Austin

Line up at 10 a.m. with the other ’cue worshippers at Austin’s Franklin Barbecue, run by trailblazing pit master Aaron Franklin. — Travel + Leisure

Aaron and Stacy Franklin have been serving food out of this trailer since winter 2010, and word of their old-style barbecue has spread like wildfire. — Frommer's

Aaron Franklin's notoriety for his distinctive espresso barbecue sauce lags far behind the demand for his legendary brisket. In fact, lining up an hour before the restaurant opens at 11... — Tasting Table

America’s best BBQ—and the whole world knows it. — Bon Appétit

Pork ribs & peppery brisket. It's good. — Not For Tourists

"Heaven" for sushiphiles, this Zilker jewel box (and its newer Montrose outpost) presents the "finest in forward-thinking Japanese" cuisine via chef Tyson Cole. — Zagat

A red-wallpapered, organic-glam interior is like a backdrop from a Design Star set. Splurge on an omakase-style banquet feast. — BlackBook

East and West collide beautifully at this top-notch South Austin sushi joint run by owner and executive chef Tyson Cole. — Lonely Planet

Out-of-towners may know, chef Tyson Cole from his James Beard Award or his appearance on Iron Chef. Housed in a charming bungalow, his sleek restaurant serving exquisite Japanese cuisine... — Tasting Table

You've heard the term "extreme sports"? Uchi is "extreme sushi". — Fodor's

Vespaio is one of the few restaurants in town that can claim fifteen years of success with no sign, no advertising budget, and no publicist, just customer loyalty and good word of mouth. — Austin Chronicle

Vespaio buzzes like a beehive. Prepare to wait for a table, because it's usually packed; wedge into the noisy bar for a splash of vino. — Gayot

Stroll down South Congress Avenue after dinner at this warm and reliable Italian restaurant. — Travel + Leisure

It's quaint, it's local, it's delicious&;&. what else could you ask for? ! This laid back Bistro in South Congress will win you over with it's impressive cold cuts, desserts and... — Afar Magazine

Sink your fork into a bowl of plump gnocchi bathed in garlicky tomato-arrabiata sauce, or nibble on a slice of classic Margherita pizza studded with garden-fresh basil. — Fodor's

Tacos al pastor are a specialty (about $9) at this busy, sprawling restaurant located across the bridge, south of downtown. — Rough Guide

This spacious south Austin landmark hums with the frantic energy of a loyal lunch crowd seeking a Tex-Mex fix. — Gayot

This iconic South Congress Avenue, occupying a late 19C feed store, ls a big part of the hip Austin scene. — Michelin Guide

Guero’s is the rare tourist destination (especially among those who consider themselves in the know) that Austin locals still love, too. It also might be the oldest operating... — The Infatuation

This is one of the main hangouts on South Congress. It occupies an old feed store that dates from the time when South Austin was a low-rent area at the margins of the city. — Frommer's

The quintessential Austin experience... Chef-owner Jeff Blank wows foodies and good ol' boys alike with his inventive use of wild game. — Concierge

Owner/chef Jeff Blank and executive chef Robert Rhoades are kings of imaginative, gutsy cuisine, serving serve up exotic, unique, seasonal dishes. — Fodor's

“Exotic food” is the draw at this “innovative” “wild game”–focused veteran restaurant located in an old farmhouse in Lakeway. — Zagat

Exemplary service and captivating paintings await inside the limestone farmhouse. The Southwestern fare is otherworldly. — BlackBook

If you're game for game, served in a civilized setting, come to Hudson's. — Frommer's

World-Famous BYOB BBQ. 20 mins from downtown. — Not For Tourists

This “landmark” bastion of beef in Driftwood (with spin-offs in Round Rock and at the airport) provides a “quintessential Texas BBQ experience.” — Zagat

If, in your mind, Texas + food = barbecue, the Salt Lick is the place for you. — Concierge

It's worth the 20-mile drive out of town just to see the massive outdoor barbecue pits at this park-like place off US 290. — Lonely Planet

This smoky barbecue depot is about a 30-minute ride of town. On the way there you can admire classic Hill Country terrain. — BlackBook

Set in a "seriously industrial" neighborhood in East Austin, this "hip" little bungalow serves an "all-out French" brasserie menu highlighting steak frites and duck confit. — Zagat

Hidden amid the warehouses of East Austin, Justine's rustic collage and gated garden feel like discoveries, even though they're just a ten-minute cab ride from South Congress Avenue.... — Condé Nast Traveler

Much of the concise menu is occupied by well-executed French classics. — Gayot

With a lovely garden setting festooned with fairy lights, Justine's is a top spot for wowing a date. — Lonely Planet

It’s hard to find traditional French food in Austin, but Justine’s hits the mark. The menu is short, and the food is very good - you can tell they’re trying hard to stick to the... — The Infatuation

If any one restaurant defines the laid-back, somewhat goofy Austin aesthetic, it's probably Shady Grove. — Fodor's

Live music & comfort food. Mind the condo yuppies. — Not For Tourists

Families. Dates. Big, loud, obnoxious groups. All doing their Lone Star and green-chile cheeseburger thing while roots musicians serenade them. — BlackBook

When we make our way to heaven (fingers crossed), we hope it’s something like Shady Grove. This is everything you could ever hope for out of an Austin restaurant, from its Diners,... — The Infatuation

Named for the expansive pecan trees lining this trendy section of Barton Springs Road, Shady Grove's patio area provides coverage from the hot Texas sun. — Travel + Leisure

The gorgeous building is drenched in the atmosphere of old Mexico, with folk-inspired art, and this place has been serving interior Mexican cooking for over 25 years. — Lonely Planet

In this striking hacienda, lush with towering foliage and Latin American art, you'll experience authentic interior Mexican cuisine. — Gayot

So worth the time/money- even the $40 (all in) brunch! — Not For Tourists

This celebrated villa-style North Loop spot combines sophisticated ambience with a seasonal menu of authentic Mexican classics. — Fodor's

This was one of the first restaurants to introduce fine dining a la Mexicana to Texas. — Frommer's

Uchiko continues to wow diners. The vibrant energy and casual vibe alone are magnetic. — Fodor's

"Simply brilliant", this "whimsical" Rosedale sib to Uchi features Tyson Cole's "wildly creative" Japanese fare in "beautiful" presentations. — Zagat

The menu changes faster than the weather, but you can always bank on a selection of both hot and cool items that fuse traditional with progressive. — BlackBook

Uchi’s sister restaurant Uchiko is very similar in terms of cuisine, but different in that it feels less like a sushi restaurant and more like a farm-to-table spot. You’ll find many of... — The Infatuation

Not content to rest on his Uchi laurels, Chef Tyson Cole opened this North Lamar restaurant that describes itself as 'Japanese farmhouse dining.'. — Lonely Planet

"Fancy barbecue" is not an oxymoron. So shows this brother of the sister who owns the eminently popular Jo's Hot Coffee. — BlackBook

This hip eatery next door to City Hall attracts throngs of downtown worker bees, politicos and the food cognoscenti looking for real Austin food. — Gayot

Upscale BBQ with a nice patio and live music upstairs. — Not For Tourists

"Fancy barbecue" is the forte of this "classy" 'cue stop set in "gentlemanly" digs in the "historic" Schneider Brothers Building in the Second Street District. — Zagat

Chase your bbq with a hoppy Lost Gold IPA from Blanco, Texas. The brisket is textbook: super-wet and judiciously smoked. — Travel + Leisure

Small plates. Tantalizing flavors. Locally sourced. Changing menus. Snout-to-tail culinary creations. And craft cocktails. All served in a rustically chic setting. Yep, hardcore... — Lonely Planet

Barley Swine's entire menu is comprised of small plates, meant for sharing. But calling these "tapas" is like calling Van Gogh a doodler. — Gayot

The strictly seasonal, locally-sourced daily specials blend the artistic style of Japanese sushi with the familiarity of Southern comfort food. — Fodor's

One of the "hottest" places in town, this "amazing" "locavore" American in South Lamar from chef Bryce Gilmore provides "truly memorable" small plates made for sharing. — Zagat

In addition to chef Bryce Gilmore's 13-course tasting menu, à la carte dining is now offered to guests; indulge in unpredictable delicacies like pig skin noodles with shrimp dumplings. — Travel + Leisure

Modeled after his family’s hunting ranch, Ben Edgerton opened Contigo in 2011 to bring some of South Texas to Austin. That means a menu full of things like rabbit & dumplings, Texas okra,... — The Infatuation

This Texas ranch-inspired restaurant practically epitomizes Austin with its outdoor, communal seating and laid-back vibe. There's a focus on house made sausages, charcuterie and updated... — Tasting Table

East Austin’s favorite “ranch to table” outdoor restaurant. — Bon Appétit

Ben Edgerton and chef Andrew Wiseheart are behind this "ranch-to-table restaurant" where the former family ranch (also called Contigo) is used for inspiration and food sourcing. — Gayot

This "rustic" find in the new Mueller development takes its inspiration from the owners' ranch in South Texas with low-cost Eclectic fare that pairs with "seasonal cocktails" and beer. — Zagat

Homegrown restaurateur Larry McGuire recently revitalized Clarksville’s beloved Jeffrey’s steakhouse this year and rave reviews of the French American haunt have been rolling in since its reopening. — Fodor's

The pricey re-envisioned menu is protein-heavy, with steaks and old-school sides, and the classy interior reminds customers that it’s a special occasion. — Zagat

If you’re looking for a beautiful piece of meat, Jeffrey’s has you covered. If you’re not, the rest of their American/French menu is classic but far from boring. The space feels like a... — The Infatuation

Service is paramount at this understated exemplar of fine dining. — BlackBook

Jeffrey's established itself as Austin's premiere fine dining venue in the Seventies, offering one of the city's first chef-driven, blackboard menus in a charming and historic setting. — Austin Chronicle

Where Austin goes to eat the next big thing. — Bon Appétit

Bryce Gilmore's brick-and-mortar version of Odd Duck, his food truck, showcases a seasonal menu featuring only ingredients sourced from local farms. — Gayot

The food trailer-turned-restaurant from highly esteemed chef Bryce Gilmore celebrates local Texas food and drinks. — Condé Nast Traveler

Aesthetically, Odd Duck is an idealized version of all things Southern: friendliness, homey-ness, vintage-y decorations that definitely aren’t actually vintage. The food takes that... — The Infatuation

This food truck turned brick and mortar was an early trailblazer of the city’s farm to table movement, thanks to chef Bryce Gilmore’s inventive take on locally sourced, modern American cuisine. — Fodor's

The most famous dish here is called SOS 2014, after the military slang for "Stew on a Shingle." — Travel + Leisure

Owner-chef James Holmes, who did stints in France and at Picholine and Craft in NYC, has crafted a fine blend of sophisticated French and Italian cuisines with down-home Texas products. — Gayot

I could write pages of praise for chef Petty’s meltingly tender Wagyu Tri-Tip with roasted marrow mixed with butter. — Austin Chronicle

Olivia is far and away the brightest newcomer to Austin's fine dining scene. — Frommer's

Continental with Italian and French influences. Well-priced bar menu. — Not For Tourists

A sensory delight, Elizabeth Street Cafe is equal parts Vietnamese street food purveyor, New Orleans cafe and French bakery. — Gayot

From the folks behind Lambert's and Perla's, this Bouldin Creek spot serves French pastries and coffee in the mornings followed by upscale takes on Vietnamese dishes. — Zagat

Fresh shrimp spring rolls, spicy pork meatball banh mi on a fresh baguette, and spicy beef and pork bun with thick, soft airy noodles are safe bets. — Fodor's

We're going to irritate some locals by highlighting this dapper cottage of deliciousness. Pop in for croissants, crepes and a few noodle dishes in the morning, plus the deliciously creamy... — Lonely Planet

Elizabeth Street serves everything from baguettes, nice hot curries, coffee, and phở, to The New York Times and cold beer. — Frommer's

Curra’s is a perfect blend of interior Mexican cuisine and greasy Tex-Mex located just off the main vein of South Congress on Oltorf. The restaurant has a neighborhood feel, with enough... — The Infatuation

The line between interior Mexican and Tex-Mex blurs at this casual South Austin joint. You'll find the Yucatecan pork and achiote dish cochinita pibil on the menu with South Texas... — Tasting Table

Tantalizing chorizo-and-eggs breakfast tacos. Heavenly Oaxacan coffee. — BlackBook

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food at an affordable price (read: cheaper than Fonda San Miguel), then head to Curra's. — Fodor's

The frozen-avocado margarita is the most famous option at this consistently good Interior-Mexican spot in South Austin, but I’m more a fan of the light and refreshing La Currita, served... — Travel + Leisure

The curvy ceiling, open floor plan, and retro trim would make the Jetsons feel at ease. The menu is a fusion of Mexican, Southwestern, and seafood. — BlackBook

Upscale cafeteria style Continental fare; Pretty good cocktails, too. — Not For Tourists

A "local favorite" tucked "amid the hipster hangouts in trendy SoCo", this "convivial" eatery serves Southwestern dishes that range from "good to very good". — Zagat

South Congress Cafe'€™s surprisingly affordable menu combines Southwestern flair with more European traditions. — Gayot

A small, modern establishment in the heart of SoCo that caters mostly to South Austin's leisure crowd, the cafe opens for brunch and dinner. — Frommer's

Ranch 616 is the kind of place where you can enjoy yourself at full volume. This is where you come for a group dinner with a friend who likes to yell when he tells stories for dramatic... — The Infatuation

There are 20+ tequilas available for savoring with Southwestern-infused fish and meat. For a morning of connect-the-dots, stick with the Ranch Tinis, a variation of the Mexican martini. — BlackBook

This Downtown "favorite" has "tons of character", from its setting loaded with Texana oddities to its "enticing" Southwestern menu. — Zagat

You can really taste the chipotle chilies in the tartar sauce that comes with some of the best crispy oysters this side of the Mason-Dixon line. — Frommer's

The interior is filled with Texan kitsch, such as taxidermy and colorful Mexican folk art, while the covered outdoor patio is decorated with a fire pit and cacti strung with miniature lights. — Travel + Leisure