Dine Like Royalty: A Local’s Guide to the Best Luxury Dining in Austin

Austin, the vibrant capital of Texas, is a gastronomic wonderland that is sure to appeal to any food lover. Renowned for its live music scene and Texas hospitality, Austin’s culinary prowess is just as noteworthy. From iconic Texan barbecue and steakhouses to inventive sushi bars and globally-inspired eateries, Austin’s culinary scene is thriving. Your taste buds will be treated to rich flavors, locally sourced produce, and impeccable service. Delve into the luxurious world of Austin’s food scene as we guide you through some of the city’s best high-end dining spots.

Texas-Sized Indulgence: An Introduction to Austin’s Luxury Dining Scene

Austin’s luxury dining scene offers an array of options for every discerning palette – from traditional Texas fare to innovative new culinary concepts. The city’s dining landscape is a harmonious blend of classic, rustic flavors, and modern culinary innovation.

• Rich tradition: Every menu in Austin tells a story – a gesture of the city’s love for its rich regional history and bold, distinctive flavors. Here, you will discover Texas-sized steaks, hearty Texas BBQ, and other traditional Tex-Mex offerings.

• Innovative and modern: Austin is a city of dreamers and doers—it’s no surprise that the culinary scene reflects the same. Expect to come across mouthwatering fusion food, delectable plant-based options, and globally-inspired gourmet creations.

• Exceptional service: What sets Austin’s luxury dining scene apart even further is its exceptional service. Expect warm, hospitable staff that pay attention to the tiniest of details, ensuring you have a memorable dining experience.

Paint the Town Red at Austin’s Finest Steakhouses

Long been known for its cattle, Texas is a carnivore’s dream, and Austin is certainly no exception. From time-honored classics to contemporary takes on old favorites, Austin offers a steakhouse experience par excellence.

• The Capital Grille: This upscale steakhouse is a haven for the meat lovers out there. Boasting a sophisticated atmosphere coupled with impeccable service, The Capital Grille elevates the steakhouse experience. Famous for its dry-aged steaks, you must try the Porcini Rubbed Bone-In Ribeye, dry aged and finished with 15-year aged balsamic. For those with a taste for seafood, the Seared Citrus Glazed Salmon is unforgettable. Whichever dish you choose, pair it with one of their world-class wines to enhance your dining experience.

• Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Step into Perry’s and you are reminded of a simpler time in Texas, with a rustic charm that enchants and invites. But there’s nothing simple about their menu. Known for its carefully hand-selected variety of steak cuts including the jaw-dropping, 7-finger high pork chop, Perry’s is all about the grandeur of Texas dining culture. To top it all, the “Pork Chop Friday” lunch special is an event you don’t want to miss.

Sangria Sunsets: Outdoor Luxury Dining in Austin

Sunset in Austin is a magical time, and these two venues offer a fantastic culinary experience (with a view):

• Olive & June: Tucked away amongst towering Texas oaks, Olive & June is your ticket to Italian paradise right in the heart of Austin. With a multi-story patio that gives you stunning sunset views, this venue is an excellent place to unwind and explore a comprehensive menu of Italian delicacies. All pasta is house-made—try the Squid Ink Spaghetti with Blue Crab—it is the very definition of divine. Complement your meal with a selection from their curated list of Italian wines. The view, ambiance, food, and drink come together to create an indelible dining memory.

• Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue: A swanky venue serving up barbecue classics amidst the brilliance of a restored 19th-century brick building, Lambert’s provides a decadent twist to the traditional Texas BBQ. Their Brown Sugar & Coffee Rubbed Brisket will have BBQ enthusiasts salivating while the Jalapeno Hot Link can steal the show at any meal. Be sure to pair these sizzling offerings with a craft cocktail or local beer to complete the experience.

Gourmet Globetrotting: International Luxury Cuisine

In Austin, you don’t just eat, you embark on culinary adventures. These two restaurants offer the opportunity to visit far-off places without ever leaving the city.

• Uchi: Uchi is where the traditions of Japanese cuisine meet Austin’s bold culinary scene. Managed by the James Beard Award-winning chef, Tyson Cole, Uchi has pushed the boundaries of modern sushi. A unique menu blending traditional ingredients with Austin’s local bounty, alongside an unrivaled sake and wine list, makes Uchi a food lover’s dream come true. Don’t miss the hot rock Wagyu or their signature Machi Cure dish.

• Fonda San Miguel: Upon entering this Hacienda-style restaurant, you are transported to Mexico. Known for its interior Mexican cuisine, Fonda San Miguel has been an Austin staple for over 40 years. From beautifully presented Carne Asada to the traditional Pescado Veracruz—each dish is served with flair in an environment that is both warm and elegant. Their Sunday brunch, featuring made-to-order Omelettes and a host of other Mexican gastronomic delights, is legendary.

Vegan’s Delight: Luxury Plant-Based Dining

Austin’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients extends to its impressive range of vegan and plant-based offerings.

• The Beer Plant: As Austin’s first vegan gastropub, The Beer Plant takes the vegan dining experience to a whole new level. With a 100% plant-based menu featuring comfort foods like thyme and maple roasted Brussels sprouts and buffalo cauliflower wings, it shows that vegan dining can be as lavish as any other cuisine.

• Casa de Luz: A vital center for health and education in Austin, Casa de Luz serves up a daily changing menu of vegan, organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free dishes. Enjoy a peaceful meal in Casa’s garden setting where simplicity and health reign.

Wine and Dine Like an Austinite: Premier Wine Bars

Austin’s wine bars are perfect for an elegant night out, a casual meet-up with friends, or even a romantic date. With a selection of wines from around the world and delectable cuisine to pair with, these spots are wine lover’s dream.

• Winebelly: Voted one of the top wine bars in America, Winebelly lives up to its reputation. Offering an extraordinarily well-curated list of wines sourced from all corners of the globe, it is a true wine lover’s paradise. Besides the wine, it delivers sumptuous small plates like Spanish tapas and cheese boards, perfect for sharing.

• The Red Room Lounge: Enter this dimly lit hideaway, and you instantly feel like you’ve found Austin’s best-kept secret. With an extensive selection of wines and a knowledgeable staff ready to guide you, the Red Room Lounge is ideal for both wine connoisseurs and novices. Order a charcuterie board, find a cozy corner, and lose yourself in the world of fine wines.

From robust steaks to vibrant plant-based offerings, the luxury dining scene in Austin showcases a delightful culinary spectrum that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Whether you’re dining under the stars on Olive & June’s quaint patio or enjoying a sophisticated evening at The Red Room Lounge, the charming spirit of Austin dances on every plate, luring you into its compelling, flavorful world. So, bring your appetite and savor the grandeur of Austin’s luxury dining scene carved with love, culinary passion, and an unrivaled sense of hospitality. Experience this and more as you dine like a true Austinite falling in love with the city, one bite at a time.