Come to Austin with an open heart and an empty belly! Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to dine out, and especially to share with friends when they come to town. There’s a little something for everyone on this list. The Michelin Guide finally made it to Texas, and 44 restaurants made the Guide. And some of those restaurants made our Guide to Austin restaurants.

These are organized, roughly, by distance from the hotel. Starting with the closest and working our way out.

Este - Dinner Only, Happy Hour

Coastal Mexican with an emphasis on seafood (don’t worry, they have a great steak, too). They opened last year and skyrocketed to the top of the list. Must try: Shrimp Aguachile Negro.

Nixta Taqueria - Bib Gourmand, Dinner Only

Super traditional (they make their own masa!) meets unconventional (then put Duck Confit on it). Outdoor dining, great for a lovely Austin night out.

Wu Chow, Farm to Table Chinese Lunch & Dinner

Seasonal, local, just the right amount of tingly sichuan peppercorns. There’s something for everyone here, from veggie lovers to meat eaters. Order the soup dumplings before you even order drinks. You won’t be disappointed. Must try: Soup Dumplings.

Lin Asian Bar & Bistro - Dinner, Weekend Dim Sum Brunch

If you want MORE dumplings, go here instead. Lin left Wu Chow to open her own spot. She focuses on better chinese cuisine with better and healthier ingredients. The dinner menu is a mix of apps, entrees and dumplings and they do a full Dim Sum Brunch on the weekend. When someone comes to visit who has never been here before, this is a must-stop on our eating tour. Must try: Soup Dumplings; Shrimp & Mushroom Bao

Arlo Grey - Dinner Only

If you’re a celebrity Chef enthusiast (okay, “nerd”!) Austin supports a lot of Chefs you’ve seen on TV. This is Kristin Kish’s spot (of Top Chef Fame). Obsessed with her and her food. Try the rabbit dumplings! And if you’re not that “adventurous”, they have one of the best burgers in town! Must try: Rabbit Dumplings

Fukumoto - Japanese Yakitori & Sushi - Dinner Only

I think it’s the best sushi in town, and they have a non-sushi menu that’s really great too. Must try: Uni Pasta (trust me), YST Maki

Buenos Aires Cafe - Lunch & Dinner, Happy Hour

Argentinian food. Empanadas and MEAT. Ha. You will leave uncomfortably full and very happy. Do NOT go to the speakeasy in the basement. That is not a coy hint to go. Do NOT go. It’s terrible. Must try: Pastel de Papas

Licha’s Cantina - Lunch & Dinner, Happy Hour

Interior Mexican (not Tex Mex!!). Patio Party Vibe. Get yourself a pitcher of margaritas and have a good time. Must try: Arroz con Huitlacoche (don’t google it, just eat it)

Canje - Dinner Only

First Caribbean restaurant in town. The restaurant is so fun, the food is a punch in the face, in the best possible way. Bold, spicy, rich, bright, juicy. All the best food words. The meat is great, the seafood is great, the veggies are great. Love, love, love this place. Must try: Wild Boar Pepper Pot

Kemuri - Bib Gourmand, Dinner Only

Japanese Yakitori meets Texas BBQ and they fall in love. And it is true love. If you want to go all out, call ahead and reserve the Smoked Tuna Collar. It’s as big as the table and comes with a bento box setup. You’ll lick the bones clean! Must try: BBQ Unagi

Elizabeth Street Cafe - Lunch & Dinner, Happy Hour, Weekend Brunch

French Bakery meets Vietnamese cafe. With so many restaurants in town, it’s hard to repeat one too often. But I’m a regular at this place. I even own the cookbook! Very casual, very chic. Must try: Ginger Chili Oil Dumplings

Foreign & Domestic - Dinner only, Happy Hour

Nose-to-tail/farm-to-table/root-to-fruit eating. In their words, “Our menu is foreign in style, while domestically sourced. Our menus change with the season, farm availability, & on chefs’ whim. “ One of my absolute favs. Must try: The Menu changes all the time, but there will always be Popovers.

Ramen Del Barrio - Bib Gourmand, Lunch only

Okay, this one is OUT there (distance wise) but it’s worth it. Mexican-fusion Ramen Shop with an attitude. They get busy but service is fast. Get there early though, because they’ll sell out of the good stuff! Located at the Hana World Market food court if browsing Asian Grocery Stores is your jam (it’s mine). Must try: Carnitas Tonkatsu (and if you go on a Sunday, they have Menudo Ramen!)

FOOD TRUCKS

It would be a disservice to the Austin Food Truck scene to not call out some of the best ones.

Distant Relatives - West African BBQ. At Meanwhile Brewing.

KG BBQ - Egyptian BBQ. At Oddwood Brewing

Little Nishi - Sashimi & Handrolls. Two Locations: South 1st Food truck court, and Armadillo Den.

Cuantos Tacos - Mexico City style street tacos. VERY close to the hotel. In a little food truck court off 12th.

Toyloco Tacos - More tacos. You can never have enough tacos.

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