Best Restaurants In Downtown Austin: Top Local Favorites

Last Updated On – 24th October, 2025

Jump To: Upscale & Fine Dining | Casual & Trendy | International & Fusion | 6th Street Favorites

Austin’s downtown is the heartbeat of the city’s dining scene—where skyline views, lively patios, and chef-driven kitchens meet local flavor. Whether you’re heading to 6th Street for a night out or planning a romantic dinner near the river, this list rounds up the best restaurants in downtown Austin to fit every mood.

If you’re planning a full day downtown, check out our latest Austin event and dining guide for nearby festivals and live shows.

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Additionally, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.

Also, check out our articles on Austin Tacos, Austin BBQ Restaurants, and Late Night Food Austin!

Upscale & Fine Dining Restaurants

Red Ash

Image Credit: Red Ash FB Page

Red Ash Italia is arguably one of the best restaurants in downtown Austin. Known for its wood-fired Italian specialties, this upscale restaurant serves handmade pastas and prime steaks. Plus, they have an extensive wine list and an energetic bar. You’ll be very delighted ordering their grilled ribeye, carbonara, and tiramisu. To secure a spot at this upscale restaurant, a reservation is required.

Hours of Operation: Daily 5 pm – 10 pm
Location: Colorado Tower, 303 Colorado St #200, Austin, TX 78701

Fixe Southern House

Experience Southern charm and indulge in upscale comfort food at Fixe Southern House. This is a great place for brunch or even business dinners. When you visit, we recommend getting biscuits, deviled eggs, and fried chicken.

Hours of Operation: Lunch Monday – Friday 11 am – 3 pm | Happy Hour Daily 3 pm – 6 pm | Dinner Nightly 5 pm | Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Location: 500 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701

Eddie V’s

If you want a fancy night dining on seafood, Eddie V’s is your place. While they do offer steaks, you can’t go wrong with a seafood option. Their best dishes include the Chilean sea bass, crab fried rice, and steak medallions.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 4 pm – 9 pm
Location: 301 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78701

Casual & Trendy Downtown Eats

Devil May Care

Image Credit: Devil May Care FB Page

With its moody underground setting, Devil May Care is one of the downtown Austin restaurants that is perfect for a night out. They have plenty of drink options from wines to cocktails, and a lot of upscale dishes. Some of their best include grilled octopus, lamb kebabs, and whipped feta. If you come by their happy hour, you can get 50% off featured cocktails, wine, and mezzes. This is a 21+ establishment and requires patrons to follow their dress code.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Wednesday 5 pm – 12 am | Thursday – Saturday 5 pm – 2 am | Happy Hour: Tuesday – Saturday 5 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: 500 W 6th St, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701

Wu Chow

Wu Chow is one of the casual downtown Austin restaurants, but it offers a dining experience that’s affordable but with flair. More than that, they serve their dishes made with farm-fresh local ingredients.

Localite Tip: We highly recommend their dim sum, brunch on Sundays.

Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday – Friday 11 am – 2 pm | Happy Hour (Bar & Cocktail Area): Monday – Friday 4 pm – 6 pm | Dinner: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 1 pm; Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm | Dimsum Brunch: Sunday 11 am – 3 pm
Location: IBC Bank Plaza, 500 W 5th St #168, Austin, TX 78701

Sammie’s Italian

Sammie’s Italian does old-school Italian right. They have vintage interiors that will make you feel like you’re in old Italy and generous portions that will make you leave full and happy. They have a lot of classic Italian meals, but we highly recommend their chicken parm, dishes with meatballs, and tiramisu.

Hours of Operation: Sunday & Monday 5 pm – 10 pm | Tuesday & Wednesday 5 pm – 11 pm | Thursday & Saturday 5 pm – 12 am | Friday 12 pm – 12 am
Location: 807 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

International & Fusion Favorites

Comedor

Image Credit: Comedor FB Page

Comedor offers a dining experience with modern Mexican dishes served in an architecturally stunning dining space. Get bursts of flavors with their incredible dishes, like their bone marrow tacos and ceviche. Pair those with mezcal cocktails and you’re in for a great night.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 5 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 11 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm
Location: 501 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

BarChi Sushi

In search of restaurants in downtown Austin to satisfy your sushi cravings? Barchi Sushi is a sleek sushi bar with a ton of options, and all are delicious. If you want to eat as much as you want without having to spend as much, visit from 4 pm to 7 pm for discounted rolls and sake.

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11 am – 2 pm & 4 pm – 10 pm | Friday 11 am – 2 pm & 4 pm – 12 am | Saturday 4 pm – 12 am | Sunday 3 pm – 10 pm
Location: 206 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701

Best Spots Near 6th Street Austin

Licha’s Cantina

Image Credit: Licha’s Cantina FB Page

You’ll have nothing but a great time at Licha’s Cantina. Their vibrant patio is the perfect place for friends and family to hang out while you munch on delectable Mexican comfort food. Their cochinita tacos and mezcal cocktails are a must-try!

Hours of Operation: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm -10 pm | Friday 4 pm – 11 pm | Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm
Location: 1306 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Aba

One of the restaurants near 6th Street in Austin is sure to give you an out-of-this-world experience. Aba offers a Mediterranean-inspired oasis with lush greenery and stellar brunches. Their must-try dishes include lamb kebabs, short rib hummus, and pistachio baklava.

Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday – Friday 11 am – 4 pm | Dinner: Monday – Thursday 4 pm – 10 pm; Friday 4 pm – 11 pm; Saturday 3 pm – 11 pm; Sunday 3 pm – 9 pm | Brunch: Saturday & Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Location: 1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

If you’re planning a full day downtown, check out our latest Austin event and dining guide for nearby festivals and live shows.