Best Contemporary French American Restaurants in South Austin

I took my husband here for this birthday. Food, staff, and atmosphere were great! We were impressed by how flawless the staff works together. All of the courses were excellent and we appreciated the staff recommendations. Great wine selection. They gave a nice birthday card and small dessert to my husband!

The ambience here is pretty hard to beat, specifically if you reserve an outdoor seat during sunset. I highly recommend this place for a special occasion on a nice weather day. The food is great, but you’re paying for the excellence, so what really gives Nido an edge is the ambience, particularly the outdoor seating and view of Town Lake & Downtown Austin. I went to celebrate an engagement and our waitress, KQ, treated us perfectly. She gave us complimentary champagne and made us feel celebrated.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that perfectly blends French elegance with bold Texas flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit! From start to finish, every bite was an adventure. We started with the whipped chèvre spread—possibly the best goat cheese I’ve ever had. It was perfectly balanced between tangy and savory, with a delightful crunch. We even saved the last bits to pair with our entrees! The Bacon Jam Gougères were the ultimate French/Texas fusion—flaky, savory, and absolutely indulgent. For entrees, the duck confit was cooked to perfection, and the sea bass had an unexpected twist that elevated it to the next level. Both were amazing and highly recommend. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, we ended with the pecan pie-inspired éclair. Imagine all the richness of pecan pie reimagined in a light, airy pastry—it was pure genius and the perfect sweet finish to an extraordinary meal. The ambiance was warm and inviting, the service flawless, and the menu’s creativity unmatched. Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this place delivers an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to come back and explore more of this incredible menu. Props to the chef of this fantastic addition to the Austin restaurant scene.

Wink is always absolutely delicious. The ambiance is perfect and service is outstanding. Love going there!