Buca di Beppo is the place to be if one is searching for good, authentic Italian food. The food as well as the decor is very much Italian in style. Once settled, order from the large Italian fare, that comprises of dishes such as insalate portofino, chicken pesto, chicken parmigiana or ravioli al pomodoro. There are also a variety of salads and pizzas. The place is inspired by the village tradition, so the servings are comparatively large.
Anchoring the west end of the 2nd Street District is Taverna—a casual, upscale Italian bistro with a diverse menu and friendly wait staff. The restaurant serves a variety of classic Italian dishes (try the homemade porcini lasagna), but pays particular attention to contemporary cuisine. Taverna offers fresh seafood and hand-rolled thin crust pizza classica, as well as an impressive array of risotto dishes. Start with the chef's focaccia in rosemary olive oil and end with the Taverna tiramisu. Enjoy your meal as you people-watch on their well-placed patio, or eat indoors for a more elegant atmosphere. The eatery is an ideal downtown stop for a big meal with family or a light antipasti for lunch.
A Thai deli, Thai Fresh offers a changing menu of Thai favorites made with local, sustainable ingredients, including grass-fed beef, natural pork and chicken, and seasonal produce. Usually in the deli case, you will find Pad Thai—the classic noodle dish with tofu and fish sauce - a few curries, spring rolls, and other noodles and vegetable dishes. During the summer, the owner Jam Sanitchat makes coconut ice cream with seasonal fruits. Diners can eat in the restaurant or get take-out. A small selection of fresh produce and Thai ingredients like rice noodles, soy sauces and chili sauces are also available in Thai Fresh's grocery section.
After a long day of site-seeing, you may just want to head back to the hotel and relax. But what about dinner? Eighteenth Over Austin has you covered! A casual dining restaurant located on the 18th floor of the Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown serves up some Texan dishes, along with wine and cocktails, if you feel like it. With an amazing view and affordable prices for the atmosphere, it's a great choice for breakfast or dinner. Call or see the website for more information.
The Chupacabra Cantina is located on the lively 6th Street in Downtown Austin. The Chupacabra serves up Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, enchiladas and mole plates, along with American standards like burgers. The cantina also serves up frosty margaritas and other Mexican-inspired frozen and mixed drinks with your meal, or come in for happy hour specials. Chupacabra also functions as a nightclub featuring live music and special events.
With a menu featuring small plates, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, North Italia is great for lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is casual, but hip, making an ordinary lunch out feel like a special occasion. Must-try dishes include spinach tortellini, rosemary chicken, and grilled pork tenderloin. Take a seat on the outdoor patio to add a quintessential Austin touch to your dining experience.