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June 12, 2025 3 mins
Food Scene Austin

Austin’s food scene is throwing a non-stop flavor fiesta, and listeners, you’d better arrive hungry. This city isn’t just weird; it’s downright delicious, thanks to a tidal wave of new restaurants, daring culinary ideas, and a sense of community that’s as palpable as the smoke at your favorite backyard barbecue.

The newest crop of hotspots reads like a who’s-who of 2025 must-tries. At Aris, Greek flavors get the Texas treatment, while the ultra-hip Mian & Bao in the Triangle sets tastebuds ablaze with Sichuan dumplings and beef pancakes engineered to impress the most adventurous palates. Oribello’s Bar and Kitchen channels pure Eastside grit, mixing elevated pub grub with cocktails in a setting where the line between dive bar and fine dining is deliciously blurred. Over at Fareground Food Hall, Golden Boy’s chef-driven bao and bowls—think Gochujang Beef Bao and Honey Salsa Macha Chicken—pop with vibrant, craveable flavors. JABS Burgers & Fries keeps it classic but bold, stacking premium Angus patties with a tangy “JABS sauce” sure to make burger lovers swoon, and Day Maker Half Day Cafe is serving up photogenic brunches and lattes made for lingering.

Diversity is king in Austin, and nowhere is that clearer than on East 7th Street, where Con Vista Al Mar delivers coastal Mexican—beer-battered fish, grilled U-8 shrimp, and Baja wines right in Central Texas. For omakase fans, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants has returned downtown, layering Japanese tradition with global inspirations and a 22-course extravaganza that includes everything from Japanese jellyfish to wagyu carved tableside.

Austin’s best chefs aren’t just making plates—they’re making statements. Dai Due’s Jesse Griffiths, a James Beard Award winner, is all about Texas terroir, serving game, Gulf fish, and produce from Bastrop in a rustic-chic Manor Road outpost. Juniper on East 6th reimagines Northern Italian cuisine with hyper-seasonal ingredients, while Aba on South Congress brings Mediterranean flair to lush, indoor-outdoor spaces. Local sourcing isn’t a trend here, it’s a way of life: Hillside Farmacy partners with Bastrop farms and nearby ranchers, putting local grass under every plate.

In a city obsessed with celebration, the culinary calendar is packed. The Austin Food & Wine Festival each November draws thousands to taste, learn, and grill alongside legends—even pitting chefs in a Rock Your Taco showdown with live music to match the sizzle. Events like Big Reds and Bubbles and BBQ Austin throw spotlight on Texas producers and pitmasters, reinforcing the collaborative, creative spirit running through the city’s kitchens.

What sets Austin apart? It’s the collision of heritage and innovation: brisket meets bao, tortillas cross-pollinate with kimchi, and every dish tells a story. The love for local ingredients and relentless experimentation make this city a playground for the taste-curious. For food lovers craving what’s next, Austin isn’t just worth watching—it’s worth a reservation..


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