Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Austin

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Austin? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Llama Queen

4.9

4.9 (68)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

East Austin

About the restaurant

Peruvian restaurant, Llama Queen, re-opened in Austin fall of 2023. The restaurant is found at 4620 East Cesar Chavez Street in the Govalle neighborhood and its aiming to become the best Peruvian restaurant in Central Texas.

Top review

DanielVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food. We really enjoyed everything-the Lomo Saltado, Leche de Tigre, fried Yuca and the Suspiro de Limeña dessert. Super friendly service and an attractive place. The only downside is that there are only a few tables inside, so if the weather is poor that could be a problem.

Uchiko Austin

4.8

4.8 (6087)

$50 and over

Sushi

Central Austin

About the restaurant

:: 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!

Top review

LizVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We enjoyed the best anniversary celebration. Recommend all the things. You can’t go wrong.

Boa Steakhouse - Austin

4.8

4.8 (186)

$50 and over

Steak

Downtown

About the restaurant

Dry aged, medium rare and new to Austin, TX. BOA Steakhouse unites the elements of signature steak & seafood selections, hip ambiance and trendy cocktails while offering unparalleled hospitality.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Everything about this place was amazing. Food and drinks were delicious. I highly recommend!

Kalimotxo

4.7

4.7 (324)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Downtown

About the restaurant

Kalimotxo is a Spanish restaurant and cocktail bar from the Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. Kalimotxo celebrates the vibrant small plates culture of Spain, from Basque style pintxos to tapas from Andalusia, all meant to be enjoyed with crushable cocktails, a curated Spanish wine list, and flowing porrones.

Top review

SaraVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Such a fun experience!! The food was incredible and so much fun to share with the girlies. Best service, best recommendations from our waiter, too. Can’t wait to go back.

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Experience

Happy Hour @ Kalimotxo

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse - Austin

4.7

4.7 (44)

$30 and under

Japanese

Northwest

About the restaurant

KOBE is the finest place in Austin to enjoy Teppanyaki Japanese Cuisine. We take the extra time and care to make every dish truly special. Come and enjoy our large selection of sushi, all prepared to serve you only the best in Austin! We also welcome walk-in guests, and you can visit our website for more information and to book your private party!

Top review

Jaye

Dined 1 day ago

Our experience at Kobe was Excellent and everything was Great from food, to hospitality!!!!

Bangers Sausage House & Beer Garden

4.7

4.7 (96)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

The name really says it all. With 202 beer taps and over 20 house-made sausages we have one of the largest selections in the country. We are equally committed to quality, serving up the most delicious sausages we can make and the best craft beers we can source. In addition to beer and sausage we also operate an onsite smokehouse with a variety of offerings centered on slow smoking and open fire cooking.

At the end of the day, Banger's is all about being a wonderful place to eat, drink and hangout. Not too rowdy, not too laid back, just a good old fashioned good time.

Top review

Hilary

Dined 1 day ago

Fun Sunday Funday spot. Been coming for years. Next time will bring the kids and our pitty.

Ember Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (376)

$50 and over

Contemporary Latin

Downtown

About the restaurant

Ember is proud to introduce Austin's premier Josper oven experience. Our menu showcases bold, Latin flavors, with impactful dishes cooked over live embers.

Top review

Trent

Dined 6 days ago

Great customer service, very attentive and friendly. Ambience was nice. Food was excellent.

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Bar Louie - Round Rock

4.4

4.4 (112)

$30 and under

American

Round Rock

About the restaurant

Bar Louie is an upbeat grill chain that serves classic comfort grub and microbrews in a relaxed space. The dining menu revolves around small plate items as well as sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads and comfort entrées. Visit for dinner and feast on some beer battered fish and chips or try the restaurant's famous voodoo chicken.Bar Louie is a nice pick if you're looking to knock back a few drinks with friends or grabbing a leisurely bite. Visit during happy hour and enjoy great deals on drinks and grub. This bar serves cocktails, sangrias, margaritas and creative zero-proof drinks. Bar Louie also stays open until the early hours of the morning, making it a nice spot for some late night socializing or dining.

Top review

Tammy

Dined on May 23, 2025

We went yesterday for a highschool graduation party. Kevin was our server and he was the best. Very attentive and patient even with having a big party of people to help. Bar Louie already had our table reserved in a nice spot to fit the family. Food and drinks were brought out fast and they were all delicious. Thanks Kevin for taking great care of us. Wishing you nothing but blessings.

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Experience

Geeks who drink trivia!

4.2

4.2 (62)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Nestled on the 4th floor of our iconic establishment, Arriba Abajo emerges as a haven where flavors dance amid panoramic views and leisurely ambiance. From sizzling fajitas to handcrafted tacos bursting with flavor, each dish tells a story of tradition, innovation, and unparalleled quality. Our bartenders shake cocktails better than a rattlesnake shakes its tail. Experience the fun and ease of the Mexican lifestyle in our little slice of paradise. Heat up or cool down poolside in one of our daybeds or cabanas with a margarita in hand.

Top review

NellyVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

The service and ambiance was lovely. There was a live DJ playing but my party of 3 was set just far away that we could hear one another and talk comfortably. We had the Hola Barbie, prickly pear margarita, and house margarita for cocktails and they were excellent. Food-wise, we had several fish tacos and steak with mole. All cooked to perfection but we noticed the steak and salsas needed a touch more salt but this is solely due to my table's preferences. We also had the dulce de leche Sunday and it was a wonderful hit with us as it had a lovely rum reduction within the ice cream itself. We look forward to going again!

Taquero Mucho

4.1

4.1 (73)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

When Gabriela Bucio, founder of Gabriela’s downtown, came to the realization that her regulars and biggest reservations were all women, she decided to create a place for women to go to feel loved, celebrated and empowered. Taquero Mucho is just that.

Dripping in pink feminine energy, this cute little taqueria is becoming one of Austin’s Newest Staples for women. The owner of Taquero Mucho prides herself on being a Latina Female owned and operated business. As the only Latina owner on W. Sixth street, Gabriela strives to preserve her culture, heritage and her vision dedicated to women of all walks of life. Taquero Mucho invites you and all the special women in your life to join Gabriela, her family and team to some pink tacos, pink margaritas and their instafamous Anti-Bitch Juice.

Top review

Toguri

Dined on May 3, 2025

Their menu pictured a bunch of fun drinks with fun drink holders to go with them but they did not have any of the drink holders. Waitress just said they are out of all of them. disappointing because it was a part of the appeal of the place.

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