
Sleek and contemporary with a plush waterside setting, ATX already has plenty to tempt hungry diners in with. Not only does it serve some of the best modern Mexican food in town, but it’s a completely gluten-free restaurant. So, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular foodie destination. Head down every Friday for their lunch menu. Seafood offerings like campechana, bone-in ribeye with smoked chile butter, and hibiscus falafel are just some of the outstanding dishes in this accessible eatery. Perfect for big groups.
Top review
BartVIP
Dined 3 days ago
ATX COCINA is my favorite restaurant downtown. The food is exactly what you think when eating in Austin. Great flavors and not your standard TexMex. I had a table for 2 in the bar area which was fine for my outing but may want to clarify if you need more privacy/space.
Sleek and contemporary with a plush waterside setting, ATX already has plenty to tempt hungry diners in with. Not only does it serve some of the best modern Mexican food in town, but it’s a completely gluten-free restaurant. So, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular foodie destination. Head down every Friday for their lunch menu. Seafood offerings like campechana, bone-in ribeye with smoked chile butter, and hibiscus falafel are just some of the outstanding dishes in this accessible eatery. Perfect for big groups.
Top review
BartVIP
Dined 3 days ago
ATX COCINA is my favorite restaurant downtown. The food is exactly what you think when eating in Austin. Great flavors and not your standard TexMex. I had a table for 2 in the bar area which was fine for my outing but may want to clarify if you need more privacy/space.
Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6 (2250)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
Right in the heart of busy Downtown Austin, Wu Chow is a popular spot for lunch both for the working folks and those enjoying a leisurely stroll around town. Wu Chow’s partnerships with local farms and producers mean their menu is as sustainable as possible. Combine this with traditional Chinese flavors and it’s an exciting and satisfying lunch experience. Try their hot and sour soup for a pick-me-up, or Gong Bao Chicken for something more substantial. Need to keep a clear head for the rest of the day? Browse their menu of exotic teas.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 6 days ago
Our server Morgan was an absolute delight. Yes the food was delicious but she made our experience so much better, thank you Morgan!
Right in the heart of busy Downtown Austin, Wu Chow is a popular spot for lunch both for the working folks and those enjoying a leisurely stroll around town. Wu Chow’s partnerships with local farms and producers mean their menu is as sustainable as possible. Combine this with traditional Chinese flavors and it’s an exciting and satisfying lunch experience. Try their hot and sour soup for a pick-me-up, or Gong Bao Chicken for something more substantial. Need to keep a clear head for the rest of the day? Browse their menu of exotic teas.
Top review
Daniel
Dined 6 days ago
Our server Morgan was an absolute delight. Yes the food was delicious but she made our experience so much better, thank you Morgan!
North Italia - Austin 2nd Street
4.6 (1777)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown
Satisfy all those cravings for proper Italian food at North Italia. This Downtown venue maintains the North Italia ethos of the freshest ingredients- including house-made pasta- and big flavors. Share a few small plates of bruschetta or arancini, or even a chef’s board with parma ham, cheese, peppers, and pesto. Stay focused with a cup of some of the best cappuccino in town- perfectly frothy. Austin’s love letter to Italy.
Top review
Darla
Dined 7 days ago
Dinner was great! Staff was helpful and nice. Will definitely return soon.
Satisfy all those cravings for proper Italian food at North Italia. This Downtown venue maintains the North Italia ethos of the freshest ingredients- including house-made pasta- and big flavors. Share a few small plates of bruschetta or arancini, or even a chef’s board with parma ham, cheese, peppers, and pesto. Stay focused with a cup of some of the best cappuccino in town- perfectly frothy. Austin’s love letter to Italy.
Top review
Darla
Dined 7 days ago
Dinner was great! Staff was helpful and nice. Will definitely return soon.
La Condesa
4.7 (2338)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin has so many types of food on offer. This includes Mexican food which keeps the spirit of Central America alive and kicking. La Condesa is a prime example of this, blending the best of Austin with flavors straight from Mexico City. Lunch offerings include tuna tostadas, roasted mushroom quesadillas, and a range of traditionally filled tacos. Go beyond the traditional Tex-Mex and discover what real contemporary Mexican cuisine is all about.
Top review
TomVIP
Dined 4 days ago
The food quality exceeded all of our expectations. Very well designed aesthetic as well, and our server Daniel was a pleasure.
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin has so many types of food on offer. This includes Mexican food which keeps the spirit of Central America alive and kicking. La Condesa is a prime example of this, blending the best of Austin with flavors straight from Mexico City. Lunch offerings include tuna tostadas, roasted mushroom quesadillas, and a range of traditionally filled tacos. Go beyond the traditional Tex-Mex and discover what real contemporary Mexican cuisine is all about.
Top review
TomVIP
Dined 4 days ago
The food quality exceeded all of our expectations. Very well designed aesthetic as well, and our server Daniel was a pleasure.
Ranch 616
4.6 (1605)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
Ranch 616, started by a chef who has cooked all over America before returning to his Austin roots. This South Texas-style icehouse blends Gulf Coast ingredients with the flavors of Texas. What does this mean for those looking for lunch Downtown? Daily enchiladas, fish tacos with just the right amount of spice, fried quail, or award-winning frogs’ legs fried to perfection. All served in surroundings dotted with memorabilia of Texan culture.
Top review
MichelleVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Definitely worth every penny!!!
Ranch 616, started by a chef who has cooked all over America before returning to his Austin roots. This South Texas-style icehouse blends Gulf Coast ingredients with the flavors of Texas. What does this mean for those looking for lunch Downtown? Daily enchiladas, fish tacos with just the right amount of spice, fried quail, or award-winning frogs’ legs fried to perfection. All served in surroundings dotted with memorabilia of Texan culture.
Top review
MichelleVIP
Dined 7 days ago
The food was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! Definitely worth every penny!!!
Swift's Attic
4.4 (1288)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Downtown
There’s no shortage of lunch options Downtown. Some simply can’t help but stand out from the rest, though. Swift’s in one of those places that looks like it might be overly classy for a lunch date, but it manages to avoid being intimidating by combining a relaxing atmosphere with stylish surroundings. The food is a mix of global flavors. This could be vegan salads with sharp Granny Smith apples, fish and chips with the catch of the day, or the Koreuben: A Korean take on the classic pastrami sandwich. Booking recommended.
Top review
Pola
Dined on May 30, 2025
Delicious bites and lovely service. Loved the Highball cocktails we had. High recommend the Brussels, pork belly and shrimp!
There’s no shortage of lunch options Downtown. Some simply can’t help but stand out from the rest, though. Swift’s in one of those places that looks like it might be overly classy for a lunch date, but it manages to avoid being intimidating by combining a relaxing atmosphere with stylish surroundings. The food is a mix of global flavors. This could be vegan salads with sharp Granny Smith apples, fish and chips with the catch of the day, or the Koreuben: A Korean take on the classic pastrami sandwich. Booking recommended.
Top review
Pola
Dined on May 30, 2025
Delicious bites and lovely service. Loved the Highball cocktails we had. High recommend the Brussels, pork belly and shrimp!
Caroline
4.2 (1217)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
Caroline’s might be a date night favorite, but it’s also a hot spot for social and relaxed lunches. The restaurant opens at 6 in the morning, so by the time lunch comes around they are really into the swing of things. Any time after 10.30 and right through until 4, diners can dig into spicy devilled eggs, a house salad with blueberries and fennel, or a classic chicken schnitzel with green beans. Texan flavors with a little something extra.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
We had the Caroline salad and the crab Barrada. Both were absolutely delicious. Our table inside by the window as the sun was setting was perfect, away from the noisy center. The weight staff could not have been more attentive. It was a perfect evening.
Caroline’s might be a date night favorite, but it’s also a hot spot for social and relaxed lunches. The restaurant opens at 6 in the morning, so by the time lunch comes around they are really into the swing of things. Any time after 10.30 and right through until 4, diners can dig into spicy devilled eggs, a house salad with blueberries and fennel, or a classic chicken schnitzel with green beans. Texan flavors with a little something extra.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
We had the Caroline salad and the crab Barrada. Both were absolutely delicious. Our table inside by the window as the sun was setting was perfect, away from the noisy center. The weight staff could not have been more attentive. It was a perfect evening.
True Food Kitchen - Austin - The Domain
4.1 (1172)
$30 and under
American
North Central
True Food Kitchen knows that diners want more than just a great meal. They want to know that it’s sustainably sourced, organic where possible, and that it’s doing them some real good. True Food has this covered, with a regularly rotating menu packed with seasonal fare, including many paleo and keto-friendly options. Their Winter Immunity Bowl, for example, is a feast of wild mushrooms, peas, watermelon radish, and miso. For healthier options, this is the best lunch Austin has on offer.
Top review
Anthony
Dined on May 31, 2025
Great food and great atmosphere. The service was really good and we enjoyed our meal!
True Food Kitchen knows that diners want more than just a great meal. They want to know that it’s sustainably sourced, organic where possible, and that it’s doing them some real good. True Food has this covered, with a regularly rotating menu packed with seasonal fare, including many paleo and keto-friendly options. Their Winter Immunity Bowl, for example, is a feast of wild mushrooms, peas, watermelon radish, and miso. For healthier options, this is the best lunch Austin has on offer.
Top review
Anthony
Dined on May 31, 2025
Great food and great atmosphere. The service was really good and we enjoyed our meal!
Culinary Dropout - Austin
4.5 (2463)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
The Domain is one of those huge, sprawling retail centers that can take hours to even see half of. Thankfully, there are some great spots to sit down and refuel. Culinary Dropout is one such place, with its gastropub stylings and menu full of comfort food classics. Mix up some helpings of meats and cheeses, or grab a few bar snacks to share. If olives and bacon cheddar pretzel bites aren’t quite substantial enough, a spicy vegan curry or bistro steak might do the trick. Plenty to choose from.
Top review
Ted
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent service, fantastic ambiance & exquisite food! From the "Build Your Own" charcuterie to the great options in both appetizers/shareables and entrees, all our food choices were top notch. We had the Cacio e Pepe , Salmon and Mongolian Short Ribs; all of which had delicate and balanced flavor profiles, brimming with flavor throughout. Their selection of crafted cocktails offered new ideas to drinks which were fun and delicious! Having been referred to this restaurant, we knew this was the perfect choice! Great for date nights, hangouts with friends or just a casual yet elevated dinner, Culinary Dropout is a spot we will be back to whenever possible!
The Domain is one of those huge, sprawling retail centers that can take hours to even see half of. Thankfully, there are some great spots to sit down and refuel. Culinary Dropout is one such place, with its gastropub stylings and menu full of comfort food classics. Mix up some helpings of meats and cheeses, or grab a few bar snacks to share. If olives and bacon cheddar pretzel bites aren’t quite substantial enough, a spicy vegan curry or bistro steak might do the trick. Plenty to choose from.
Top review
Ted
Dined 4 days ago
Excellent service, fantastic ambiance & exquisite food! From the "Build Your Own" charcuterie to the great options in both appetizers/shareables and entrees, all our food choices were top notch. We had the Cacio e Pepe , Salmon and Mongolian Short Ribs; all of which had delicate and balanced flavor profiles, brimming with flavor throughout. Their selection of crafted cocktails offered new ideas to drinks which were fun and delicious! Having been referred to this restaurant, we knew this was the perfect choice! Great for date nights, hangouts with friends or just a casual yet elevated dinner, Culinary Dropout is a spot we will be back to whenever possible!
Chez Zee
4.7 (4667)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
Chez Zee has been a quirky part of Austin culture since 1989. Today, it’s recognized as one of the top restaurants in America, particularly for the brunch offerings. Board games and fairy lights await at this whimsical wonder, plus a lunch menu full of serious Southern flavor. Fried pickles get the mouth watering, then a choice of quiches, pasta, fish specials, and entrees like chicken fried steak are set to satisfy any appetite. Always a warm, fun experience.
Top review
MarkVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We really enjoyed a quiet dinner just before 5PM this afternoon. Great food, great service, and a cozy neighborhood gem.
Chez Zee has been a quirky part of Austin culture since 1989. Today, it’s recognized as one of the top restaurants in America, particularly for the brunch offerings. Board games and fairy lights await at this whimsical wonder, plus a lunch menu full of serious Southern flavor. Fried pickles get the mouth watering, then a choice of quiches, pasta, fish specials, and entrees like chicken fried steak are set to satisfy any appetite. Always a warm, fun experience.
Top review
MarkVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We really enjoyed a quiet dinner just before 5PM this afternoon. Great food, great service, and a cozy neighborhood gem.

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