If there is one thing I love about living in a new city, it is getting to try all of the restaurants. Austin has no shortage of great places to eat, and after four years here, I still feel like there are new restaurants opening every month.

Whenever someone asks me where they should eat in Austin, these are some of the restaurants I recommend again and again. They cover a little bit of everything, from Caribbean and Mediterranean food to steakhouses, Italian favorites, smash burgers, and some of the best lakeside dining in the city.

If you’re planning a trip to Austin or you’re a local looking for somewhere new to try, add these spots to your list.

If you are visiting Austin for a weekend or more also listen to our things to do in Austin episode and stay at one of our favorite hotels in Austin:

• The LINE Hotel – Great location and view of the lake and bats
• Hotel Van Zandt – Great rooftop pool vibes
• The Downright Hotel – Cute pink, fun decor and a great pool vibe.
• Lake Austin Spa Resort – All-inclusive wellness resort on the Lake, it is absolutely amazing!

Check out fun things to do in Austin that we recommend on Viator. These are perfect if you don’t have a car or want to have some unique experiences on this trip.

Find a great flight deal to Austin by signing up for Thrifty Traveler Premium and watching the daily flight deals (points & cash) that are emailed directly to you! Use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

1. Canje

East Austin | Caribbean

Canje is one of those restaurants where dinner feels like a whole experience. Located in East Austin, this Caribbean restaurant is all about bold flavors, creative dishes, and a menu that takes you on a bit of a flavor journey.

The service is also excellent, which makes it a great choice when you want a dinner that feels a little more special.

Some of the dishes we’ve enjoyed include the wild boar pepper pot, beef curry, roti, coconut rice, and jerk chicken. The menu is designed for sharing, so I recommend ordering several things for the table and trying a little bit of everything.

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual Austin barbecue and Tex-Mex, Canje should be on your list.

2. Ezov

East Austin | Mediterranean

Everyone talks about Aba for Mediterranean food and beautiful patio seating, and while it is good, I think Ezov is a restaurant you shouldn’t miss.

Another serious flavor journey, Ezov serves up fresh, unique, high-quality dishes with plenty of interesting flavors and combinations. The menu is designed around mezze-style dining, so it’s perfect for ordering several dishes and sharing with the table.

This is also a fun spot if you enjoy trying things you haven’t had before. Rather than ordering one big entree, go with a group and make dinner a little bit of a tasting experience.

Ezov is the kind of restaurant that works especially well for a dinner party, date night, or when you want to introduce visitors to a different side of Austin’s food scene.

3. La Piscina

Downtown | Mexican

Located on the fifth floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina combines great food with a fun rooftop setting.

And if you go, get the steak fajitas.

The steak fajitas come out sizzling with steak and peppers, bubbling cheese, rice, beans, and all the fixings. It’s exactly the kind of meal that makes you want to order a margarita and settle in for a long dinner.

The Austin Proper also has a great lobby bar, so you can make an evening out of your visit and grab a drink before or after dinner.

4. The Kimberly

Downtown | Steakhouse

If you’re looking for a swanky steakhouse in downtown Austin, The Kimberly is one to put on your list.

The restaurant comes from the same owners behind J. Carver, and the interior is beautiful. It’s definitely more of a dress-up-and-go-out kind of restaurant, making it a good option for a special occasion or a nice date night.

The ribeye is a standout, but don’t overlook the sides. The mousseline potatoes with truffles, Gruyère, and smoked ham pieces are incredibly rich and delicious.

Come hungry because this is definitely not a light dinner.

5. Hula Hut

Lake Austin | Hawaiian + Tex-Mex

Hula Hut is one of those Austin restaurants where the atmosphere is just as much a part of the experience as the food.

Located right on Lake Austin, Hula Hut has a fun, laid-back, locals kind of vibe with indoor and outdoor seating right over the water. The menu combines Hawaiian flavors with Tex-Mex, so you can expect everything from tacos and fajitas to tropical-inspired dishes.

And yes, the chips and salsa are free, and they’re really good.

Pair your meal with one of their giant margaritas, either frozen or on the rocks. If the weather is nice, grab a spot outside and enjoy the lake.

This is a particularly fun restaurant to take visitors who want to experience a more casual side of Austin.

6. Quince Lakehouse

Lake Austin | Upscale Mexican + American

Right next door to Hula Hut is Quince Lakehouse, another great option for dining along Lake Austin.

The vibe here is a little more upscale, with both indoor dining and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. It’s especially nice for brunch when the weather is cooperating.

The menu includes upscale Mexican and American dishes, along with sushi and a raw bar, so there is something for just about everyone.

If you’re deciding between Hula Hut and Quince Lakehouse, think of Hula Hut as the more casual, quirky Austin experience and Quince as the more polished option.

7. Intero

East Austin | Italian

For Italian food in Austin, add Intero to your list.

The restaurant serves handmade pastas, pizzas, and Italian-inspired dishes, and the menu is a great excuse to order several things for the table.

On one visit, I had the carpaccio, cheddar bucatini, and pesto burrata appetizer, and everything was delicious.

If you’re a pasta person, this is one of those Austin restaurants you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

8. ATX Cocina

Downtown | Mexican

I first went to ATX Cocina for a hosted dinner during SXSW, and I immediately understood why everyone talks about this restaurant.

We had a huge spread of food, including steak, elotes, quesadillas, chips and guacamole, and some excellent margaritas. Everything we tried was delicious.

ATX Cocina has also been around for years, which says a lot in a city where restaurants are constantly opening and changing.

I haven’t made it back for a regular dinner yet, but pretty much everyone I’ve recommended it to has had great things to say about it. It’s definitely on my list for a return visit.

9. Birdie’s

East Austin | Prix Fixe

Birdie’s is a great choice when you want something a little different.

This Michelin-recognized restaurant offers a seasonal prix fixe menu that changes throughout the year, so the experience can be different every time you visit.

It’s also a more casual setting than you might expect for a prix fixe dinner. Birdie’s is primarily walk-in, so don’t expect the traditional reservation experience you get at many upscale restaurants.

The changing menu makes this a fun spot for food lovers who like trying new dishes and letting the restaurant decide what comes next.

And if you’re a Chase cardholder, Birdie’s is also part of the Chase dining program, so it’s worth checking whether you can use your dining credit here.

10. NADC

East Austin | Smash Burgers

Sometimes you don’t need a fancy dinner. Sometimes you just need a really good burger.

NADC, or Not a Damn Chance, serves smash burgers and duck fat fries, and yes, the Joe Rogan connection helped put this place on the map.

But even with all the attention, the burger is genuinely worth trying.

If you’re looking for a casual Austin meal and want a great smash burger, this is one to add to the list.

And definitely get the duck fat fries.

11. Steiner Ranch Steakhouse

Northwest Austin | Steakhouse

Steiner Ranch Steakhouse is about a 30-minute drive outside central Austin, but if you’re willing to make the trip, you’re rewarded with a beautiful setting and a classic Texas steakhouse experience.

The restaurant overlooks the lake, making the views a big part of the appeal.

One of the things that makes this spot stand out is its brunch buffet, which offers a huge variety of food for around $30. It’s a great option when you want to make a meal part of a day out in the area.

For dinner, you’re getting the full steakhouse experience, but I especially like the idea of pairing a visit with some time around the lake and turning it into more of an outing.

Where Should You Eat in Austin?

One of the best things about Austin’s restaurant scene is that you don’t have to stick to one type of food. You can have Caribbean food one night, Mediterranean the next, grab a smash burger the following day, and finish the weekend with steak overlooking the lake.

These 11 restaurants are some of the places I find myself recommending most often, but they are just the beginning of Austin’s food scene.

And if you’re planning a trip to Austin, don’t forget to check out our other Austin recommendations for things to do, where to stay, and what else to add to your itinerary.

Next up on the podcast: We’re taking you to some of the best tacos in Austin!