Pastries at Nougatine Bakery

New Austin bakery location alert! Nougatine Bakery now has a storefront inside The Austin Winery in the St Elmo Yard. I tried the Tomato Pie, Kouign Amann, Za’taar Labneh Cruffin, and Pain au Chocolat. You can also find them at the Barton Creek Farmers Market.

Thai Food at Kiin Di

Kiin Di means “eating good” in Thai, and I’m glad I finally got to try this spot. They were previously a food truck and opened their brick-and-mortar last December. I went for the khao soi, my favorite Thai noodle curry dish, and it did not disappoint!

Cocktails at Nickel City

If you’re looking for a tasty cocktail, Nickel City is the spot. It’s more divey, but the cocktails are great. I had the Green Flash (gin, kiwi, cucumber, lemon), and it’s the best cocktail I’ve had in a while.

Soft Serve at Somi Somi

Cool off this summer with a cold treat! Somi Somi is a new franchise spot serving a Korean dessert called “ah-boong.” It’s a fish shaped waffle cone filled with soft serve. Here you can choose a filling like black sesame paste or Nutella, soft serve flavor, and toppings.

Latte at Black Fox Coffee

This is a new coffee shop downtown! If you find yourself at 6th and Guadalupe, this classy spot is the place to pop in. [Media]

Cocktails Papercut and Sushi at Konbini

I’ve heard a lot about this new cocktail bar. Their cocktails are creative, and their sushi is served by the team from Tare – wins all around. We enjoyed a few nigiri bites, their egg sandwich, and a hot dog.

Ice Cream at Kilwins

Kilwins has a new, locally-owned franchise location in Austin! Located in North Austin, this sweets shop is known for its chocolates, caramels, and ice cream. Their boxed and bagged items are great for gifts, and they have lots of unique ice cream flavors. [Media]

Vietnamese Soup at Vua Bun Bo

Bookmark this new-ish Vietnamese restaurant for rich and hearty soups. I liked the Hu Tieu Bo Kho – beef stew with rice noodles.

Drink from Mori Matcha

You can find this pop-up matcha stand at events around Austin. They’re highly regarded as one of the best matchas in town.

Lunch at ThoroughFare

I’m a fan of ThoroughBread’s cookies, and this is an expanded iteration of its bakery that serves a casual menu and offers grocery items. I ordered the Signature Turkey Sandwich served on their housemade Wheat Sourdough, Daily Greens Juice (Cucumber + Celery + Green Apple + Kale + Lemon Juice + Fresh Ginger), and a Chocolate Chip Cookie. All of this was $32 before tip, which makes me pause.

Happy Hour at Boni’s Bar Next Door

Lenoir’s new bar next door is a cute spot for happy hour. They have $9 spritzes and complimentary bites with every drink. For food, they have a menu of light bar snacks like meatballs and shrimp.

Cookies from Brown Sugar Bake Shop

I recently tried some cookies from this food truck and wow! I had the Butter Crunch (browned butter and toffee) and the strawberry oatmeal (a seasonal flavor).

Hot Dogs at Saturn

Some friends and I went on a hot dog crawl with a stop at Saturn. This cocktail bar is lovely, with some interesting hot dogs on the menu. We enjoyed these 1/4lb beef dogs fried in beef tallow:

• Japanese Dog: topped with Kewpie Mayo, House Teriyaki Sauce, Nori Flakes, and Crispy Onion
• Buff Dog: topped with Pickled Celery, Blue Cheese, Buffalo Sauce, and a Crispy Carrot Crumble
• Feta Dog: red bell peppers, hot honey, herbed whipped feta, crispy onions

Lunch at Anh Em

We have plenty of Vietnamese restaurants in Austin. This one opened recently, and it features the classics – banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and pho.

Need more Austin restaurant recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Indian Tasting Menu at Electric Gravy in Austin, TX
• Best Things I Ate in 2025

The post Flavors of the Month Q2 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

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?

The post Flavors of the Month Q1 2026 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

This annual “best things I ate” list is always a fun one to put together. Not only is it looking back at memorable bites, but it’s fun remembering the occasion or who I was dining with. As I always say, the food and environment have a big impact on your experience, but so do your dining companions!

A very interesting stat – I dined at 197 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, food trucks, etc in 2024. That number dropped significantly to 140 in 2025! I think it was a combination of reasons. I was a little uninspired, and I was trying to save money. You take a risk dining out at places you haven’t been before (and even places recommended by others).

Most of these things should not come as a surprise if you read my quarterly flavor posts. Here are 15 memorable eats!

Chicken Sandwich at Dang Hot

This is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town! I got the mild, and it definitely has some heat. Perfectly crispy and good flavor, this food truck is a must-try.

Key Lime Pie from Lulu’s Pie Shoppe

This pie changed key lime pie for me, and I’m awaiting my next opportunity to enjoy this!

Rajasthani Tawa Paratha with Aloo at Paratha Rollers

You get two hits and lots of flavor with this dish – the soft paratha bread and the potato masala.

Masu at Craft Omakase

We got to return to Craft Omakas (my top choice for omakase in Austin), and it was once again a fantastic meal. This ocean trout bite was one of my favorites. Read more about Craft here.

Matcha at Dam Coffee Bar

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and you have to go try their matcha. I’ve had their coconut water matcha and mango matcha, and both were strong and flavorful. They also have Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee that I want to try one day.

Dinner at Kane Sushi

I would love it if Kane Sushi were in Austin (it’s in Cedar Park) because their bites were delicious and huge!

Brunch at Ladino (San Antonio)

We took a weekend trip to San Antonio and had my dream brunch at Ladino. It’s part of the Emmer & Rye Hospitality restaurant group and one of my favorites. The cuisine is modern Mediterranean, and their Turkish brunch includes a variety of side dishes like seared halloumi, marinated olives, sourdough flatbread, and housemade jams. You can choose an entree, and I highly recommend the Turkish eggs.

Soup Dumplings at Mian & Bao

Mian & Bao has been a favorite spot for many this year, and I agree. These are some of the best soup dumplings in town!

Vanilla Chantilly Cake at Rockman Coffee and Bakery

Rockman officially turned one this past October, and they are offering some delicious pastries! The vanilla chantilly cake was one of my favorite things I tried. See my feature post on Rockman here.

Fried Chicken Sandwich at Teddy’s

This fried chicken sandwich seems to only be available during happy hour, and it was delicious!

Matcha at CaPhe.in

Ok, I’ve been drinking a lot of matcha. And this is another good one! I tried their ube previously, and I liked their banana matcha more. Creamy banana flavor, and the bruleed banana slice on top is a nice touch.

Italian Sub at Handsome Dan’s

The spontaneous meals can be the best, as evidenced by this sandwich and beer at Handsome Dan’s. This sandwich reminded me that I love a good sandwich and that I should go seek these out more. It’s also very satisfying to see these sandwich layers. I also enjoyed the IPA, which they brew in-house.

Otoro with Caviar and Truffle at Tare

I returned to Tare for an omakase meal and again loved it. Of course, the matcha tres leches is still great, but you can’t beat how delicious this tuna belly bite is. See the feature post on Tare here.

Breakfast at Phoebe’s Diner

This Austin spot is known for its breakfast and brunch. Their bananas foster French toast is heavenly! It’s banana walnut bread topped with whipped cream, fresh bananas, and more.

Brisket Burger at la Barbecue

I went to a media dinner with JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, an award-winning (Michelin-starred) vineyard in Paso Robles, California, making Bordeaux-style blends. They paired their wines with the barbecue of Jess Pryles, a local BBQ expert, and la Barbecue, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant in Austin. My favorite pairing was the Candied Jalapeno Brisket Burger with the 2022 JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet.

What’s the best thing you ate this year?

Look back at my flavors posts this year:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q4 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try

See my recaps from past years here:

• Best Things I Ate This Year – 2024
• 12 Best Things I Ate and Drank in 2023
• 10 Best Things I Ate in 2022

The post Best Things I Ate in 2025 appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 13 places I ate at in October, November, and December.

If you’re new here, if it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant though all opinions are my own. This quarter was a busy one with four media invites. I greatly appreciate the brands/restaurants that partner with me!

Classic Italian Sandwich and Lake Austin IPA at Handsome Dan’s

The spontaneous meals can be the best, as evidenced by this sandwich and beer at Handsome Dan’s. This sandwich reminded me that I love a good sandwich and that I should go seek these out more. It’s also very satisfying to see these sandwich layers. I also enjoyed the IPA, which they brew in-house.

Breakfast at Toastique (Complimentary)

The most colorful breakfast at Toastique – healthier AND delicious! This location at the Domain opened in October, and you can get gourmet toast, smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. It’s a counter-service spot, so it’s good for a quick breakfast. On our table:

• Smoked Salmon Toast
• Tomato Burrata Toast with Prosciutto
• Dragonberry Bowl
• Blue Mystique Smoothie
• Defender Juice

Dessert from Kat’s Handbaked

This pop-up bakery has some of my favorite cake! This time I ordered the pandan coconut and the Thai tea. Both were delicate and fluffy.

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery at la Barbecue (Complimentary)

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is an award-winning (Michelin-starred) vineyard in Paso Robles, California making Bordeaux-style blends. They paired their wines with the barbecue of Jess Pryles, a local BBQ expert, and la Barbecue, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant in Austin, and it’s safe to say it was an incredible 3-course meal.

My favorite pairing was the Candied Jalapeno Brisket Burger with the 2022 JUSTIN Reserve Cabernet. Yes, they have this bottle of wine and others for sale online as well as at your local Total Wine & More store.

Matcha at Hecho Amano Coffee

A new coffee shop trailer opened in North Austin by Old Gregg Brewing Company. They specialize in Latin-inflused flavors, though on this occasion, I tried their seasonal matcha with pear puree. I’ll be back!

Dinner at Fixe

We came here for a birthday dinner, and not only were they experts at service and timing of our large group, but the food was good! Fixe has been around for a while, and yes, you need to order the biscuits!

Lunch at Peached Tortilla (Complimentary)

Did you know Peached Tortilla now has weekday lunch? I tried the Korean steak bowl and their house ginger beer. They also have salads and wraps. It’s a good option if you want something a little healthier.

Khao Man Gai Combo at P Thai’s

I finally made it to P Thai’s! They’re known for Thai-Chinese-style Hainan chicken and rice. I tried their OG combo dish with portions of the normal poached chicken and the fried chicken. It comes with chicken fat rice. It seems so simple, and it’s very satisfying.

Cocktails at Foxtail

A new, great cocktail bar up north!?! The food gods have listened to our pleas. They are newly opened, the cocktails were up to par, and the ambiance is excellent. I have a feeling I’ll be back.

Dinner at Laurel (Complimentary)

Hotel Viata invited me to check out all the holiday happenings, including festive dishes at their restaurant Laurel. Our group agreed that the show-stopping dishes were the creamy salmon and the mashed potatoes! The hotel has a full schedule of family-friendly holiday activities, so check it out if you’re looking for things to do.

Baked Goods at Neon Belly Bakery

A new bakery opened off Burnet Road near the Crestview neighborhood. I didn’t love their orange ginger matcha, though likely a personal flavor preference. They have some tasty baked goods, like campfire cookie, ginger molasses cookie, and pumpkin bread.

Sushi Happy Hour at Uchiko

To celebrate our birthdays, my friend and I re-visited one of our favorites – Uchiko. We love their happy hour, where we can order many dishes! They also have a special happy hour 9-course for 2 people for $120, but we went a la carte. Our must-haves are the hama chili and the jasmine cream dessert, but you can’t go wrong. 

Chicken Pesto Croissant Sandwich at Heaven’s Bistro

Heaven’s Bistro is a bakery in North Austin and has some of the best croissants in town. As you can imagine, make the croissant a sandwich and you’ve got a very tasty sandwich! This one has house-smoked chicken, fresh pesto, tomato, and mozzarella, which melts wonderfully.

What should I eat next?

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

The post Flavors of the Month Q4 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 13 places I ate at in July, August, and September. If you’re new here, if it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant, though all opinions are my own.

Matcha at Junbi

I love this spot! The only downside is that it’s in Cedar Park, which is a bit of a drive from Austin. But this chain really knows its matcha, and this strawberry matcha was perfect.

Late Night at Nunya

I’m not sure if you know, but I’m a big fan of hot dogs. I don’t eat it often, maybe on holidays or on random occasions, like when a bar has it on their menu and we’re hungry. The one at Nunya was a nice surprise.

Dinner at Kane Sushi

Another Cedar Park win! I would love it if Kane Sushi were in Austin because their bites were delicious and huge. Just look at these!

Dinner at NG Cafe

I stopped into NG Cafe, a Vietnamese-Chinese restaurant in North Austin. Their banh mi wasn’t my favorite, but I’ve had other plates here that I like. However, this is one of the few places to get silken tofu, one of my favorite Chinese desserts.

Chicken Sandwich at Dang Hot 89

THIS is one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in town! I got the mild, and it definitely has some heat. Perfectly crispy and good flavor, this food truck at Celis Brewery is a must-try!

Matcha at Dam Coffee Bar

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and you have to go try their matcha! I’ve had their coconut water matcha and mango matcha, and both were strong and flavorful. They also have Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee that I want to try one day.

Happy Hour at East End Ballroom

My friends and I went to happy hour at East End Ballroom. Food like fried olives, Caesar salad, double smash burger, and French fries are not discounted but tasty. You can enjoy smaller portion cocktails for $5.

Breakfast at Nervous Charlie’s

If you’re looking for a good breakfast sandwich, try the lox bagel at Nervous Charlie’s. The ratios are a bit uneven, as you can see, but it was satisfying.

Cupcakes at Rise Coffee and Bakery (Complimentary)

Rise Coffee and Bakery in South Austin invited me in to try their cupcakes. They have a great selection with a different line-up every day. Plus, if you come for breakfast, you can’t miss their cinnamon coffee cake! This is a great neighborhood spot if you live nearby.

Matcha at CaPhe.in

Ok, I’ve been drinking a lot of matcha. And this is another good one! I tried their ube previously, and I liked their banana matcha more. Creamy banana flavor and the bruleed banana slice on top is a nice touch.

Cocktails at Mother’s Ruin

Mother’s Ruin is a great addition to the East Austin bar scene. Their cocktails are well composed, and the bar is spacious. I’ve only had their French fries, but they were excellent, crispy waffle fries that come with onion dip.

Barbecue at LeRoy and Lewis

Driving in South Austin, we made a spontaneous decision to eat at Leroy and Lewis. After a two-hour wait in line, we enjoyed their award-winning barbecue – brisket and beef cheeks. I also love their kale Caesar slaw.

Pizza at Baldinucci Pizza

Have you ever had Romana-style pizza? The crust is thin and crispy, much like a flatbread. You can purchase by the slice at Baldinucci’s, so I tried the quattro funghi, pizza alla verdure, and lasagna. This restaurant is a great pizza option in Austin.

What should I eat next??

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

The post Flavors of the Month Q3 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 14 places I ate at in April, May, and June.

Reminder – If it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant and all opinions are my own.

Matcha at CaPhe.in Coffee

A new coffee shop opened in Austin, and it has been very buzzworthy because of the quality of its drinks. Located near the UT Campus, this place serves Vietnamese coffee (the strong stuff!) and the top matcha quality. I tried the ube matcha, but I hear the banana cream matcha is the one to try. I’ll be going back for it for sure!

Donuts at Salty Donut (Complimentary)

Salty Donut is a chain from Miami, and Austin’s second location is now open at The Domain Northside on Rock Rose. They invited me to check it out, and it’s the perfect addition to the area. If you’ve never had The Salty Donut, expect extravagant, delicious donuts that are more dessert than breakfast.

Donuts in my pastry box:

• Horchata
• Mixed Berry Cheesecake
• Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Tiramisu
• Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler
• Plus a Terry Blacks Brisket Kolache

Crawfish at HappyRito Seafood

I haven’t indulged in crawfish as much this year, but I did stop at my favorite spot – HappyRito. 

Dinner at Craft Omakase

After our outstanding visit to Craft Omakase last fall, we had to bring our family to try it. For our annual sushi dinner, we indulged and enjoyed! Each bite is perfect, and it’s still a great place for fine dining in a relaxed setting.

See my post about Craft Omakase here: Why Craft Omakase’s Sushi Tasting Became the Best in Austin

Dinner at Paratha Rollers (Complimentary)

After trying PavBhaji Express last year, I was excited to visit their sister location, Paratha Rollers in North Austin. I’m glad these Indian dishes are now closer to me! This North Indian cuisine is probably something you don’t find a lot, but you’ll love it when you try it. To oversimplify it, it’s flatbread and curry-like mixtures and fresh dishes with yogurt and sprouts. Also, their whole menu is vegetarian.

Paratha is what the flatbread is called, and it’s made with whole wheat flour and is layers of pan-fried goodness. (You might have eaten naan or roti in a similar fashion.)

Many of the menu items are named after the regions or cities the dish is from (in case you aren’t familiar with the words like I was). Here are some of the dishes we enjoyed:

• Thandai Lassi – yogurt drink with a unique spice mix
• Rajasthani Tawa Paratha – aloo (potato) masala
• Udaipuriya Samosa
• Varansi Raj Kochori – crispy deep-fried pastry filled with potatoes, yogurt, and more
• Delhi Tandoori Kulcha with aloo masala – leavened flatbread
• Paneer Biryani – mixed rice dish with cheese

Honestly, if the chef hadn’t ordered for us, I wouldn’t have known what to get, but everything we got was delicious!

Snacks at Sip Munch Cafe

If you’re looking for boba, specialty drinks, and snacks, this Vietnamese cafe in North Austin should be your next try. I tried out the artichoke water, fish tofu, and pandan croffle. Have you ever tried artichoke water? It’s a traditional Vietnamese beverage made from boiled artichoke water. Served cold, it includes grass jelly, basil seeds, and other toppings.

Ice Cream from Besame

Besame started as an ice cream food truck and is popular for its pint drops. Every week, people hustle to grab pints with exclusive flavors. I was lucky to get Moonbeam Ice Cream in May, and it took three days for it to disappear. Moonbeam had a malt base, galaxy buttercream, white chocolate crumb, and black cocoa milk crumb, basically an upgraded Oreo ice cream.

Brunch at Oribello’s

This new Filipino restaurant is a casual spot for a spin on classics. I went on the weekend when you can get the brunch pizza, which has garlic sauce, eggs, cheese, bacon, and potatoes. If you’re in the mood for dessert, the ube tres leches is a good ending.

Happy Hour at Teddy’s

I went to Teddy’s (the restaurant, not the bar) for happy hour with my friends, and we liked it! For happy hour, they have their delicious fried chicken sandwich for $10 and frozen prickly pear paloma for $10.

Drinks at Teddy’s Bar

Speaking of the other Teddy’s, it was a good visit too. This neighborhood bar on East Manor Road has a cozy design and a good selection of craft cocktails.

Dinner at Happy Lamb Hot Pot (Complimentary)

Hot pot has exploded in Austin, and this newer U.S. chain location is one of the best places to try it. There are two all-you-can-eat levels and a full buffet of vegetables and seafood to add to your pot. They also have a cooked buffet section and a loaded sauce bar. They’re known for their bone marrow broth and plenty of lamb options.

Pastries at Texas French Bread

One of my favorite, consistent bakeries for pastries is Texas French Bread. They have yet to rebuild their bakery that burned down in 2022, but they operate their bakery in a trailer behind the original building. (They bake in a commercial kitchen.) Stop by for a Danish or a lunch sandwich.

Brunch at Paperboy

When Paperboy opened their food truck in 2015, it quickly became a success. Now, with a second brick-and-mortar open on South Lamar, they are one of the most popular spots for brunch. I recommend the chicken and biscuit, and I hear the pancakes are delicious too.

Key Lime Pie from Lulu’s Pie Shoppe

I first had Lulu’s Pie Shoppe (from Georgetown) at an event at PREP, and I say we start a petition for them to open a second location in the Austin city limits! My siblings brought a key lime pie to a family dinner, and I’ve officially been converted to a key lime pie lover. Though I’m pretty sure I won’t find another key lime pie this good!

What should I eat next??

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Best Pastries in Austin
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin
• Best North Austin Restaurants

The post Flavors of the Month Q2 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 14 places I ate at in January, February, and March.

As a reminder, if it says Complimentary, that means I was hosted by the restaurant. All opinions are my own.

Lunch at Mian & Bao

The best soup dumplings in Austin?! They are definitely towards the top of my list! This new-ish spot at the Triangle is a small restaurant with strangely small tables, but it’s worth the visit to try these soup dumplings.

Dinner at Con Vista Al Mar

This restaurant has an original location in Mexico City, and it’s a casual spot on the East Side. Visit for the ceviche.

Drinks at Love Lamp Matcha

This cute, new matcha shop in Central Austin reminded me of the small coffee shop I visited during my Japan trip. Love Lamp Matcha now has two locations in Austin.

Mochi Donuts at Dduk Dduk

There’s a new mochi donut spot in Austin, and it’s a food truck. Located on Airport Blvd next to Kyoko Coffee, they feature at least 6 flavors: raspberry (with matcha), vanilla with raspberry drizzle, maple with bacon, mango, choco, and churro.

Happy Hour at Dirty Martin’s Place

Can you believe it was my first time at Dirty Martin’s? It’s a classic Austin spot, opened in 1926! We enjoyed snacks like fried pickles, quesadillas, and nachos.

Lunch at Shawarma Point (Complimentary)

I visited the location they have at Fareground, and they also have a location on Rainey St. The gyro loaded fries, chicken shawarma wrap, and mint lemonade are winners.

Pho at Tan My Restaurant

For the cooler weather, this Vietnamese restaurant was perfect for pho. It’s been around forever and has long been a fan favorite.

Happy Hour at Casa Bianca

This Italian spot in East Austin is great, and I’ve been planning my return visit. Beautiful decor, great cocktails, and handmade pasta. What we enjoyed:

• CREAM cocktail (tiki!)
• Spicy Bluefin Tuna Cannoli
• Sourdough Focaccia
• Mushroom Lasagne
• Cavatelli (with lamb and hazelnut ragu)
• Coconut and Butternut Squash Ice Cream

BEC Sandwich at Eggman (Complimentary)

I learned all about NY BEC (bacon, egg, cheese) sandwiches at the Eggman food truck in South Austin, and it was very tasty. Great spot to stop by if you’re in the area looking for breakfast.

Coffee at Kyoko Coffee

This Japanese-inspired cafe is the cutest coffee van on Airport Blvd. I liked the Kyoko Dreams of Ube with its strong ube flavor.

Pastries at Rockman Bakery

Did you see my feature post on Rockman Bakery? Check it out to see all the delicious baked goods I’ve tried.

Craft Beer at Old Gregg Brewing & Food from Yellow Bell Tacos + Deft Pies

Northeast Austin is growing in breweries! Old Gregg Brewing is the most north. The address is Pflugerville, but it’s a street away from Austin. The brewery has a spacious lawn for kids and plenty of seating. It also wins with two great food options by Chef John Bates of Interstellar BBQ (the barbecue has a Michelin star): Deft Pies and Yellow Bell Texas Tacos.

Sushi at Tancho

This spot in South Austin features an “omakase for everyone” and is good for those who are new to sushi or chef’s tastings. You can get a signature omakase with 9 courses for $39, grand omakase with 10 courses for $59, light omakase with 7 courses for $29, or the roll omakase with 7 courses for $35. They also offer items a la carte. The fish and preparation are not very adventurous; you’ll find plenty of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail.

If you’re looking for more sushi tasting options, check out my Austin omakase guide.

Coffee at Ghoul Coffee Co

This food trailer in East Austin is located in a food truck park off Cesar Chavez. I tried the Ponjo Joy, which features coconut, almond bitters, and black sesame butter.

What should I eat next??

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Best Things I Ate This Year – 2024
• Best North Austin Restaurants
• Ultimate Guide to Sushi Omakase in Austin

The post Flavors of the Month Q1 2025 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I ate at 197 restaurants, bakeries, breweries, food trucks, etc in 2024, and all but one dish was enjoyed in Austin, Texas. I also didn’t include anything from my NYC trip because so much was great! You can see those things in this post.

Best Dishes and Drinks of 2024 – 23 Spots

Pan Fried Soup Bao at Si Jie Special Noodle

Lychee and Strawberry Souffle Cake from Interrupted Baker

Lamb Rib at KG BBQ

Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake at The Guest House

Sourdough Focaccia with Housemade Ricotta, Honey, Thyme at Intero

Brown Butter Cake, Cinnamon Gelato, Pecans at Intero

Killed Lettuces & Onions at Audrey (Nashville)

Swedish Tosca Almond Cake at My Sweetish Friend

Hokkaido Scallop at Tare

Masa Twinkie at Mercado Sin Nombre

Unagi at Toshokan

Dinner at Birdie’s

Cacio e Pepe Slice from All Day Pizza

Cocktail at Oko

Halo Halo at Oko

Dinner at Craft Omakase

Steak Super Burrito at Asado’s Taqueria

Soft Serve at Bambino

Pozole Verde Tonkotsu at Ramen del Barrio

Pepper with Eggplant and Preserved Egg at Hunan Bistro

Pandan Cupcake from Hhomdee

Crab Benedict at Serenade

Pecan Souffle at Garrison

Among the 197 places I dined at in 2024, here are some more notable mentions.

Favorite Restaurants: (I had only tried 3 of these before and many of them opened this year)

• Si Jie Special Noodle
• The Guest House
• Intero
• Tare
• An Nyeong K Tofu & BBQ
• Bambino
• Taqueria 10 de 10
• Birdie’s
• Nixta Taqueria
• Craft Omakase
• Garrison
• Oko

Food Trucks:

• Asado’s Taqueria
• KG BBQ
• All Day Pizza
• T-Loc’s Sonora

Desserts and Pastries:

• Golden Eye Chocolates
• Interrupted Baker
• My Sweetish Friend
• Good Things
• Mercado Sin Nombre

Bars:

• Mama Dearest
• Equipment Room
• Flo’s Wine Bar
• Trona
• Milonga Room

Where I’m Looking Forward to Eating in 2025

I’m sure you can guess that I always have a “to-eat” list. Here are some places I’m planning to cross off my list next year.

• Custard Prison – paczki (filled donut) pop-up
• Dang Hot 89 – fried chicken
• Feral Pizza – pizza
• Kalimotxo – I want to try their new location
• Knuckle Sandwich – sandwiches
• Loudmouth – pizza and more
• Paper Boy – the go-to brunch, haven’t been since it was a food truck
• P Thai’s Khao Man Gai – I do love Haianese chicken rice
• Rockman Bakery – newest bakery, had some things delivered by a friend but want to dine in and try more
• The Flower Shop – 70s diner meets dive bar

Here’s to more great eats in 2025!

What was your favorite thing eaten this year?

Need more of my favorite eats? Here are the posts to read:

• Flavors of the Month Q4 2024
• Flavors of the Month Q3 2024
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2024
• Flavors of the Month Q1 2024
• 12 Best Things I Ate and Drank in 2023
• 10 Best Things I Ate in 2022

The post Best Things I Ate This Year – 2024 appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 12 places I ate at in October, November, and December.

Lunch at Dumpling World

This Chinese restaurant comes to Austin after locations in Sugar Land and Houston. As the name suggests, it offers different types of dumplings, including soup dumplings and pan-fried varieties. It was a hit with our group!

Cocktails at Lefty’s Brick Bar

You can count on Lefty’s Brick Bar for festive decorations and drinks. I’ve ended up here for Halloween and Christmas two years in a row, and they changed up their decor. The drinks are good but not noteworthy, though I have that issue with many Austin bars.

High-End Dinner at Garrison

Garrison at the Fairmont Hotel has a good reputation, so I finally made it. What it lacks in decor and ambiance, it makes up for in its food. We enjoyed the grilled oysters, picanha, pan-roasted grouper, and tater tots. The desserts were also good, especially the pecan souffle. The execution of the food was perfect though the pricing is a tad high.

Indian Food at Pav Bhaji

Need a flavor adventure in Austin, TX? You should try Pav Bhaji Express. This Indian Vegetarian Street Food Truck kindly hosted me to try their delicious food and I enjoyed these fresh flavors. Be sure to start your meal with their special chai.

Here’s what I loved (what you should order):

• Amul Cheese Pav Bhaji – spiced mashed vegetables in a thick gravy with added Amul cheese and butter (Amul is the brand)
• Sprout Bhel – green sprouts with onion, tomato, mint, chutney
• Paneer Dum Biryani – mixed rice dish with paneer (cheese)
• Dhai Batata Sev Poori – round crispy wafers filled with sprouts, potatoes, yogurt, chickpeas, and chutney

Sushi at Craft Omakase

If you’re looking for a sushi omakase to try in Austin, make this one! This post has all about it.

Filipino Dinner at Oko

When it comes to a stand-out dining experience, Oko is one of the tops of my list. This new Filipino restaurant has excellent dishes and delicious cocktails. Dishes we ordered and loved: kinilaw (hamachi), sinigang na pak-pak (chicken wings), oxtail kare-kare, Caesar salad, halo halo (dessert). I can’t wait to go back and try more dishes!

Tasting at GhostLine Kitchens

GhostLine Kitchens is a shared kitchen facility and ghost kitchen in Southeast Austin. Food businesses use the facility for things like prep, production, and as a take-out window. I visited as part of our Austin Food Blogger Alliance event and shared all about it in this post.

Hot Pot at Soupleaf

My favorite hot pot place in Austin is Soupleaf. It’s $35 per person for dinner and all-you-can-eat for veggies, noodles, meat, and more. You have individual soup pots, and it’s a fun, interactive meal for newbies.

Barbecue at Distant Relatives

This spot has long been on my list! It’s a barbecue food truck at Meanwhile Brewing Co. The chicken was very good but I wish the brisket had been better (slightly dry). I really like Meanwhile Brewing Co in general. It has several great food trucks and their beer is good!

Dinner at Buenos Aires Cafe + Drinks at Milango Room

We visited Buenos Aires Cafe for an Austin Food Blogger Alliance event, and I can’t believe I had not dined here before! This classic Austin restaurant has been in business for 19 years and is led by Chef Reina and her daughter Paola. This is the place to share an Argentinian menu while enjoying the warm and welcoming vibes of the restaurant. You have to get empanadas and meat from the grill. Say yes to chimichurri.

If you’re ready for post-dinner cocktails or just cocktails and dessert, make a reservation to Milango Room, their bar around the corner. It has intimate, speakeasy vibes and craft cocktails. It was a great spot for a cocktail and Cuatro Leches.

Lunch at Mam Mam

Mam Mam is located at Wingman Kitchens, a pop-up restaurant space at Springdale General. Wingman Kitchens rents out this full back-of-house kitchen space for long-term leases and Mam Mam has been serving their Southeast Asian dishes here. I loved their khao soi, my favorite Thai curry noodle soup dish. I hope they get their permanent brick-and-mortar space in the new year!

Dinner at Loro 

A second location of Loro has opened at the Domain. This Japanese and barbecue fusion does a good job with their smoked meats like brisket, salmon, and pork belly. We also like the double Smashburger.

Hope you try some of these winners in the new year!

If you need more recommendations, see these posts from this year:

• Flavors of the Month Q3 2024
• Flavors of the Month Q2 2024
• Flavors of the Month Q1 2024

The post Flavors of the Month Q4 2024 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

Here are 14+ places I dined at in July, August, and September.

Tacos at Taqueria 10 de 10

Go through the alley to a bar called ReyRey. Then go through the door on the right and you’ll find a somewhat secret restaurant for tacos! They’re serving Tijuana-style al pastor, carne asada, and more on homemade tortillas.

Dinner at Birdie’s

This restaurant opened in 2021 and it’s been highly regarded since then. Take a look at this post to read all about it.

Sushi at Toshokan

I’ve been crossing sushi omakases off my list this year, and I’ll have a detailed post soon! Until then, check out Toshokan. They call it a speakeasy because the entrance is an unsuspecting bookcase door inside of another business.

Masa Twinkie at Mercado Sin Nombre

This alley-way coffee shop in East Austin offers a unique masa twinkie. This maíz/corn is from Oaxaca, Mexico. A specific process makes it into masa, corn flour dough like what’s used to make tortillas. I describe the flavor as cake-like cornbread and they make it extra unique by adding orange buttercream as the filling.

Cocktails at Trona

I was charmed by this new-ish cocktail bar on the East Side. Its design is inspired by Oxacan and Japanese style. It’s intimate, moody, and luxurious.

Cake at Maie Day

While the burger ($14 during happy hour, $22 regularly) was good, we came for the cake. This restaurant at the South Congress Hotel serves a very fancy chocolate cake slice for $19.

Chef’s Tasting at Nixta Taqueria

This casual restaurant is stepping up with a chef’s tasting experience. I wrote about their masa omakase experience in this post.

Craft Beer at Fast Friends Beer Company

It’s been a while since I’ve visited a new brewery, and this one in South Austin, off I-35 between William Cannon and Slaughter, is massive. Of course, it has plenty of hoppy options. It’s a great addition to South Austin.

Domain Desserts

I researched desserts in the Domain area for a while and finally published my post on the 11 best options. Take a look at this post.

Boba and Egg Waffle at Tsaocaa (Hosted)

Tsaocaa (sew-cha) has three locations in Austin. I loved the Mashed Taro Bubble Milk Tea (with 50% sugar, 50% ice, and Coconut Milk) and the Matcha Bubble Egg Waffle.

Mango Desserts at Hui Lau Shan

Mangoes are my favorite fruit, so I’m delighted that Hui Lau Shan, an international chain, now has a location in Austin. My favorite is the mango mochi but also check out the mango bowls with blended mango and mango chunks.

Golden Horn + Yellow Ranger

There’s a trend of upscale retro bars. They’re a little divey but decorated with vintage style. Golden Horn is one of these. It’s located on Airport Blvd under Barflys. Yellow Ranger has a counter inside the bar and offers Chinese American dishes like Taiwanese Fried Chicken and Orange Cauliflower.

Drinks at Busty’s

Continuing the upscale retro bar trend, Busty’s is less than 5 minutes away from Golden Horn. This modern dive bar has diner eats like onion petals, hamburgers, and mushroom melts. Interestingly, this place offers tropical drinks! Be sure to check out the restrooms.

Cake at Polkadots Bakery

After 16 years, Polkadots Bakery has moved locations, out of West Campus to another house off 51st Street and I-35. I still remember when they first opened and all the cupcakes I enjoyed in college! Of course, their delicious cakes still hit the spot. I love the strawberry and cream flavor (what we had for our wedding cake), and you’ll find several flavors every day.

If you didn’t know, Austin has many great places to try! Let me know if you try any of these.

Need more recommendations? Check out these posts:

• Flavors of the Month Q2 2024 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• Flavors of the Month Q1 2024 – Austin Restaurants to Try
• 12 Best Things I Ate and Drank in 2023

The post Flavors of the Month Q3 2024 – Austin Restaurants to Try appeared first on Fearless Captivations.