For your standard restaurant-obsessed individual, Austin’s food scene can feel exciting but overstimulating. Sure, you’ve heard the basics — breakfast tacos, brisket, and kolaches —and, no doubt, there’s plenty of goodness there to spare. But what about the hidden flavor gems that snake through the city like the Colorado River? That’s where we come in. We hand-picked the best bites and beverages you can find in Bat City. Just don’t try to take down all of them in one sitting, or, if you do, don’t forget the Tums.
Related: The Best Way to Find Apartments in Austin, TX
Eat Your Way Through the Incredible Austin Food Scene
Breakfast & Brunch
Launderette
Neighborhood: East Cesar Chavez
Launderette is the place to go for an elevated version of all your brunch-time classics, where the hash includes pork shoulder, and the Benedict comes with truffle hollandaise. While the food may deliver high-end details, Launderette itself emits the kind of breezy, welcoming vibes that make you feel like you’re grabbing a meal at your best friend’s house. No brunch at Launderette would be complete without ordering the “Pastry of the Day” — the exact item varies from weekend to weekend, but is consistent in its deliciousness.
Comedor
Neighborhood: Downtown
Tucked in the heart of Downtown, you might overlook Comedor if you don’t actively keep an eye out for it. But walk through the restaurant’s doorway and into its open courtyard, and you’ll feel like you left the bustle of 6th Street behind. That feeling only grows stronger after ordering one of their Micheladas, with on-the-nose spices that make the ideal hair of the dog. However, the amazing food is the real star here, especially their Carne Asada y Huevos, which will become the high standard to which you will hold all other steak and eggs.
Lunch
Saigon On 7th
Neighborhood: East Austin
Shake up your lunch by swapping your usual turkey sandwich for a bánh mì at this local favorite in East Austin. While you can’t go wrong with any of Saigon On 7th’s takes on this Vietnamese classic, the grilled pork version remains the most popular option for good reason. The pork is crispy and savory, the baguette is thin and crisp, and the mayonnaise is expertly slathered under layers of flavorful herbs.
Koriente
Neighborhood: Downtown
At Koriente, you can grab a lunch that is not only fresh and healthy, but also comes at you full-force in the taste category. One stand-out, their Rice Medallion Saute, features soft, chewy rice medallions paired with sautéed green cabbage, mushrooms, spring greens, and sweet potato noodles. Ask for a bowl of their complimentary miso soup to wash it all down.
Dinner
Jeffery’s
Neighborhood: Old Enfield
Considering the state’s cowboy roots, hitting a great steakhouse in the Lone Star capital seems like a no-brainer. Jeffrey’s, an old-school, French-influenced Austin institution, delivers on all the red-meat excellence that has defined Texas cuisine for countless food fanatics. While the sides themselves are delicious, save room for the main event: the decadent Black Angus ribeye from the Dean & Peeler Ranch in Floresville, Texas.
L’Oca d’Oro
Neighborhood: Mueller
Texas may not be known for great Italian food, but L’Oca d’Oro is the singular oasis in the midst of all the sub-par ravioli and watery marinaras. While their bold and innovative flavors stand out, it’s their unmatched technique in making homemade pasta that really shines on every plate. Even a born-and-raised Sicilian would be impressed by their constantly rotating menu of pappardelle, fusilli, and spaghetti prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Dessert
Chez Zee American Bistro
Neighborhood: West Austin
A serious sweet tooth is almost a requirement for dining at West Austin’s Chez Zee. An old-school Austin hang-out, this family-owned restaurant feels like the home of your aunt, who just happens to make the best pies ever. Of their varied selection, though, the Coconut Creme Pie stands out, if only for the sheer amount of whipped cream swirls standing on top of the dessert itself. Made from scratch with local ingredients, the creamy custard filling consists of flakes of coconut both embedded within it and sprinkled on the top.
Gati Ice Cream
Neighborhood: East Austin
After your first cone from this East Austin ice cream and pastry shop, you’ll be saying, “Ben & Jerry who?” From traditional tastes with healthy twists, like the Cookie Monster colored with blue spirulina, to combinations that seem pulled out of a random name generator of ingredients, like the Black Sticky Rice Horchata, Gati can do no wrong in our books. And, you can expect a new taste sensation to hit your palate each visit — they boast over 40 rotating flavors, all of them vegan, gluten free, and made with a coconut milk base that gives a subtle sweet and nutty taste to every scoop.
Drinks
Péché
Neighborhood: Downtown
The sign outside high-end Péché describes their cocktails as “sinful” and, with a menu containing everything from adult milkshakes to absinthe creations, it certainly lives up to this claim. For anyone looking to experience the drink of the green fairy, especially newbies to its strong taste, we recommend their Absinthe God cocktail. Made with ingredients like homemade almond syrup and egg whites, it will help anyone ease into this unique libation.
Zanzibar
Neighborhood: Downtown
If you want to impress your friends from LA or New York with a slick cocktail bar that boasts unbeatable views of the city, go to Zanzibar. Their patio may sit on a rooftop downtown but, with its plentiful placings of greenery and rattan chairs, it strikes the perfect balance between the urban and the natural. The drink menu also nods to the jungle feel of the space, with tiki drinks that come complete with ceramic cups and tiny umbrellas.
Enjoy the Entire Austin Food Scene 24/7 from Your New Apartment
When gearing up for a move, you’re bound to have a lot on your plate. Lighten your load by scheduling a meeting with one of AptAmigo’s experienced agents. Our experts will assess your unique needs and guide you through the process of finding your perfect Austin home. With our team by your side, the only thing you’ll need to worry about is which taco truck to try first.
