Rated as one of the top restaurants in Texas, Uchi is a very romantic restaurant with dimly lit lanterns. If you want some privacy, then the sushi bar is for you. For an appetizer, try the Yokai Berry, Sakana Carpaccio and Machi Cure. Make sure you leave some room for desserts, the creme caramel, gelato and panna cotta are delectable. As for the selection of sakes, it is wise to come in for the daily Sake Social to sample small bites and sakes that pair perfectly.
With its menu of Italian bistro cuisine and charming interior, Enoteca Vespaio offers a less expensive but still fresh and high-quality alternative to Vespaio, its sister restaurant next door. Enoteca boasts offerings like the mozzarella panino stuffed with housemade mozzarella cheese and roasted tomatoes, flat-crust pizzas, and rich pastas. Fresh ingredients are in abundance. The dessert case at the entrance offers a glimpse at their tarts, cookies and cannoli. Sunday brunch offers a selection of egg dishes and sweet breakfasts like pancakes and freshly made bread. The interior is small but welcoming, and the outdoor patio at Enoteca Vespaio allows diners to gaze at passers-by strolling down South Congress.
This dynamic fine dining establishment is a favorite among Austin denizens. With cool tones and Japanese rice paper displayed in the windows, Wink is known for their fresh seafood and innovative dishes. Truly a farm to table restaurant, Wink strives to source local ingredients from local purveyors and even has its seafood selections flown in daily from both coasts. Along with a seasonal menu, the wine list features a rotating selection of 70 vintage labels and varieties.
Justine's Brasserie serves up some of the best food in Austin. Specializing the French cuisine, Justine's is located in a very stylish small house in East Austin. No reservations are accepted, so be prepared to wait for a table at this popular spot. When you get a seat, make sure to start your meal with the escargot, one of the most popular dishes here.
Serving chef-prepared cuisine inspired by the La Condesa neighborhood in Mexico City, La Condesa offers upscale street food and tweaked home-style dishes in an energetic, airy atmosphere designed by acclaimed architect Michael Hsu. The menu contains street favorites like tacos and elotes, whole corn cobs served on a stick with cotija cheese and chili powder, as well as composed dishes like a Sunday Chicken with potato gratin and a butternut squash-stuffed chile relleno. La Condesa focuses on using local ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor. At the bar, award-winning cocktails are mixed, and a selection of over 80 tequilas is available.
A break from the fried food, burgers and pizza near the downtown bars, Koriente offers fresh, healthy food in the heart of the Red River bar scene. Open late on weekends, the Asian-inspired restaurant has a diverse clientele, from health-conscious diners to late-night snackers. The menu features lots of fresh vegetables, noodles and spicy dishes like curries and bibambap. Snacks include summer rolls, tapioca wraps and edamame. To drink, Koriente offers an extensive tea list featuring greens, blacks, reds and herbals. Bubble tea, the chilled drink with delightfully chewy tapioca pearls suspended in it, is also available in a variety of fruit or yogurt flavors.
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.
Located in Austin's downtown, Comedor is a modern Mexican restaurant by chefs Philip Speer and Gabe Erales. They serve some delicious food combos like Margarita Kit, Bone Marrow Tacos, Steak and Seafood Dinner, and a pastry combo dessert. If you are looking for a place with delicious Mexican food head straight to Comedor. Though it is little heavy on the pocket, you won't be disappointed with the quality and taste of food.
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.