Kome, Foreign & Domestic, Forthright, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because you can now enjoy some of Austin’s best sushi alongside shiso-accented cocktails and Japanese whiskey. Kome’s new location, just a few blocks up the road, boasts more tables, an expanded menu (more ramen!), and a full liquor license. Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail in the bar area, while admiring the beautiful new space – complete with silk screens and an open kitchen.

Walk-ins and large party reservations only.

Because new owners Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley are breathing new life into this North Loop favorite. The duo took over from founder Ned Elliott last fall, and have been slinging new takes on the restaurant’s signature offal menu ever since. Pro-tip: Don’t sleep on the specials, either. On Wednesdays, enjoy dollar oysters and half-priced bottles of sparkling, rosé, and white wine.

Because Austin needs more neighborhood bars– especially neighborhood bars that serve a killer pastrami sandwich. The folks behind Workhorse bring their happy-hour-all-the-time ethos to the old Nasty’s space. Best of all? Otherside Deli, the food truck parked out back, serves classic Reubens, several pastrami sandwich variations, and more, until midnight daily.

Walk-ins only at Back Lot and Otherside Deli.

Because this sunny downtown charmer offers an expansive menu of light, appealing fare. Serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch, head into Forthright any time of day for local, seasonal meals (think turmeric lattes, confit tomato-and-avocado salad, quinoa porridge, and a waffle sandwich). And, as befits an all-day spot, the coffee and cocktails are equally excellent.

Because there’s a new go-to sandwich shop in town. East Side’s La Matta is a new outpost from New Waterloo, and the menu is simply delicious: sandwiches, salads, meat boards, and mozzarella. Top off your meal with a glass of house wine and a dreamy, sunny space, and you’ve got your new lunch meeting hot spot.

Walk-ins only.

Because we could all use a little old fashioned Southern comfort—food, that is. Customize a Gulf-style seafood boil with shrimp, crab, and more, or hit up the raw bar with Gulf and Atlantic oysters. Craving something heartier? Enjoy sandwiches, chicken fried steak, and no-bean chili (this is Texas, after all).

Walk-ins only.

Because the best jam maker in town just opened its first brick-and-mortar. Besides its signature artisanal jam, Confituras Kitchen sells multi-layered biscuits and baked goods from Dai Due alum, Lauren Shugart, along with coffee and tea. Best of all, the shop even offers baking classes.

Walk-ins only.

Because Austin’s latest French offering is now offering some exquisite pastries (think Earl Grey bergamot and grapefruit prosecco macarons). Located next door to the downtown brasserie, the patisserie offers the flaky breakfast of your dreams: kouign amann (read: Breton “butter cake”), ham-and-cheese croissants, bostock, and more. Oooh la la!

Because orxata—perhaps better known to Austinites as horchata—just got fancy. La Orxateria makes the Latin drink the old school way, using tigernuts. Enjoy it plain, or blended with cold brew or chai. Even better? Also on offer is a wide variety of agua frescas and a seasonal rotation of paleta flavors.

Walk-ins only.

Because it’s beyond time to get into Chef Maribel Rivero’s Peruvian food. Menu highlights include all manner of ceviche, grilled meat, and more, in the former El Sapo space. Bonus: a pisco-heavy cocktail menu and a carefully selected wine list full of options from Spain, Argentina, the US, and beyond.

Walk-ins only.