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The 6 best new Austin restaurants of 2023

A photo of Red logo
by Claudia Alarcón
Updated December 18, 2023

Austin’s restaurant scene always sizzles with top-notch Tex-Mex and next-level barbecue, but 2023 brought innovative new spots that combine Lone Star State swagger with global accents.

These debuts were beloved by diners and critics alike, like a New American hotspot by a six-time James Beard Award nominee or a Latin-inspired, live-fire dazzler that earned a nod from the Austin American-Statesman. Read on for a guide to the six reservations you need to make at Austin’s hottest 2023 restaurant openings.

A photo of Ember Kitchen restaurant
4.7
4.7 (306)
$50 and over
Contemporary Latin
Downtown
About the restaurant

This sprawling Latin-inspired restaurant made its Downtown debut in February and quickly scored praise from local publications for its agave-lined basement lounge and industrial-chic aesthetic—an ode to its historic Seaholm Power Plant address. Not to mention a phenomenal, always-changing fire-kissed menu that could include delicacies like dry-aged Texas ribeye with birria and a popular caviar-topped spin on sopes.


Top review
Tammy
Dined today
Claire was the greatest & gave us the greatest experience ever!!! I would definitely go back!!!
A photo of Ezov restaurant
4.7
4.7 (682)
$50 and over
Mediterranean
East Austin
About the restaurant

When the hit-making Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group opened its eighth restaurant in April, it paired its signature local-first philosophy with a modern Middle Eastern menu. The result is a Texas-meets-Tel Aviv destination that excels at dishes including smashed cucumber with labneh and nigella seed, plus Mediterranean faithfuls like falafel and chicken shawarma. Add a vibrant pink-and-red space with graffitied lampshades—an ode to Tel Aviv’s famous markets—and you’ve got one of Austin’s boldest 2023 debuts.


Top review
FrankVIP
Dined 3 days ago
We really enjoyed the food and the service was fantastic. The octopus was among the best I've tasted. The hummus was awesome. Highly recommended!
A photo of Uchiba Austin restaurant
4.8
4.8 (177)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
About the restaurant

Austinites were thrilled to welcome a more laidback sibling to award-winning chef Tyson Cole’s high-end Japanese icon, Uchi, when Uchiba opened its doors in September. The hotly anticipated izakaya pours Japanese whiskeys and high-ball cocktails, best paired with snacks like yakitori, baos, and dumplings. Even the seemingly casual bites here get Cole’s intricate touch, and the menu makes room for certain Uchi blockbusters like the Hama Chili—a legendary yellowtail crudo in a citrusy and spicy marinade.


Top review
TempyVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Enjoyed an early bird dinner here on a very cold and rainy Wednesday night. It was packed at 5 PM, but we were whisked to our booth as soon as our group arrived and were able to place an order for some of the happy hour specials before ordering our main meal. Our group of four tried a selection of sashimi, rolls and nigiri and everything was top-notch. The decor is beautiful and very cozy. Our server was excellent and acknowledged our group birthdays with a complimentary sashimi tasting plate. He paid close attention throughout the evening to ensure we had a great time. We will definitely be back.
A photo of Fabrik restaurant
5.0
5 (298)
$50 and over
Vegan
East Austin
About the restaurant

Austin’s first fully plant-based tasting menu restaurant opened in August and draws crowds for a high-end vegan lineup that’s already earned three stars from Texas Monthly. Dishes star locally sourced flour, herbs and flowers from hydroponic gardens, plus housemade tofu, vegan cheese, and more. Chef and owner Je Wheeler spent years training in international kitchens, which explains her menu’s Japanese, Italian, and Nordic twists. You can feel extra good about dining at this game-changing newcomer: Fabrik aims to use up every piece of food in dishes or compost, underscoring its status as an up-and-coming sustainability star.


Top review
Sabari
Dined 5 days ago
My wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Fabrik in Austin last night, and from start to finish, the experience exceeded our expectations. As a fully plant-based restaurant, Fabrik showcases a level of creativity and execution that rivals even the best fine dining establishments. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by Mary and Moriah, who went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was exceptional. Their attentiveness, knowledge of the menu, and genuine enthusiasm for the restaurant’s offerings made us feel truly valued as guests. Ambiance & Atmosphere Fabrik has a modern yet cozy ambiance, with an intimate setting that feels both inviting and sophisticated. The minimalist decor allows the food to take center stage while still maintaining a comfortable and stylish atmosphere. Food & Presentation The menu at Fabrik is a testament to how innovative plant-based cuisine can be. Every dish we tried was beautifully plated and bursting with flavor. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was remarkable. One standout dish was mushroom cappellacci, which had an incredible depth of flavor, proving that plant-based cuisine can be both indulgent and satisfying. The balance of textures and the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients made each bite a delight. We also appreciated the thoughtfully curated beverage pairings, which complemented the dishes perfectly. Service & Experience Mary and Moriah were the highlight of our experience. Their warmth and professionalism made our evening even more memorable. They took the time to explain the dishes, offer recommendations, and check in at just the right moments. Their passion for hospitality was evident, and they truly elevated our night. Final Thoughts Fabrik is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience plant-based fine dining at its best. Whether you’re vegan or simply a lover of great food, this restaurant proves that plant-based cuisine can be indulging and tasty.
A photo of El Raval restaurant
4.7
4.7 (529)
$31 to $50
Spanish
South Austin
About the restaurant

Chef Laila Bazahm, who spent much of her culinary career in Barcelona’s multicultural El Raval neighborhood, is the force behind this relaxed and trendy tapas bar. Her latest restaurant took over an older tapas spot (Barlata) in May and stands out for an exceptionally cosmopolitan approach to Spanish small plates, which weaves in global flavors like French vadouvan masala and Filipino escabeche. Also go for a dynamic drinks menu by Moe Aljaff and Juliette Laroui, the duo behind Two Schmucks, a Barcelona dive bar that claimed a spot on 2022’s World’s 50 Best Bars Lists. It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind restaurant that’s an extension of the edgy Spanish neighborhood it’s named after.


Top review
Becca
Dined 4 days ago
We treated ourselves to El Raval as a nostalgic nod to our trip to Barcelona last year. It was fun to order many of our favorite tapas from the trip, and felt that it was a delicious, fun meal. The staff was warm and friendly, and at the end we asked one of the servers what his favorite dessert was. He changed his mind once he gave his answer, so we ordered his "final answer". A few minutes later, out he came... With our order, AND his original favorite... as a gift. He didn't want us to leave without trying both! THAT kind gesture really MADE our meal memorable and special, as he offered us true HOSPITALITY! It made us feel so good, so welcome, and so special. We will come back, because of THAT feeling! By the way- you should order both desserts too... Try the rice pudding with Dulce de leche ice cream, and cream stuffed toast... enjoying them TOGETHER is an amazing contrasting treat!
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