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Restaurant list

Austin’s Most Iconic Restaurants

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by The OpenTable team
Updated December 15, 2023
Seasons change, trends come and go, but these restaurants have withstood the test of time—and have become integral parts of the Austin dining scene. Here are Austin’s OpenTable Classics: the places that continue to excel after 10+ years. There’s a reason they’re still around: they keep giving us a reason to come back.
Uchi Austin
4.9 (5452)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
Everything is special about this James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant housed in what looks like a little home. The contrast of a cottage exterior with a chic interior of red walls and honey lighting sets the stage for the impressive meal ahead. They have exceptional sushi that they fly in fresh from Japan each day, accompanied by masterful service. This is definitely a place fit for a special occasion. Everything is outstandingly good, so a great option is to go for their very unique “Sake Social” menu—offered on weeknights from 5-6:30—where you can get things from the regular dinner menu for nearly half the price.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Great happy hour - lots of delicious choices. Food was amazing, creative and fresh.
Everything is special about this James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant housed in what looks like a little home. The contrast of a cottage exterior with a chic interior of red walls and honey lighting sets the stage for the impressive meal ahead. They have exceptional sushi that they fly in fresh from Japan each day, accompanied by masterful service. This is definitely a place fit for a special occasion. Everything is outstandingly good, so a great option is to go for their very unique “Sake Social” menu—offered on weeknights from 5-6:30—where you can get things from the regular dinner menu for nearly half the price.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 6 days ago
Great happy hour - lots of delicious choices. Food was amazing, creative and fresh.
Eddie V's - 5th Street
4.9 (5857)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
Eddie V’s has classic written all over it. They’ve thought of everything and work diligently to deliver on all of it. From a robust menu of delicious food options, a wine list curated by a Master Sommelier, and a live jazz band to set the mood, this is a great restaurant for a special occasion or big night out. Though they’re known for sumptuous seafood like swordfish steak, a wildly popular chilean sea bass dish, and a plethora of oysters (with champagne pairings), caviar, and shellfish, they also make great steaks. If you can’t decide between surf or turf, you can have both and get their filet mignon and lobster tail combo. In addition, they have devilishly decadent sides—like potatoes au gratin, lobster mashed potatoes, and truffle mac n cheese—so while that might make it hard to make a decision, don’t fret, it’s all top-notch here.
Top review
ChristopherVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We are from New Orleans in town for a long weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to this highly-rated prime seafood and steak restaurant in Downtown Austin. Classic white-tablecloth tables, elegantly attired service staff, very friendly, professional and attentive service, and our lead server, Danielle, was very helpful. Our Martini and Smoked Old Fashioned cocktails were perfectly crafted, the 5-ounce crab cake appetizer was shareable for two, very tasty, and almost all crabmeat, just perfect. The Ahi Tuna (spicy, nice) and 10-ounce Filet (medium rare, cooked perfectly) entrees were absolutely delicious, accompanied by a (small-option) order of asparagus, shared by the two of us, sized just right, and we had Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec wines by the glass. Thank you, Danielle and team, for a truly wonderful dining experience.
Eddie V’s has classic written all over it. They’ve thought of everything and work diligently to deliver on all of it. From a robust menu of delicious food options, a wine list curated by a Master Sommelier, and a live jazz band to set the mood, this is a great restaurant for a special occasion or big night out. Though they’re known for sumptuous seafood like swordfish steak, a wildly popular chilean sea bass dish, and a plethora of oysters (with champagne pairings), caviar, and shellfish, they also make great steaks. If you can’t decide between surf or turf, you can have both and get their filet mignon and lobster tail combo. In addition, they have devilishly decadent sides—like potatoes au gratin, lobster mashed potatoes, and truffle mac n cheese—so while that might make it hard to make a decision, don’t fret, it’s all top-notch here.
Top review
ChristopherVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We are from New Orleans in town for a long weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to this highly-rated prime seafood and steak restaurant in Downtown Austin. Classic white-tablecloth tables, elegantly attired service staff, very friendly, professional and attentive service, and our lead server, Danielle, was very helpful. Our Martini and Smoked Old Fashioned cocktails were perfectly crafted, the 5-ounce crab cake appetizer was shareable for two, very tasty, and almost all crabmeat, just perfect. The Ahi Tuna (spicy, nice) and 10-ounce Filet (medium rare, cooked perfectly) entrees were absolutely delicious, accompanied by a (small-option) order of asparagus, shared by the two of us, sized just right, and we had Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec wines by the glass. Thank you, Danielle and team, for a truly wonderful dining experience.
Ranch 616
4.7 (1581)
$31 to $50
Southwest
Downtown
Bring your gang here if you’re looking for a fun, indulgent, and boisterous night out. Decorative character and big flavors are abundant, so there’s lots to observe and delight in. You’ll see an enormous neon pistol festooning their front patio, and some pretty unique options on their menu. Guests rave about their fried oysters and frog legs, and also really enjoy the quail and trout dishes served in a “divorced” style (meaning they prepare each protein two ways and place sides down the middle to separate the two). On the cheesier side of things, they have goat cheese mashed potatoes and a baked tomato stuffed with arugula, brie, and Boursin cheese! This is definitely not a meal to count calories at, and while they do have salads and vegetable options, you’re coming here to let loose and get a little zany.
Top review
Drew
Dined 1 day ago
Great patio to enjoy very good food and drinks. Will definitely go again
Bring your gang here if you’re looking for a fun, indulgent, and boisterous night out. Decorative character and big flavors are abundant, so there’s lots to observe and delight in. You’ll see an enormous neon pistol festooning their front patio, and some pretty unique options on their menu. Guests rave about their fried oysters and frog legs, and also really enjoy the quail and trout dishes served in a “divorced” style (meaning they prepare each protein two ways and place sides down the middle to separate the two). On the cheesier side of things, they have goat cheese mashed potatoes and a baked tomato stuffed with arugula, brie, and Boursin cheese! This is definitely not a meal to count calories at, and while they do have salads and vegetable options, you’re coming here to let loose and get a little zany.
Top review
Drew
Dined 1 day ago
Great patio to enjoy very good food and drinks. Will definitely go again
Truluck's - Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab - Austin Downtown
4.8 (5285)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Downtown
Though the outside of this two-story warehouse-style building might look a bit industrial, inside it’s filled with a myriad of elegantly-set tables with white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows offering great sunset views. Their crab—sourced from their own fisheries—is definitely the star of the show here and (aside from entré options) it finds its way into many delicious dishes, from crab claws and crab cakes to crab mac n cheese and crab fried rice. Truluck’s has earned several accolades for their great food and superior service, and because of the upscale experience they offer, they maintain a business casual dress code for their guests, so take the opportunity to dress up a little and make it a really special night!
Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was absolutely delightful. Food was great.
Though the outside of this two-story warehouse-style building might look a bit industrial, inside it’s filled with a myriad of elegantly-set tables with white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows offering great sunset views. Their crab—sourced from their own fisheries—is definitely the star of the show here and (aside from entré options) it finds its way into many delicious dishes, from crab claws and crab cakes to crab mac n cheese and crab fried rice. Truluck’s has earned several accolades for their great food and superior service, and because of the upscale experience they offer, they maintain a business casual dress code for their guests, so take the opportunity to dress up a little and make it a really special night!
Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
Our server was absolutely delightful. Food was great.
ASTI Trattoria
4.8 (2130)
$30 and under
Italian
Midtown
The husband and wife team behind this comfortable and cozy Italian spot are experts at making people feel right at home. Their charming little restaurant is perfect for a low-key dinner for two or even a night to catch up with friends, which is why this adorable trattoria is such a beloved neighborhood gem. Their semolina fried calamari and white bean purée (irresistible with truffle oil) are great ways to rev your engine before getting into their pastas and pizzas (all of which can be made with gluten-free dough). When you’re served freshly baked bread and breadsticks, your mind can quickly jump to the delicious sauces you’ll get to wipe up with them, and their rigatoni with pork ragu and chili flakes (we recommend adding the sausage to it) and seafood & saffron risotto (with four types of seafood) are perfect for that.
Top review
DavidVIP
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
We love Asti and the way they treat us like old friends arriving for dinner -- which we are. While we love the menu and desserts we especially like seeing what specials they dream up for the weekend.
The husband and wife team behind this comfortable and cozy Italian spot are experts at making people feel right at home. Their charming little restaurant is perfect for a low-key dinner for two or even a night to catch up with friends, which is why this adorable trattoria is such a beloved neighborhood gem. Their semolina fried calamari and white bean purée (irresistible with truffle oil) are great ways to rev your engine before getting into their pastas and pizzas (all of which can be made with gluten-free dough). When you’re served freshly baked bread and breadsticks, your mind can quickly jump to the delicious sauces you’ll get to wipe up with them, and their rigatoni with pork ragu and chili flakes (we recommend adding the sausage to it) and seafood & saffron risotto (with four types of seafood) are perfect for that.
Top review
DavidVIP
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
We love Asti and the way they treat us like old friends arriving for dinner -- which we are. While we love the menu and desserts we especially like seeing what specials they dream up for the weekend.
Chez Zee
4.7 (4640)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
Can you think of a more delicious way to start your day than with complimentary warm croissants and strawberry butter? We can’t either, and at Chez Zee, brunch is the name of the game. The dining room is adorably inviting, with glowing little lights strung overhead and a wall full of French Doors. Another French delight is their creme brulee French toast (which is definitely a commitment to sweetness), but they’re known for it and it’s outrageously good! On the more savory side, they have eleven different benedicts to choose from, and a slew of great egg dishes and salad options. To top it all off, they have a large selection of mimosas and bloody marys.
Top review
SheraleeVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Meal was very good! They knew we were celebrating a birthday! Server Mary was very attentive. Love that the restaurant takes reservations and has ample parking.
Can you think of a more delicious way to start your day than with complimentary warm croissants and strawberry butter? We can’t either, and at Chez Zee, brunch is the name of the game. The dining room is adorably inviting, with glowing little lights strung overhead and a wall full of French Doors. Another French delight is their creme brulee French toast (which is definitely a commitment to sweetness), but they’re known for it and it’s outrageously good! On the more savory side, they have eleven different benedicts to choose from, and a slew of great egg dishes and salad options. To top it all off, they have a large selection of mimosas and bloody marys.
Top review
SheraleeVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Meal was very good! They knew we were celebrating a birthday! Server Mary was very attentive. Love that the restaurant takes reservations and has ample parking.
wink
4.7 (2356)
$50 and over
Contemporary American
Downtown
This elegant and simply-designed restaurant is plating up inventive and seasonally-inspired dishes for their guests. Wink is often chosen as a special occasion destination, but it doesn’t feel overly fancy at all. While their à la carte menu has a host of delicious options, many of our favorites also show up on their five and seven-course tasting menus, so those are both great options. In particular, their hamachi ceviche with sweet potato, scallops with somen noodles, and duck breast with potato confit are strong standouts that you’ll see on all three menus. End things on a sweet note with their lemon meringue or the dessert sampler (why pick only one, if you don’t have to).
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Highly recommend!! Service was outstanding and food and wine were delicious.
This elegant and simply-designed restaurant is plating up inventive and seasonally-inspired dishes for their guests. Wink is often chosen as a special occasion destination, but it doesn’t feel overly fancy at all. While their à la carte menu has a host of delicious options, many of our favorites also show up on their five and seven-course tasting menus, so those are both great options. In particular, their hamachi ceviche with sweet potato, scallops with somen noodles, and duck breast with potato confit are strong standouts that you’ll see on all three menus. End things on a sweet note with their lemon meringue or the dessert sampler (why pick only one, if you don’t have to).
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Highly recommend!! Service was outstanding and food and wine were delicious.
III Forks - Austin
4.8 (4265)
$50 and over
Steak
Downtown
It’s unique to have a steakhouse with the size and upscale presentation to match their food. The grandeur and handsome interiors of their space feels impressive, and they have eight different dining rooms for guests to choose from, each with a different theme and historic artwork to bring it to life. As a prime destination for steak, you can get anything from a six-ounce filet mignon to a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye and cover it with a variety of different “butters & crowns.” If you’re not a steak-lover, they also have a seafood section to their menu (with a great chilean sea bass), some other meat and pasta options, and stellar side dishes (like off-the-cob cream corn).
Top review
Ejner Krogh
Dined 1 day ago
Great place, great food the filet minion was tender tasted really good, and we're cooked to perfection. The service was good. The lighting was very low, with a led lamp on the table which helped a bit.
It’s unique to have a steakhouse with the size and upscale presentation to match their food. The grandeur and handsome interiors of their space feels impressive, and they have eight different dining rooms for guests to choose from, each with a different theme and historic artwork to bring it to life. As a prime destination for steak, you can get anything from a six-ounce filet mignon to a 32-ounce Tomahawk ribeye and cover it with a variety of different “butters & crowns.” If you’re not a steak-lover, they also have a seafood section to their menu (with a great chilean sea bass), some other meat and pasta options, and stellar side dishes (like off-the-cob cream corn).
Top review
Ejner Krogh
Dined 1 day ago
Great place, great food the filet minion was tender tasted really good, and we're cooked to perfection. The service was good. The lighting was very low, with a led lamp on the table which helped a bit.
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