Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Austin

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems 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!

June's All Day

4.8

4.8 (1090)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Austin

About the restaurant

June’s All Day is a little bit of Paris in Austin—a neighborhood cafe and bar offering late breakfast, brunch, and an all day menu late into the evenings, along bustling South Congress Avenue.

The bistro-style food menu (think Croque Madame, Steak Tartare & Frites, Grilled Chicken Paillard, & Steak au Poivre) is complemented by a frequently changing wine & bar program including unique bottles and classic cocktails The restaurant has a wraparound patio (open year round) and is ideal for people watching and hanging with your friends.

Top review

StevenVIP

Dined 7 days ago

I grabbed lunch with an old buddy and everything was wonderful. Our server, Neena was very nice, knowledgeable and did an amazing job with service. We’ll definitely be back!

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Experience

Happy Hour | Monday - Friday

Llama Queen

4.8

4.8 (63)

$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

BrookeVIP

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

My husband and I love this place and tonight we took my parents. We’ve never been disappointed by anything we’ve tried on the menu. We all enjoyed our meals and drinks tonight and can’t wait for our next visit. And always great service!

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.7

4.7 (1017)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home.

"It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma

Top review

Holly

Dined 6 days ago

Always great food and service! Love tres leche cake for my bday, thanks!!☺️

Las Palomas Restaurant-Bar

4.6

4.6 (568)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Austin / Westlake

About the restaurant

We’re Open for Dine-in and Delivery (3rd Parties)
We take reservations:
Tuesday-Thursday 11 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 11 AM - 5:45 PM & 8 PM - 10 PM
Saturday 11 AM - 10 PM
Outside patio tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not available for reservations.

Top review

GwendolynVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Best chile relleno! Vibrant neighborhood spot with great bar and margarita selection

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Experience

Las Palomas Happy Hour

Cafe Malta

4.6

4.6 (1438)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

South Austin

About the restaurant

Cafe Malta is a neighborhood bistro serving Mediterranean-inspired fare. It combines a warm, relaxed atmosphere with a perpetually creative kitchen.

Named for the island at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Cafe Malta finds inspiration in the cuisines of Italy, southern France, Morocco, Greece and Spain, and in the Mediterranean tradition, Cafe Malta cooks seasonally and features a variety of local ingredients.

Top review

Ann

Dined 4 days ago

A great neighborhood restaurant. Excellent service, and the unique idea of having an international dinner on a regular basis is brilliant! Has a lot to do with the success of the Malta Cafe. We go there frequently. Well done!

Knotty Deck, Kitchen & Bar - Renaissance Austin Hotel

4.6

4.6 (168)

$30 and under

Comfort Food

North Central

About the restaurant

Experience the essence of central Texas cuisine against a backdrop of stunning countryside views on our beautiful terrace at The Knotty Deck, Kitchen & Bar. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Kent Hargrove, we celebrate Austin's indigenous ingredients with a farm-to-table approach for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Immerse yourself in the diverse tastes of the Lone Star State while our skilled bartenders craft inventive cocktails and serve up Austin's finest local beers. Don't miss our must-try dish, the Signature 14-hour slow-smoked Brisket nachos. Join us for an unforgettable dining journey where every bite narrates a story of Texas amidst picturesque hill country scenery.

Top review

AnettaVIP

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

Wonderful. The patio is amazing - there are not many good patios in the Arbor area! This one is fantastic, with a great view and greenery ambiance). Food and service was wonderful. Need to come here more often!

Nightcap

4.5

4.5 (731)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Nightcap was originally conceived as a place for sweet sustenance and sparkling cocktails. Since then, we have evolved into so much more. Our space is now known as a late night, date night spot for guests and friends alike. The cozy atmosphere is welcoming, romantic and is also a great place to dine solo. It’s a space to make new friends, enjoy some incredibly tasteful food and cocktails that aim to please. Nightcap carries an old school Austin vibe that is hard to be classified as a bar or restaurant. We like to consider ourselves as a nightly dinner party at your friends house. The idea is to come over, have a great time and let us clean up afterwards. On special occasions, glitter is our favorite color that is often paired with bubbles. We hope you join us for any occasion and truly enjoy your evening.

Top review

Audra

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

Always enjoy our dinner at Nightcap, especially on the patio.

Saltgrass Steak House - Bee Cave

4.4

4.4 (228)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Bee Caves / Lakeway / Lake Travis

About the restaurant

Saltgrass Steak House is an award-winning steakhouse in Bee Cave, TX famous for serving Angus Beef steaks. Each steak is cooked to perfection with Saltgrass-7 Steak Spice, and topped with garlic butter. All breads, dressings, soups and desserts are made from scratch daily. Great food and legendary hospitality make Saltgrass an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Top review

Sue

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

The food and service was very good. I wish they would turn the air conditioning temperature up. It was so cold. We would have been much more comfortable with winter coats on. There were many tables where the people were wearing coats and hoodies.

Güero's Taco Bar

4.4

4.4 (6)

$30 and under

Mexican

Bouldin Creek

About the restaurant

Enjoy our handmade corn tortillas, specialty dishes and fresh salsa bar. Our caldo de pollo and tacos al pastor are just a few of our tried-and-true favorites. Start off with a hand-shaken margarita in our cantina, or enjoy an icy cold cerveza while listening to music in our Oak Garden. Enjoy our delicious breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We would love to cater your next event! Guero's catering ensures that any of your affairs will be memorable occasions. Client consideration, great food and service are our priorities.

Top review

Melissa

Dined 3 days ago

Fun atmosphere! EXCELLENT server!! Food was awesome, huge portions -we ordered fajitas for 2 and it was more like for 4 people. Jalapeño margaritas were good, but not very spicy though. Good chips and pico and salsa too. Try it out! Yummy!

Ma'Coco - East Austin

4.3

4.3 (188)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

East Austin

About the restaurant

A fresh approach to Mexican cuisine. We emphasize scratch ingredients to serve colorful, tasty & traditional bites. From tacos & enchiladas to fresh fruit frescas & cocktails, you’ll find an antojito just for you!

Top review

Christopher and EverettVIP

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

Cute place did not know they have 2 locations. Will have to try the Buda location to see if items are the same. Overall good food great drinks. California Burrito just like I had in San Diego. Carajillo OMG Yummers!!!!!

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