Looking for new Austin restaurant recommendations! I visited 35 spots in the first quarter of the year, and I’ve got details.
Here are 12 places I ate at in January, February, and March.
Lunch at DEE DEE
DEE DEE is back! This Thai restaurant started as a food truck and recently evolved into a window counter at the new Leona Botanical Cafe and Bar in South Austin. The space is focused on outdoor seating, and there are a few other restaurants there. We enjoyed some of their favorites: som tom (papaya salad), fried chicken, and stir-fried vegetables.
Bread Boat
My first time trying Georgian food, and WOW! Khachapuri is the name of this traditional dish. It is bread filled with lots of cheese and butter, and, in this case, topped with an egg yolk that cooks as you mix it. You can also get versions with cooked meat included.
Dessert at Amy’s Ice Cream
Did you know Amy’s Ice Cream opened in 1984? I think that makes this ice cream shop an Austin classic. They feature seasonal specials, like their Valentine’s charcuterie dessert board I got to try. They also have blind pints where a vague description of the flavors is on the outside of the bag. If you’re feeling adventurous, try this out!
Dinner at Aburi TORA Sushi
A new sushi spot opened in Northeast Austin, a revolving sushi restaurant! Order on the tablet at your table, and the dishes fly to your table on a conveyor belt. This chain is known for its aburi, flame-seared style sushi, and they also have nigiri and a few other types of Japanese dishes.
Dubai Cookie at Whipped
The Dubai cookie has been trending, and you’ll be surprised that it is called a cookie. It is more of a cake ball and almost a mochi ball. It includes the typical Dubai chocolate ingredients: cacao, pistachio-kataifi mix, cream, and butter. It’s crunchy and decadent!
Quesadilla at La Santa Barbacha
I had the joy of joining EASTside’s Locals Know ATX Taco Tour and revisited La Santa Barbacha on the tour. Their barbacoa quesadilla is still delicious!
Burger from That Burger
One of my favorite burgers in town – the French Burger has brie, grilled mushrooms, berry jam, arugula, and black truffle mayo.
Matcha at Lau Lau
This coffee shop, rooted in Asian American culture, is a jewel. Their drinks have Asian flavors. Their Thai tea matcha is perfectly flavored.
Dinner at Electric Gravy
Electric Gravy invited me in to try their Texas-inspired Indian dishes. They have a tasting menu called Never Empty Stomach, where you can try chutneys, curries, naan, and more for $37.99 a person. This is a great way to taste different flavors. A portion of the proceeds from this meal helps feed the community.
Matcha and Croffle at Cafe du Bliss
This Korean-style cafe is a great spot, tucked in the Arboretum. The strawberry matcha and strawberry and banana croffle are my recommendations, but they have coffee options too.
Hot Dog at Yellow Ranger
Mapo Tofu Chili Cheese Dog is a winner at Yellow Ranger, a casual, counter restaurant inside two Austin bars.
Korean Food at An Nyeong K-Tofu & BBQ
This is quite possible my favorite Korean restaurant in Austin. While I tend to order the same things when I visit, I can confirm those dishes are excellent! My go-to dishes are the original tofu soup with added ramen and the beef short ribs (galbi).
Where should I eat next?
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