Best New Restaurants in Austin
With Austin being a food hotspot with a multitude of options and cuisines, it’s easy to default back to your beloved go-to spots when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat. While we love our favorite spots in Austin, we don’t want you to miss out on the best new restaurants on the scene.
List of 20 Top New Restaurants in Austin
Below are Austin’s top new restaurants deemed by their specialties, ambiance, and overall experience.
- Toshokan
- Diner Bar
- Un Mundo de Sabor
- Pecan Square Café
- Canje
- Kiin Di
- Ramen512
- El Marisquero Seafood
- Dean’s Italian Steakhouse
- Tiki Tatsu-Ya
- Allday Pizza
- Bufalina
- Birdie’s
- Con Todo
- Delicious Tamales
- Curry Pizza House
- Koko’s Bavarian
- Llama Kid
- Texas Sushiko
- Comedor
1. Toshokan
Address: 807 E 4th St, Austin, TX 78702
Walking through a large hallway between a hostel and a tattoo shop, you finally reach a large bookshelf that opens to one of the finest Austin dining experiences. Toshokan, a 14-course omakase sushi speakeasy, serves an exciting sense of wonder alongside their mix of both traditional and more creative nigiri, inspired by the chef’s travels. This spot brings high-quality, creative eats and places it in a fun environment.
Hours: Tuesday- Friday 6:00-10:30 PM
2. Diner Bar
Address: 501 Brazos St, Austin TX 78701
A fun but casual fine dining restaurant located inside the Thompson Hotel, Diner Bar elevates southern dining. Diner Bar serves up a Southern-New American menu with excellent food, an extensive drink menu, and top-tier service. Diner Bar is conveniently located downtown, and their delicious selections deem them one of the best new restaurants in Austin.
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Dinner: Bar: 4:00 – 10:00 PM; Dinner: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 – 2:00 PM
3. Un Mundo De Sabor
Address: 7800 S. First Austin
Austin loves its food trucks, and we are loving Un Mundo De Sabor. Located at Thicket Trailer Park off of South 1st, this West Texas border-style Mexican food truck has tacos you won’t be able to get enough of. Every ingredient on the tacos is perfectly flavored, and the truck also offers a wide selection of vegetarian options.
Wednesday – Friday: 12:00- 3:00 PM, 6:00-9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, 5:00-8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
4. Pecan Square Cafe
Address: 1200 B W 6th St.
Pecan Square Cafe is an American-style cafe that is perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner, or even just a drink. This restaurant is bright and airy, with the sun beaming through the windows and the skyline visible from the inside. It feels like the perfect local Austin spot for any occasion and, in my opinion, a hidden gem.
Lunch: Monday – Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday & Saturday until 11:00 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 10:30 AM- 3:00 PM
5. Canje
Address: 1914 E 6th Street, STE C
A new-age Caribbean restaurant, Canje brings something new to the table, making it one of the best new restaurants in Austin. The menu is inspired by the mainland of Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and all the islands in between. The food explores ingredients, flavors, and many different vibrant foods from across all these regions and offers a tasteful selection from the bar to complement the Caribbean flavors.
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM -10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
6. Kiin Di
Address: 1901 S Lamar Blvd.
Kiin Di, a food truck parked on South Lamar, combines the original cooking techniques from Thailand and the energy of Austin culture to create the masterpieces of the unique dishes they have to offer. Kiin Di, which directly translates to“eating good” in Thai, is dedicated to serving food that tastes great, has great ingredients, and has authentic flavors.
Wednesday – Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
7. Ramen512
Address: 1420 Cypress Creek Road STE 300, Cedar Park
A local ramen shop that will not disappoint, Ramen512 is one of our picks for the best new ramen restaurants in Austin, and for a good reason. What stands out about this place is that every ingredient is made entirely from scratch, from the noodles to the broth. With tons of styles of ramen offered, you are quick to become a big fan. A little far if you live in Central Austin, but worth it.
Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
8. El Marisquero Seafood
Address: 31 N Interstate, Austin
El Marisquero Seafood, a food trailer near Town Lake, is the perfect spot to grab a bite outside on a beautiful Austin day. Known for making some of the best mariscos in Austin, they have mastered the culinary art of anything under the title of seafood. With a covered patio, music, and a stretch from Town Lake, El Marisquero Seafood knocks other trailers out of the park.
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
9. Dean’s Italian Steakhouse
Address: 110 E. 2nd St
One of the best new restaurants in Austin, Dean’s Italian Steakhouse takes the classic American steakhouse and adds an Italian spin. Their specialty is serving up prime cuts of beef, seafood, and house-made pasta in the heart of downtown. Their selections include beef from 28-day dry-aged steaks to 100% American Wagyu.
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
10. Tiki Tatsu-Ya
Address: 1300 S Lamar Blvd, Austin TX
Tiki Tatsu-Ya is not a regular dining experience but one that is immersive and comes to life. The menu brings authentic Japanese ramen to Texas, quickly becoming a hit. More than the food, what makes this place special is the ambiance from the scenery. Tiki Tatsu-Ya is an experience both for your eyes and your tastebuds.
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM–12: AM
Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM
11. Allday Pizza
Address: 3111 W 35th St
The classic pizza and wine combo makes for a new restaurant that is one of the best in Austin. Allday Pizza is located at Flo’s Wine Bar in Tarrytown. Grab a slice of New York-style pizza and a glass of wine from a list of popular Hill Country selections. Their menu includes 16-inch pies and slices and salads, meatballs, and soft-serve gelato. With a great indoor and outdoor space, Allday Pizza is the perfect new spot to try.
Wednesday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
12. Bufalina
Address: 2215 East Cesar Chavez
The amazing pizza and wine restaurant, Bufalina, reopened its East Austin location, and we are glad to have it back. Whether a casual weeknight dinner or a date night, Bufalina does not take reservations and is walk-in friendly. Their Neapolitan pizzas are light and airy, and the wine list is one of the most adventurous you will find. What stands out is how personable the staff is; they will help you find the perfect pairings.
Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
13. Birdie’s
Address: 2944 East 12th Street, Unit A
Serving a menu that changes daily, Birdie’s is one of the best new restaurants and wine bars you can find in Austin. Their policy is first come, first served, and no reservations. Family owned and operated, they are a fine-casual restaurant meaning they take much care in sourcing and prepping food to be enjoyed in a relaxed setting. At Birdie’s, you can expect a quality American meal that is simple, seasonal, and inspired by France and Italy.
Tuesday: 5:00 PM -9:00 PM
Wednesday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
14. Con Todo
Address: 10001 Metric Blvd
If you’re looking for the best way to experience a taco, Con Todo is your place. Con Todo is a popular taqueria located in Austin, Texas, that specializes in traditional Mexican street tacos. Con todo means with everything, and here that means that toppings like fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa are a default. The tacos change seasonally, but you can expect to be satisfied by any of the options at this little taco trailer parked by Celis Brewery.
Wednesday – Friday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday- Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
15. Delicious Tamales
Address: 1931 E Oltorf
Delicious Tamales is a family-owned restaurant located in Austin, Texas that specializes in handmade tamales. The restaurant offers a variety of tamales, including pork, chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, as well as sweet tamales for dessert. With a casual and relaxed atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating options, Delicious Tamales is one of the best new restaurants to visit.
16. Curry Pizza House
Address: 1335 E Whitestone Blvd T130
Cedar Park Curry Pizza House is a restaurant chain that serves a unique fusion of Indian and Italian cuisine, particularly pizzas with Indian-style toppings and curries. They also offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as appetizers, salads, and desserts. Praised for its high-quality taste as well as the friendly service and affordable prices, you don’t want to miss out on trying Curry Pizza House.
Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
17. Koko’s Bavarian
Address: 4715 E 5th St
If you’re searching for authentic German cuisine in Austin, look no further than Koko’s Bavarian Restaurant. The cozy and inviting atmosphere is just the beginning of what makes this restaurant a standout. The menu offers a variety of classic Bavarian dishes, such as the schnitzel and bratwurst, as well as some lesser-known options that are sure to impress.
Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Friday- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
18. Llama Kid
Address: 4620 E Cesar Chaves St
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Llama Kid is a must-visit for those searching for innovative and delicious South American cuisine. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are greeted by colorful murals and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of creative dishes that combine traditional flavors with a modern twist.
19. Texas Sushiko
Address: 440 E St Elmo Rd
Texas Sushiko is a standout sushi restaurant in Austin that offers high-quality, fresh, and innovative sushi. The menu at Texas Sushiko is extensive, with a wide variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese-inspired dishes to choose from. The sushi rolls are expertly crafted, with a perfect balance of fresh fish, flavorful sauces, and crispy vegetables.
20. Comedor
Address: 501 Colorado St
Comedor is a culinary gem, offering a unique and elevated take on Mexican cuisine in a sleek and modern setting. The guacamole is a must-try paired and served with crisp and addictive house-made tortilla chips. From the attentive service to the creative and flavorful dishes, every aspect of the dining experience at Comedor is a true delight.
Conclusion
The Austin culinary scene is constantly evolving and bringing new and exciting dining experiences to the table. From classic Southern comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine, there is no shortage of delicious options to choose from. The best new restaurants in Austin offer not only exceptional food but also unique and welcoming atmospheres that make for a truly memorable dining experience.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, these new restaurants are definitely worth checking out and experiencing for yourself. So next time you’re in Austin, be sure to add these restaurants to your list and indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene. Check out more articles like this at Texas Tasty!