OUR RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Pinnacle Picks: Artipasta
When a craving for comforting, homemade Italian food strikes, Artipasta is a local spot worth adding to your list. With locations in North and South Austin, Artipasta brings the warmth of traditional Italian home cooking to the city through fresh, handmade pasta and recipes inspired by generations of family tradition.
Pinnacle Picks: Lenoir
If your ideal Austin evening includes seasonal food, thoughtfully selected wine, and a charming garden setting, Lenoir deserves a spot on your list. Since opening in 2012, this South Austin restaurant has focused on celebrating Central Texas through locally sourced ingredients, bold flavors, and a dining experience that feels both intimate and relaxed.
Pinnacle Picks: Hanami AYCE Sushi
If your ideal sushi night involves plenty of variety and the freedom to keep exploring the menu, Hanami AYCE Sushi is one Austin spot to put on your list. With more than 130 menu items and 50+ rolls, Hanami brings an all-you-can-eat sushi experience to Easy Wind Drive, complete with crafted cocktails and options for both lunch and dinner.
Pinnacle Picks: Murray’s Tavern
Looking for a place where classic cocktails, comforting food, and old-school tavern charm come together? Murray’s Tavern brings a New York-style tavern experience to East Austin, pairing traditional hospitality with a menu of familiar favorites and thoughtfully crafted drinks.
Pinnacle Picks: Odd Duck
Austin has no shortage of creative restaurants, but Odd Duck stands out for a philosophy that has been part of its story from the very beginning: cook with what’s local, seasonal, and available.
Pinnacle Picks: TrapHouse Caribbean
Looking for bold Caribbean flavors and Southern comfort food in the heart of Austin? TrapHouse Caribbean brings the two together with a menu inspired by the Caribbean, the African diaspora, and Southern roots. Located at 310 Colorado Street in Downtown Austin, this locally owned restaurant serves culture-driven food built around big flavors, family traditions, and plenty of soul.
Pinnacle Picks: SoupGreen Buffet
If you're looking for a buffet that goes beyond the usual selection, SoupGreen Buffet is worth adding to your dining list. Formerly known as Mama Lin's, this Austin restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat soup, salad, and bakery experience with an Asian twist, featuring more than 100 buffet favorites made with fresh ingredients and designed to satisfy every appetite.
Pinnacle Picks: Old Alley Hot Pot
If you're looking for a dining experience that's as interactive as it is flavorful, Old Alley Hot Pot is a restaurant you won't want to miss. Located in North Austin, this local favorite brings the bold, authentic flavors of Sichuan hot pot to Texas, offering rich house-made broths, premium meats, fresh vegetables, and traditional ingredients that let every guest create a meal exactly to their liking.
Pinnacle Picks: Fairways Cantina
Some restaurants are all about the food. Others are all about the atmosphere. Fairways Cantina offers both. Located at Morris Williams Golf Course, this laid-back Austin eatery combines fresh tacos, handcrafted margaritas, ice-cold beer, and scenic golf course views into one relaxing destination. Whether you're fueling up before a round, unwinding afterward, or simply looking for a great patio, Fairways Cantina is a spot worth visiting.
Pinnacle Picks: An Nyeong K Tofu & BBQ
Austin's food scene continues to grow with incredible international flavors, and An Nyeong K Tofu & BBQ is one restaurant that's bringing the heart of Korean cuisine to Central Texas. Located on Burnet Road, this locally owned restaurant serves authentic Korean comfort food inspired by family recipes and the long-standing tradition of the beloved SGD Tofu House in the Bay Area.
Pinnacle Picks: Austin's Very Own Saltt
If you're craving fresh Gulf Coast seafood without leaving Austin, Austin's Very Own Saltt is a neighborhood restaurant worth adding to your list. Known as Austin's first Gulf Coast Seafood Kitchen & Premium Daiquiri Bar, this locally owned spot combines Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and handcrafted daiquiris in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Pinnacle Picks: Doc B's Restaurant + Bar
When you're looking for a restaurant that balances fresh ingredients, flavorful comfort food, and a welcoming atmosphere, Doc B's Restaurant + Bar is a standout choice in Austin. Located at Domain NORTHSIDE, this modern American restaurant has built a reputation for serving high-quality meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients alongside handcrafted cocktails and genuine hospitality.
Pinnacle Picks: Quince Lakehouse
When it comes to combining exceptional food with breathtaking scenery, Quince Lakehouse offers one of Austin’s most memorable dining experiences. Nestled along the shores of Lake Austin, this upscale casual restaurant pairs globally inspired cuisine with panoramic waterfront views, creating the perfect destination for brunch, happy hour, dinner, or special celebrations.
Pinnacle Picks: Vic & Al's
Austin’s dining scene is full of variety, and if you’re craving authentic Cajun flavors, Vic & Al’s is a restaurant that deserves a spot on your list. Located on Manor Road, this family-owned restaurant brings together generations of recipes, Louisiana-inspired cooking, and Texas hospitality to create a memorable dining experience.
Pinnacle Picks: Anthem
Austin is known for its diverse food scene, and Anthem brings something unique to the table with its creative blend of Tex-Asian flavors, craft cocktails, and community-focused atmosphere. Located on Rainey Street, Anthem has become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors looking for great food, drinks, and good company.
Pinnacle Picks: Salty Sow
Austin has no shortage of great restaurants, but few places blend Southern comfort food, Texas flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere quite like Salty Sow. Located on Manor Road, this East Austin favorite has built a reputation for serving chef-driven dishes, craft cocktails, and one of the city's most popular happy hours.
Pinnacle Picks: Qi Austin
Austin’s dining scene is known for innovation, and Qi Austin stands out by combining authentic Chinese cuisine with a fresh, farm-driven approach. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Qi Austin offers an elevated dining experience that honors traditional flavors while embracing locally sourced ingredients and modern culinary techniques.
Pinnacle Picks: Baldinucci Pizza Romana
If you’re searching for authentic pizza in Austin, Baldinucci Pizza Romana is a spot that blends Italian tradition with classic New York pizza culture in a way that feels both elevated and approachable.
Pinnacle Picks: Kellie’s Baking Co.
When it comes to creative desserts in Austin, Kellie’s Baking Co. has carved out a lane entirely its own.
Pinnacle Picks: Bluff’s Bar
If you are looking for a spot that captures the "Old Austin" soul, look no further than Bluff’s Bar. Located in the heart of East Austin, this family-owned dive bar has quickly become a local staple for those who value great music and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.