New Restaurants in Austin, TX 2025

A comprehensive look at the new restaurants I explored in Austin in 2025, highlighting the spots I recommend and those I plan to revisit, as recommended by Austin’s top dedicated food blogger. All reviews are performed anonymously by me. No free food or money accepted for these reviews!

Here is the google map

Parish BBQ - Food Truck

Parish BBQ is a new spot that opened in 2025. The owner, previously at Franklin BBQ and Interstellar, has taken his BBQ knowledge and combined it with Creole flavors for a unique fusion concept. You’ll find pulled duck with orange zest, the most tender pork ribs, perfect brisket every time, boudin balls, and crawfish dressing. Everything I’ve tried multiple times has been solid. I’m a big fan of the pimento mac and cheese too. They’re still running as a humble food truck, but I can see awards in their future. Get there early and try the Lagniappe Platter—it comes with a little of everything, meats and sides included. Click Here for Website

Small's Pizza

Small 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 welcome new addition to East Austin, especially for fans of crispy, charred crusts. They plan to roll out some slices in the future! Click here for their website!

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Old Alley Hot Pot

Old Alley Hot Pot is a new spot from the creators of Mian and bao, bringing their concept from Houston to Austin. They specialize in à la carte hot pot instead of the typical all-you-can-eat style. I recommend the beef and lamb combo, which comes with a circular assortment of meats to cook in your hot pot. I always go for the three-broth option—spicy, original, and tomato. The meats are freshly shaped and super flavorful, and the broths are on point. Easily the best hot pot in Austin right now. Click Here for Website

Wicked Snow

Wicked Snow is a shave ice and bingsu spot from Carrolton, Texas. It used to be my favorite when visiting Dallas, and now they’ve opened near H Mart near Lakeline in Austin. Their bingsu is super soft, not too sweet, and absolutely delicious—probably the best in Austin. I recommend the Golden Snow or the half-and-half with strawberry and mango. Click Here for Website

Lau Lau

LauLau is a Chinese-American spot serving coffee and small bites, focusing on Asian-inspired drinks rooted in the owner’s childhood. You’ll find interesting options like a five-spice cortado, Thai tea matcha, and more. Their pastries are currently sourced from elsewhere, though I hear they plan to add more house-made items in the future. Click Here for Website

Le Calamar

Le Calamar is a French concept from the creators of Underdog, now rebranded to serve French cuisine. We visited for our 13th anniversary dinner and made reservations in advance. Parking is easy with all-day options in the nearby garage. The dishes can lean a bit heavy—I recommend this if you’re into meat courses. Highlights include the chicken wing à la Koffman, which is stuffed with sweetbread, the gnocchi with brown butter, chicken liver parfait, roasted chicken, steak au poivre, and the snapper. Overall, most dishes were solid, though the steak and gnocchi didn’t quite hit for us. Many dishes are on the saltier side, so keep that in mind. Despite that, I’d say this might be the best new restaurant we tried in Austin. Click Here for Website

Sushi Warriors

Sushi Warriors is a new all-you-can-eat sushi spot in the Triangle. They offer tiered options—silver, gold, and diamond—where each tier lets you add a set number of special items to your meal. For example, the silver combo included two shrimp and two wagyu pieces, while the gold came with ceviche tartare, tuna, ikura, and seared Australian wagyu. You can technically mix tiers per table, but I don’t think it’s necessary, as their standard all-you-can-eat menu already has an extensive sashimi selection. The fish quality is good for AYCE—probably the best all-you-can-eat sushi in Austin. That said, the rice wasn’t cooked perfectly, which is likely a growing pain for a new spot. Expect improvements over time.Click Here for Website

Hokkai San

Hokkaisan is a new Japanese grocery store in downtown Austin—possibly the first of its kind in the area. They offer grab-and-go sushi, onigiri, Japanese snacks, grocery items, and plan to expand with sandos in the future. On our first visit, the fish quality was decent—on par with or slightly better than H-E-B—but the rice was noticeably underdone. Overall, the execution was better than typical American grocery store sushi, though not quite on the level of spots like Choo Sando or other specialty places. That said, it’s a welcome addition to downtown, with Japanese alcohol also available, and I’m excited to see how their offerings evolve. relatively affordable as well. Click Here for Website

Moms Special Cooking

We recently tried Mom's Special Cooking, Austin’s only Burmese restaurant. We sampled several dishes, including mohinga, malar, Shan dry noodles, kyay oh, and their green tea salad. The flavors were unique, and even though we’re not very familiar with Burmese cuisine, the balance of acidity, spice, and noodles was a delight. The location is a bit off the beaten path, and the ambiance feels more like eating in someone’s home than a traditional restaurant. Still, it’s worth a visit if you want to try  Burmese food. Click Here for Website

Happy Lamb

Austin has been lucky to see multiple hot pot spots open this year. Happy Lamb is a solid all-you-can-eat option, with pretty good beef and lamb. They offer multiple tiers—the lower-cost option, which I usually go for, and a higher-tier option. The meat is great, and the broths are tasty, though I might still prefer Old Alley for their variety. They also have a pretty extensive hot food bar with Chinese fast-food-style takeout options. Click Here for Website

Rollie's - Pop up

Rollies is a pop-up-only concept located inside Sazan Ramen, bookable through OpenTable. The experience includes four hand rolls from chef Vincent Guerra and a mini bowl of paitan. Overall, it’s a solid assortment of hand rolls at a pretty affordable price—originally $33, now $39. Probably the cheapest sushi course menu you’ll find in Austin. Click Here for reservations, under "Experiences".

Sana Sana Taqueria - Pop Up

Sana Sana Taqueria is a pop-up concept from Chef Joseph Gomez, formerly the owner of Contodo, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner. At each pop-up, he serves an assortment of tacos built on house-made tortillas crafted from mesquite pods that he personally processes and grinds. The tortillas are excellent, and the tacos are equally on point. My favorite was the La Pirata taco, made with steak sourced from spots like 44 Farms. The menu changes with each pop-up, keeping things fresh and exciting. Click Here for Website

Spread and Co

Spread & Co., once located downtown, has reopened in a smaller space on Manor Road, now focusing mainly on breakfast and lunch. While they still offer cheese plates, the menu leans into sandwiches. On our visit, we tried the breakfast sandwich, the mortadella, and the grilled cheese. The grilled cheese—stacked with 5-year aged cheddar, gruyere, and raclette melted down with their house onion jam on sourdough—was outstanding, easily one of the best in Austin. The space itself is cozy and perfect for a quick brunch, lunch, or casual date. Click Here for Website

Marimbas

This might be one of Austin’s only Guatemalan-style restaurants, and stepping inside truly feels like you’ve been transported to another country. The space is warm and welcoming, with food being prepared out in the open and family photos lining the walls—it feels like eating in someone’s home.

We sampled a wide range of dishes. The Pepian soup, with tender chicken and potatoes, was hearty and delicious. The ganachas (ground beef tostadas) were tasty, though the meat was served on the cooler side, which may not be for everyone. The Guatemalan-style taquitos leaned more toward potato than meat but had great flavor, and the house-made tortillas were excellent. A highlight was the mini chuchitos—Guatemalan mini tamales that were spoon-tender, topped with a rich red sauce, and absolutely delicious.

It’s a must-visit if you’re interested in exploring Guatemalan cuisine in Austin. Click Here for Website

Handsome Dans

Handsome Dan’s is now open in East Austin, right next to Stargazer Bar. When they first launched, they quickly gained buzz thanks to their lineup of sandwiches—all priced at just $12. Honestly, that’s a great deal, especially considering their Italian sub comes fully stacked, includes a side of chips, and still only runs you $12.

It’s a solid, no-fuss stop if you’re in the area, and honestly, Austin could use more fast-casual spots like this. Click Here for Website

Loro

Loro isn’t new to Austin, but they did open a Domain location this year. Some people say it doesn’t hit the same as the South Lamar spot, but honestly, my experience has been the opposite. We love grabbing their rice bowls and adding a side of Franklin brisket, plus their corn fritters and double smash burger are always solid. Every meal we’ve had here has been consistently good—I think Loro is here to stay. Click Here for Website

Happy Dragon

Happy Dragon recently rebranded under new ownership and is now specializing in Xian-style Chinese cuisine, with a focus on biangbiang and hand-pulled noodles. Honestly, this might be one of the best spots in Greater Austin area for authentic Chinese food. Beyond the noodles, their non-noodle dishes are also excellent—we love the sweet and sour fried fish, spicy cucumbers, and pig ear salad. But the must-order items are definitely the biangbiang noodles and the beef cumin lamb stir-fried noodles. Everything we’ve tried has been consistently solid, making Happy Dragon a reliable go-to for a great meal. Technically in Round Rock. Click Here for Website

Latin Bakery

Latin Bakery in Northwest Austin specializes in Latin desserts, and their alfajores are easily my favorite. I also love their pistachio-based treats—cookies, cakes, and more—as well as their cakes by the slice. They do offer hot food and sandwiches, though I’d say the baked goods are the real highlight. It’s definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area, and they also serve Desnudo Coffee. Click Here for Website

Jabs

Jabs is a new smash burger spot now located inside the Fareground, previously operating on Rainey Street. The menu keeps it simple—just smash burgers (around $10) and fries for an additional cost. For the quality and price, it’s a solid option, especially if you’re downtown or within walking distance of Fareground. Click Here for Website

Aburi

Aburi Sushi is a pop-up concept inside Fareground, originally inspired by Vancouver’s famous Miku Restaurant. You order at the upstairs bar and pick up your food, with the focus being on aburi-style sushi (seared and pressed) along with some hand rolls. Having tried the original in Vancouver, I’d say this version doesn’t quite compare—the fish quality isn’t great, and it’s not something I’d make a special trip downtown for. That said, if you’re already at Fareground, it’s a decent option to try. Click Here for Website

Kai Zabb  - Food Truck

Kaizabb is a food truck from the former owners of Dang Hot 89, now parked at the Pink Flamingo Food Court. They specialize in chicken tenders tossed in Thai-inspired sauces, with standouts like the Kaizabb, Lob, and Pad Kaprow flavors. The owners are super friendly, and I’d also recommend trying their Thai tea—it’s a great complement to the food. Click Here for Website

Dame Cafe - Food Truck

Dame Cafe is a food truck serving coffee sourced directly from Chiapas, Mexico. I recommend the Canela Latte—especially with the marshmallow-flopped topping that they torch—and the Abuelita with Mexican chocolate. The drinks lean a bit sweet, but they’re really flavorful and unique. Click Here for Website

Caphe.in

Arguably one of my favorite spots I’ve discovered this year, Caphein is serving Vietnamese-inspired coffee. They have one of the best matcha drinks in town, a strong and potent egg coffee, and more. It’s a small space with limited seating, so always expect a line. Located right next to UT, it’s a popular spot for students. Click Here for Website

Mother's Ruin

Mother's Ruin is a concept originally from New York. They serve all-day brunch and are open late nights. The must-order here is the McMother's Sandwich, their take on a breakfast bagel sandwich. We also recommend the Avocado Toast and their other Dishes. Parking is limited since it’s downtown, but it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area. Click Here for Website

Day's Pizza- Food Truck

Day’s Pizza is a pizza food truck currently located in the Thicket. They serve New York-style pies, and we recommend trying their pepperoni pizza, Caesar salad, and their popular chocolate chip cookies, available only on Sundays. In my opinion, it might be one of the best pizzas in Austin, if not the best. Click Here for Website

Citizens

Citizens All Day is a new brunch and dinner spot in Austin serving Australian-inspired eats. We stopped by shortly after they opened and tried their BBQ Benedict, which we really enjoyed, along with their pancakes topped with blueberry sauce. Overall, most of the dishes were solid. You’ll find unique offerings like Vegemite, which leans into the more traditional Australian side, but they also serve familiar breakfast classics. I think it’s worth a visit, though I’d like to go back again for a fuller review. Click Here for Website

Breeze and Bites - Food Truck

I was pleasantly surprised by the food truck Breeze and Bites. They serve doner wraps that are sliced in half, charred, and seared for a nice, crisp exterior. The wraps are filled with tender pieces of steak, fresh lettuce, and other flavorful fillings. You can also get the same beef doner in a bowl with falafel, which is equally solid. Everything tastes house-made and fresh. Their red and white sauces complement the dishes perfectly. On top of that, the team is incredibly friendly, even offering complimentary treats like baklava. Overall, great people and fantastic food. Click Here for Website

Micas Burritos - Drive Thru

Mica’s Burrito is Austin’s go-to spot for drive-through burritos. We tried their carne guisada burrito, which was fantastic—tender chunks of meat cooked perfectly with cheese and egg, paired wonderfully with their salsa roja. We also tried their spicy Mexican breakfast burrito, which unfortunately fell a bit flat in terms of seasoning and flavor. My only critique overall is that the burritos felt a bit small for the price, but the carne guisada alone makes it worth a visit. Click Here for Website

Aris

Aris is a Mediterranean steakhouse that opened earlier this year. We went for my birthday and ordered their steak, along with a few appetizers. The focaccia was more like a breadstick, and all their different cuts of meat are displayed in a glass case. We tried a couple of oysters and their Chateaubriand tartare, as well as the octopus—definitely get the octopus if you visit. The dishes are beautifully plated, though they were a bit skimpy on the bread. We got the Porterhouse steak, which was pricey, but the meat was slightly tough, so not sure it was completely worth it. We also shared a side of their truffle fries. Overall, it was a good experience. Click Here for Website

Super Daily - Food Truck

Super Daily is a food truck specializing in Asian-Italian fusion pasta dishes. We really enjoyed their yaki miso mushroom pasta, which had great umami depth and perfectly cooked noodles. We also tried their bolognese, which was more of a classic Italian take—rich, hearty, and very flavorful. The flavors here are unique, and I’m excited to go back to try more of their creative dishes. Pasta is scratch made.

Click Here for Website

Breakfast House

Breakfast House is Austin’s first Chinese breakfast spot. They make youtiao from scratch, serve soy milk, and offer a variety of small eats like Chinese side dishes and sesame cakes. However, they didn’t have rice balls, which I consider a staple for Chinese breakfast. Their menu has evolved over the months—initially, the beef noodle soup was heavy on white pepper, but it has improved over time. This is a popular spot within the Asian community, and I expect it will continue to get better. Click Here for Website

Zed's

Zed’s isn’t new, but they’re serving New Zealand-style ice cream churned with frozen fruit. I recommend the raspberry flavor topped with dulce de leche and toasted coconut flakes. It’s a welcome addition to Tarrytown, and Austin definitely needs more ice cream spots like this. Click Here for Website

Santo Patio - Food Truck

Santo Patio is a new food truck serving some seriously delicious tacos, located next to Stargazer Bar. I highly recommend trying their Street Tacos, which come as a set of five different tacos including pastor, steak, and more. Each taco is packed with flavor and perfectly balanced. Honestly, these might be some of the best tacos in Austin that barely anyone is talking about. Click Here for Website

West China Tea

With all the I-35 construction, West China Tea relocated to East Austin. Parking is a bit limited, but the sit-down experience remains, where the more teapots you enjoy, the more you pay. It’s a great spot to relax, mingle, and chat, and it’s one of Austin’s beloved classics. Gongfucha, this style of Chinese tea, is rare to find, making this spot extra special. Click Here for Website

Paper Boy

Paperboy is arguably the best brunch spot in Austin. Reservations aren’t an option, and the 1–2 hour wait is well worth it. Originally a humble food truck, they now have two locations, though I personally prefer the East Austin original. Must-tries include the chicken and biscuit with rosemary gravy, chocolate chip pancakes, cheddar hash browns, and an assortment of their baked goods. Most dishes are consistently excellent, though the sweet potato hash can be hit or miss. Overall, Paperboy is a brunch experience worth making the time for. Click Here for Website

Hana Shave Ice - Food Truck

Hana’s Shave Ice is a Hawaiian-inspired spot in West Austin, making all their syrups from scratch and offering a variety of toppings. We tried the Surfer Girl and Lava Lagoon, and both were as beautiful as they were delicious. With no artificial sweeteners, the flavors really shine—reminding me of the authentic shaved ice I’ve had in Hawaii. The Lava Lagoon, in particular, was a standout. Click Here for Website

Sami Sumeli

Sami Semeli is Austin’s first Georgian restaurant, serving khachapuri bread bowls and traditional Georgian dumplings. On my first visit, I really enjoyed the food, though I’m still new to this cuisine. We tried the karcho soup, a hearty beef stew, and their live tea, which was refreshing but a bit hot for summer. The khinkalis, Georgian soup dumplings, were packed with flavorful broth—you hold them by the tops and enjoy the filling inside. We also tried the beef kebabs, though they were slightly overcooked. Overall, it was a solid introduction to Georgian cuisine. Cedar Park Location. Click Here for Website

Lala Kind Matcha

Lalakind is a matcha shop on South Congress with a focus on kindness. Run by a non-profit, they employ many foster youth to help set them up for a bright future. My favorite was the Matcha Squared, with its double matcha punch, though some of the other drinks felt a bit light. It can feel a bit Instagram-y, but it’s a great spot for a quick cup of matcha. We also tried some toast and noted that their pastries are sourced from elsewhere. Click Here for Website

Spot we need to revisit that did not hit.

Again thoughts are our own and we pay for all the food we review and review anonymously. You might have a different experience!

Knotty

Knottys is a dessert shop serving crepes, gelato, soft serve, and frozen yogurt. They have a wide variety of options, but unfortunately, the execution fell short on our visit. The gelato didn’t seem well-made, and when I mentioned it, they admitted it had been messed up but served it anyway. I’ll need to revisit to get a more final opinion. They also offer crepes, i plan to review.

Kan Sushi

Kan Sushi is an all-you-can-eat sushi concept from the creators of Gen BBQ. I’ll need to return, as my first visit was spotty with service. The nigiri pieces are very small, so you have to order quite a lot to get full, which is tricky because they take a while to come out. The hot dishes were nice, and they also offer Korean BBQ. The fish quality was just okay, so I’ll need to revisit to see if it’s improved.

Tian Tian

Tian Tian is a dim sum restaurant. We visited when they first opened, and it was a bit of a rough experience, but we plan to go back. The dishes have a lot of potential, and friends who have returned mentioned mixed experiences as well. Still, we’re looking forward to giving it another try soon.

Cafe Azure

We really wanted to like Cafe Azure, a new Asian spot in town. We tried their pho dip, creamy udon with katsu, and a few of their drinks. While the drinks were enjoyable, the food felt a bit underwhelming.

Fish Shop

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Probably my most controversial review this year. We visited a fish shop a couple of weeks after they opened. During our visit, the food felt very expensive with small portions—five crab fingers cost $17.50, and a small slice of lobster toast was around $30, double what it had been the previous week. The pacing of the meal was off, with dishes arriving at odd times. The fish and chips were so salty they were inedible, which carried over to their fish sandwich. It was an expensive meal, and after posting the review, we received a very colorful message from the owner calling us a fool claiming we didn’t understand what we were eating. We hope to revisit in the future if we're not banned.

Siti

This is the one I’m most hopeful about because I also visited when they first opened. I really enjoyed their rendang, the flavors of their laksa, and their beef spring roll. The fish, however, tasted a bit off and was topped with chopped chilies instead of the sambal listed on the menu. The nasi lemak was served as a simple bowl of rice, different from the version I tried in Singapore. I understand the owner was inspired by her experiences living in Singapore, and I hope to see more of those influences. I’ve heard many changes have been made since my visit, and I plan to revisit soon for an updated review.

Day maker

Daymaker, from the creators of Jack Allen's, is an all-day brunch concept. I visited a few weeks after they opened and found the food a bit underwhelming. The biscuits were underdone, the cinnamon roll was dense, and the pancakes didn’t impress. I also wasn’t a fan of their burger. I’ll need to go back for a revisit, as it’s been a few months and I’d like to see if things have improved.

Cockti - Food Truck

Cockti is a food truck specializing in fried chicken dipped in agave. After hearing the buzz from multiple influencers, I lined up to try it. Unfortunately, the chicken I had was dry and not very juicy, with an overwhelmingly sweet flavor from the agave. The Sichuan chicken and other varieties also lacked the punch I was expecting. I’d like to go back and give it another try, as I’ve heard good things from others.

Palm Pizza

I’ve only reviewed Palm Pizza once, and they’re from the creators of Bufalina. I visited in the summer of 2025 and found the pizzas pretty underwhelming. Some slices were lacking cheese, the sauce was bland, and the crust wasn’t crisp. Sicilian Pie was dense and dry. These aren’t cheap pies, and honestly, for the price, you’re not getting a standout pizza. I’ll need to go back to review more, but after seeing the multiple glowing online reviews, I was definitely confused. There are much better pies to be had in Austin.

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