Austin is one of the fastest-growing food cities in the USA, known for its vibrant dining culture and top-rated restaurants.This guide highlights the Top 10 best restaurants in Austin, Texas, carefully selected based on food quality, location, popularity, and overall experience.
From downtown Austin restaurants and trendy restaurants in downtown Austin to casual favorites locals recommend, these rankings reflect real dining value.
We’ve included everything from best casual restaurants in Austin to downtown Austin restaurants with a view, based on trusted reviews and ratings.Whether you’re searching for best restaurants in Austin TX downtown, top-rated Austin restaurants, or simply the best food in downtown Austin, this list helps you choose the right place.
#1. Dean’s Italian Steakhouse – Austin, TX
Dean’s Italian Steakhouse Austin is a premium fine-dining restaurant located in downtown Austin, known for combining classic Italian cuisine with high-quality steakhouse cuts.
The Dean’s Italian Steakhouse menu highlights handcrafted pastas, signature steaks, and seasonal specials, with guests often sharing Dean’s Italian Steakhouse photos showcasing elegant presentation.
Based on Dean’s Italian Steakhouse Austin downtown reviews, the restaurant is praised for its upscale atmosphere, attentive service, and consistent food quality.
Many diners compare the experience to other elite spots like Jeffrey’s Steakhouse Austin, especially for special occasions and business dining.
The Dean’s Steakhouse Austin dress code leans smart casual to upscale, making it a refined choice for evening meals.
While it has select locations such as Dean’s Italian Steakhouse Charlotte, it is not a mass chain and maintains a boutique dining experience.
#2. Upstairs at Caroline – Downtown Austin, TX
Upstairs at Caroline is a well-known downtown Austin restaurant offering a relaxed, rooftop-style dining experience with views of the city.
The Upstairs at Caroline restaurant menu includes modern American comfort food, creative cocktails, and shareable plates at approachable prices.
Many visitors browse Upstairs at Caroline photos before visiting, highlighting the open-air patio and lively downtown setting.
According to Upstairs at Caroline food downtown Austin USA reviews, the spot is praised for its social vibe, service, and consistent food quality.
The restaurant is popular for Upstairs at Caroline happy hour, is dog friendly, and accepts Upstairs at Caroline reservations for groups.
Convenient Upstairs at Caroline parking options nearby make it an easy choice for casual dining and drinks in downtown Austin.
#3. Acre 41 – Downtown Austin, TX
Acre 41 is a modern downtown Austin restaurant located inside a hotel, offering a refined yet relaxed dining experience. The Acre 41 menu focuses on contemporary American cuisine, with seasonal dishes and thoughtfully prepared ingredients.
Guests often explore Acre 41 photos to preview the stylish interior, polished plating, and upscale atmosphere. According to Acre 41 Austin downtown TX reviews, the restaurant is well-regarded for its brunch menu, quality service, and consistent food standards.
Acre 41 is also known for its happy hour offerings and hosts special dining occasions such as Acre 41 Austin Thanksgiving meals.
The Acre 41 dress code is smart casual, making it a comfortable choice for business lunches, brunch, or evening dining in downtown Austin.
#4. Ember Kitchen – Downtown Austin, TX
Ember Kitchen Austin is a modern downtown Austin restaurant known for its bold flavors and wood-inspired cooking style. The Ember Kitchen menu features a carefully crafted selection of contemporary dishes, highlighting seasonal ingredients and creative presentation.
Guests often browse Ember Kitchen photos to get a feel for the stylish interior and beautifully plated food. Based on Ember Kitchen downtown Austin TX reviews, the restaurant is praised for its quality, atmosphere, and consistent dining experience.
The Ember Kitchen menu with prices reflects a mid-to-upscale range, making it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.With strong Ember Kitchen reviews across dining platforms, it remains a solid choice for modern cuisine in downtown Austin.
#5. Sapori Italian Roots – Downtown Austin, TX
Sapori Italian Roots is a well-regarded downtown Austin Italian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and traditional recipes. The Sapori Italian Roots menu features handmade pasta, classic Italian dishes, and thoughtfully prepared seasonal specialties.
Many diners explore Sapori Italian Roots photos to preview the warm ambiance and beautifully presented meals.
According to Sapori Italian Roots downtown Austin TX reviews, the restaurant is praised for its quality ingredients and welcoming service.
The restaurant accepts Sapori Italian Roots reservations, offers convenient parking nearby, and provides gluten-free options for select dishes.
With strong Sapori Italian Roots reviews across platforms, it remains a popular choice for Italian dining in Austin.
#6 Caroline – Downtown Austin, TX
Caroline is a popular downtown Austin restaurant located at Aloft Austin, offering an all-day dining experience in a relaxed setting. The Caroline Austin menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffeehouse options, making it a versatile choice for locals and visitors.
Based on Caroline downtown Austin TX reviews, guests appreciate the casual atmosphere, consistent food quality, and friendly service.
The Caroline restaurant menu features approachable American dishes, craft cocktails, and specialty coffee selections.
With reasonable Caroline downtown Austin TX prices and a casual dress code, it suits everything from quick meals to group dining.
Together with Upstairs at Caroline, the venue offers both indoor dining and a lively rooftop experience in downtown Austin.
#7 Aba Austin – Downtown Austin, TX
Aba Austin is a highly rated downtown Austin restaurant known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and stylish rooftop atmosphere. The Aba Austin menu features fresh, flavorful dishes made with seasonal ingredients, including vegetarian-friendly options.
Many guests browse Aba Austin photos to preview the elegant outdoor space and beautifully presented food. According to Aba Austin reviews across major dining platforms, the restaurant is praised for its ambiance, service, and consistent quality.
The venue accepts Aba Austin reservations, offers group dining, and follows a smart casual dress code. While Aba Austin is not fully halal, the menu includes several halal-friendly options, making it a flexible choice for diverse diners.
#8 Odd Duck – Downtown Austin, TX
Odd Duck is a highly regarded Odd Duck restaurant Austin known for its inventive, farm-to-table approach in downtown Austin, TX. The Odd Duck Austin menu focuses on seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, offering a constantly evolving dining experience.
Many visitors explore Odd Duck photos before dining, showcasing the rustic-modern interior and creative plate presentations. According to Odd Duck Austin TX downtown reviews and discussions on Odd Duck Austin Reddit, the restaurant is praised for flavor, creativity, and service.
The restaurant accepts Odd Duck Austin reservations, follows a relaxed Odd Duck Austin dress code, and offers limited Odd Duck parking nearby.
Frequently listed among the best restaurants in Austin downtown, Odd Duck continues to earn strong Odd Duck reviews across major platforms.
#9 Red Ash – Downtown Austin, TX
Red Ash is a highly regarded Red Ash restaurant Austin known for its wood-grilled dishes and modern American cuisine in downtown Austin, TX.
The Red Ash menu includes expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and seasonal specialties, with clear Red Ash menu with prices for diners.
Many guests browse Red Ash photos and Red Ash Austin photos to see the stylish interior, plating, and vibrant ambiance. According to Red Ash Austin downtown reviews, Red Ash reviews Austin, and other online platforms, the restaurant is praised for its high-quality food, attentive service, and welcoming atmosphere.
Reservations are available via how to get a reservation at Red Ash, with Red Ash valet and walk-in options making it convenient for visitors.
With a smart Red Ash dress code and recognition among top dining spots in Austin, Red Ash remains a favorite for upscale meals and special occasions in the city.
#10 Franklin Barbecue – Austin, TX
Franklin Barbecue is a legendary Franklin Barbecue Austin TX restaurant famous for its slow-smoked meats and iconic Texas barbecue flavors.
The Franklin Barbecue menu offers brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and specialty items, with detailed Franklin BBQ menu prices for every dish. Many visitors check Franklin Barbecue photos to see the signature platings and the lively atmosphere in downtown Austin.
Founded by pitmaster Aaron Franklin, owner of Franklin BBQ Austin, the restaurant has earned fame through his Franklin Barbecue book and media recognition. According to Franklin Barbecue Austin downtown reviews, Franklin BBQ Austin reviews, and diners worldwide, the restaurant is praised for exceptional flavor, consistency, and its legendary sauces like Franklin Barbecue sauce.
With multiple Franklin BBQ locations, a strong fan base, and status as one of the best restaurants in Austin downtown, Franklin Barbecue remains a must-visit for locals and tourists alike seeking authentic barbecue in Texas.
