When visiting Austin, many people head straight for downtown or East Austin. But locals know the secret—North Austin has decidedly delicious restaurants. It’s worth taking a little trip north to skip the wait for reservations or pricey parking. Here is our list of 15 must-try places to eat in North Austin.

Lay flat image of several different dishes sitting on a wooden table at Barley Swine.
Barley Swine. Credit to Richard Casteel.

Andiamo

Head to Andiamo to be transported to Italy. Share a bottle of Chianti, some delectable pasta, a towering Tiramisu and be part of an Austin tradition since 2004. Make sure you take a look at their seasonal specials, like homemade pumpkin ravioli.

Barley Swine

Barley Swine defies definition. The recipient of a Michelin Star, Barley Swine is known for their seasonal and locally sourced dishes. Each dish is a work of art (and heart), and it’s a must-visit if you’re celebrating something special or if you want to experience something special.

District Kitchen

District Kitchen has something for everyone, in the best way. Their cocktails are delicious, the menu has serious range (think King Crab Roll to Texas Wagyu to Moroccan Lamb) and they have a cute, covered patio make it easy to enjoy this North Austin staple year-round. Happy hour is popular here, and it’s probably best to arrive early for brunch.

French Quarter Grille

New Orleans may be an eight-hour drive, but you can find food that’s just as good at French Quarter Grille. This cozy spot with exposed brick and black-and-white awnings serves escargot as readily as it does gumbo. Cajun and French-inspired dishes litter the menu, making this the place to laissez le bon temps rouler (let the good times roll).

Flat lay image of a tray of barbecue including brisket, ribs, sausage and more from InterStellar BBQ.
Courtesy of InterStellar BBQ.

Fonda San Miguel

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine and a unique dining atmosphere, look no further than Fonda San Miguel. This North Austin staple has been open since 1975 and was one of the first restaurants in Texas to focus exclusively on authentic cuisine from the interior and coastal regions of Mexico. Whether you're enjoying a happy hour cocktail in the stunning atrium or diving into a delicious meal off one of the restaurant’s revolving special menus, you’re sure to love what you get.

InterStellar BBQ

InterStellar BBQ in Northwest Austin is a Michelin-starred smokehouse renowned for its inventive takes on Central Texas barbecue. Try standout smoked meats like brisket, pork ribs, and turkey, all smoked low and slow over post oak for deep, rich flavor. However, the deliciousness doesn’t stop there, InterStellar hasn’t overlooked the side dishes that accompany the main meats with mouthwatering options such as smoked gouda mac and cheese and scalloped potatoes.

NG Cafe

NG Cafe's banh mis are the stuff of legend. Fresh bread jam packed with meats, seafood, or tofu, plus crunchy veggies. Their menu also has Vietnamese and Thai specialties like tom kha, drunken noodles, and the daringly named Evil Jungle Curry.

Peached Tortilla

The Austin food scene is a funky fusion of different cuisines and cultures, and Peached Tortilla is no different. Peached Tortilla creates unforgettable dining experiences by serving modern Asian comfort cuisine with a southern twist. Stop by on a Wednesday evening and enjoy Fried Chicken & Whiskey night, or try out Ramen night every Thursday.

Image of a bowl of ramen with someone holding a bunch of noodles with chopsticks above the bowl.
Ramen del Barrio. Credit to Taylor Elliot.

Ramen del Barrio

Ramen Del Barrio brings a bold and flavorful fusion of Japanese and Mexican cuisines to North Austin, offering inventive dishes like carnitas tonkotsu and mole tsukemen. Located inside the Hana World Market food court, this Bib Gourmand-awarded spot is helmed by Chef Christopher Krinsky, whose creative menu includes ramen bowls, aguachiles, and yaki tacos.

Rosen's Bagel Co. 

Rosen’s Bagel Co. brings a slice of New York to Austin with its hand-rolled, boiled bagels that boast a chewy interior and crisp crust. Their menu features classics like house-cured lox and scallion schmear, alongside inventive options such as the "Not A Taco" sandwich with chorizo, avocado, and pickled red onion. Pair your bagel with a coffee or cold drink, or check out the bakery case for rotating seasonal specials.

Seareinas

Austin is well known for its Mexican food, and the team behind Seareinas features Mexican seafood recipes from the state of Sinaloa. Mariscos, aguachiles, delectable fish dishes and sushi, plus tons of events and live music.

Slab BBQ & Beer

Meat, glorious smoked meat, is the name of the game at award-winning Slab BBQ & Beer. Craft brews and cleverly named sandwiches like the Notorious P.I.G. and the Texas O.G., along with ribs, sliders, and nana puddin’ accessorized with a hip-hop sugar cookie.

Sunflower

Try Sunflower, specializing in Vietnamese food, for some of the only banh xeo (crunchy, savory crepe) to be found in Austin. Their pho is rich and savory, the Sunflower prawns buttery and garlicky and their shaken beef is fork-cutting tender.

Moody shot of Top Notch Burger sign at night, juxtaposed on a dark purple sky.Top Notch. Credit @corey123.

Top Notch

If you’re in a hurry—but want to see some OG Austin culture—drive through at Top Notch. Featured in the iconic Austin film Dazed and Confused, this hamburger drive-through does charcoal burgers, fried chicken, grilled cheese, and hand pies. Check the calendar to see if they’re showing a movie and really feel those 1950s vibes.

Vazquez Restaurant

Vazquez Restaurant’s menu might feel a little more familiar. Tucked in a strip center, their fajitas and eggs will keep you full all day. Belt-busting breakfast tacos, enchiladas verdes, giant burritos, and traditional dishes like chicharron and barbacoa are some of the best in the city.

Ready to explore more of North Austin? Check out our North Austin Neighborhood Guide for a list of our favorite things to see & do.

Contributed by Kelly Stocker.