When deciding who has the most top tier cuisine, New York City predictably comes to the top of the list. It’s easy to understand why. NYC is considered by many to be the epicenter of the world, and its food choices are beyond amazing.
For all of the dining options NYC has, there’s another city in the United States that actually does one better than the Big Apple, and that place is none other than Austin, Texas. The capital city of the Lone Star state has excellent eating from various parts of the world.
From Tex-Mex to Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, Austin is a foodie’s dream. You don’t have to go far to find new and interesting fare. These restaurants are a prime example of why Austin has dethroned NYC for the culinary crown.
Ramos Tex Mex
When it comes to authentic Tex Mex, it doesn’t get more honest than at Ramos Tex Mex Restaurant. Everything, from the food and drinks to the warm, homelike atmosphere and friendly staff, is the real deal.
Each item on the menu is freshly made by hand every day – there’s no frozen food reheated and thawed in a pot of boiling water. You can have breakfast tacos, fajitas for lunch, and ground beef chile relleno for dinner.
El Arroyo
For a memorable Tex Mex meal with a side dish of humor, El Arroyo is the place to visit. The restaurant, which has been open for nearly 50 years, is as well known for its funny marquee sign messages as it is for its dishes.
Whether you’re dining in or taking your food to go, you’ll make El Arroyo one of your must-visit places in Austin. The queso flameado, flautas, or mucho macho nachos are a great starter to any meal.
Revolution Vegan Kitchen
You don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian to enjoy the foods served at Revolution Vegan Kitchen, and when you get a look at their wide ranging, family-friendly menu, you’ll see exactly why.
Their vegan version of a Big Mac has two Beyond Patties served on a brioche bun, with their signature mac sauce, onions, pickles, melted American cheese, and Romaine lettuce with a side order of fries.
The Bougie Foodie
Many people think of savory foods when they see a food truck, but The Bougie Foodie is here to challenge that belief. The Bougie Foodie is a food truck that specializes in very appetizing sweets.
They’re known for desserts such as the Biscoff Cookie Butter Rice Krispie Treat, Our Famous Choco Chip Mountain, and Coffee Crumb Cake. As an added bonus, they ship nationwide.
Bombay Dhaba
One of the strengths of Austin’s culinary scene is the representation of international cuisine. That’s evident in eats like Bombay Dhaba and its Indian cuisine. Mild or spicy, Bombay Dhaba has it.
Menu items include Mysore masa dosa, which is a lentil and crepe filled with potatoes and spices, and saag paneer, with spinach and homemade fried cheese in masala with a mild sauce.
Old Thousand
Traditional Chinese fare with some American touches are found at Old Thousand. You can find those fusion elements in their cabbage pickles, honey pecan shrimp, and jalapeňo popper rangoons.
Customers have the option of dining in, taking orders to go, or having their meals delivered. For special events, Old Thousand’s catering menu has something for everyone, and they offer large group and private dining.
The Original Black’s Barbecue
Five generations of the Black family have tended to their Texas barbecue since 1932. The restaurant started in Lockhart, Texas, but has since expanded to four locations, including Austin.
They’ve proudly served their barbecue to more than 50 million people around the world. Beef brisket, homemade sausage, smoked turkey, and a variety of sandwiches have placed this BBQ joint on the map.
la Barbecue
The food at la Barbecue has earned Ali Clem a Michelin star, an impressive achievement. Clem, who started her restaurant business in a trailer, is the renowned chef and owner.
Ia Barbecue offers a variety of specialty sandwiches, like the La Frito Loco which has chopped brisket, pulled pork, black beans, chipotle slaw, jalapenos, cheese, and Fritos. You can also buy barbecue by the pound.
Hestia
Another Austin restaurant that has earned a Michelin star is Hestia. Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, the establishment is the perfect setting for a quiet dinner for two, or for a table of family and friends.
Hestia has a tasting menu that includes dishes such as figs & caviar, dry aged Texas wagyu ribeye, and salmon. The a la carte menu features oysters, crab tostada, and berkshire pork chops.
Barley Swine
What sets Barley Swine apart from other restaurants in Austin is the seasonal tasting menus, and the commitment to using locally sourced ingredients in all of the dishes that are made.
Besides the evolving menu, Barley Swine offers menus for patrons who follow gluten-free, vegetarian, and pescatarian diets. Some of their dishes for the fall 2025 season include shishito tamales and shrimp & grits.
Get Ready to Dine!
If you’re fortunate enough to already live in Austin or in the immediate vicinity, you have your choice of excellent eateries to enjoy. Anyone outside of the Austin area now has the perfect excuse to visit – the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
