Rob Giardinelli
Austin’s Restaurant Scene Is As Fast-Moving As It Is Fun. The City Boasts An Incredible Mix Of High-End Classic Places With A Devoted Following, As Well As New Hot Spots Featuring Award-Winning Chefs From Around The World Who Are Making Their Mark On The Culinary Scene Of Texas’ Capital City
Dive in, take a look, and make a reservation at any or all of the places below that speak to you, your significant other, or your family. These culinary selections show why Austin is such a sought-after food destination, with everything from a romantic dinner for two to a multi-generational family night out. Pull up a chair and enjoy…
#1 APT 115: A MICHELIN-RECOMMENDED EAST AUSTIN GEM
For a date night, intimate birthday celebration, or simply an excuse to dress up for dinner, APT 115 delivers.
The East Austin restaurant is Michelin-recommended, and APT 115 features a frequently rotating eight-course tasting menu, with wine pairing available alongside beautifully prepared appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
For oenophiles, the wine list is particularly compelling, featuring more than 450 selections. Even better, diners can purchase wines to-go at half price.
APT 115 proprietor Joe Pannenbacker personally tours vineyards around the world in search of wines that offer something different from the usual Austin, and Texas, selection.
Why we’re watching: Eight courses, 450-plus wines and a proprietor who personally curates the cellar? Consider luxe dinner plans made.
#2 ALTEÑO: A SOUGHT-AFTER JAMES BEARD-NOMINATED CHEF LAUNCHES FIRST TEXAS RESTAURANT IN AUSTIN
If you are seekng to impress an important client, kick off a night out on the town with a delicious meal with friends, or host out-of-town friends who want a place where the scene matches the food, Alteño is the perfect place to impress.
Denver-based, Michelin-recognized owner Chef Johnny Curiel brings his first concept to Austin. Alteño celebrates Curiel’s Jalisco Highland roots, offering a curated yet incredibly diverse menu where everyone can find something to savor.
With three distinct vibes in a chic, modern space, diners can enjoy a meal al fresco on the patio, the action at a mix of high-top tables and intimate booths in the bar, or a sophisticated meal in the main dining room. The result is a lively space with dining options for everything from morning bites and happy hour with friends to an intimate late evening with your significant other.
The shareable menu features a delectable mix of land-and-sea dishes. Must-try dishes include the Pan de Elote Cornbread, Scallops flown in from Japan served on a half shell, the Gulf Shrimp Taco, and the Queso Fundido served with a Sourdough Tortilla that includes butter as an ingredient. Make sure to cap off your dinner with their Tres Leches Tiramisu to share with the table.
Why we’re watching: An impeccable wine list featuring wines from Mexico, Baja, and South America, many of which you will not find anywhere else in Austin.
#3 BALDINUCCI PIZZA ROMANO: PROVIDING TEXANS WITH A SLICE OF NEW YORK IN AUSTIN
Baldinucci Pizza Romano is the place in Austin, if not Texas, to go for anyone craving incredible Italian cuisine. Il cobo é amore, which translates to English as food is love, and if you want the feeling of a Sunday Italian dinner, Baldinucci Pizza Romano delivers that and a whole lot more.
Recently opened in the Domain NORTHSIDE, the family-friendly place allows groups to dine together, which aligns with Baldinucci Pizza Romano co-owner Gabriel Baldinucci’s belief that pizza is a way to bring people together over great food and conversation.
Boasting an array of pizzas, including classics like the iconic Margherita as well as meat, vegetarian, and vegan pizza options. No matter what you order, each pizza is made with premium ingredients, ensuring no one leaves hungry and everyone leaves happy.
In addition to pizzas, Baldinucci Pizza Romano also features other Italian classics, including New York Style Hero sandwiches, calzones, and salads, including a delectable Caprese Salad. For those interested in sharing, order their famous garlic knots to kick off the meal.
Why we’re watching: The renovation of Baldinucci Pizza Romano’s Westlake location will give diners in Austin two places to enjoy its first-rate cuisine.
#4 HOW TRULUCK’S MAKES AUSTIN RESTAURANT WEEK A THREE-COURSE AFFAIR
Austin Restaurant Week received a particularly delicious upgrade at Truluck’s in the Arboretum and downtown. Plus, any time is a great time to visit Truluck’s.
The three-course menu delivered a tempting parade of possibilities, including Sonoma Salad, Peach Burrata, Filet, and sautéed scallop and shrimp over cauliflower rice.
And because no memorable meal should end without dessert, the restaurant’s carrot cake provides the grand finale. Any night is the perfect night for Truluck’s across Texas.
Why we’re watching: Three courses, plenty of choice, and a carrot-cake finish? That’s our kind of prix fixe.
#5 THE AUSTIN WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL IN NOVEMBER SERVES UP CUISINE & CHEFS
The Austin Food & Wine Festival is returning for its 15th annual celebration on Nov. 6-8, bringing together an exciting lineup of acclaimed chefs from across the country alongside some of Austin’s most celebrated
chefs. The Friday night dine-around event, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Long Center Terrace, celebrates all things Texas and the diversity of its people, cuisines, and ingredients. This year’s Made In Texas chefs include Choi, Lee and Zimmern, as well as McIntosh, Mejia, Passow, Turner, Damon Cook (Uchi/Hai Hospitality), Amir Hajimaleki (Roya), Ian Lanphear (Isidore), Alan Dale Nelson (Best Quality Daughter) and Brendan Yancy & Drew Ahumada (Austin Oyster Co.).
For the ultimate Austin Food & Wine Festival experience, attendees can attend the Hands-On Grilling experience at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Auditorium Shores. For this pre-festival cookout, attendees will cook a delicious meal on a charcoal grill while chef Tim Love gives pointers on how to become the ultimate grillmaster. Plus, plenty of festivities on Sunday round out the culinary weekend.
Tickets are officially on sale now here.
Why we’re watching: With Texas taking the lead as a Foodie Nation destination, this festival offers something for everyone.
#6 ROXIE’S IS POISED TO BECOME AN INSTANT CLASSIC
Roxie’s in Buda, the newest concept from the Salt Lick family, is centered on made-from-scratch comfort food, approachable prices, and the belief that gathering around the table shouldn’t require a special occasion… or a splurge. Inspired by owner Scott Roberts’ grandmother, Roxie, the neighborhood restaurant captures the spirit of Sunday family dinners, when recipes were passed down, stories were shared over second helpings, and there was always room for one more.
At a time when diners are seeking meaningful experiences alongside good value, Roxie’s delivers both: nostalgic comfort food and a welcoming setting where families and friends can reconnect.
Why we’re watching: The legendary brand of Salt Lick carries on with no end in sight to its success.
