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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Austin

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71 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Aba - Austin restaurant
1. Aba - Austin
4.8
Exceptional(1261)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • East Austin
Booked 189 times today
Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, is a Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence. The menu features Chef CJ Jacobson’s modern approach to Mediterranean cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean regions.
A photo of Red Ash Italia restaurant
2. Red Ash Italia
4.9
Exceptional(4113)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 130 times today
Wood Fired hand crafted Italian food set in a rustic modern open space in the warehouse district in ATX. A wide range of specialty dishes created by Chef owner John Carver and his staff on a nightly basis. Our house made Pastas, Fresh Seafood, and Prime Steaks are all prepared on wood fired grill, oven and plancha. An International wine list, specialty craft cocktails, and local brewed beers to choose from. Dolce and some Grappa, Amaro or Vino Dolce to add to your dining experience at Red Ash Italia.
A photo of Sammie's Italian restaurant
3. Sammie's Italian
4.8
Exceptional(1529)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 77 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 Suerte restaurant
4. Suerte
4.9
Exceptional(130)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • East Austin
Booked 123 times today
Suerte is a restaurant inspired by the people, cooking techniques, and flavors of Mexico. Nationally acclaimed Chef Fermin Nunez and his team pride themselves on the use of local ingredients from our beloved farmers to achieve something delicious and uniquely East Austin.
A photo of El Alma Cafe y Cantina restaurant
5. El Alma Cafe y Cantina
4.8
Exceptional(1003)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 45 times today
Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home."It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma
A photo of Chapulín Cantina restaurant
6. Chapulín Cantina
4.6
Exceptional(266)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Chapulín Cantina is an authentic Oaxacan restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere. The reviews highlight the unique, high-quality dishes and the fresh, authentic flavors. The restaurant also boasts an extensive selection of mezcals. The festive Mexican vibe and decor enhance the overall dining experience. The service is consistently praised as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.
A photo of The Well restaurant
7. The Well
4.8
Exceptional(593)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 58 times today
Located in Austin's iconic 2ND Street District at 440 W. 2nd St., The Well blends top-tier nutrition, local and sustainable farming, and authentic flavors for a culinary experience that redefines healthy food in Downtown Austin.
A photo of The Guest House Austin restaurant
8. The Guest House Austin
4.6
Exceptional(228)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
Welcome to The Guest House – A new dining destination in downtown Austin. We are redefining the dining experience, infusing timeless classics with a modern twist. Our restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual meet-up, business meeting, or a special celebration.
A photo of Vespaio Austin restaurant
9. Vespaio Austin
4.8
Exceptional(1788)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Vespaio Restaurant is one of the original South Congress eateries and remains one of Austin's favorite Italian go-to's among locals and visitors. This casual dinner venue is a popular choice for date nights or evenings out with friends, seating every day at 5pm. The interior of Vespaio Restaurant is decorated with ceiling tiles, ceiling plans, vintage pendant lighting, classic table seating, a plethora of wine racks and vibrant accent walls.In addition to a full bar menu, Vespaio Restaurant offers a lengthy selection of mouth-watering and flavorful authentic Italian dishes. Menu items include carpaccio, mixed seafood stew, lasagna, mussels, calamari, spaghetti carbonara, chocolate hazelnut cake, panna cotta and green pasta with shrimp. Everything on the menu is sourced locally and prepared in-house, including the pasta, bread and pastries.
A photo of Dean's Italian Steakhouse restaurant
10. Dean's Italian Steakhouse
4.7
Exceptional(1423)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 63 times today
Dean’s Italian Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse with Italian expression serving up prime cuts of beef including Texas and Japanese A5 Wagyu, as well as authentic house-made pasta, a raw bar and market-fresh seafood. Enjoy a generous weekday happy hour on The Veranda at Dean's - the distinct corner space with patio seating from 5 to 6:30pm. At Dean’s Austin, you'll experience an innovative passion for deep-rooted hospitality.

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Discover best authentic restaurants in South Austin

Discover the heart of South Austin's dining scene with a selection of restaurants that epitomize authenticity. Each establishment in this vibrant neighborhood brings a unique flair to their culinary creations, ensuring a memorable dining experience steeped in local culture. These restaurants excel in offering a genuine taste of their respective cuisines, with each location passionately delivering dishes made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere in these eateries varies from casual and cozy to sophisticated and innovative, catering to a variety of dining preferences. Patrons can expect not only exceptional food but also attentive service that emphasizes a personal touch, enhancing the overall authenticity of the experience. South Austin itself is celebrated for its eclectic and dynamic dining scene, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking true culinary authenticity. This curated list of restaurants promises to satisfy your cravings with their dedication to genuine flavors and exceptional dining environments.

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