Savor the Sizzle: Austin's Hot New Restaurants and Must-Attend Food Festivals

Food Scene Austin

Austin’s culinary scene is buzzing with an irresistible mix of bold flavors, boundary-pushing chefs, and events that turn the city into a feast for the senses. Lately, the sound of construction and the scent of anticipation are trailing after a wave of new restaurants—each promising to upend expectations and set taste buds dancing. The buzz around Bird Bird Biscuit’s third outpost on South Lamar is already making chicken biscuit lovers salivate, while Cenote’s much-anticipated rebirth on East 7th will have breakfast aficionados flocking for their signature coffee and locally-inspired fare. For those craving something spirited, La Mezca is poised to shake things up with mezcal flights and street tacos, the latest concept from the Veracruz All Natural team. Sushi enthusiasts should keep their eyes on Konbini, opening soon behind Papercut bar, a project from the minds behind Michelin-tipped Tare.

Just when you think Austin can’t surprise you again, Chef Janelle Romeo is preparing to celebrate the vibrant flavors of Trinidad and Tobago at Twin Isle—a sure bet to transport listeners to the Caribbean, bite by captivating bite. Not to be outdone, the team behind Austin staples like ATX Cocina and Red Ash Grill are rolling the dice on two fresh new projects, helmed by Harold Marmulstein of Salty Sow fame, promising another delicious page in Austin dining lore.

Classic powerhouses are doubling down on creativity. Pasta|Bar Austin, born from a Michelin-starred concept, dazzles with Italian craftsmanship kissed by Texas terroir. Eberly’s menu and lush setting are where stories unfold beside beautifully composed plates, while Hillside Farmacy’s devotion to fresh, local produce and Texas-raised meats cements its place as a must for anyone seeking Austin’s agricultural soul.

What truly sets Austin apart are its immersive food celebrations. At the 2025 Austin Food Fest this October in Republic Square, the whole city becomes a moveable feast—dozens of vendors, live bands, and an all-ages carnival where barbecue and breakfast tacos battle for first blush. November brings the Austin Food & Wine Festival, where luminaries like Chef Tim Love host hands-on grilling sessions, local favorites like Uchi and Franklin Barbecue serve up their iconic creations, and pitmasters share the secrets of Texas barbecue under the open sky.

Austin’s food is forged in the city’s cultural melting pot, where Texan pride meets endless curiosity. Chefs harness Hill Country produce and Gulf seafood, mixing Vietnamese, Mexican, Caribbean, and classic Southern flavors in ways that are unexpected yet unmistakably Austin. The city’s food festivals and ever-evolving restaurant scene prove there are always new stories to taste.

For listeners hungry for discovery, Austin is a city to watch—a restless, ever-delicious blend of old and new, where every meal tells the next chapter of its culinary adventure. Grab a fork and let the city surprise you..


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