South Austin restaurants have much to offer foodies, from some of the city's best sushi and barbecue joints to old-school local favorites.
Like nearby East Austin, the area has seen a lot of new development in recent years, especially along the three main corridors of South Lamar Boulevard, South First Street, and South Congress Avenue.
For this story, I'm defining South Austin as the region bordered by Lady Bird Lake (the Colorado River) to the north, Loop 1 (MoPac) to the west, the I-35 highway to the east, and West Slaughter Lane to the south.
My picks for the best restaurants in South Austin are arranged alphabetically within each food genre. I've got you covered, whether you're looking for a casual weekend brunch spot with great food or a place to celebrate special occasions.
Cuisines
- American
- Asian
- Barbecue
- European
- Latin American and Caribbean
- Vegetarian
American
Lenoir
Let's begin our journey through South Austin at Lenoir, an attractive farm-to-table restaurant opened in 2012 by chefs Todd Duplechan and Jessica Maher. Here, you'll find a seasonal menu of small plates focusing on Central Texas ingredients.
Blue corn and pecan hushpuppies, beet-cured cobia carpaccio, and Texas fried quail are a few of the current options. You can order a la carte or throw caution to the wind with the 4-course chef's choice menu for $60 per person. Add a wine pairing for an additional $50 per person.
The romantic backyard wine bar is also worth checking out. Happy hour runs from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays.
1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX, lenoirrestaurant.com
Magnolia Cafe
Magnolia Cafe on South Congress Avenue embodies the city's quirky and eclectic spirit. Known for its motto, "Everybody knows, everybody goes," this diner has been a beloved spot since its inception in 1979. Its laid-back atmosphere and diverse menu make it a go-to for Austinites and tourists.
Famous for its hearty breakfasts served all day, the cafe also offers a variety of comfort foods, from plate-sized pancakes to Tex-Mex staples. With its fun decor and welcoming vibe, Magnolia Cafe is perfect for a casual meal between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, magnoliacafeaustin.com
Mattie's
One of the best places for Sunday brunch in Austin is Mattie's, a Southern restaurant housed in a historic 19th-century farmhouse. A wrap-around porch offers outdoor seating when the weather is nice. Inside, there's a bar and dining room on the ground floor and additional tables upstairs.
Milk punch French toast, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken eggs Benedict are highlights of the brunch menu. Dinner delivers heartier fare, including fried green tomatoes, braised beef short rib, pan-seared snapper, and a 16-ounce ribeye steak.
Regardless of when you want to dine at Mattie's, make a reservation, as this South Austin restaurant is a perennial favorite.
811 W Live Oak St, South Austin, mattiesaustin.com
Odd Duck
Brothers Bryce and Dylan Gilmore opened Odd Duck as a farm-to-table food truck in 2009, utilizing seasonal ingredients from local farmers. Their success with the food trailer led to the opening of their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Odd Duck, on South Lamar Boulevard.
The eclectic menu runs the gamut from ceviche and grilled chicken hearts with beet barbecue sauce to Thai sweet potato salad, goat ragu pappardelle pasta, and a pecan mole pork shoulder. Save room for dessert, as they serve some of the best in Austin.
Since founding Odd Duck, the Gilmore brothers have opened Barley Swine on Burnet Road, featured on one of Anthony Bourdain's shows, and the more casual Sour Duck Market in East Austin.
1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, oddduckaustin.com
Perla's
One of my first meals in South Austin after moving to the city in 2016 was at Perla's, a seafood restaurant and oyster bar by MML Hospitality. I have my Airbnb host at the time, a chef, to thank for this and several other introductions.
At Perla's, you can indulge in many delicious seafood dishes, including oysters on the half-shell, tuna tostadas, blue crab grits, lobster rolls, and Gulf snapper. Meat lovers will enjoy the oak-grilled Niman Ranch steaks.
If the weather's nice, take advantage of the seating on Perla's shaded patio, the perfect spot for people-watching on South Congress Avenue.
1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, perlasaustin.com
Summer House on Music Lane
Speaking of South Congress, Summer House on Music Lane at Hotel Magdalena is another great place to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This has been my go-to restaurant for meeting up with friends from out of town.
The location in South Austin is convenient, and it's got a great atmosphere, whether you're sitting inside or (as I prefer) on their quiet outdoor patio. The vibe is designed to evoke that of a relaxing lakehouse.
Of course, the food must be excellent, too. I've always had positive experiences at Summer House on Music Lane, whether ordering tacos or their mouthwatering desserts, like mango sorbet (one of my best dishes of 2021).
1101 Music Ln, Austin, TX, bunkhousehotels.com
Asian
1618 Asian Fusion
To truly tantalize your taste buds in South Austin, head to the 1618 Asian Fusion restaurant in the Riverside neighborhood a block south of Lady Bird Lake.
Their extensive menu includes Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. Begin small with the brisket spring rolls, lemongrass duck skewers, or banh trang. An all-day dim sum is also an option.
Then, go big with signature selections like Thai crispy red snapper, whole Peking duck, or banana leaf salmon. Too much? There are many entrees at reasonable prices in the middle, including rich Thai curries and Vietnamese noodle soups.
1618 Asian Fusion is one of the few restaurants in Austin where I've seen Hanoi egg coffee, a favorite of mine since visiting Vietnam in 2023.
1618 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, 1618asianfusion.com
Elizabeth Street Cafe
One of the prettiest places to eat in South Austin is Elizabeth Street Cafe, an all-day Vietnamese cafe and French bakery. On the outside, a pink door and blueish-green windows and shutters brighten an otherwise grey exterior.
Inside is a full bar bar with seating, a pastry display, and an open kitchen. I usually go for brunch and get a Vietnamese coffee, pastry, and banh mi sandwich with homemade mayo on a fresh-baked baguette.
Appetizers include spring rolls, ginger chili-oil dumplings, and pork belly steamed buns. Beef, chicken, pork, and vegetable pho soup are also available. Elizabeth Street Cafe's specialties include fried rice with ribeye steak or redfish, a pork and shrimp crepe, and red curry dan noodles.
1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX, elizabethstreetcafe.com
Loro
Loro, a casual Asian smokehouse and bar by pitmaster Aaron Franklin (Franklin's Barbecue) and sushi chef Tyson Cole (Uchi), began in South Austin and has since expanded to Houston and Dallas.
It's hard to go wrong on the menu here, whether munching on crunchy sweet corn fritters with a habanero aioli or the chicken karaage. There's a chopped smoked brisket rice bowl and signature cheeseburger made with red onion-brisket jam, muenster cheese, lettuce, and yuzu 1000 island dressing.
My go-to order is the oak-smoked beef brisket sandwich with papaya salad, peanuts, chili aioli, and Thai herbs. It's the perfect mashup of Texas BBQ and Southeast Asian flavors. The many draft beers highlight local breweries.
Loro has a substantial outdoor patio perfect for enjoying with the happy hour menu, available weekdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Boozy slushees, including mango sake and Vietnamese coffee, are available for $5 a pop. Select burgers and sandwiches are $8 to $9.
2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, loroeats.com
Ramen Tatsu-Ya
The original South Austin location of Ramen Tatsu-Ya restaurant was opened by chefs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto to bring authentic Japanese ramen to Austin. Austin's first noodle shop now has five locations, plus one in Houston.
If you're new to ramen, go with The OG (tonkotsu) made with pork bone broth, chashu pork, ajitama egg, wood ear mushroom, scallion, and sesame seeds. There are several variations on The OG, plus ramen Ol' Skool with chicken shoyu broth and a couple of vegan options made with almond milk tonkotsu.
Following his success with the ramen shops, chef Tatsu Aikawa opened Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, a Texas-Asian restaurant, and DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya, another Japanese restaurant. Check out his Tiki Tatsu-Ya bar next door to Ramen Tatsu-Ya on South Lamar for creative cocktails.
1234 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, ramen-tatsuya.com
Soto
Across the street from Odd Duck, in the Lamar Union Plaza, you'll find Soto, one of the best sushi restaurants in Austin. Whether you drop by for one of their budget-friendly lunch specials or go luxe with the $175 omakase, chef Andy and his team won't leave you hungry.
Soto is the first place I've seen white salmon on the menu, and it's served with truffle butter. The salmon over fire (pictured above) is a signature dish and feast for the eyes.
I also love their housemade potato chip with salmon belly, truffle, and lemon aioli. And one of my favorite bites of 2022 was Soto's pairing of chocolate foie gras with an 8-year Hanahato Kijoshu Sake.
In addition to South Austin, there's a sister location in Cedar Park (just north of Austin city limits) and Soto Houston.
1100 S Lamar Blvd Ste 2115, Austin, TX, sotosouthlamar.com
Thai Fresh
A great spot for authentic Thai food in South Austin is the Thai Fresh restaurant. All the meats used are from Texas, and seasonal vegetables are sourced from local farms and Thai Fresh's garden.
The restaurant was opened in 2008 by Thailand-born Jam and her husband Bruce. The chefs met while working together at Hoover's Cooking, a Southern restaurant in Central Austin.
The lunch and dinner menus feature Thai classics like lemongrass soup, papaya salad, green curry fried rice, noodle dishes like pad Thai, and stir-fries. My favorite Thai dishes are the curries; they offer renditions of all the most popular: massaman, yellow, red, green, and panang.
Dessert lovers will be in heaven here, with over a dozen cakes, pies, brownies, and cookies. Jam's Gati Ice Cream brand is built on her popular vegan ice creams made with coconut milk. Today, Gati produces 40 flavors and operates from a shop on Holly Street in East Austin.
909 W Mary St, Austin, TX, thai-fresh.com
Uchi
In 2003, chef Tyson Cole opened his first restaurant, Uchi, out of a bungalow in South Austin. Within a few years, it was named one of the best restaurants in the country by Food + Wine Magazine. In 2011, chef Cole won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest.
Order a la carte or leave it in the chefs' hands with a 10-course omakase meal. Either way, you can count on fresh fish served in imaginative ways. Dinner at Uchi won't come cheap, so it's a popular restaurant for date nights and celebrating special occasions. Going early for happy hour is one way to save.
The success of Uchi in South Austin led to the launch of several sister restaurants, including Uchiko and Uchiba. Meanwhile, Uchi has begun to open locations across the country, including Denver, Miami, West Hollywood (Los Angeles), and Scottsdale.
801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, uchirestaurants.com
Barbecue
Distant Relatives
Pitmaster Damien Brockway founded Distant Relatives on August 28, 2020, and it embodies the essence of "cookery, community, and culture."
Drawing inspiration from the African diaspora, Brockway's food truck quickly gained acclaim, earning a James Beard Award Semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Texas in less than two years.
Located in Meanwhile Brewing's parking lot, Distant Relatives offers a blend of exceptional meats and sauces, like brisket with smoked mustard butter and pulled pork with tamarind molasses BBQ sauce.
The food truck's surroundings enhance the dining experience: a beer garden with a stage for live music.
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX, distantrelativesatx.com
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
At LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in South Austin, the brisket rivals Franklin's for its buttery melt-in-your-mouth quality.
During my first visit to the food truck, I opted for the two-meat plate at $21 and paid the extra $2 for Akaushi brisket, a weekend special paired with delicious beef cheeks from 44 Farms. On a follow-up visit, I was blown away by their cheeseburger, one of the best in Austin.
This spot prides itself on innovative barbecue paired with traditional service. Meals include pickles, beet and mustard BBQ sauces, and potato bread.
The food truck is located in Cosmic Coffee's lush garden patio, with a waterfall and many picnic tables. It's a one-of-a-kind spot for enjoying top-notch Texas BBQ (and great coffee).
Food truck: 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX, leroyandlewisbbq.com
Brick-and-mortar (opening early 2024): 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX
Terry Black's BBQ
Terry Black's Barbecue, my inaugural Austin BBQ experience, has remained a staple favorite. Originating from a family barbecue legacy in Lockhart, TX, since 1932, Terry Black's was brought to Barton Springs Road in Austin by twins Michael and Mark Black in 2014.
Famous for its exceptional brisket, Terry Black's offers more than just meat:
- Prime location near downtown Austin.
- Quick, cafeteria-style service.
- A wide variety of sides and desserts.
- Ample space, ensuring seating even during busy times.
- Short wait times, typically under 30 minutes.
1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX, terryblacksbbq.com
European
1417 French Bistro
Update: 1417 French Bistro closed permanently in early June 2024.
For a touch of classic French cuisine, 1417 French Bistro stands out. Under the ownership of Allison Welsh, this spot, previously occupied by Sway (a Thai restaurant), has been transformed with cozy mid-century modern aesthetics. The brunch and dinner menus start with luxurious options like fresh oysters and caviar. For something different, try the blue cheese beignets, a delightful mix of sweet and savory.
Main brunch dishes feature variations on the typical eggs Benedict, eggs in purgatory, a classic French omelet, and a signature cheeseburger. Go for dinner, and you can look forward to dishes like roasted bone marrow, escargot, steak frites, trout almondine, and duck confit.
Aba
If ever there was an instant hit in the South Austin dining scene, it was the opening of Aba, a Mediterranean restaurant with California influences. If you can secure a seat, the tree-covered outdoor patio and bar are the place to be.
Signature appetizers include the smoky garlic hummus and whipped feta with crushed pistachio, Aleppo pepper, olive oil, and lemon zest (my favorite!). Hot, cold, and raw dishes are all available, from tuna carpaccio to tamarind braised short ribs and char-grilled pork chops.
Aba's desserts are not to be missed, with the most popular being their Greek frozen yogurt with olive oil and sea salt. A honey pie and sticky date cake are also on the menu. Reservations recommended.
1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, abarestaurants.com
Juliet Italian Kitchen
For casual Italian food and pizzas made from scratch, head to the original Juliet Italian Kitchen on Barton Springs Road. The all-day menu features classic Italian dishes like fresh bruschetta, hand-pulled mozzarella, calamari, and a handful of salads for the health-conscious.
When I lived in East Austin, I'd order their hand-tossed pizzas for delivery, with the cacio e pepe being my favorite. Housemade pasta includes slow-braised lamb ragu with pappardelle, lasagna, ravioli with wild boar ragu, and linguine and clams.
The main courses include a double bone-in pork chop, a redfish filet with blackened risotto, and chicken saltimbocca with prosciutto and sage. My go-to for dessert is their generous portion of sweet and silky tiramisu.
Juliet Italian Kitchen's success in South Austin has led them to expand northward, opening a second location in the Arboretum and a third in Georgetown.
1500 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX, juliet-austin.com
June's All Day
June's, a wine bar and French restaurant near the South Congress Hotel is the complete package.
Brought to you by MML Hospitality, it's no surprise the space is beautifully designed, evoking the charm of Parisian cafes. Inside, a curved marble bar commands attention, while dining al fresco with a glass of wine allows ample time for people-watching.
The all-day menu begins with a handful of breakfast options (fresh pastries, housemade granola, omelets, croque monsieur) before transitioning to small plates such as French onion soup, Wagyu steak tartare and fries, and snapper carpaccio.
I remain enamored with the first dish I ordered at June's, the bone marrow Bolognaise, which is still on the menu. Additional options include a nicoise salad with yellowfin tuna, fried chicken sandwich, and steak au poivre.
1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, junesallday.com
Latin American
El Naranjo
Tucked away in Southwest Austin, El Naranjo humbly offers some of the Texas capital's best Mexican food.
Chef Iliana de la Vega, a 2022 James Beard Award winner, hails from Mexico City and ran a restaurant in Oaxaca before moving to Austin with her husband, Ernesto.
From 2007 to 2012, she was the Culinary Institute of America's first Specialist for Mexican/Latin Cuisines and taught out of their San Antonio campus at the Pearl.
At El Naranjo ("The Orange"), you can expect traditional Mexican cuisine from simple (but divine) melted Oaxacan cheese and empanadas to complex moles made in-house from more than 30 ingredients. Their current dinner menu features a black mole with duck breast and a white mole made from cashews, almonds, and sesame seeds over halibut.
For fans of her cooking or anyone wanting to learn more traditional Mexican cuisine, chef de la Vega leads culinary tours to Mexico.
2717 S Lamar Blvd STE 1085, Austin, TX, elnaranjorestaurant.com
Vegetarian and Vegan
Bouldin Creek Cafe
Bouldin Creek Cafe is one of a handful of Austin classics, a beloved vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the heart of South Austin. Celebrated for its eclectic, artsy vibe and commitment to flavorful fare, this cafe offers a creative twist on traditional vegetarian cuisine.
From breakfast tacos and hearty tofu scrambles to savory veggie burgers and an array of gluten-free dishes, Bouldin Creek's menu options cater to diverse dietary preferences.
Its welcoming atmosphere, featuring local artists, makes it the perfect place for a casual breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a cozy dinner. With its strong emphasis on quality ingredients and a vibrant, inclusive community spirit, Bouldin Creek Cafe is a must-visit cafe for locals and visitors seeking plant-based meals.
1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX, bouldincreekcafe.com
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, South Austin's vibrant dining scene offers a remarkable variety of cuisines—Asian, Barbecue, Latin American, and European, ensuring foodies can always find a menu to suit their mood. From innovative barbecue at Distant Relatives to the refined flavors of 1417 French Bistro, each restaurant brings its unique flair to the table.
Whether you're searching for a favorite spot for a casual brunch or a special dinner with excellent service, South Austin has it all—no wonder these restaurants and food trucks have become integral to the city's culture.
