Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
editorial list heading

10 top date night restaurants in Austin

A photo of Red logo
by James Wong
Updated 02 February 2023

Austin is no stranger to quirks. Bat City knows that romance, and the places you choose to celebrate your love, come in a multitude of forms.

In Bouldin Creek, break the ice over a lawn game at a neighborhood pub. Get better acquainted over do-it-yourself Korean barbecue in Highland. Or celebrate a seasoned relationship with Champagne and caviar at an award-winning downtown steakhouse.

There’s a table for every kind of date in this bustling Southern city. Read on for a guide to the 10 most romantic restaurants in Austin.

A photo of ATX Cocina restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2630)
$50 and over
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant

With initial pleasantries out of the way, you’re ready for a proper sit-down meal, so grab a table for two at ATX Cocina. Mexican restaurants in Austin tend to fall on the casual side, but this downtown spot has a more sophisticated setting, decked with blonde wood, soaring ceilings, and velvet banquettes. The menu is just as refined: The housemade masa uses heirloom corn grown on small family farms in Mexico. But the portions are undoubtedly Texas-sized. If you’re taking things slow, hit the restaurant’s bar after work and enjoy a happy hour deal on tacos and margaritas together.


Top review
Joe
Dined 4 days ago
ATX Cocina continues to be my favorite restaurant in Austin. The Crab Relleno and Machete tacos are exquisite!
A photo of P6 restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1121)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Downtown
About the restaurant

This Mediterranean bar boasts an airy indoor-outdoor space overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Lined with comfy wicker sofas, pastel furnishings, and plants, the ambiance is equal parts lively and laidback—ideal for a second date. The menu consists of shareable handhelds such as satay skewers and charcuterie boards. On warmer evenings, come at sunset and impress your new beau with one of the best views of the famed Congress Avenue Bridge bats.


Top review
Matthew
Dined on 24 Nov 2024
It was an excellent place to have some drinks and light bites.
A photo of Aviary Wine & Kitchen restaurant
4.8
4.8 (263)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
South Austin
About the restaurant

It’ll take more than just one date to go through all the wines at this beloved South Lamar joint. Aviary Wine and Kitchen first opened as a furniture shop (that happened to sell wine) in 2006. It’s since morphed into an inviting neighborhood restaurant that draws date-night regulars for a wine list featuring bottles from the Balearic and Canary Islands, among other unique locales. Pair your glasses with one of the shareable Texas-meet-Paris plates, including creamy manchego farro and beef short rib. Much like your relationship, the wine list here is ever-evolving.


Top review
sxswHATER
Dined on 17 Jul 2024
We’ve been here a few times. Menu has always been on the smallish side but today was very limited. Apps were great. Entrees were mediocre. Sommelier and service are on point in a relaxed, comfortable space. Happy hour 4-6 is worth leaving work early.
A photo of Intero restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1651)
$31 to $50
Italian
East Austin
About the restaurant

Eastside legend Intero is Austin’s go-to Italian restaurant and casual date spot. The emphasis here is on whole ingredients (Intero is Italian for “complete”). Husband-and-wife team Ian Thurwachter and Krystal Craig’s menu is loyal to all things local. That allegiance surfaces in hearty mains such as braised pork neck with grilled turnip and egg yolk, made with meat from a local farm. Both indoor and outdoor seating areas exude a homey vibe, as do the chunky serving plates and simple glassware. A date-night here feels like an extension of your dining room—only much chicer.


Top review
Kathy
Dined 5 days ago
Intero was amazing! The staff is incredible, the ambience is lovely, the food is more than delicious! We enjoyed every moment of our experience! I highly recommend! The carpaccio was better than what I recently had in Italy!!! Seriously!!
A photo of Garrison restaurant
4.6
4.6 (969)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown
About the restaurant

Garrison at the Fairmont Austin hotel was made for splashy special occasions. The multi-award winning steakhouse is a stately spot, with an open-flame kitchen and a grand entrance that channels the front porch of an Austin home. Chef Jakub Czyszczon serves up a decadent succession of Texas post oak flame-grilled tomahawk steak, duck breast rossini, and crispy octopus, plus tater tots worthy of entrée status. If it’s an extra-special milestone you’re celebrating, raise the bar with vintage Champagne and caviar.


Top review
Shawnvip
Dined 5 days ago
A great relaxed experience with great service. We really appreciate the service and will definitely visit again.
A photo of Geraldine’s restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2333)
$30 and under
Unspecified
Downtown
About the restaurant

Starry night views and live music make a powerful pair. Find both at Geraldine’s, one of Austin’s hippest hangouts (come SXSW season, celebs are known to descend on this Hotel Van Zandt venue). Bring your beau for modern Southern plates, including grilled coconut quail and half-roasted chicken. Though you’re really here to see some of Austin’s most talented artists in action, best enjoyed with a post-dinner cocktail.


Top review
DanielPvip
Dined 6 days ago
I recently had a wonderful experience at this establishment. The service I received was top-notch, and the staff members were all very attentive and friendly. The ambiance was pleasant and created a relaxing atmosphere. I was thoroughly impressed and will certainly be returning. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great experience.
A photo of Devil May Care restaurant
4.7
4.7 (230)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Downtown
About the restaurant

An evening at this underground Mediterranean escape sends a decidedly sultry signal: Seductive candlelight and antique mirrors line the chamber (sneak the occasional peek to confirm you make a beautiful pair). Share a mezze platter of DMC’s greatest hits including whipped ricotta, house-marinated olives, and tabbouleh as you sip on Greek and Lebanese wines. On Wednesdays, a live jazz band enhances the transportive experience.


Top review
Karinavip
Dined on 7 Nov 2024
Great night out with a friend. Lived the live music, ambiance and terrace.
A photo of Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3717)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Downtown
About the restaurant

This South Congress seafood staple is reminiscent of a posh New England beachtown. The patio, flanked by heritage oaks and fairy lights, evokes a festive clambake, far from south central Texas. Perla’s outdoor space is an especially romantic perch for drinks, dinner, happy hour, and brunch. On the menu, expect seasonal oysters, shrimp cocktails, lobster rolls, and seafood mains, complemented by a thoughtful wine list.


Top review
jeffreyvip
Dined today
A superb meal . Special shout out to server Gabby: she has brought her skills and keen understanding to Austin ! Truly a professional with a decisive but appropriately relaxed style: make sure you ask for her. The calamari appetizer is simply sui generis. The lobster buccatini: world class. Caramel crème dessert? Otherwordly. Our guests, who had never been here before adored every aspect of the night. Thank you all, again.
A photo of Uchi Austin restaurant
4.9
4.9 (5424)
$50 and over
Sushi
Downtown
About the restaurant

Award-winning chef Tyson Cole first served his groundbreaking riff on Japanese food in this refurbished bungalow back in 2003. Twenty years later, Uchi remains one of Austin’s hottest tickets, guaranteed to deliver an inimitable date-night experience. Sushi takes center stage, with a variety of fish flown from around the world daily, but the menu also includes non-seafood options, inventive hot and cold plates, and entrées worthy of an epic romantic outing. The thoughtful wine and sake list follows suit—so go ahead and pop that ring in the Champagne flute.


Top review
lOUISEvip
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
Amazing Omakase experience. Outstanding fresh fish and pork belly.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo