Where Chefs Eat in Austin

by Phaidon

Updated 15 December 2023

You’re in luck. The world’s best chefs are sharing their favorite places to dine out in Austin. We’ve partnered with Phaidon’s Where Chefs Eat, the best-selling restaurant guidebook with over 7,000 recommendations across the globe, to create a list of restaurants in Austin where chefs love to eat. Grab your copy of this must-have guide, and get 30% off, just for being an OpenTable diner.

Vespaio Austin

4.7

4.7 (1708)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

"This is one of the first good restaurants to open, when Austin was still a sleepy college town. It's laid-back and neighborhood-y but they have great food and bartenders." – Larry McGuire

Top review

Lindsay

Dined 6 days ago

Vespaio is our new favorite restaurant in Austin. The food is terrific, the service is excellent and the staff have all been very friendly. We also like that their pasta has half portion sizes in case you are looking to also order a secondo (meat) item. And the wine list is amazing. So many wonderful choices from all over the world, but especially for Italian and French wines.

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Popular dish

Pappardelle Bolognese

Popular dish

Linguine con Vongole

June's All Day

4.8

4.8 (1039)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Kevin Fink from Emmer & Rye

Top review

Jamesvip

Dined on 20 Nov 2024

Outstanding food and ambience, this is a gem! well worth a visit.

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Experience

Happy Hour | Monday - Friday

Uchiko Austin

4.8

4.8 (6042)

$50 and over

Sushi

Central Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Kevin Fink from Emmer & Rye

Top review

Debbie

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent dining experience. Server was fantastic-very accommodating. Food was delicious. Guests were from San Francisco and commented that this food was better than anything in SF. Highly recommend!

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4.7

4.7 (277)

$30 and under

Mexican

East Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Jesse Griffiths from Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club

Top review

Alex

Dined 6 days ago

There is a wide range of food items to choose from. Fresh salsa served with chips when you arrive, so yummy. Server was very nice. I enjoy the laid back atmosphere in a home setting. My mole was delicious. I highly recommend this spot.

Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar

4.9

4.9 (3716)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

"Great, simple seafood and oysters. Very consistent, with good service and fun wines." – Jesse Griffiths

Top review

jeff kline

Dined 2 days ago

All around great experience in typical Perla’s fashion.