Hestia, Comedor, DipDipDip: Now on the Austin Hit List

Because chefs Kevin Fink and Tavel Bristol-Joseph are on fire — almost literally — at their new downtown hot spot. The menu centers around the live fire and is full of creative twists. Your average steakhouse, this is not. Get there early and order a drink and a couple of pintxos at the attached bar, Kalimotxo.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 512-333-0737.

Because the best tasting menu in town right now might just be Comedor’s happy hour-only, taco tasting menu, available only at the bar. At $25 for five tacos or $15 for three, it’s a steal. If happy hour isn’t your jam, the new-ish brunch is also a home run.

Note: The taco tasting menu at the bar is walk-ins only; all other reservations available via Resy.

Because this tiny East Austin taqueria is changing the game and turning heads. Nixta’s house-made masa, made from heirloom corn, is very popular — so popular that some weekend nights the restaurant runs out before closing (check Nixta’s Instagram for the latest). Get either of the tostadas, the duck confit carnitas, the seasonal special, and a glass of Texas wine.

Walk-ins only.

Because at this point it seems like the Tatsu-ya gang can truly do no wrong. Their latest is a North Austin shabu shabu joint. Don’t let the setting fool you: This is some high-level hot pot. Order one of the preset menus so you can get straight to dipping, and save room for the wild ice cream cone concoctions, served from a window outside.

Because this swank Mediterranean restaurant at the brand new Proper Hotel is the place to see and be seen this winter. The latest offering from McGuire Moorman Hospitality, Peacock is broad in its definition of Mediterranean, touching on a range of cuisines including Turkish, Greek, Moroccan, Syrian, and Lebanese. The restaurant’s sunny brunch is also a draw.

For reservations, call the restaurant at 512-628-1410.

Because East Sixth’s taco temple is constantly switching things up: It’s practically a new restaurant every time you go. While the righteously lauded suadero tacos remain a constant, there’s always some seasonal treat to surprise you. (Kale tostada, anyone?)

Because this colorful Goan restaurant is fresh off a review from the Statesman’s Matthew Odam, who called it “a flavorful and fun introduction to the spicy and aromatic flavors of Goa.” Come for chef Todd Duplechan’s riffs on the Indian-Portuguese cuisine; stay for the whole grilled fish and pastry chef Sarah Listrom’s desserts.

Because every neighborhood deserves a wine bar that’s better than it has to be. Book a table and meander through the eclectic wine list, aided by the super-knowledgeable (but not intimidating) staff.

Because a margarita and some queso fundido at this Bouldin staple is what late winter in Austin is all about. Grab a seat on the rooftop (don’t worry if it’s chilly; blankets are available), and watch the skyline light up across the river as the sun sets.

Because this unassuming North Austin K-Pop bar is full of surprises, including some killer Korean fried chicken. Seoulju offers one of the broadest Korean drinking menus in town, including house-infused soju, honeycomb beer (beer with a wedge of honeycomb in it), and elaborate somaek towers that house full pitchers of beer and entire bottles of soju. Grab the gang and order the Military Hot Pot alongside a few flavors of fried chicken. Cheers!

Walk-ins only.