Michelin One-Star Restaurant: A cornerstone of Austin’s dining scene since 2010, Barley Swine excels in innovative, seasonal small plates crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Chef Bryce Gilmore’s tasting menu showcases dishes like smoked brisket tartare, served in a warm, rustic space with an open kitchen. Reservations are highly recommended for this popular farm-to-table favorite.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: This 12-seat sushi destination offers a curated omakase experience with premium ingredients sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Opened in 2023, Craft Omakase pairs artfully prepared dishes with sake in a sleek, minimalist setting. With limited seating and high demand, reservations are essential and often booked weeks in advance.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: Known for its live-fire cooking, Hestia combines innovation with sophistication in downtown Austin’s 2nd Street District. The menu features ember-roasted vegetables and grilled quail, complemented by craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. This Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group gem is a hotspot for celebrations and reservations are strongly recommended.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: Olamaie reimagines Southern comfort food with dishes like heritage pork chops and buttermilk fried chicken, served in an elegant, modern setting. Famous for its biscuits, this 2014 establishment near UT’s campus highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. A must-visit for refined Southern cuisine, reservations are advised.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: Interstellar BBQ puts a creative spin on Texas barbecue with offerings like brisket-stuffed kolaches and smoked duck. The counter-service spot features a laid-back vibe, but arriving early is key to beating lines and securing favorites.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: A staple of East Austin’s barbecue scene since 2012, La Barbecue draws crowds for its smoky brisket, jalapeño sausage and classic sides. Long lines are common, but the payoff is worth it.

Michelin One-Star Restaurant: This popular South Austin spot started as a food truck and has expanded to a brick-and-mortar location on Stassney Lane. Known for its innovative approach, the menu features smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and an expanded selection of tacos and burgers. Arrive early—items often sell out quickly, a testament to its well-earned reputation.

Michelin Selected: Apt 115, tucked away in East Austin, is an intimate wine bar specializing in natural wines and thoughtfully curated small plates. Its cozy, laid-back atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for an unhurried evening.

Michelin Selected: Birdie’s combines a relaxed, inviting atmosphere with a thoughtfully curated, market-driven menu in East Austin. Known for its seasonal dishes and excellent wine list, this counter-service gem is easygoing yet refined.

Michelin Selected: Comedor in downtown Austin offers modern Mexican cuisine, featuring inventive dishes like bone marrow tacos. Its industrial-chic vibe and creative menu make reservations a must.