Austin famously known for its live music and classical food is the place where you want to spend your entire day. Now food and music are the exquisite luxuries that we all crave for and finding the best food in Austin isn’t that easy especially if it’s your first time there.
Since everything is so good and up to the mark it’s really hard to decide where one should really eat. Whether you are at the domain which is famous for its aesthetic shopping malls. Or you are somewhere in the South Congress which is well known for art venues and food trucks or you are in Austin’s Downtown struggling to decide on a restaurant. We have got it all covered for you.
Short on Time? 10 Famous Spots To Explore Food in Austin
Here’s a quick list of 10 Famous restaurant places to decide which one to opt according to your requirement:
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Olamaie
- North Italia
- Lucky Robot
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
- Plank Seafood Provisions
- The Backspace
- Second Bar + Kitchen
- Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
- 1417 Restaurant & Bar
1 – Maggiano’s Little Italy
When discussing the best restaurants located in the Domain, it’s nearly impossible to leave out Maggiano’s Little Italy. The venue itself is ideal for a fun dinner with friends. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, as well as classic food and solid cocktails.
It has a fun urban aesthetic, and the best part is that on Saturdays and Sundays, they offer a wide variety of menu options. If you’re at a loss for what to order, start with Mozzarella Marinara and Italian Meatballs. For a person’s stomach, we recommend chicken & spinach manicotti as a main course.
2 – Olamaie
The next place on this list is downtown Austin’s favorite go to place for southern food. The place is not only best known for Southern food but also for its rich heritage. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions or even for a romantic dinner. It’s fit for foodies and serves as an inspiration to modern cuisines that are out there.
The restaurant is open for indoor and patio dine in services and has soulful allegiance towards food providing an exquisite experience, one that you will not forget. Our recommendation from the menu would be Fried Pork Chops, Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter which are the best in town and don’t forget to try their Beef Tartare.
3 – North Italia
One of the finest and well designed Italian restaurants located in the Domain and that we have on the list is this one. Since they are from the same group as culinary dropouts, you might get a similar vibe as well, such as tall ceilings, high quality food and most importantly gorgeous design.
Pastas and Pizzas are the things that run this restaurant along with some creative Italian cocktails. North is the place where you want to me when craving for a calm fine dinner or if you just want cocktails then late afternoon is the right time to be here in their happy hours
You might want to order chef’s board if you are there during the happy hours, while the Tuscan Kale salad there is just appetizing. Of course, you can’t forget noodles as all of their noodles have an exquisite taste.
4 – Lucky Robot
This place is the finest if you are in search of some quality Japanese food. Located in the heart of South Congress this one is just the perfect match if you are looking forward to casual dining.
They are the first sushi restaurant in Texas to partner themselves with sustainability programs of different organizations to keep the ocean healthy. Having top class chefs that prepare dishes that are not only Japanese but also gives them a slight touch of aromatic spices and Fragrant chilies of Latin America.
Our recommendation from the menu would be Brussels Sprouts alongside Pork Belly and Sashimi Moriawase which has five different types of Sashimi. With everything being served under a classical Japanese decorated ceiling with lanterns hanging this place will surely be somewhere you want to come back to.
5 – Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
If you are craving for some quality meat in downtown Austin then this is the place where you want to be. This place is perfect for a date or any special occasions can be celebrated here and the Steakhouse is perfect for fine dining.
The restaurant gives off a rich aromatic vibe inspired by modern furniture and warm light perfect for a peaceful dinner. The additional offers by the steakhouse include full bar, private room, happy hours, takeout and even wine to make your occasions and celebration extra special.
Unlike other restaurants that are on this list, this one is most booked in Austin for a reason. The experiences they offer are just mind blowing and provide irresistible value to your money. Ranging from $45 to $65 per person, the experiences include items that range from Stuffed Roast all the way to some caramelized prime ribs.
6 – Plank Seafood Provisions
If you are craving for an exquisite experience with quality food while you stay in the Domain then this place is for you. The place is absolutely stunning and has a full raw bar, seafood towers, mouth watering chowder, and even mind blowing entrees.
The place is designed in a way that it’s perfect for outdoor dining and they also have an amazing brunch menu for Saturdays and Sundays.
Our recommendations from the menu would be a plate of their raw iced oysters as they ship it daily to get the maximum freshness out of it but if you are out for a celebration then the Grand Seafood Tower is the one thing that should be on your table. One thing to keep in mind is that the branch at the Domain has a gluten sensitive menu.
7 – The Backspace
This next place on this list is perfect for casual dining. It offers a bar which serves a variety of drinks. Located in downtown Austin this place always succeeds in providing its customers with a cozy romantic vibe which Keeps the place lively and aromatic.
The place offers additional that includes Beer, BYO Wine, Happy hours, gluten-free options, private room and even an indoor fireplace. All that you can ask for in one place.
The food is amazing and at times can be challenging to decide on what to order. Some of our recommendations from the menu would include Farro Salad, Pork Meatballs and Baked Ricotta which is the best they have.
8 – Second Bar + Kitchen
This place is one the old in Austin and has been here for over 10 years now. The domain location is inside the 4-star Archer Hotel with massive windows and a lot of natural light as well. This is the place where you want to go on a date or just have a fine dinner with someone special. They also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
If what to order is your question, then we would recommend artisanal pizzas along with Black + Bleu with medjool dates and bleu cheese. In case if you are looking for something recognized then the Congress Burger and truffle fries should be your pick
9 – Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar
TBH there are times where you are just fed up with fancy restaurants and all you crave is for a place that is casual and elegant. Well this one’s for you, located in South Congress this place offers seafood and continental cuisines. If you are looking to throw a private party then this is the perfect place to do so as they accommodate that as well.
Their additional lounge, wine, beer, counter seating and they even offer weekend brunch that is just what you need for a wonderful weekend. The place is well decorated with lights and is great if you are looking for outdoor dining.
Our recommendation from the menu would be lobster omelet, one of the unique dishes you would love to try, Ahi Tuna Tartar and Grilled Octopus along with Papas Bravas.
10 – 1417 Restaurant & Bar
The last place on this list is a French Cuisine in Downtown Austin and is one of the finest places when it comes to fine dining. Offering French, Seafood and Mediterranean cuisines along with a mouthwatering menu this place is a perfect go to for a date and is just fit for foodies
With a wooden theme indoor and this place has all the things a French Cuisine would have. The additional they offer include Beer, a full bar and they even offer weekend brunch but that’s not all the fun part is that they are open late so you can always count on them for some quality drinks late at night.
The Items that are must try from the menu are Blue Cheese Beignets, Marrow Bones and Steak Frites which will just fulfill your meaty cravings.
Final Words
In this article, we covered different categories of restaurants that you can try according to your mood and your company. Now we know that choosing anyone from these can be a real challenge so we have picked our top three from the list.
If you are in the Domain make sure that you try the North Italia as it is perfect for fine dining and you get the best quality and tasteful Italian food that you crave for.
Next recommendation would be Lucky Robot in South Congress. The place has a Japanese touch to it with professional chefs that have been serving quality food for years.So if you are looking for some sushi, make sure you visit Lucky Robot.
Lastly, if you are looking for something luxurious then try Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille as they have the best service and an exquisite taste that is offered by no other restaurant in Downtown Austin.
