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 Fresh and creative Italian dishes |
408C East 43rd Street Austin, TX 78751 United States +1 512 451 1218 http://www.astiaustin.com |
Located in the heart of Hyde Park, this classy Italian restaurant will dazzle your taste buds. The decor is modern with contemporary features. Large windows allow light to shine in and give warmth to the space. It is upscale, clean and comfortable, with dimmed lighting in the evening. Start with the Oven Roasted Mussels spiced with white wine, tomato and garlic. Or try the Semolina Fried Calamari, served with its own special sauce. The restaurant offers a selection of pizzas including a White Pizza with truffle oil mozzarella, fontina and provolone cheese with fried sage leaves. Another favorite is the Grilled Eggplant Pizza with fontina & oregano. Main dishes include several pasta and meat selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Casey Woods |
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Sausages, ribs and blue bells |
1212, Highway 290 (intersection of Highway 290 and 95) Austin, TX 78621 United States +1 512 285 3407 http://www.southsidemarket.com/ |
For a company specializing in fine cuts, opening a restaurant seems like the next step. How better to showcase your wares than on a diner's plate? People swear by the Southside Market Elgin Hot Sausage in these parts and the BBQ restaurant manages to top it with their Texas style barbecue. Beef and pork ribs, turkey, mutton and chicken are all slow cooked and seasoned to perfection. Add to it a side order of beans, pickle or coleslaw and you have all the makings of comfort food. If the grease and spice get to you, the Blue Bell ice-cream hits the spot. The barbecue is also served by the pound and there's a variety of souvenir caps and t-shirts to choose from. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bullock Strikes Again |
500, W. 6th St. Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 477 2377 http://www.bessbistro.com |
Every city worthy of the name needs a couple of those underground restaurants that are accessible only by little stairways, marked only by red awnings, and housed in buildings that used to be one thing but which are now some other thing entirely. Helping to fill Austin's unfortunate lag in such matters is Bess Bistro, which deals in a menu that's best described as "Atlantic" and does so in an atmosphere that's particularly conducive to conversation. If the restaurant tickles your fancy, you have Sandra Bullock to thank – the Austin-based actress owns the place and even designed the interior. -Barrett Brown Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Casual pizza and pasta |
1608 West 35th St Austin, TX 78703 United States +1 512 453 4330 http://www.brickovenll.citysea... |
This cozy Italian spot in a renovated house turns out some of the best pizza in the city. But the full menu of pastas and appetizers make this more than a pizzeria. The copper oven is still central to the experience, even if pasta is what you order: Wonderful, crusty breads are served with pepper-spiked olive oil for dipping, and the smell of pizza baking in the wood oven permeates the place. Ravioli is a crowd-pleaser, and so are all the pizza varieties. Lunch specials give Italian lovers no excuse for passing this place by. Incidentally, this restaurant is owned by the founder of the original Brick Oven on Red River, which is now a franchise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Seafood, Steaks & Rhythm |
9400 Arboretum Boulevard Austin, TX 78759 United States +1 512 342 2642 http://www.eddiev.com/ |
Formerly Brio Vista, Eddie V's offers Gulf Coastal cuisine and specializes in seafood and steaks. The menu comprises extraordinary dishes, such as Oysters, Gulf Snapper, Fresh Tuna and Lobster. Head to the V-Lounge for nightly live music and a wide selection of wines and cocktails. Every Tuesday night, the V-Lounge offers complimentary wine tasting from 5p-7p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bostin Christopher |
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Flavors of the Mediterranean |
2905, San Gabriel Street Austin, TX 78705 United States +1 512 474 2905 http://www.astiaustin.com/ |
The brains behind Asti probably got the inspiration for Fino when having a meal while perusing through an atlas. The cuisine is broadly categorized as Mediterranean but includes French, Spanish, Italian and Greek. This holds true for the wine list of around 90 labels as well, which include the staple French and Italian but also have vintages from Portugal and far away Australia. The tapas bar is a good bet as it lets you taste a bit of everything. Tuesdays are Spanish nights and Fino has Happy Hour everyday. Keep in mind, there are no rules: or maybe just one; come to Fino with an open mind and an empty stomach. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tapas, Spanish food |
208 West Fourth St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 236 8020 |
This upscale tapas bar features traditional sample plates of Spanish favorites and a wide variety of wine available by the glass. Vegetable empanadas are flaky, rich packages filled with spinach and ricotta or a daily special filling. The Arroz Con Pollo, chicken with a tasty saffron rice, is not to be missed. The slick atmosphere belies the comfortable feel. After work, this is a happening place for downtown types. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Modern Cuisine on Congress Avenue |
914 Congress Ave C Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 499 3999 http://www.restaurantjezebel.com/ |
Austin has its fair share of upscale dining, but Restaurant Jezebel rises above the rest with an innovative menu, extensive wine list, and unique style. The downtown restaurant is tucked into a narrow, high-ceilinged space, but the small size is offset by an intelligent interior design. Sexy wall art, low lighting, and unfinished walls give the dining experience an intimate feel. Chef/Owner Parind Vora mans the kitchen, preparing entrees with fresh seafood and prime meats. Try the mahogany garlic chicken breast or the crusted Atlantic salmon. As for the wine list, even a connoisseur would get lost in its pages. Don not be shy about asking the wait staff for their recommendation. Jezebel is not priced for nightly patronage, but is more suitable for a celebratory evening or a treat for your out-of-town guests. -Sarah Murray Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tapas with a twist |
208-D West Fourth St Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 478 7222 http://www.sabacafe.com |
Saba features tapas-style dishes which are influenced by the cuisine of the Caribbean, Yucatan and Pacific Rim and designed to be shared. Try the Masa Fried Oyster Tostadas, Tempura Ahi Tuna or Lobster Brie Empanadas. Specialty drinks include a Lemon Grass Margarita or Ginger-Hibiscus Rum Runner. Happy hour is observed all day Monday, 3pm-7pm Tuesday through Friday. With its large aquarium, stainless steel accessories and an azure plate-glass wall, the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated yet relaxing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter Tam |
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A bit of Brazil on Burnet road |
4800, Burnet Road Austin, TX 78756 United States +1 512 469 9988 http://www.sampaiosrestaurant.... |
Specializing in Brazilian cuisine, albeit with a contemporary touch, Sampaio's is a place for all occasions. There's variety on the menu, and a lot of the dishes are new and exciting, largely because one rarely comes across an authentic Brazilian restaurant. The bar is well stocked, with wine as well as beer. Start with a Caipirinha(sugar cane juice and rum, with lime) with a side order (cheese or chicken pastries, accompanied with a tangy sauce) before you move on to the Galinhada (Brazilian paellas), churrasco beef or the milanesa. There may be a little bit of trail and error, but when the errors turn out as tasty, no one's complaining! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Southwestern, lakeside |
98 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701 United States +1 512 477 3300 http://www.shorelinegrill.com |
Shoreline Grill has a prominent lakeside location. In late spring through early fall, you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot to view the famed Congress Avenue Bats. However, despite these trappings, it is the exquisite food that brings in the return guests. Seafood is the most abundant choice on the menu. Try the Lump Crabcakes and Grilled Shrimp with a Chipotle Mango Sauce or the Roast Salmon with with chive potato and serrano basil aioli. In-house pastry chef produces decadent dishes like Chocolate Intemperance and White Chocolate Raspberry Cake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andea Spencer |
 Photo: Andea Spencer |
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Italian grub |
314 Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78701-4024 United States +1 512 479 8131 |
If you're not tired of Italian cuisine, La Traviata gives you another reason to smile. Chef Gilchrist prepares innovative dishes of chicken, duck, and other meats to suit every palette. The staff know their food, so feel free to ask for advice if you're not sure what to order. It's not surprising to find the restaurant crowded; reservations are wise. The alltime Italian classic dessert, Tiramisu, is a must-try at La Traviata. The romantic interior makes it the ideal place to bring that special someone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brady Ho |
 Photo: Brady Ho |
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Dine on the shoreline |
101, Lakeway Drive Lakeway Resort and Spa Austin, TX 78734 United States +1 512 261 6600 http://lakeway.dolce.com/prope... |
Located inside the Lakeway Resort and Spa, The Travis Restaurant offers a dining ambiance like nowhere else. With the sunset on Lake Travis as the backdrop, enjoy a fine dining experience of continental cuisine that blends with the flavors of the southwest. Specialties of Executive Chef Bryce Murphree and his culinary team are the seasoned prime rib (every Thursday) and fresh seafood buffets (every first Friday). Simply unwind by the bar over a few rounds of billiards and cocktails, as the crimson sun sets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Simply great food |
11400 Burnet Road Texas Culinary Academy Austin, TX 78758 United States +1 512 339 3850 http://www.tca.edu/restaurant.asp |
This restaurant is more like a classroom, where a bunch of Texas Culinary Academy students take over and prepare incredible French delicacies. You can expect to find the likes of Trout Meuniere, Croque Madame, Pate Maison, Baked Brie, and Tuna Bearnaise on the menu. Whether the students are overworked or plain tired, it doesn't show, because the service is flawless and these prep chefs do a great job with the ingredients. The wine list is also impressive. There's always something to learn, for both students and visitors. So don't give this place a miss. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: SassyRadish |
 Photo: SassyRadish |
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Very inviting |
2525, West Anderson Lane Suite 260 Austin, TX 78757 United States +1 512 300 2660 http://www.theverandarestauran... |
A hot spot in Northcross Mall, The Veranda invites diners, with its well lit open spaces and cozy dining areas. If the orange and red decor doesn't stimulate your appetite, the assortment of salads and sandwiches(numbering around 40 at last count) and specialty rack of lamb surely will. The bar is convenient for something more relaxed and casual. The process of wine selection at The Veranda is simplified; the sommelier guides the diners to the wine rack and asks them to pick a bottle! Some say it's asking too much, but most agree, it's like going over to family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bistro with an American sensibility |
1601 West 38th Street, Suite 1 (38th Street & Kerbey Lane) Austin, TX 78731 United States +1 512 377 5252 http://www.vinbistro.com/ |
Warm, sleek ambiance greets you at the entrance of this Jefferson Square eatery. Engaging artwork indoors and a wine-colored canopy outdoors make both options a tempting setting for a great meal. Zin is appropriate for either a casual dinner or a romantic date. Fabulous signature cocktails such as the Signature Zintini or the Cosmo, sweeten the beginning of the meal. Choose, chef's recommendations like the Balsamic Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin and finish it of with the Zin Sin flour less Chocolate Cake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
