The Resy Hit List: Where In Austin You’ll Want to Eat Right Now

In quick succession to the opening of Van Horn’s, the Guy and Larry’s restaurant group has another new and climbing spot. You’ll walk into an upscale, moody room with plush booths and a bar mostly meant for Resys. The wine list leans French — Burgundy, Rhone, and the Loire — alongside cocktails like their French twist on a margarita and the coldest vesper in town. Start with the Comte popovers, French onion soup, and jumbo lump crab Villon before moving onto substantial entrees like the wagyu short ribs Bourguignon, Dover sole prepared tableside, and 35-day dry-aged steaks. And while your tablemates may feel full by the end of the meal, insist on the tableside soufflé to get a final touch of French magic.

This isn’t just a Southern charm facade with roaming peacocks, it’s an actual home from the 1890s that’s been an Austin institution for many years. Recently, the restaurant is getting more buzz because they added a 63-room hotel onto the estate, a gorgeous and thoughtful build out. Mattie’s is ideal for a quiet, special dinner or a celebratory brunch. Try the little gem wedge salad, wood-grilled pork tenderloin with succotash, and all of the sides. For brunch, the Bread Pudding French Toast will make you feel the Southern hospitality, as will the biscuits and chorizo gravy with scrambled eggs. It’s a high-demand spot for holidays, so be sure to get your Resy early or turn on Notify as needed.

The team at High Road Delicatexan is hoping to make your all-day food wishes come true in the form of this nostalgic cafe. Early birds get their flat whites, matchas, and cortados along with gourmet breakfast sandwiches like the Everything is Bigger in Texas with housemade pork sausage, hash browns, and eggs on a kaiser roll. Lunch is where they shine brightest with more hefty sandwiches, simple salads, and crinkle-cut fries. The same menu is offered for dinner, which also includes options for kids and a full bar with frozen cocktails, draft beers, and many NA options. Dine here, work here, or just hang out and play ski-ball.

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Walking into a hot new restaurant in Austin without a Resy is not recommended, especially by us, but this might be our one exception. Rocco’s is tucked away off Airport Boulevard in a small building that will make you feel welcome with dim lighting and the scent of roasted garlic. The handmade pastas, like the malfadine with butternut squash and ‘nduja or the rigatoni in vodka sauce, are staple dishes the whole table will love. They also nail other classics like the Caesar salad, arancini balls, and cannolis for dessert. Walk in here for a date night when you’re not in a rush or for a group meal with friends to drink Italian wine and get too comfortable in your booth.

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Not everyone gets a chance to dine out regularly, so if that’s you, VanHorn’s is the spot you’re looking for to put your big night out to good use. VanHorn’s is a new steakhouse from the team behind  and Teddy’s. Located downtown, it offers that New York classic steakhouse scene — martinis and all. The steaks all come with sauce options like bearnaise, chimichurri, and creamy horseradish. If you’re not up for meat, we also were wowed by the miso-glazed black cod and tuna carpaccio. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the small space, but a happening scene that works for your night on the town, birthday dinners, and corporate meals — where you can have an excuse to get the biggest steak on the menu.

This beloved food truck has relocated to a brick-and-mortar location nearby, serving the same tacos that are small in size but big in flavor. No wonder the suadero taco, made with rich, tender brisket on a fresh nixtamalized tortilla, was honored by The New York Times as a “best bite of 2024.” The al pastor tacos are a Saturday special and almost always sell out. Each taco is $4, so we’re all about ordering some variety here. If you’re up for going beyond the traditional Paprika style taco, you can also order any of their menu items as a torta or quesadilla. There are some tables inside if you want to eat them while they’re hot, but these tacos are so good they’ll travel well if needed.

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When asking advice on where to eat in Austin, undoubtedly you’ll get a barbecue recommendation. Let us save you the hassle of researching them all: not only is La Barbecue among the best in Texas, it’s also one that doesn’t require you to wait in a super-long line. It’s run by LeAnn Mueller of the famous Mueller family and her wife Ali, who was nominated this year for a James Beard Award. It’s a casual lunch or late lunch spot where you can order meat by the pound or a specialty sandwich if you’d prefer. Let your eyes and nose guide you, but the brisket, sausage, and beef rib (when it’s available) are what make La Barbecue famous. Come early and wait in line to eat at one of the picnic tables on site.

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Sprawling over a five (!) acre property, Leona is a garden, play area, community gathering space, cafe and full bar, and home to two Austin favorites: Veracruz All Natural and Dee Dee off of Brodie Lane. It’s the ideal space to gather a group of families with kids who need space to run or, despite the mention of running kids, also a space to find a quiet spot to get work or reading done. There’s something for everyone: breakfast tacos, meat and fish tacos, and smoothies from Veracruz, spicy Thai dishes like Pad KaPow or Laab Moo from Dee Dee, Proud Mary coffee drinks, and Rockman baked goods. And did we mention cocktails too? Parking is limited, so you may want to go on off-hours or consider taking a rideshare.

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Absolutely worth the trek away from the city center, to a road with no real name. This casual, counter-service spot feels like a mini vacation, with bright pops of color on the tables and in the cocktails. The chef was a finalist for a James Beard Award last year, with good reason. Papaya salads, lahb made with spices, herbs, and ground chicken, and a really impressive smashburger made with pork sausage patties are just a few of the standout dishes. Don’t skip the skewers or the wings — everything is packed with flavor. It’s a destination that feels effortless once you’re settled in with a plate of Laotian food and a drink in hand.

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Olamaie is a charming spot tucked away near downtown that serves high-end southern food. Sure, you never thought you’d pay that much for biscuits, but these are buttery, flaky biscuits that will immediately make you forget who’s paying the bill. Entrees like the grilled pork chop or golden fried catfish served with blue crab rice feel homey yet deluxe. The wine list features bottles you won’t find elsewhere in Austin and cocktails like the Spaghetti Western martini and Delta Dawn made with Tequila, hibiscus grenadine, and fresh juices pack a punch. Make a reservation for a client dinner, anniversary, or any occasion where you actually want to be able to hear the other person.

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Odd Duck started as a beloved food trailer and quickly grew into a more grown-up restaurant, now serving an ever-changing menu in a brick-and-mortar location on South Lamar. While it’s been around for 10 years now, you definitely still need a Resy because it’s among the best in Austin. The menu is locally sourced and currently features beer-battered broccoli with queso and pickled peppers, cast iron cornbread, and grilled wagyu with tater tots and grilled peppers. Finish off your meal with the chocolate and masa icebox cake with caramel corn and a nitro espresso martini. A meal here gives a better understanding of what Texan food can be.

While downtown Austin might be a great place for a meandering bar crawl, this is one you might miss if you’re not in the know. Behind a discreet door attached to a parking garage, you’ll find a dimly lit den churning out expertly made drinks. The menu champions classic cocktails, with offerings like the Air Mail with rum, lime, honey, and sparkling wine, and crisp martinis chilled to perfection with pristine hand-cut ice. Make a Resy in advance to ensure you can get a prime spot — the large-format punch bowls are great for groups and snacks like charcuterie boards, nuts, and olives will keep the party going.

Most omakase experiences are intimate, but the one at Foodie + Tina takes hospitality to the next level by hosting it in Tina’s backyard off Oltorf. The 14-course tasting menu moves through small bites, nigiri, seasonal vegetables, and more surprises than we can spoil even if we wanted to. Things are constantly changing for each dining experience. For $160 per person, you’ll eat fresh and creative dishes, learn about new techniques, and probably make new friends. Try the 10-course happy hour option for $90 per person if you’re looking for an early bird special that’s very special indeed.

Book now on Tock.

After four years of lighting us all up with Northern Thai dishes, Kiin Di opened a brick-and-mortar spot on South Lamar. It’s a no-frills, easy-to-love kind of spot for any night of the week, including a weekend. The coconut milk pork ribs fall off the bone and the tom yum soup is creamy and bright. Entrees like the Dang! Curry and Khao Soi are packed with flavor and might make you sweat a bit, but you can cool down with cocktails, beer, and Thai tea. The service is efficient and there’s plenty of seating, so make your way here for a lunch or dinner to enjoy a relaxed meal without having to plan too far ahead.

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This New York born, Michelin-starred hot spot also has a presence in Austin, on East Seventh Street, of course. With retro decor including a cheetah print pool table and cushy pleather booths, the Flower Shop team is hoping you’ll grab a bite inside, then head to the rooftop for drinks after. Try the Michelada cocktail with mezcal, Tequila, and the tiniest Corona or the vodka cold brew martini. Don’t miss bar food classics like a super meaty burger made with special sauce, chicken wings doused in Frank’s, or mozzarella sticks. If you want to go lighter or vegetarian, there’s also a cauliflower steak served with quinoa and a fried egg. Make a Resy for a dinner with friends or even a first date you want to impress with your billiard skills.

Either you don’t have time or you’re too tired to wait in a long line for coffee (or both — gasp!). Desnudo gathered crowds on the East Side because of how friendly their team was, how thoughtful they are about bean sourcing, and, of course, the quality of each and every drink. Their newest location outside Fareground food hall has a bigger footprint and draws less of a crowd. Standout orders include La Guayaba matcha topped with mascarpone guava cold foam or the brown sugar miso latte, but you can’t go wrong with a pourover or whatever caffeine preferences you have.

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