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20 Best Lunch Spots in Austin

A photo of Red logo
by The OpenTable Team
Updated January 27, 2020

With a slogan like "Keep Austin Weird", this Texas town has a unique flair that sets it apart from the rest of the region. Perhaps that has to do with the college culture, the annual South by Southwest film festival, the thriving live music scene or even the huge number of bats. When it comes to food, Austin has a surprising mix of Tex-Mex and barbeque, of course. But you can also enjoy oysters with work colleagues in classy surroundings. Grab a friend for a French-style lunch date, in a bistro-style setting or head south of the river to buzzy spots like South Congress. But where do the smartest, savviest diners go for the best lunch Austin style? Find out in the Tastemaker 20 Lists. We’ve found 20 of the best lunch Austin can offer. Book today for some of the best lunch Austin diners have found so far.

A photo of June's All Day restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1051)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
South Austin
About the restaurant
It’s in the name: June’s serves up a range of dishes and grab-and-go coffee and pastries all day long. Lunch can be anything like a light Boston Lettuce Salad- with a luxurious black truffle vinaigrette- to hearty fare like the fried chicken sandwich with kohlrabi ranch slaw. Sit out on the patio and soak up the sun at this cheerful spot on the corner of South Congress Avenue.
Top review
Betsy
Dined 5 days ago
Great food and drink. Wine is slightly over priced- but all in all a fun time.
A photo of Clark's Oyster Bar - Austin restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1806)
$50 and over
Seafood
Downtown
About the restaurant
A favorite spot for business lunches, Clark’s is the Downtown destination for the best in East and West Coast oysters. There’s always a buzzing atmosphere here, whether diners drop in during work for a couple of oysters or sit down for a leisurely lunch of the house burger with Black Angus beef and gooey Gruyere. Queues form quickly at lunchtime so reservations are always recommended.
Top review
Tyler
Dined 4 days ago
Best oysters ever!!! Great service and great environment
A photo of Joann's Fine Foods restaurant
4.7
4.7 (499)
$30 and under
Tex-Mex
Downtown
About the restaurant
A dreamy diner destination on the edge of Bouldin Creek, Joann’s Fine Foods boasts an outdoor dining area to soak up the vibrant South Congress Avenue vibes plus a real retro feel. The classic diner elements are all here, but it’s had a modern makeover. Nowhere is that better seen than on the menu. Lunch runs right through until 4 pm, allowing guests to relax with avocado smoothies, grilled chicken tortas, or tacos and caldo de rez. The most fun Tex-Mex in town.
Top review
caitlin
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful service, very accommodating and the food was delicious!
A photo of Colleen's Kitchen restaurant
4.8
4.8 (967)
$30 and under
Regional American (Southern)
Central Austin
About the restaurant
Colleen’s Kitchen invites diners to “Be Our Guest”, and join them for some of the best lunch Austin has to offer. Arrive any time between 11 and 4, and either relax in the bright and airy dining area or sit right out by the sidewalk. Catfish bites with pickles, fried green tomatoes, and a house burger with a blend of two cuts of beef are just some of the lunchtime home-style dishes on offer. Kids are welcome here, which is great as Colleen’s is just moments from the famous children’s museum, The Thinkery.
Top review
Brian
Dined 2 days ago
The food is amazing. I had the short ribs, fried green tomatoes, collard greens(a lot of sugar in them), & the biscuits. I cleaned my plate(s). I will go back as soon as possible.
A photo of Josephine House restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1315)
$31 to $50
American
Central Austin
About the restaurant
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin locals know that relaxation and beautiful surroundings are often as important (or nearly as important) as great food. Josephine House, set in a traditional Clarksville cottage, is so pretty and so chilled. Plus, it has an all-day menu showcasing the absolute best of Texan produce. Marinated cucumbers with green pea hummus, rice bowls with chimichurri, and chipotle shrimp all provide filling and flavorful lunchtime treats. Hours vary day to day so check before booking.
Top review
Nancy
Dined 6 days ago
We had not been to the Josephine House in a while, so it was great to return and enjoy a delicious brunch in a festive and cozy atmosphere. Avocado toast was delicious! Our waitperson was attentive and accommodating. Looking forward to returning sooner than later!
A photo of ATX Cocina restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2640)
$50 and over
Contemporary Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant
Sleek and contemporary with a plush waterside setting, ATX already has plenty to tempt hungry diners in with. Not only does it serve some of the best modern Mexican food in town, but it’s a completely gluten-free restaurant. So, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular foodie destination. Head down every Friday for their lunch menu. Seafood offerings like campechana, bone-in ribeye with smoked chile butter, and hibiscus falafel are just some of the outstanding dishes in this accessible eatery. Perfect for big groups.
Top review
Jana
Dined 5 days ago
We had an amazing dinner on Tuesday evening. They have a great selection of tequila. The wine selection is a bit pricey, we had a nice bottle for about $85. For an appetizer we had the Hamachi, which I enjoyed but my husband was not really fond of. We also had the Brussel Sprouts and Sopes as an appetizer to share for the table. They were both excellent. The Brussel Sprouts had jalapenos, which gave them a nice kick. The entrees are very large, next time I think we will share. I had the whole roasted fish, which was amazing. Lots of garlic and the sauce was very flavorful. They debone the fish and it was wonderful with the homemade tortillas. My husband had the short rib, which was also delicious. It was very tender and flavorful. Our guests had the carne asada and the El Rey and both were very pleased. We shared the sweet potatoes and corn as sides. I really loved the sweet potatoes. Our service was great, even on a busy night and the manager did come by to check on us at one point. They are very conscious of food allergies, which I greatly appreciate. The entire menu is gluten free! A great place for dinner, before a show at ACL. Reservations required as they are very busy.
A photo of Wu Chow-Downtown restaurant
4.5
4.5 (2176)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Downtown
About the restaurant
Right in the heart of busy Downtown Austin, Wu Chow is a popular spot for lunch both for the working folks and those enjoying a leisurely stroll around town. Wu Chow’s partnerships with local farms and producers mean their menu is as sustainable as possible. Combine this with traditional Chinese flavors and it’s an exciting and satisfying lunch experience. Try their hot and sour soup for a pick-me-up, or Gong Bao Chicken for something more substantial. Need to keep a clear head for the rest of the day? Browse their menu of exotic teas.
Top review
John
Dined 4 days ago
Morgan was super sweet! Informed us about items on the menu, and was super welcoming. Loved this place, can’t wait to be back!!
A photo of North Italia - Austin 2nd Street restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1703)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown
About the restaurant
Satisfy all those cravings for proper Italian food at North Italia. This Downtown venue maintains the North Italia ethos of the freshest ingredients- including house-made pasta- and big flavors. Share a few small plates of bruschetta or arancini, or even a chef’s board with parma ham, cheese, peppers, and pesto. Stay focused with a cup of some of the best cappuccino in town- perfectly frothy. Austin’s love letter to Italy.
Top review
VikkiVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Food & service was amazing. Ambience charming, clean. We will return!
A photo of La Condesa restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2245)
$30 and under
Mexican
Downtown
About the restaurant
When it comes to finding the best lunch Austin has so many types of food on offer. This includes Mexican food which keeps the spirit of Central America alive and kicking. La Condesa is a prime example of this, blending the best of Austin with flavors straight from Mexico City. Lunch offerings include tuna tostadas, roasted mushroom quesadillas, and a range of traditionally filled tacos. Go beyond the traditional Tex-Mex and discover what real contemporary Mexican cuisine is all about.
Top review
Erica
Dined 5 days ago
Our waiter Manny was super! Great recommendations and great service. Food was fresh and flavorful. You can tell the care and time they take to make their plates here. I enjoyed the background and context given for each plate as it came out and made the experience that much better.
A photo of Ranch 616 restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1547)
$31 to $50
Regional American (Southwestern)
Downtown
About the restaurant
Ranch 616, started by a chef who has cooked all over America before returning to his Austin roots. This South Texas-style icehouse blends Gulf Coast ingredients with the flavors of Texas. What does this mean for those looking for lunch Downtown? Daily enchiladas, fish tacos with just the right amount of spice, fried quail, or award-winning frogs’ legs fried to perfection. All served in surroundings dotted with memorabilia of Texan culture.
Top review
john
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
Good from start to finish . Food is excellent and service wonderful
A photo of Swift's Attic restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1259)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Downtown
About the restaurant
There’s no shortage of lunch options Downtown. Some simply can’t help but stand out from the rest, though. Swift’s in one of those places that looks like it might be overly classy for a lunch date, but it manages to avoid being intimidating by combining a relaxing atmosphere with stylish surroundings. The food is a mix of global flavors. This could be vegan salads with sharp Granny Smith apples, fish and chips with the catch of the day, or the Koreuben: A Korean take on the classic pastrami sandwich. Booking recommended.
Top review
Christy
Dined 4 days ago
Swifts Attic is perfect for a group of friends or associates that love a little food adventure. The shareables are designed for up to 6 people, and there's enough novelty to the menu to keep return diners from getting bored. After a great meal, it's only two flights of stairs down to Austin's best jazz club, so this is a whole night kind of experience.
A photo of The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen - Downtown restaurant
4.7
4.7 (983)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
When there’s a big group looking for the perfect Downtown lunch destination, The Grove is a choice that gets mentioned time after time. Inspirations for the menu range from Italian to Asian, meaning discerning guests can start with bruschetta then move onto sesame-crusted tuna or sticky pork belly sliders with sriracha aioli. Look out for lunch combo specials of soup and sandwiches- a great value way to enjoy this pretty Downtown spot.
Top review
WalterVIP
Dined 4 days ago
My w2ife and I go to the Grove often, and we always enjoy it. The food and the wine are both consistently excellent. I also appreciate that the folks who work there make us feel welcome-- almost a home away from home. It is a great place.
A photo of Caroline restaurant
4.3
4.3 (1150)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Caroline’s might be a date night favorite, but it’s also a hot spot for social and relaxed lunches. The restaurant opens at 6 in the morning, so by the time lunch comes around they are really into the swing of things. Any time after 10.30 and right through until 4, diners can dig into spicy devilled eggs, a house salad with blueberries and fennel, or a classic chicken schnitzel with green beans. Texan flavors with a little something extra.
Top review
Will
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Great ambiance! Food was excellent and made for a great first date spot.
A photo of True Food Kitchen - Austin - The Domain restaurant
4.4
4.4 (1119)
$30 and under
American
North Central
About the restaurant
True Food Kitchen knows that diners want more than just a great meal. They want to know that it’s sustainably sourced, organic where possible, and that it’s doing them some real good. True Food has this covered, with a regularly rotating menu packed with seasonal fare, including many paleo and keto-friendly options. Their Winter Immunity Bowl, for example, is a feast of wild mushrooms, peas, watermelon radish, and miso. For healthier options, this is the best lunch Austin has on offer.
Top review
Viswanath
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent food in Austin. Great location, clean restaurant.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Austin restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2378)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
About the restaurant
The Domain is one of those huge, sprawling retail centers that can take hours to even see half of. Thankfully, there are some great spots to sit down and refuel. Culinary Dropout is one such place, with its gastropub stylings and menu full of comfort food classics. Mix up some helpings of meats and cheeses, or grab a few bar snacks to share. If olives and bacon cheddar pretzel bites aren’t quite substantial enough, a spicy vegan curry or bistro steak might do the trick. Plenty to choose from.
Top review
Jae
Dined 3 days ago
Such a great vibe in this spot. Upscale food. Great drinks and very lovely ambiance. Not quiet so know that. Great live music.
A photo of Chez Zee restaurant
4.6
4.6 (4572)
$30 and under
American
Northwest
About the restaurant
Chez Zee has been a quirky part of Austin culture since 1989. Today, it’s recognized as one of the top restaurants in America, particularly for the brunch offerings. Board games and fairy lights await at this whimsical wonder, plus a lunch menu full of serious Southern flavor. Fried pickles get the mouth watering, then a choice of quiches, pasta, fish specials, and entrees like chicken fried steak are set to satisfy any appetite. Always a warm, fun experience.
Top review
Michael
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent food and service and a big thanks for always being so accommodating!
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