Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Austin

62 restaurants available nearby

1. La Condesa

4.6

Exceptional(2245)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 22 times today

La Condesa is a local favorite in Austin's 2nd Street District, known for its inventive, farm-to-table Mexican cuisine. It's praised for its excellent service, beautiful decor, and unique dishes. As one reviewer put it, it's a 'real gem in the 2nd area and a new favorite stop!', with others calling it 'one of the absolute best in all of Austin'.

A photo of The Roosevelt Room restaurant

2. The Roosevelt Room

4.8

Exceptional(1302)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

The Roosevelt Room is Austin's most awarded cocktail bar, offering a seated experience with table service provided by its knowledgeable bar staff to guide guests through its expansive menu of classic and original cocktails, craft beer, wine, and epicurean bar food.The Roosevelt Room has received the following accolades: Top Four Best American Cocktail Bar 2022 by the Spirited Awards, Top Four Best American Bar Team 2022 by the Spirited Awards, Top Five Best Cocktail Bar 2022 by Liquor.com's Liquor Awards, Austin's Best New Cocktail Bar 2015 by Thrillist, & Bar of the Year 2017 by TimeOut Austin.RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED. Walk-ins are welcome, but please note that there may be a short wait for the next available table. If your reservation details change, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate last-minute alterations, but we cannot guarantee immediate seating for any additional guests. For reservations of 11+, click the "Book an Event" tab on our website.

3. Corner

4.6

Exceptional(991)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Downtown

Booked 39 times today

Welcome to Corner Restaurant! Ideally located in downtown Austin, you’ll find modern Texas fare and local twists on classic recipes, all in a stunning location on the corner of 2nd and Congress. Whether you’re looking for local Austin flavors inspired by the 5 Corners of Texas, delicious cocktails, or the perfect boozy brunch, Corner’s patio bar & restaurant has it all.

4. Caroline

4.3

Awesome(1150)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 35 times today

Our all-day spot is perfect for homemade breakfast, lunch, dinner and to-go options. Located in the buzzing Austin's central district, Caroline Restaurant is a great place to jump start your day or enjoy a late afternoon glass of wine, curated cocktail, and full dinner menu. With a focus on regional cuisines our neighborhood restaurant has recreated classic dishes to make them healthful but delicious.

A photo of Roaring Fork - Downtown, Congress restaurant

5. Roaring Fork - Downtown, Congress

4.7

Exceptional(3490)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Roaring Fork is a neighborhood gem because it offers an exceptional dining experience. It's praised for its cozy, comfortable atmosphere and the exceptional service. The food is consistently great, with the wood-fire grilled items being a standout. It's located right in the heart of downtown, making it easy to access other venues. The reviews show that it's a favorite spot for special occasions and memorable meals.

A photo of Lamberts Downtown Barbecue restaurant

6. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

4.7

Exceptional(2267)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

BBQ ALWAYS, LIVE MUSIC OFTENLocated on the corner of 2nd and Guadalupe Streets in downtown Austin (a block away from Town Lake & Moody Theater), in a historic 1873 Victorian building once home to J.P. Schneider general store, Lamberts features modern Texas classics including expertly smoked barbecue, grilled prime steaks, simple yet elegant apps and mains, and homestyle sides. We are open daily for lunch and dinner.The two-story dining room features an open kitchen, two bars (with one of the best whiskey selections in town) as well as an outdoor patio surrounding our Mill Scale smoker. The design includes black leather banquettes and repurposed sinker pine table tops. The vibe is laid-back Austin and not afraid to get a little rowdy at times—especially when there's live music Upstairs at Lamberts. *If booking an outdoor table, please note that patio seating is weather contingent. During those times, we will do our best to accommodate indoor seating depending on availability.

7. Ranch 616

4.6

Exceptional(1547)

Price: Expensive

• Southwest • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

South Texas Ice House, "Texas Cuisine" Products from the Texas Gulf to the Texas Hill Country."The huge snake logo on the outside of an otherwise nondescript building -- created by Bob "Daddy-O" Wade, best known for the oversize boots that front San Antonio's North Star Mall -- is your first hint that this place might be a bit, well, different. Inside, cowboy kitsch, 1950s diner decor, and Mexican folk art mingle, as do workers from the nearby county offices, local movers and shakers, and anyone else looking for terrific food that, like the decor, defies easy categorization.Call it South Texas gourmet. You can really taste the chipotle chilies in the tartar sauce that comes with some of the best crispy oysters this side of the Mason-Dixon Line, and the Gulf fish tacos are gussied up with chili lime aioli and Tabasco jalapeño onions. You get the idea -- lots of spicy dishes."

A photo of Taverna - Downtown Austin restaurant

8. Taverna - Downtown Austin

4.5

Awesome(1166)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 40 times today

Taverna is a restaurant utilizing authentic Italian flavors to create memorable dishes. This restaurant is designed from the ground up to be a neighborhood bistro. Taverna is meant to be the kind of restaurant that guests can bring their family for either a casual meal or to celebrate special occasions. While the inside of the restaurant is cozy, the best place to enjoy the great food is out on the wraparound patio.Taverna is open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. During lunch and dinner service, guests will find a large variety of menu items available. Pasta, soups, salads and pizza are all popular choices. Taverna is also known for their risotto, as an entire section of the menu is devoted to the "risotteria". The signature risotto topped with a simple blend of parmesan cheese and black truffle cream sauce.

A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant

9. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

4.6

Exceptional(1703)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 43 times today

North Italia is a neighborhood gem in downtown Austin, known for its delicious Italian cuisine. Reviews rave about the 'great food & great service' and the 'cool ambiance'. Customers also appreciate the 'easy-going environment' and the 'reasonable prices', making it a favorite spot for locals. The 'modern Italia experiences' crafted here, including handmade pastas and pizzas, make it a must-visit for any occasion.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - Austin restaurant

10. Fogo de Chao - Austin

4.6

Exceptional(2126)

Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 122 times today

Fogo de Chao in Austin is a neighborhood gem, offering a unique dining experience with their traditional Brazilian churrasco method. Reviews are consistently high, with guests praising the 'outstanding' food, 'lovely ambiance', and 'exceptional service'. The restaurant's location in Downtown Austin adds to its appeal, making it a recommended spot for special events or dates.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Amy
Austin •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Jason was our server. He took great care of us. He made nice suggestions. The cocktails were wonderful. Which each had a different entree and all outstanding. My only negative comment…. $12 for a basket of French Fries? That right there tells you that all prices are inflated. Bottom line, Roaring Forks is consistently delicious. The pork & green chili is NOT to be missed!
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Roaring Fork - Downtown, CongressPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.7
S
Stephanie
Atlanta Metro •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great service! The restaurant is beautiful and low key, ambience is very chill, and the food was delicious! The staff was so kind! Will definitely be back!
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CornerPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Southern• Downtown
•
4.6
E
Erica
Austin •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Our waiter Manny was super! Great recommendations and great service. Food was fresh and flavorful. You can tell the care and time they take to make their plates here. I enjoyed the background and context given for each plate as it came out and made the experience that much better.
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La CondesaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
S
ScottVIP
San Antonio •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Every single visit, you can expect outstanding service, attention to detail, beautiful presentation, and quality drinks! I recommend the Roosevelt to out of town guests, work colleagues, clients, and neighbors. When you get a chance, make your registration and experience it for yourself. I also highly recommend taking one of their cocktails classes throughout the year. I learn something every time. Cheers to Justin and his stellar crew!!
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The Roosevelt RoomPrice: Expensive• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.8
W
Will
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Great ambiance! Food was excellent and made for a great first date spot.
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CarolinePrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.3

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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Austin

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62 restaurants available nearby

1. La Condesa

2. The Roosevelt Room

3. Corner

4. Caroline

5. Roaring Fork - Downtown, Congress

6. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

7. Ranch 616

8. Taverna - Downtown Austin

9. North Italia - Austin 2nd Street

10. Fogo de Chao - Austin

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