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Bess Bistro on Pecan
Eclectic
500 West Sixth St; 477.2377
Sandra Bullock’s quaint and cool basement bistro features a newly revamped menu with a focus on locally grown ingredients, plus a successful recycling program — one of Austin’s only restaurants to do so. The fare ranges from burgers to Cornish game hen to salmon. An excellent selection of wine, beer and specialty cocktails plus courteous laid back service compliment the experience.Lunch (Sun-Fri, $9-$18); Dinner (Sun-Sat, $11-$29).
 Honey Chipotle Shrimp
Tropical/Caribbean
1200-B West Sixth St; 322.9226
Using herbs, spices, chiles, fruits, and vegetables from the world’s exotic tropical places, Chef Charles Mays has been delighting Austin’s enthusiasts of island-style cuisine for many years. The flavorful fare is paired with a carefully selected and eclectic wine list. Often lauded as “the best place for seafood,” Café Josie is perfect for a casual lunch and ideal for a romantic dinner. This is a true hidden gem, and one of Austin’s most underrated restaurants. Lunch (Tues-Fri, $10-$12); Dinner (Tues-Sat, $18-$24).
Clementine Coffee Bar
Bistro/Eclectic
2200 Manor Rd; 472.9900
A rejuvenating hangout, sunlight floods the room during the day, while red couches and tables foster a modern, bright ambience ideal for study (free wi-fi) or play. Select from classic coffee drinks, such as the cubano—an espresso shot sweetened with sugar as it is brewed—and an assortment of wine and beer. Solid sustenance comes in the way of delicious grilled paninis and salads as well as standard coffee shop fare. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Sun-Sat, $5-$12).
 Estância Churrascaria
Brazilian
4894 Hwy 290 West; 892.1225
This locally-owned Brazilian steakhouse is set in a casual, yet comfortably upscale atmosphere. Twelve cuts of grilled meats (including the traditional beef picanha) are served tableside, giving you the opportunity to sample several preparations, all accompanied by typical Brazilian sides. A complete salad bar, extensive wine list, killer caipirinhas (the national cocktail of Brazil) and impeccable service round out the delicious experience. Lunch (Mon-Sat, $22); Dinner (Sun-Sat, $35).
 Funky ambience at Evangeline
Cajun
8106 Brodie Ln, Ste 110; 282.2586
Evangeline is a fabulously funky South Austin spot that dishes out what many consider the best Cajun food in town. All the classics are represented: killer gumbo, spicy jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and a variety of po’boys. But chef/owner Curtis Clarke likes to play with his food, creating unique and delicious dishes like the Oysters Contraband—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, served atop homemade potato chips with a spicy remoulade sauce. The beer is always cold and service is friendly and efficient. Live music adds to the ambience; check austin.com music listings to see who’s playing tonight. Lunch & Dinner (Mon-Sat, $6-$15).
Fonda San Miguel
Interior Mexican
2330 North Loop; 459.4121
Don't have time for a trip to Central Mexico? No problem. Step inside the gorgeous Fonda San Miguel and you'll be instantly transported. Top notch interior Mexican fare found nowhere else in Austin and an unmatched old hacienda atmosphere have made this one of Austin's most beloved restaurants for the last 30 years. The kitchen's exotic flavors are matched only by the colorful dining room and patio decor with original artwork from Mexican masters such as Rufino Tamayo. The Hacienda Sunday Brunch is a thing of legend, as is the Silver Coin Margarita, made with fresh watermelon-infused tequila. Dinner (Mon-Sat, $18-$33); Brunch (Sun, $18-$25).
 Caprese Salad
Italian
1025 Barton Springs Rd; 499.0200
After living in Europe and later graduating from the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, chef-owner Shawn Gamble did something unique: he hired many of his TCA classmates to help open and run his restaurant. The menu at the cozy, unpretentious eatery features a modern take on classic Northern Italian cuisine, prepared and served by a friendly and professional staff. The newly remodeled interiors are elegant and comfortable, featuring a natural rock wall with trickling water and lush plants that add a lovely and romantic touch. Dinner (Tues-Sat, $15-$22); Brunch (Sun, $18-$23).
Home Slice Pizza
Pizzeria
1415 South Congress Ave; 444.7437
Serious Brooklyn-style thin crust pizza at affordable prizes draws huge crowds to this boisterous and funky SoCo spot. Equally popular with families toting kiddos as it is for late night downtown revelers, the eclectic crowd enjoys the marvelous pies whole or by the slice, along with a variety of classic subs and salads. A small but thoughtful selection of wines—served in glass tumblers—and local beers on draft are welcome thirst-quenchers. Partygoers dig the walk-up window, which serves hot slices until 3:00am on weekends. Closed Tuesdays. Lunch & Dinner (Wed-Mon, $7-$17). La Mojarra Feliz
Mexican Seafood
8624 North Lamar Blvd; 491.6961
This small, whimsically decorated North Austin shack serves authentic and unique Mexican seafood specialties inspired by the rich cuisine of Acapulco and Veracruz. The house specialty, aptly named The Mojarra Feliz, is one of the best bargains in town. Cold beer, spicy micheladas and fresh seafood will transport you to a Mexican beach vacation on a hot summer day. Lunch (Sun-Sat, $7-$12); Dinner (Sun-Sat, $7-$12).
 Camarón Tampíco
Mexican
3201 Bee Caves Rd, Ste 122; 327.9889
Since1983, Las Palomas has been a West Lake favorite for its true regional Mexican cuisine, and today it still retains the same quaint neighborhood charm and attention to detail that has kept diners coming back for 25 years. The menu’s highlights include expertly prepared recipes from Mexico’s culinary centers like Veracruz, Yucatán and Oaxaca — their mole is still one of the richest, most authentic to be found around town. Las Palomas should be on every Austin foodie’s “must” list. Lunch (Tues-Sat, $8-$9); Dinner (Tues-Sat, $9-$14). Matt’s El Rancho
Tex-Mex
2613 South Lamar Blvd; 462.9333
This long-standing family-owned establishment has delighted generations of Austin Tex-Mex lovers since 1952. Classic combination plates, some Mexican favorites, and legendary fajitas are but a few items in an extensive menu that features something for everyone. On Longhorn game days, expect a huge crowd since this is a popular pre- and post-game spot for hungry and thirsty football-loving families. Closed Tuesdays. Lunch (Wed-Mon, $6); Dinner (Wed-Mon, $7-$16).
Moonshine
American
303 Red River St; 236.9599
Housed in a historic downtown building, Moonshine specializes in killer “upscale” comfort food, reminiscent of the American South. Fantastic outdoor dining in a lush patio adjacent to the carriage house bar (great for cocktails and happy hour specials) or tucked away on the back porch behind a huge antique rose bush. Sunday brunch achieves near perfection at Moonshine, with everything from migas, to King Ranch casserole and corned beef hash. Wash it down with refreshing mimosas or spicy bloody marys. Lunch (Mon-Sat, $9-$13); Dinner (Sun-Sat, $12-$19); Brunch (Sun, $16).  Olivia Restaurant
French/Italian
2043 South Lamar Blvd; 804.2700
This neighborhood South Austin eatery opened its doors to much fanfare in August and has been packed ever since. The ever-changing menu features a great deal of local ingredients. It comprises French classics such as coq a vin and Italian favorites like spaghetti carbonara, which boasts Olivia’s house made pancetta as the star ingredient, but a customer favorite has proven to be the lamb’s tongue fricassee. Owner/chef James Holmes brings the French mastery while his chef de cuisine—Morgan Angelone, former executive chef of Asti—counters with Italian inspirations. Dinner (Mon-Sun, $17-$34); Brunch (Sun, $5-$16).
 Raw and delicious
New American
301 East Sixth St; 474.9898
Foodie fans of local celeb Chef Shawn Cirkiel delighted at his return to the restaurant scene with Parkside, housed in a cleanly remodeled historic building (formerly Dan McKlusky’s.) His elegant, minimalist cuisine plus a raw seafood bar (featuring nine oyster varieties) and a hip late night scene make it one of Austin’s hottest destinations. Start off with a saketini and let your senses take you from there. For the adventurous, the roasted marrow bones with fried parsley and toast are a must. Dinner (Sun-Sat, $18-$22).
Rio Rita Café y Cantina
Café/Deli
1308 East Sixth St; 524.0384
At the risk of blowing its cover, Rio Rita Café y Cantina is a cool eastside dive worth mentioning. Its rugged beauty is reminiscent of European cafés: somewhat dark and haunting inside with eclectic lights and intimate, curtained-off spaces for conversation. A grand patio out back is alive at night. Rio Rita boasts some of the best bloody marys in the city, as well as coffee, beer, and wine. The menu showcases made-to-order sandwiches and pizza by the slice from nearby East Side Pies. Lunch, Dinner, Late Night (Sun-Sat, $3-$9).
Sampaio’s
Brazilian
4800 Burnet Rd; 469.9988
Brazilian cuisine is well represented in Austin at this midtown oasis of exotic refreshment, set in a modern yet warm space surrounded by a patio framed by fragrant jasmine. The drinks alone are worth the trip, including made-to-order caipirinhas, tropical fruit batidas, and a fantastic basil-lime mojito. Happy hour (M-F, 4-6:30) features half-price appetizers to go with those sensational drinks, and diners will find a comprehensive and affordable wine list to enjoy with their entrees. Flavors from all over Brazil are represented on the menu, from the Italian-influenced South to the African-inspired Northeast. Lunch (Sun-Sat, $9-$14); Dinner (Sun-Sat, $14-$25).
 Satay
Pan-Asian
3202 West Anderson Ln, Ste 205; 467.6731
This longtime favorite introduced Austin to Pan-Asian cuisine, and recently celebrated 25 years of serving the best and most varied menu of Southeast Asian delights to hundreds of loyal customers. Choose amongst Thai, Vietnamese, Malay, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Philippine dishes, or sample some of Dr. Foo Swasdee’s famous and healthy creations (plenty of vegetarian options are available). The lush patio—surrounded by Asian herbs, flowers, and sculptures—a good wine list and tropical cocktail menu round out the great experience. Lunch & Dinner (Sun-Sat, $10-$20).
 Authentic Mexican Food
Interior Mexican
1816 South Lamar Blvd; 326.4395
This South Austin temple of regional Mexican cuisine only opened in 2006, but already has a following of serious foodies wanting to experience something new. Don’t come looking for fajitas; instead, open your senses to a world of culinary discoveries from Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, Mexico City, and the Yucatan. Enjoy unique dishes like Tikin Xic—grilled redfish seasoned with achiote and served with plantains, rice, and a fiery habañero salsa—or Empanadas de Huitlacoche, a wild corn mushroom that has been a delicacy in Mexico since the time of the Aztecs. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. Breakfast (Sun-Sat, $2-$8); Lunch (Sun-Sat, $6-$15); Dinner (Mon-Sat, $8-$15).
Starlite
New American
407 Colorado St; 374.9012
The inventive cuisine from talented chef Joshua Hines truly shines at this downtown modern, yet comfortable space. Starlite features a seasonal menu loaded with surprises and fresh, local ingredients. Plus the ever-changing cocktail selection never ceases to amaze. This is a great spot for happy hour drinks and snacks, or for late night noshing and sipping. Dinner (Mon-Sat, $21-$29); Brunch (Sun, $8-$12).
Tacodeli
Mexican, Taquería
1500 Spyglass Rd; 732.0303
12001 Burnet Rd; 339.1700
The first taquería to bring “gourmet” tacos to Austin, Tacodeli is hopping from the minute they open until they close in the afternoon. Mornings are crowded with folks picking up a breakfast taco (or a dozen), and lunch crowds take over the limited seating space to enjoy flavorful and inexpensive fare. The signature Frontera Fundido taco—grilled chicken or beef with sautéed poblano pepper and onions, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese—is a popular favorite, but the Puerco Borracho—slow-roasted pork braised in tequila and sherry, seasoned with fresh basil and pasilla peppers—takes the cake. There are also plenty of vegetarian options. Breakfast & Lunch (Sun-Sat, $2-$8). Taste Select Wines
Wine Bar
202 West Cesar Chavez St; 478.2783
This new downtown wine bar features a carefully selected wine list with plenty of options available by the half glass and full glass at incredible prices, as well as a variety of bottles for retail sale. The retail side features Enomatic machines, which allow customers to purchase a taste of highly esteemed wines before purchasing. Chef Bill McGrory’s ever-changing seasonal menu of sophisticated fare is prepared using many local ingredients. Let the expert staff help you pair a wine with your meal, or be adventurous and create your own flight. Lunch & Dinner (Sun-Sat, $10-$28).
Tierra del Fuego
Wine/Tapas Bar
313 East Second St; 469.7988
The newest addition to the E. 2nd St. area, this groovy and stylish wine and tapas bar is the little sibling to the popular north Austin Brazilian restaurant Sampaio’s. Tasty Mediterranean-style tapas with a hint of Brazil mingle with an ample wine list and interesting wine flights for all tastes. Yummy cocktails abound, including expertly prepared caipirinhas (a refreshing lime cocktail) and other summer thirst quenchers to be enjoyed in a lovely laid back atmosphere. Dinner (Mon-Sat, $5-$12 [tapas]). Tomo Sushi
Japanese
4101 West Parmer Ln, Ste E; 821.9472
A non-descript strip mall hides this delightful Japanese gem where the sushi is fresh and impeccably prepared by a friendly staff of young chefs who aim to please. The menu features plenty of inventive signature rolls with intriguing names and ingredients, including some of the spiciest to be found in town. If you want a serious endorphin rush, ask for the Angry Beaver roll. Tame the fire with a beer, a glass of wine, or a selection from their premium sake list. The specials board changes daily, but the quality never does. Lunch (Mon-Sat, $9-$18); Dinner (Mon-Sat, $11-$29).
Yume
Japanese Fusion
815 West 47th St, Suite 102; 407.9548
A recent arrival to The Triangle, Yume is definitely different. The menu features what they define as “exotic cuisine,” a combination of Japanese and Caribbean influences not available anywhere else in town. The dishes created by Executive Chef Frankie Hernandez (a native of Puerto Rico) are interesting and flavorful, perfect for adventurous diners. Caribbean staples like yuca, malanga, mojo, and tropical fruits are spiced with miso, hoisin, and ponzu, creating a unique cuisine. However, those who prefer their sushi more traditional won’t be disappointed either. Well-prepared, fresh fish options abound at the ample bar. Happy hour offers excellent deals on sushi, sake, wine, and appetizers, and since the crowds haven’t discovered it yet, it is quite comfortable and quiet. But probably not for much longer! Lunch (Mon-Fri, $8-$16); Dinner (Mon-Sat, $8-$19).
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