Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Austin

With chef Benjamin Nathan at the helm, the Belmont seeks to transport you back in time to the Las Vegas and Palm Springs of the 1960's. Looking around, you might expect to see the Rat Pack as you sense the nostalgia of the elegant leather and soft lighting while being entertained with music of the era. The menu offers a wide range of American culinary options including cedar planked salmon and grilled asparagus as well as shrimp and grits. For the lighter appetite, try one of their unique salads like the arugula, pear and goat cheese salad or iceberg wedge salad. All in all, this place has achieved what it set out to become, an upscale classic American restaurant and bar.

Maiko, a part sushi/part martini restaurant helps break the stereotype of the rigid Japanese sushi chef. The lounge and bar at Maiko serves fusion cocktails like the Sake and Wasabi Martinis and the menu is no less. Prepared by chef Fumi, it's an amalgamation of eastern precision for the western palette. The decor at Maiko reflects this cross cultural harmony equally well; also the occasional DJ spinning grooves, something you won't find at a sushi bar talks of it. Perfect for an evening for two or for an after office drink with your pals.

At Gloria's Latin Cuisine, delicious Latin-American cuisine is served in a warm, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Here you get to taste a little of everything from tamales, plantains, papas to fajitas, enchiladas and more, everything is served with salsa and warm black bean dip, which is heavenly. The menu is dominated by Latin-American specials with few Mexican dishes. They are also known to serve some of the best margaritas in town and they also house a full bar. Their waiters and staff are really friendly, warm and welcoming, known to make you feel as ease as soon as you enter. On Saturday nights, the place turns into a dancing hub as they push aside the tables to make room for you to welcome you weekends.

Downtown Austin is home to Chef Andrew Curren's Italic known for its superior quality of Italian offerings perfectly paired with Italian wines. The menu features an eclectic selection of cured meats, Italian cheeses, olives and home-made focaccia. Guests can choose from an array of rustic wood-fired pizzas and farm-to-table selection of pastas made from the freshest seasonal ingredients. To top it all, pamper your sweet-tooth with gelatos and other Italian sweet confections crafted by Chef Mary Catherine Curren.

If you have a craving for a meaty burger at 2:00a in the morning Svante's is the place to go! The patty is made from grass-fed beef accompanied by soft buns. Space Jam is the superstar burger on the menu which is made with alapeno havarati and becon-onion jam and is totally delectable and you could club it with the Space Jam fries which are equally delicious. You can enjoy your favorite burger sitting at their outdoor seating under the clear Austin sky.

Bibimbowl is a food truck that serves tangy and authentic Korean cuisine. It is managed by a sister and brother duo who run this truck through various locations in Austin. Combining gourmet Korean sauces, spices, grains, meat and vegetables, this truck serves a range of appetizers and main courses. The Kimchi Fried Riceballs is their signature dish, which appear just like cheese balls on first sight, but consist of Kimchi fried rice, Samgyupsal (Korean pork) and cheddar cheese filled in a coating of Panko. One can also savor the Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl as a stand-alone dish. Other menu items include the K-Tots, Bibimburger, Bulgogi Kabob and Rice Cake. Do not miss their Dragon Bowl, a platter of eel, diced tofu, avocados, green onions, lime and mushrooms. Check their website for the detailed schedule regarding the forthcoming dates and locations.