Best New Restaurants Austin, TX 2026

This is a comprehensive guide to the best new restaurants in 2026. I’ll be updating it frequently as I discover more spots, so follow along to see all the restaurants I’ve tried this year and what I think is worth the hype.

Ramen Del Barrio

Okay, I know I'm cheating a little here because Ramen del Barrio technically just moved from their food truck into a brick and mortar, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list.

They are now located on Kramer Lane in a small strip center, and the new space is everything I hoped it would be. Chef Chris continues to serve his signature fusion ramen, blending Japanese and Mexican flavors, and the restaurant now has both indoor and outdoor seating along with an expanded drink menu.

The must orders here are definitely the raw bar items. My favorites are the tuna tostada and the scallop tostada, but I also highly recommend the shrimp aguachile and whatever seasonal sashimi they are offering.

For ramen, I always recommend the Chilaquiles Ramen and the Carnitas Shoyu Ramen. If you're looking for tacos, don't skip the tripas tacos. They are perfectly crispy and topped with a brown sugar tare and furikake chicharrón that makes them incredibly memorable.

Pretty much everything I've had here has been excellent. The food is just as good as it was at the original Hanaworld location, but now you get to enjoy it in a beautiful new space with plenty of seating.

Shug's Bagels

Shug's Bagels is a bagel spot originally from Dallas that specializes in New York style bagels. They kettle boil their bagels before baking them, which gives them that signature chew you expect from a really good bagel.

The inside is still relatively soft and fluffy, which may not be as traditional as some of the denser New York bagels, but I actually think it works really well here. Their bagels are so good that I think you can easily eat them untoasted, especially when they're fresh out of the oven.

My favorite sandwich here is the Shug, which comes with a hash brown, bacon, egg, and cheese, with your choice of egg preparation. I recommend getting it scrambled or sunny side up. I also really enjoyed their egg bagel and everything bagel on their own.

So far, I think Shug's might be the spot for New York style bagel sandwiches in Austin.

Luv Fats

Luv Fats is currently operating out of a small shop on Loyola Lane in East Austin, and it is absolutely worth visiting.

Even though everything here is completely vegan, don't let that fool you. They are making some of the best ice cream in Austin. My favorite flavor was the Lavender Cookies and Cream, which was honestly one of the best scoops of ice cream I've had in a long time.

I'm pretty picky when it comes to ice cream. My standards are high and I really look for an ice cream that's incredibly creamy without icy crystals or that grainy texture you sometimes get from over churning. Love Fats absolutely delivers. The ice cream is rich, smooth, not overly sweet, and just really well made. The slightly higher price per scoop is probably because they use avocado in their base instead of dairy, which gives the ice cream an incredibly creamy texture.

The shop itself is small, but it's the perfect place to stop during the summer. I also recommend paying a little extra for the 2 scoop option if you're going with someone. It's a better value than ordering 2 single scoops, and it lets you try more flavors.

Pho Cui

Cui is a new Vietnamese restaurant that recently opened in North Austin. The space is really small, but the food is very good. I like how they incorporate Texas barbecue flavors into classic Vietnamese dishes, giving them their own unique identity.

The thing I recommend most is their Pho Cowboy. It uses smoked Texas style meats like brisket, and I actually prefer it over their classic pho. They also have a really good bún bò Huế, and a lot of their pho options feature smoked meats that work surprisingly well with the broth.

Another dish I enjoyed was their Saigon pork chop rice plate, which comes with nicely smoked pork that is tender and full of flavor. The prices here are also very affordable, making it a great value.

I also recommend getting their appetizer sampler, the bánh bèo nậm, so you can try a variety of different Vietnamese appetizers in one order.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the restaurant is very small, so I would expect a wait if you visit during the weekend or other busy dining hours.

Kaisen Yatai

Kaisen Yatai is technically located in Pflugerville, but it's only a short drive from Austin and definitely worth the trip if you're craving Japanese food.

I tried a variety of dishes here, but my favorite by far was the fried catfish basket, which also seems to be one of their most popular menu items. I also really enjoyed the sake steamed clams, and a lot of people recommended the butter scallops, which I thought were solid as well.

One dish I probably would not order again is the chicken karaage, I found the breading to be a bit too thick for my liking.

Overall, I think the food here is really solid, and the portions are generous enough to share. If you're in the Pflugerville area or don't mind a short drive from Austin, I definitely recommend checking out Kaisen Yatai. Just a fair warning that the hours are a bit limited and they are mainly open on weekends.

Sugar Wolf

Sugar Wolf Bake Shop is probably what I consider the best bakery in Austin right now. I originally became a fan because of pastry chef Conor Smith and the incredible bread he made during his time at Guest House. Since then, he has left the business, so I do want to revisit and see how things have changed.

During my visits, though, I thought Sugar Wolf was making some of the best pastries in Austin. I really enjoyed all of their croissants, which were consistently flaky, buttery, and well laminated. I also think they make one of the best chocolate chip cookies in town.

Another favorite of mine is their porchetta sandwich, which is absolutely worth ordering if it's available. Overall, I think the lines and the hype are justified. I've been 2 or 3 times, and every visit has been consistently excellent. Now that the head pastry chef has moved on, I'm looking forward to going back and seeing how the bakery has evolved.

Smalls Wine Bar

Smalls Wine Bar is a newer concept from the team behind Smalls Pizza. After finding success with the pizza shop, they expanded into the same Springdale General building with a wine bar focused on Italian small plates, wine by the glass, and rotating specials.

When I visited, I enjoyed the frittatine along with an assortment of cheeses and charcuterie. One of the nice things is that you can also order pizza from Smalls Pizza next door, which pairs really well with the wine bar experience.

The menu rotates regularly, so you'll likely find something different each time you visit. Overall, you can expect well executed Italian classics, a cozy atmosphere that's great for a date night, and really good house made ice cream to finish your meal.

Howdy's Pizza

This is a new pizza spot from Chef Emily Rayburn, featuring Italian inspired fare with a menu centered around seasonal pizzas and fresh pastas. I know what you're thinking, another pizza and pasta place. They've only been open for about 3 weeks, but there were several things we really enjoyed.

Our favorite was the pepperoni pizza, topped with hot honey, ricotta, basil, and cup pepperoni. The first pizza came out a little overdone. It wasn't burnt enough to ruin the flavor, so we still ate it, but when I casually mentioned it to the manager as she walked by, she immediately offered to make us another one. I declined, but she sent one out anyway. The second pizza was perfectly cooked, and we loved the rich, flavorful dough paired with the sweetness of the tomato sauce. It leans toward a Neapolitan style pizza with a soft, airy crust.

The focaccia is another must. While it didn't have the large fermentation bubbles you typically expect, it was incredibly fluffy and reminded me of a cross between a soft biscuit and focaccia. It paired really well with the whipped ricotta and honey.

We also tried the agnolotti filled with ricotta in a peach pomodoro sauce. For me, the pasta was a little too soft, and combined with the creamy ricotta filling and smooth sauce, it lacked enough textural contrast. I think cooking the pasta just a bit firmer would have made the dish more balanced. That said, the peach pomodoro sauce itself was excellent.

To finish, we had the tiramisu ice cream, which was absolutely delicious and ended the meal on a high note.

Austin Oyster Co

Austin Oyster Co is a new cold bar raw seafood concept that’s been getting a lot of attention from local food writers and bloggers. I went in about a month after they opened, and while there are definitely still some things to fine tune, I did come away with a positive impression overall.

What really worked for me were the cold bar items. The tom kah clams were a highlight, and the clam diablo also stood out as one of the stronger dishes on the menu. These felt like the most confident and well executed parts of the experience.

That said, not everything landed the same way. The lobster roll, for example, didn’t quite hit what I was hoping for. The lobster felt more chopped and slightly overcooked rather than the larger, juicier chunks you typically want in a roll like that.

Even with those inconsistencies, I still enjoyed the meal and think the concept has a lot of potential. I would probably go back for a more complete picture once they’ve had more time to settle in.

One thing I think is worth mentioning is their burger, which I don’t see talked about as much. It was actually pretty solid and worth trying if you end up there for oysters or the raw bar experience.

Hanami AYCE

Hanami Sushi really impressed me, and I think it might be the best all you can eat sushi experience in Austin right now.

I recently tried the newly opened Hokkaisan as well, but I wasn’t a big fan of their all you can eat format compared to Hanami.

What I liked most about Hanami is that they serve full size rolls instead of tiny portions, so you’re not constantly having to reorder. It makes the whole experience feel more relaxed and efficient.

The fish quality is what I would consider typical for all you can eat sushi, but it didn’t come across as overly fishy, which I appreciated. One of my favorite items was the roll with mango and salmon. I also enjoyed a few of their crudo .

Outside of sushi, their robata items were surprisingly solid too, especially the chicken robata and steak robata.

Overall, Hanami feels like the most worth it all you can eat sushi option in Austin in my opinion, especially if you go in knowing what to expect.

Lions Den Tea

Lion’s Den Tea is a more low key East Austin tea spot focused on artisanal matcha and specialty tea drinks. It also operates as a queer owned sober space, which I really appreciate based on what they share on their website. They also host community events like open mic nights, trivia, and karaoke, which gives it a pretty strong neighborhood hangout feel.

Parking is definitely limited in the area. When we went, it was a bit tight and I’ll just say we took a slightly questionable spot right near the building, so I would plan ahead if you visit.

For drinks, we tried their seasonal “Peaches and Queer,” which is a peach matcha. They make their jams in house, and I thought the matcha still came through nicely even with the added flavors. From what I understand, they use Central Matcha as their base, which is consistent with a lot of specialty shops around Austin.

I’d like to go back and try some of their more straightforward, plain matcha drinks next time. I went for the more elaborate seasonal option on my first visit, so I’m curious how their base matcha holds up on its own.

Nougatine Bake Shop

Nougatine Bake Shop started as a pop up vendor and has since grown into a physical space at Austin Winery. They focus on French style pastries, and their hours are typically updated through their Instagram.

I tried an assortment of their pastries, and while I would not say they are quite as flaky as some of the other top tier bakeries in Austin like Sugar Wolf or Matok, I still think the execution is solid overall. The flavors are well balanced, and there is a clear attention to seasonal offerings.

What I especially enjoy is when they lean into more traditional French desserts. Their bûche de Noël during the holiday season is very well done, and I also like their galette des rois when it is available.

Overall, I would still place them among the better bakeries in Austin, especially considering the pop up to brick and mortar transition and the consistency they are building over time.

La Vi

La Vi is a new Vietnamese coffee truck in downtown Austin, serving an excellent salted caramel Viet latte and egg coffee. While technically a drink spot, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Click Here for their IG.

Cowboy Cubans

Cowboy Cubans is run by a 19 year old who happens to be the son of the owner of Garbo's. Paying tribute to his childhood in Key West, he serves Cubanos but controversially skips the traditional foreman press, instead pressing his sandwiches by hand on a flat grill. The menu currently features three sandwiches, though he’s already planning to expand. The mojo pork in his Cubanos was spot on, tender, flavorful, and well executed. I also really enjoyed the 305 Cuban, which combines a little bit of everything: ham, cheese, American cheese, Cuban pork, pickles, mayo, lettuce, and tomato.
Click here for their Website

EJ's Hot Pot & Sushi

EJ's Hot Pot and Sushi is an all you can eat hot pot and sushi spot in North Austin that has flown relatively under the radar since opening about 4 months ago.

I stopped by because one of my friends really liked it, and I was pleasantly surprised by their all you can eat sushi. For an additional $5 on top of their regular menu price, you can add all you can eat hot pot. Each person gets their own individual pot of broth, and they have a large assortment of meats, vegetables, and different add ons. You can choose 1 soup base, although you can't swap it out once you've selected it.

The sushi menu includes different rolls, sashimi, small bites, and hot items. Personally, I thought the sashimi and rolls were both really solid, and I think the sushi is what really sets this place apart.

When it comes to the hot pot itself, I wouldn't rank the meats above places like Old Alley or Happy Lamb. I'd put it around the same level as Soupleaf in terms of variety and overall flavor. But when you add the sushi into the equation, I think EJ's becomes levels up.

If you're looking for a place where you can get both hot pot and sushi in the same meal, EJ's Hot Pot and Sushi is definitely worth checking out.

Matok Bakery

Matok Bakery is another must try. Owned by a female chef who has worked in multiple bakeries in New York City, they aim to make the best pastries in town, including cherry pistachio croissants, knafe croissants, and other treats. They also offer Jewish inspired pastries, like challah bread. Overall, I think they might have some of the best pastries in Austin, and their croissants are easily among the top I’ve had. Be sure to check their IG before visiting as they sell out quick. You can also preorder online in advance.
Click Here for their IG.

Little Arthurs

Little Arthur's is a concept from Denver, with the owner originally from Philadelphia. They serve really good sandwiches and subs, and personally, I really enjoy their Italian sub.

But the real reason I recommend coming here is their Philly cheesesteak, which I think is one of the best, if not the best, cheesesteaks in Austin. The cheesesteak was pretty much perfect, with freshly butchered meat that gave it an incredibly tender and juicy bite, paired with melty, ooey cheese.

They're currently located in the back of Day Dreamer, and I definitely think they're worth checking out if you're looking for really good subs, sandwiches, and one of my favorite cheesesteaks in town.

Pedroso's Pizza

Pedroso’s Pizza recently opened their second slice and sandwich shop, now serving alcohol. It’s a great grab and go spot with tables inside and on the patio. I love their Italian sub, and they’re experimenting with new pizza specials as well.
Click Here for their IG.

Anh Em

Anh Em, by the former owners of phoCraft, serves delicious banh mi and pho. Prices are on the higher side for smaller portions, but they deliver with some of the best bread I’ve had for banh mi and a generous smear of pâté and mayo. Their nitro Thai tea is also worth trying. The pho has improved on subsequent visits and we enjoy their matcha soft serve
Click Here for their IG.

Roya

Roya is a Persian family style restaurant focused on elevating Persian cuisine. They offer a leave it up to the chef menu called the Sofreh, a curated tasting of their signature dishes. We tried it at $85 per person, which saved us time and was a fun experience. Standout dishes included the duck meatball soup, Olivier chicken cups, and tender lamb.
Click Here for their IG.

Nanxiang Express

Nanxiang Express is a fast casual dumpling concept in North Austin and part of a larger chain with multiple locations. I’ve only been once, but it’s a pretty easy and affordable option if you’re in the Mueller area and want something quick.

I thought the soup dumplings were decent, not mind blowing, but solid for what it is. The pan fried dumplings were actually better in my opinion, with a nice crisp on the bottom, and I also enjoyed the wontons.

The one thing I would not order again is the beef noodle soup. It was just okay and didn’t really stand out compared to other spots in Austin doing similar dishes.

Overall, it’s a convenient, fast option if you’re nearby, especially for dumplings, but I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way just for the noodle soup.

Hanshin Pocha

Hanshin Pocha, technically a chain from Korea, serves authentic pocha style food in an indoor setting. You can check in online, and they’re open late. Highlights include the whole chicken and multiple stews. I found the army stew lacking and it didn’t come with ramen, but their spicy, well made chicken feet is a must try.
Click Here for their IG.

Aburi Tora

Aburi Tora, by the Toronto based Miku team, serves conveyor belt sushi. It’s a fun, modern concept that offers a refreshing alternative to the many omakase spots in Austin. It’s not as affordable as Kura Sushi, but the quality is noticeably higher.
Click Here for their IG.

Rogue Radish

Rogue Radish recently reopened in a new location at Swift Attics, moving from Fareground. They serve my favorite salads, including the sunflower sprout bowl, and I also enjoyed the steak. They have poke bowls too, but the sunflower sprout bowl with a side of rice is a must. Everything I’ve tried here has been excellent, thanks to the former executive chef of the award winning Pitchfork Pretty.
Click Here for their IG.

Shokunin

Shokunin has flown somewhat under the radar. Early on, they received attention from local bloggers, but as the hype has settled, I’ve recently tried their hand rolls and found the in house milled rice pleasantly seasoned, and the fish high quality. Dining here can be pricey, but if you use the InKind app and instore deals, it can be more affordable. The negitoro is a must.
Click Here for their IG.

Vua Bo Bun

Vua Bo Bun is perhaps my most frequently visited new spot this year. They serve Bun Bo Hue, a spicy Vietnamese stew where you flavor the broth yourself. You can add satay for extra spice or shrimp paste for more umami. Their fresh rice noodles and giant beef tendon are excellent, providing a rich, collagen-packed meal. They recently started sourcing high quality bánh mì, which pairs perfectly with the broth.
Click Here for their IG.

Taco N Maiz

Taco n Maiz quietly opened in the old Vaquero Taqueria location, a hidden spot in Austin. The owners have multiple businesses in Mexico City and are testing the Austin market. We tried a variety of tacos, and the pastor on the trompo and the asada were my favorites. The tacos are authentic to what you’d find in Mexico, and it’s nice that they have AC, a rarity among highly rated taco spots in Austin. The choripapa is also worth trying.
Click Here for their IG.

Garage Pizza

One of the newest spots inside Garage Texas, a bar located in an actual garage, is Philip Speer’s new concept, Garage Pizza. They’re currently open Tuesday through Saturday and sell dough until they sell out. The pizza can best be described as a Sicilian, focaccia like style: very bubbly, light, fluffy, and incredibly crispy around the edges.

Each slice runs about $8–$9, but the quality of the ingredients and the flavor absolutely justify the price. It’s still one of the more affordable meals you can find in downtown Austin. The ambiance is dark and intimate, and the space is 21+, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Try the Daytona 500 and the Hog Pen. Click here for their IG. I recommend making a reservation to Garage TX.

Kiin di

Khao Soi

How lucky Austin is to have one of the best Thai spots in the city open a brick and mortar in South Austin. Kiin di is the closest to the Thai food you’d get in cities like LA. We ordered their killer noodles, banana blossom salad, creamy crab curry, and the Khao soi. Everything was well cooked and flavorful.

My only hope was for a bit more acidity in some of the dishes, which is a note I’ve already passed along to the restaurant. Other than that, it was an excellent meal, and I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu. I love how much they’ve expanded from their food truck days, and I have high hopes that this will be a top contender for the best Thai restaurant in Austin.**

Click here for their IG

Tacolada

TacoLada is a new spot in North Austin serving California style burritos. It's from the owners of The Kebab Shop, and they're primarily focused on San Diego style burritos.

I will say there does seem to be a bit of fusion in the way they make their tortillas, similar to the wraps at The Kebab Shop. They also serve tacos, flautas, Carne asada fries, and other San Diego classics.

The star of the menu is definitely the California burrito, which comes stuffed with French fries. That's the item I would recommend ordering. I also enjoyed their carne asada fries.

My only criticism was the carne asada itself. When I visited, it lacked the char and crisp that I usually look for in carne asada. It leaned more toward steamed beef than grilled carne asada. If they can improve that aspect, I think this could be a really solid option for California style burritos in Austin.

Small's Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza and Vodka Pie
Small's Pizza recently relocated to Springdale General, bringing a New Haven style approach with signature crispy, smoky bottomed pies. This isn’t the type of pizza you fold—these are so crisp you can literally snap a slice in half. We tried the vodka pizza and the pepperoni, both 16-inch pies that are generous in size for the price.

The vodka pie stood out with its rich, addictive sauce (though we wished for just a touch more). The pepperoni was solid, but I personally prefer a slightly sweeter tomato sauce to balance the toppings. Overall, Small Pizza is a welcomed new addition to East Austin, especially for fans of crispy crusts. They now offer bagels and slices of pizza as well. Be sure to try their eggplant rollatini. Click here for their website!