Where Chefs Eat in Austin

by Phaidon

Updated 15 December 2023

You’re in luck. The world’s best chefs are sharing their favorite places to dine out in Austin. We’ve partnered with Phaidon’s Where Chefs Eat, the best-selling restaurant guidebook with over 7,000 recommendations across the globe, to create a list of restaurants in Austin where chefs love to eat. Grab your copy of this must-have guide, and get 30% off, just for being an OpenTable diner.

Vespaio Austin

4.8

4.8 (1745)

$31 to $50

Italian

Downtown

About the restaurant

"This is one of the first good restaurants to open, when Austin was still a sleepy college town. It's laid-back and neighborhood-y but they have great food and bartenders." – Larry McGuire

Top review

Jane

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely meal, our waitress helped us when we asked for suggestions. We loved everything she suggested. We shared many items in order to try several things. We left full and very happy.

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Popular dish

Pappardelle Bolognese

Popular dish

Linguine con Vongole

June's All Day

4.8

4.8 (1060)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

South Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Kevin Fink from Emmer & Rye

Top review

Saelar

Dined 1 day ago

Everything we ate was perfect - steak tartare was a favorite. Caitlin is the best server and we had a great time as always !

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Experience

Happy Hour | Monday - Friday

Uchiko Austin

4.8

4.8 (6057)

$50 and over

Sushi

Central Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Kevin Fink from Emmer & Rye

Top review

Jamie

Dined 7 days ago

Every dish was *chef’s kiss* superb. I will never miss an opportunity to dine here.

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4.6

4.6 (289)

$30 and under

Mexican

East Austin

About the restaurant

Recommended by Chef Jesse Griffiths from Dai Due Butcher Shop & Supper Club

Top review

Mason

Dined on 4 Jan 2025

The food at Licha’s was very good, though I was a bit disappointed that lengua tacos had been taken off the menu. We had the chicken mole, the red snapper, and the pibil. All were perfectly cooked and very flavorful, with large portions. Aguas frescas were also excellent. We were seated outdoors in January, so it was very pleasant outside. Servers were very kind, personable, and attentive.

Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar

4.8

4.8 (3745)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

"Great, simple seafood and oysters. Very consistent, with good service and fun wines." – Jesse Griffiths

Top review

timVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Epic Tuna. Huge shrimp cocktail. Loved the fried okra.