Where to Eat in January: Community Pizza, Sa-Tén, and More

If you’re the kind of person who browses Zillow in their free time (we’re guilty) you’re going to love the atmosphere at Rosewood, located in an 1890s-era mansion. The setting lends some extra decadence to the already elevated feel that comes from dining at a steakhouse — and sipping a cocktail while you gaze out on to downtown Austin only adds to the vibes. The menu follows suit, taking its inspiration from traditional South Texas cuisine, as well as from local ranchers and Gulf Coast fishers. Our recommendation? Lean into the genre and order a stiff drink, a steak, and some house-cut French fries.

Chef Diego Ysrael Sanchez opened Llama Kid to recreate the food he loved during his childhood in Peru — and whether you’re new to the cuisine or a longtime fan, you’re sure to be delighted by what he’s created. We especially love the saltados with roasted chicken, which comes over a generous bed of jasmine rice with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, as well as the cebiche mixto, featuring a medley of seafood along with corn and sweet potato.

Call 737-222-5200 for reservations.

Three words that will never not get us excited: fresh housemade pasta. Cedro boasts a menu of comforting options, from classic spaghetti and meatballs to braised lamb orecchiette with fresh herbs. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, you could go for the wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil and arugula, or perhaps some fire-grilled steak with bone marrow butter and brussels sprouts. And of course, we can’t forget about the wine, which, appropriately, leans Italian but also includes options from all around the globe.

Sa-Tén is not your average coffee shop. Sure, you can get a drip coffee or a beautifully made matcha latte, but they also serve a broad array of Japanese treats. Come for breakfast to try one of their milk-bread toasts (we’re big fans of the anchovy garlic toast with mozzarella), or visit at lunchtime and get the chicken katsu plate or a cozy bowl of vegan curry udon. And don’t forget to order a few sides, which range from macaroni salad with Fuji apple to steamed white rice with shiso seasoning.

No reservations. Find more info here.

For those times when you feel like you need a vacation but don’t actually want to go to the trouble of traveling, head to The Wayback Cafe. Better yet, treat yourself to a staycation and book a room at one of their eight cozy cottages. With its fresh aesthetic and lush hillside views, the property offers a tranquil escape from the city — and we love the cafe (which you can visit even if you’re not staying there) for its Southern-inspired brunch menu and satisfying all-day offerings, such as the thin-crust flatbread and 44 Farms cheeseburger.

Nervous Charlie’s serves New York-style bagels with a side of Southern hospitality — and it all starts with their tried-and-true dough recipe, which their “famous dough specialists” have been honing for over 100 years. The resulting bagels are flavorful, pillow-soft, and encrusted with exactly the right amount of toppings (read: lots). You can go for a classic bagel-and-cream-cheese combo, or order from their menu of bagel sandwiches (our favorites are the bagel with lox and the Longhorn, featuring eggs, cheddar, potatoes, hot sauce, and your choice of protein).

No reservations. Find more info here.

It’s cold outside. You know what’s warm? The rich shabu shabu broths at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya. If there was ever a time to indulge in the Baller Omakase, it’s January. (And while you’re at it, you might as well get the sake pairing, too.) In case you’re new to this fun, interactive member of the Tatsu-ya family, here’s our advice: Come hungry and expect to leave with multiple new favorite foods.

Austin is full of top-notch taco spots, but excellent tortas are a bit harder to come by. La Plancha, a casual, new-ish addition in East Austin, opened this past summer to help fill that gap. Run by couple Mariha Hinojosa and Julian Richmond, the restaurant offers a menu of Mexican street food, with a focus on tortas that don’t disappoint. We especially enjoy La Tejana, with brisket barbacoa, avocado, pickled red onions, and refried black beans; and La Brunch Torta, available at breakfast, which can be made with your choice of chorizo, ham, or bacon.

No reservations. Find more info here.

An easy recipe for a pleasant afternoon: One part family-friendly atmosphere, one part wood-fired pizza, and few splashes of local beer. When you’re looking for a reliably delicious meal in a relaxed environment, Community Pizza & Beer Garden is the obvious choice. The avocado and goat cheese bruschetta with pesto is a highlight from the appetizer menu, as are the house meatballs; and you should absolutely order your table at least one “Illuminati” pizza, featuring confit garlic, soppressata, Gorgonzola, serrano peppers, and hot honey.

Little Ola’s started in 2021 as a pandemic project by the owners of Olamie, and, lucky for us, it’s become a permanent fixture. Order from the menu of biscuit sandwiches, or build your own from an enticing list of toppings ranging from pimento cheese to housemade seasonal jam. But what really matters is the biscuits themselves, and they are everything — crusty and golden on the outside, fluffy and steaming on the inside, and intensely buttery throughout. Take that, and throw a piece of chile-glazed fried chicken into the mix? Cue angels singing. It’s also worth mentioning that the housemade Arnold Palmer is a perfect pairing — zesty, fresh, and not too sweet.