The energy in Austin may be laid-back, but the fine dining scene isn't taking it easy. The city that (arguably) invented the breakfast taco has seen massive shifts in their restaurant ethos in the past few years, and we're not mad about it.Whether or not you think Texas belongs to the South or the Southwest—hell, the state is bigger than France—you can't ignore the amount of sheer talent accumulating within it's borders.
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Between off-menu biscuits, experimental sushi dishes, porchside punch bowls, and Mexican brunch buffets, these upscale restaurants do their part in keeping the city weird. Here are our picks for the best special occasion dining in Austin. For more tips on where to go and what to eat in Austin, check out the complete MUNCHIES Guide to Austin.
Uchi: Chef Tyson Cole put Austin on the map as a fine-dining destination when in 2003, he opened Uchi in a 1920s cottage on South Lamar. Known for it contemporary takes on traditional sushi, including the melt-in-your-mouth foie nigiri (that's grilled and topped with "fish caramel"), this spot is still one the busiest restaurants in town. Also check out its sister restaurant, Uchiko, which focuses on "Japanese farmhouse" dishes.
Barley Swine: Sister restaurant to Odd Duck, Barley Swine has established itself as the one of the best places in town to try local, seasonal Texan cuisine. The chef's tasting menu is highly recommended as a way to get a primer on true local Texan produce and game. People love the sweetbreads here.
Odd Duck: When brothers Bryce and Dylan Gilmore first opened Odd Duck in 2009 in a trailer on South Lamar, the food was made with ingredients from surrounding farms (locals still wax poetic over their legendary lamb sliders). Eventually, condos ended up being built on the trailer lot, and the silver lining was that this led to Odd Duck finally getting its brick -and-mortar space. It's now a glass-boxed space serving lunch, dinner, and brunch on Sundays.
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Launderette: Chefs Laura Sawicki and Rene Ortiz have drummed up an eclectic and inventive menu in a former eastside laundromat. The anything-goes menu has made this New American spot a neighborhood favorite, especially when the weather's warm enough to sit on the outside patio. Sawicki's birthday cake ice cream sandwich is legendary—don't feel like you have to be celebrating an occasion to order it.
Fonda San Miguel: Going to Fonda San Miguel is the fastest way to transport yourself to a glamorous Mexican hacienda. Once you pass through the wooden doors and get yourself a numero uno margarita with fresh lime juice at the colorfully tiled bar, you'll be able to dig into one of the best chile rellenos on this side of the border. Fonda is also known for it's Hacienda Brunch Buffet on Sundays, and reservations are highly recommended.
L'Oca d'Oro: Chef Fiore Tedesco did stints at Gramercy Tavern and Roberta's in New York before opening L'Oca d'Oro (or "golden goose," an homage to his daughter's nickname, Lucy Goose) in the Mueller neighborhood. The anitpasti, house-made pastas (like the popular mushroom lasagna), and family-style plates are balanced and creative. Great for groups or for those who just want a single seat at the bar.
Olamaie: Housed in a cottage dating back to the 1800s, Olamaie is helmed by lauded chef Michael Fojtasek. Named after five generations of women in Fojtasek's family, Olamaie has modernized Southern classics using local produce and through-and-though Texas ingredients. The outside porch is one of the best spots in town to sip one of their artfully-crafted cocktails or punch bowls. It's also home to one of Austin's worst kept secrets: biscuits that aren't listed on the menu, and are so good that they'll make you cry.
Jeffrey's: A revamped neighborhood spot, Jeffrey's is a Clarksville gem, from the Richie Tenenbaum–influenced valet uniforms (co-owner Larry McGuire has cited Wes Anderson's movies as visual influences) to the Napoleon Room for private parties. Jeffrey's has taken the cake as Austin's go-to special occasion spot. Consider splurging on the Wagyu beef steaks; the ribeye is popular.