Lenoir, Le Politique, Foreign & Domestic, Pool Burger, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because this South First stunner is all about food that matches the weather, and the weather right now is gorgeous. In his recent Best Restaurants of 2017 list, Statesman critic Matthew Odam called Lenoir’s concept of hot weather food “brilliant”—and put the restaurant in his top 10. If you’re in the mood for something a little more casual, their backyard bar is easily one of the best wine patios in town.

Because it’s oyster season, and you deserve a seafood tower. This French newcomer is making a lot of noise with its exquisite bar and Instagram-worthy dining room, but the food is the real star here. Start with the oysters, end with the Paris-Brest, and wash it all down with bubbles. Oh, and don’t pass up brunch either. 

For reservations, call the restaurant at (512) 580-7651.

Because this North Loop favorite has some new cooks in the kitchen. Founder Ned Elliott recently sold F&D to Parkside alums Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley, and the duo is starting to hit their groove. Longstanding fans of the restaurant, rest assured: the spirit of the place remains the same—there’s just new energy at work.

Because this Texan izakaya just won’t quit. Its latest accolade? Austin Monthly’s Best New Restaurant of 2017. If you haven’t been yet, grab a group of friends and order the whole menu. If you have, maybe start digging deeper into their selection of Japanese whisky and their funky “Exotics and Rarities” menu. Either way, get the gouda-wrapped brisket Hot Pocketz.

Because after a swim in Deep Eddy Pool, you’re going to want a burger. This latest offering from McGuire Moorman Hospitality is snuggled behind Deep Eddy Cabaret, and they’ve been serving up ridiculously solid burgers and an array of tiki drinks for a few weeks now. And yes, it might be getting a bit cold for swimming, but it is never, ever too cold for a Mai Tai and a cheeseburger.

Walk-ins only.

Because Philip Speer’s diner-meets-bistro is already a go-to. Another Austin Monthly Best New Restaurant, Bonhomie is killing the all-day dining game. Brunch? Go for the classic omelet. Dinner? The pommes rosti (topped with options, including lox, caviar, or foie gras gravy) can’t be missed, and they’re great with the already-classic cheeseburger.

Because this local favorite—widely known and loved for their signature breakfast tacos—have unveiled their first Austin brick-and-mortar, and it’s proof they’re great at lunch, too. It’s time to break out of your migas rut, people: yes, they’re delicious, and yes, Veracruz does them better than anyone. But if you only go for breakfast, you’re missing out on Veracruz-style picadas (a flat taco built on a thick corn tortilla), one of the best chile relleno tacos in town, and stellar aguas frescas.

Walk-ins only.

Because Austin needs more Filipino food, and Be More Pacific is up to the task. This food truck-turned-restaurant is serving the classics (several flavors of lumpia, chicken adobo, kare kare) alongside creative riffs (longanisa-topped tater tots!). Best of all, going brick-and-mortar means they can do one thing food trucks can’t: serve cocktails.

Walk-ins only.

Because this new offering from the El Chile group serves ceviches and pisco sours in the former El Sapo space. Chef Maribel Rivero fell in love with Peruvian food while living in Lima, and her seafood-heavy menu is a worthy love letter to the cuisine.

Walk-ins only.

Because this fast-casual spot, from the folks behind Tea Haus, is a sort of introduction to Asian cuisines, and covers a lot of territory in its short menu: think Taiwanese noodles, Korean chicken wings, Japanese curry, and more.

Walk-ins only.