My 6 Favorite New Austin Restaurants of 2019
It’s been a weird year of eating, and I’ve finally put on my thinking cap to decide which new Austin restaurants impressed me the most in 2019. These are the absolute best of the best but rather the restaurants I WANT to go back to. So, let’s dive right in!
Oseyo
First on this list has to be Oseyo, simply because I’ve been back four times already, and I’ve had an incredible meal every single time. The space is warm and inviting. The cocktail program is great, and the food is delicious as hell. Korean food is so homey sometimes, not quite lending itself to the more refined dining experience, but at Oseyo, every flavor is in balance while holding onto tradition and skirting the line of elegance. Order anything off the grilled menu, and don’t skip the fried chicken appetizer!
Comedor
This upscale Mexican restaurant feels pretty dang fancy, so you might not be eating here that often, but it’s a beautiful special occasion destination. First of all, it’s SO gorgeous. And the food lives up to its sexy aesthetic. Order those bone marrow tacos, and do not, whatever you do, leave without ordering dessert.
Spicy Boys
Go for the spicy chicken sandwiches, stay for the buttery roti and creamy curry. This food truck, brought to you by the same people behind Soursop, another spectacular food truck at an awesome brewery, is so freaking delicious. The fact it’s parked at Zilker Brewing Company is just icing on the cake.
Vixen’s Wedding
I literally JUST went to this Goan restaurant inside the Arrive hotel for the first time, and I’d say it’s pretty dang impressive. I kinda almost didn’t want it to live up to the hype. But with flavorful dishes, impeccable service, and a delicious, cohesive meal from start to finish, it was practically perfection. Favorites included the showstopping piri piri chicken (whole roasted with some crazy good potatoes) and mussels steamed in an addictive curry broth. Order a side of bread to sop up ALL the sauces. Try to save room for dessert if you can. The chocolate dosa cake is awesome.
Rosedale Kitchen & Bar
So glad this approachable neighborhood eatery exists. In a city bogged down by too many fussy small plates, this casual spot feels fresh. Order the seared halloumi cheese.
Otherside Deli
Simply some of the best corned beef and pastrami in town. This deli opened super late last year, so I’m giving it a pass onto this list. It’s maybe one of the best pastrami sandwiches I’ve ever had.
A Couple of Notes:
Regarding DipDipDip Tatsu-ya…I know everyone is putting this restaurant on their best-of lists, but I don’t feel like I can. Here’s why. Did I enjoy my meal at DipDipDip? Yes. It was delicious. Do I love hot pot? Sure do. Do I think the place is fun and a great spot? Yes, I agree with that. Buuuuuuut. I think it’s a little too expensive. The fact it’s ridiculously hard to get reservations is absurd. And, that they charge you at the end for noodles is just outrageous. However, I’m glad a place like this exists in Austin, and I adore the fact that my stool had storage for my purse.
I have only had Nixta Taqueria at an event, and the tacos were crazy good, but I haven’t been yet to their actual location, so I don’t feel like I can judge it appropriately.
I work for La Corsha Hospitality Group, which owns the East Austin Hotel. The hotel restaurant Sixth and Waller is SO DELICIOUS, especially its brunch and global fare (I eat the jasmine fried rice way more often than I care to admit). However, it just felt a little wrong to place it on this list, given my relationship (cough, cough Bon Appetit). Plus: I eat there like twice a week, so it’s a little unfair to judge places I’ve been to once against it! But, I do wholeheartedly recommend the restaurant and the bars at the hotel.
I haven’t been to Uroko yet. Sorry.
I already have reservations for Hestia in January, so I’ll report back later.
