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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Central Austin

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66 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Hopfields restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(309)
Price: Expensive
• French • Midtown
Booked 24 times today
Hopfields specializes in French-fusion locally focused cuisine, 40 tap craft beer wall, a thoughtfully curated wine list and full bar. Boasting a warm inviting atmosphere with cozy nooks to venture into. Often praised for it's elevated but approachable style. The scratch-made menu offers food ranging from upscale specials, a finger-food bar menu, traditional-fusion French comforts and our Pascal Burger that has won Best Burger in Austin 6 years in a row.Hopfields has tableside service reservable for dinner in our dining room and patio, as well as a walk-in bar service, so you can customize the experience you want and always find a seat. Our lunch is a bar-service style that features traditional French sandwiches, salads and snacks. Brunch has a special menu reservable for tableside service or casual bar-style service; all in a 'not your average too-busy-to-book restaurant' setting. A few brunch classics, but many twists that make the menu scrumptious for everyone.
A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4059)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 143 times today
Wood Fired hand crafted Italian food set in a rustic modern open space in the warehouse district in ATX. A wide range of specialty dishes created by Chef owner John Carver and his staff on a nightly basis. Our house made Pastas, Fresh Seafood, and Prime Steaks are all prepared on wood fired grill, oven and plancha. An International wine list, specialty craft cocktails, and local brewed beers to choose from. Dolce and some Grappa, Amaro or Vino Dolce to add to your dining experience at Red Ash Italia.
A photo of Josephine House restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1359)
Price: Expensive
• American • Central Austin
Booked 71 times today
The sister restaurant to Austin fine dining institution Jeffrey’s, offering breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour, dinner & Monday night steak frites. The Clarksville cottage features a small marble bar for coffee or cocktails, intimate tables in the dining room, shady nooks on our patio and a grassy front lawn for lounging. Serving an eclectic daily menu featuring the best locally sourced products. Learn more about McGuire Moorman Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mcguiremoorman.com.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1816)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Clark's Oyster Bar in Austin is a local gem, serving fresh, local seafood in an intimate setting. Reviews rave about the amazing oysters, lobster rolls, and cocktails. The restaurant is described as having great energy and understated elegance. One reviewer even said it's one of the highest quality restaurant experiences in Austin. Despite its small size, Clark's offers a fantastic dining experience, making it a neighborhood favorite.
A photo of Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3763)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 86 times today
Perla's offers fresh fish and oysters flown in daily from both coasts with an emphasis on sourcing from the gulf and locations around the world. The bar makes delicious coastal cocktails and the wine list is stocked with fun sparkling, rosé & white wines.Perla's has Austin’s prettiest oak-shaded patio and a comfortable airy dining room featuring a huge saltwater fishtank, poured concrete oyster bar and open kitchen. Learn more about McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality and their family of restaurants at www.mmlhospitality.com.
A photo of Emmer & Rye restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3526)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 35 times today
Emmer & Rye is a restaurant designed around the farmer’s haul, featuring a menu that changes daily with a focus on seasonal and local cuisine. Heirloom grains are milled fresh for house made pastas, breads, and desserts, whole animal butchery is done on site, and an extensive in house fermentation program captures flavors at their peak and preserves them for the off season.We accept reservations 60 days in advance. For event inquiries, please visit our website.2024 Michelin Green Star2024 Michelin Bib Gourmand
A photo of The Salty Sow restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4052)
Price: Moderate
• Gastro Pub • East Austin
Booked 77 times today
Love SWINE+Wine+BEER? From the creators of Eddie V's, Roaring Fork & Hopdoddy, Larry Foles & Guy Villavosa brings you Salty Sow. The culinary force of Chef Harold Marmulstein & Chef Nick Sheley are together at Austin's premier head to tail restaurant. Salty Sow serves modern farmhouse cuisine, combining new cooking techniques with old-world methods like braising, poaching, and stewing. Our signature cocktail ingredients come fresh out of the garden, featuring local and organic spirits. Founded by long-time food lovers, we take special care to prepare everything we serve from scratch and by hand daily.
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2270)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 59 times today
La Condesa is a local favorite in Austin's 2nd Street District, known for its inventive, farm-to-table Mexican cuisine. It's praised for its excellent service, beautiful decor, and unique dishes. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'real gem in the 2nd area and a new favorite stop!', with others calling it 'one of the absolute best in all of Austin'.
A photo of Juniper restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2727)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • East Austin
Booked 35 times today
Consistently listed in the top 10 best restaurants in the city by the Austin American-Statesman, Juniper combines locally-sourced, hyper-seasonal Texas ingredients and old world technique, creating comforting yet innovative dishes that connect Northern Italy to Central Texas. Rounding out the offerings are a world-class beverage program and a special 6 course Pre Fixe Menu at $95 per person, which guests can pair with an optional 6 course wine tasting at $65 per person.Located on the 2nd floor of Juniper, our private event space can accommodates groups of all sizes. Perfect for holiday parties, networking events, corporate dinners, luncheons, birthday parties, and weddings. Select the Private Dining below to view additional information.
A photo of Corner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1011)
Price: Moderate
• Regional American (Contemporary Southern) • Downtown
Booked 70 times today
Welcome to Corner Restaurant! Ideally located in downtown Austin, you’ll find modern Texas fare and local twists on classic recipes, all in a stunning location on the corner of 2nd and Congress. Whether you’re looking for local Austin flavors inspired by the 5 Corners of Texas, delicious cocktails, or the perfect boozy brunch, Corner’s patio bar & restaurant has it all.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JamieVIP
    Austin •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Josephine’s is my go to brunch spot. When I need a personal pick me up, brunch with friends or brunch with my finance, Josephine’s is always my top pick. Their food is always top tier and they have the most beautiful people on their team. 10/10 recommended.
    More info
    Josephine HousePrice: Expensive• American• Central Austin
    4.8
  • FranklinVIP
    Los Angeles •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Not trying to be a pretentious ars here but we’ve eaten in France & New Orleans and have had a hard time matching those experiences. My wife, daughter, granddaughter and I had a Valentines dinner here tonight. I can say that the food and the experience were great. French Onion soup was quality, I tasted my daughter’s tequila martini & ordered one myself, lamb chops were perfect and the banana, nutella crepe was one of the best desserts I’ve had. Coming from a fat guy, that’s a compliment. First timer who will be back for more
    More info
    HopfieldsPrice: Expensive• French• Midtown
    4.7
  • Kyle
    Austin •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Perla's is Excellent! Went for a date-night dinner. Previously had only done the patio (apps/ bloodys, etc... which is great as well!) but do yourself a favor and have a proper meal there. Service is attentive and professional. Quality of food and flavor profile is something else ! Kicking myself for neglecting this spot the last 15+ years.
    More info
    Perla's Seafood and Oyster BarPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.9
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We had not been back to Red Ash since before the Pandemic. Shame on us! Now we certainly will make a new reservation as soon as possible, which will probably be a few months from now. Red Ash is so popular that it is that difficult to get a table. But the wait is certainly worth it. This evening we tried the Octopus a la Plancha at our server, Emma's suggestion. Octopus for our first time. It was wonderfully delicious and tender. For dinner we split Frutti di Mare, a wonderful selection of seafood laid on a bed of the best black and white sphagettini. Cooked perfectly! Emma was the perfect hostess and we were able to reconnect with Brand Favata, our favorite server from six years ago. It seems that very few few employees leave Red Ash. It is such a wonderful restaurant!! We'll be back very soon.
    More info
    Red Ash ItaliaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.9
  • LizVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    Always love us some Clark’s. Our Austin standby- amazing food, fresh and delicious seafood, great burger!
    More info
    Clark's Oyster Bar - AustinPrice: Very Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.9

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Central Austin

Discover the charm of Central Austin's dining scene with our curated selection of neighborhood gems, each offering a unique and intimate dining experience. Central Austin boasts a vibrant culinary landscape that blends local flavors with innovative cooking styles, making it a prime destination for food lovers seeking hidden treasures in their neighborhood. These establishments are celebrated for their warm ambiance, exceptional service, and commitment to delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for the comforting embrace of Southern comfort food, the bold tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine, or something uniquely local, you'll find establishments that are deeply embedded in the fabric of Central Austin. They are praised for their delightful menus, which often feature seasonal specials and locally sourced ingredients. Each restaurant stands out for its beautifully designed spaces that provide both cozy indoor settings and inviting outdoor dining options. Ideal for both casual diners and culinary aficionados, these neighborhood gems in Central Austin are perfect spots to enjoy a meal that feels like home yet surprises with its culinary creativity. Join the community of locals and visitors alike who celebrate these spots not just for their food, but for the stories and experiences they offer.

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