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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Central Austin

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nori restaurant
1. Nori
4.8
Exceptional(340)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old West Austin
Booked 31 times today
Plant-based Japanese Cuisine serving sushi, ramen and crafted cocktails. Cozy romantic atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating available. Come try our best seller Volcano Roll and handmade Shiitake Gyozas.
A photo of Yamas Austin restaurant
2. Yamas Austin
4.6
Exceptional(1148)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Austin
Booked 61 times today
For parties of 12 or more, please email reservations@yamasatx.com. We look forward to having you dine with us.
A photo of Aris restaurant
3. Aris
4.7
Exceptional(64)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Austin
Booked 79 times today
Discover Austin’s newest dining gem, Aris, brought to you by Sof Hospitality. Located in opulent Clarksville, Aris blends modern Mediterranean cuisine with stunning design. Enjoy prime dry-aged steaks, fresh fish, and vegetable-forward dishes in a lively, terracotta-accented space. With a curated wine and cocktail program, and an inviting atmosphere, Aris is the perfect spot to gather, celebrate, and unwind. Open daily at 5 p.m.
A photo of Paperboy restaurant
4. Paperboy
4.9
Exceptional(258)
Price: Expensive
• Breakfast • East Austin
Booked 71 times today
Paperboy is a breakfast and lunch spot, known for its thoughtfully curated menu and comfortable atmosphere. We use simple, quality ingredients in our dishes, with bread, juices, sauces and preserves made in-house. Whether you grab a pastry and coffee to go or sit and enjoy a meal with your friends, we put just as much thought and care into the Paperboy experience as the food itself.
A photo of Sushi Endo restaurant
5. Sushi Endo
4.9
Exceptional(99)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative Japanese • Old West Austin
Booked 5 times today
For only $150 a seat for a limited time, experience the exquisite craftsmanship of Chef Endo Yasuhiro's 20-course omakase at our establishment, a collaboration with the renowned Sushi Nakazawa of Washington D.C. and New York City fame. Indulge in a culinary journey meticulously curated by Chef Endo, showcasing the finest ingredients and traditional techniques.Enhancing your dining experience, our custom bar features an impressive selection of rare Japanese whiskies, top-rated sake, and artisanal beers sourced from both local and Japanese breweries. Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Japan as you savor each sip and bite.To further entice your palate, please note that our menu changes daily, ensuring that you experience the freshest and most seasonal offerings handpicked by Chef Endo himself. Join us and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
6. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1498)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 69 times today
Sammie’s is a little taste of old Italy in downtown Austin. It celebrates the great ‘red sauce’ institution—inspired by old school, legendary Italian-American restaurants. The menu offers classic dishes in a casual but sophisticated, retro-designed space that is both lively and comfortable, capturing the essence of a night out at your favorite neighborhood joint. The space consists of a central dining room overlooking Shoal Creek and 6th Street, polished wood bar, Mildred’s Room (a private dining/wine room), and wraparound patio dining area. Please note that patio seating is weather contingent. The menu offers riffs on standards including Housemade Mozzarella Sticks, Clams Casino, and Caesar Salad a la Tommy; timeless pastas like Spaghetti with Meatballs, and Linguine Vongole; and Sammie’s Classics: big portions of iconic plates like Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana, Veal Marsala, and Baked Manicotti.
A photo of It's Italian Cucina restaurant
7. It's Italian Cucina
4.7
Exceptional(897)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • South Austin
Booked 8 times today
Northern Italian Cuisine, A True Piedmont Restaurant, Martini and Wine Bar, along with an Award winning Patio (il Cortile) Comfortable and cool in Summer with misting fans, and warm in winter with heaters.Our philosophy - is one of Cucina Italiana! We cook for you as we do for our family with “Una Passione Grande” in a polished casual atmosphere.Our focus on the menu, includes fresh handmade pasta, seafood, meats, cheese, and desserts, along with handmade craft cocktails and award winning wine list.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
8. Wu Chow-Downtown
4.6
Exceptional(2205)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
We are now open for Dine-in, Patio Service, Curbside, and Delivery! Lunch Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm Dinner Monday – Thursday 5pm–10pm | Friday – Saturday 5pm–11pmSunday Dim Sum 11am–3pm Happy Hour | Monday -- Friday (Cocktail Area & Patio Only) 5pm–6pmWu Chow brings authentic, farm-fresh, modern Chinese food to the heart of downtown Austin, offering dishes representative of all eight styles of Chinese cuisine, as well as Dim Sum service on Sunday's -- dine-in or to go!
A photo of Lucky Robot restaurant
9. Lucky Robot
4.8
Exceptional(1225)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Bouldin Creek
Booked 50 times today
Lucky Robot is a gem in Austin, known for its unique blend of Modern Nikkei cuisine and traditional sushi. As one reviewer put it, it's 'such a great place!' with 'interesting and varied menus', 'beautiful dining rooms' and 'excellent food and service'. Their 'quality food' and 'impeccable' service make it worth the visit. Plus, they're committed to sustainability and healthy oceans, making every bite a conscious choice.
A photo of Top Roe restaurant
10. Top Roe
4.5
Awesome(26)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Top Roe is a Yōshoko Japanese restaurant located in Austin Texas. Created by Executive Chef Paul Qui, there are two experiences offered under one roof: Top Roe Izakaya and Top Roe Hand Roll. Our 12-seat handroll counter operates on a first come, first served basis. Because no one likes a soggy handroll, Top Roe’s handrolls are exclusively offered at the handroll counter. The handroll counter also encourages a 30-to-45-minute dining experience to preserve the integrity of the freshly made handrolls. Top Roe’s menu in the izakaya-style dining room offers a small plate menu featuring agemono(fried dishes), yakimono (grilled dishes) and cold plates dictated by what’s available from Qui’s favorite local farms and meat and seafood purveyors. Stay for a while if you’d like! The izakaya dining room is designed to welcome longer dining experiences than its in-and-out handroll bar counterpart.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • PatriciaVIP
    Greater Boston •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always fabulous food, fun ambiance and wonderful service! Very friendly staff and attentive care! The jazz on Saturday night was fantastic! Love the Mexican martinis!
    More info
    Las Palomas Restaurant-BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Austin / Westlake
    •
    4.6
  • Elizabeth
    Austin •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went here for my birthday celebration and it was absolutely amazing! One of the prettiest restaurants i’ve ever been to and the surprised us with a birthday dessert! Great service and the food was amazing! It was loud when we went because they had a dj so beware if that’s not your thing.
    More info
    Yamas AustinPrice: Expensive• Greek• Austin
    •
    4.6
  • Amy
    Austin •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I had such a great experience at Wu Chow! The atmosphere was stylish yet inviting, and the service was excellent. The pork belly dumplings were incredible, perfectly tender with so much flavor in every bite. The Sichuan Deep-Fried Chicken had the perfect amount of crunch and just the right level of spice. Everything tasted fresh and well-balanced, and the cocktails were a great complement to the meal. I’d definitely go back for another delicious night out!
    More info
    Wu Chow-DowntownPrice: Expensive• Chinese• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • LauraVIP
    Austin •104 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Our visit to Saffron on Saturday night was very satisfying! The service is excellent and the food is really special. We love the scallops for an appetizer. They sauce they use with them is amazing. We both got fish dishes off the Indian selections and they were excellent. We have gone often in the past and are happy to start putting this wonderful, quiet gem back on our regular schedule.
    More info
    SaffronPrice: Expensive• Indian• North Central
    •
    4.4
  • Danny
    Dallas - Fort Worth •3 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Good food and service. Nice Christmas lunch with family.
    More info
    EbisuPrice: Moderate• Creative Japanese• Northwest
    •
    4.3

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Central Austin

Discover the culinary treasures of Central Austin with our curated list of restaurants that are truly "worth the drive". Each dining spot offers a unique blend of flavors, atmosphere, and top-notch service that stands out in the vibrant Austin food scene. Whether you're craving innovative Tex-Mex, authentic Interior Mexican cuisine, or farm-to-table freshness, these establishments promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Central Austin is not just a hub for political and cultural activities; it’s also a thriving gastronomic center known for its eclectic food offerings that cater to all taste buds. Our selection focuses on restaurants that not only provide exceptional meals but also enrich your dining experience with their charming ambiances and expert staff. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful culinary exploration, these restaurants make every drive worthwhile. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination as you explore these gastronomic gems in Central Austin.

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