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A big shelf of wine bottles with many compartments
Aviary Wine & Kitchen
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

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The Most Beautiful Austin Restaurants of 2017

From a renovated classic icon, French brasserie, to a taco spot’s charming brick and mortar

Erin Russell is associate editor of Eater Austin, a native Austinite, and a big fan of carbs.

Perhaps inspired by last year’s stunner Eberly, 2017 was definitely a year of beautiful restaurants in Austin. The overarching theme seemed to be bright, airy spaces (to facilitate capturing the new craveable dishes), while still retaining individual flair. Here is Eater’s rundown of the most beautiful restaurants in Austin in 2007.

A restaurant dining room with a teal-blue wall and wine bottles on shelves and a bar and a dining table.
Aviary Wine & Kitchen
Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

Aviary

While not technically a new restaurant, neighborhood wine spot Aviary re-opened after a year of renovations to gorgeous results. With chef Thomas Calhoun at the helm, the expanded menu and covetable wine list have kept Aviary a destination on South Lamar.

2110 South Lamar Boulevard, Zilker

El Chipiron
El Chipiron
Courtney Pierce/EATX

El Chipiron

Chef Pablo Gomez’s tapas and pinchos restaurant on South Lamar has a subtle but interesting palette. The cool countertop and clean white tables make for an inviting place to grab some jamón ibérico and a refreshing gin and tonic.

2717 South Lamar Boulevard, South Austin

Le Politique
Le Politique
Wynn Myers

Le Politique

From the pink and blue brasserie tables on the patio to the ice-covered raw bar to the creamy marble countertop of the coffee shop, every detail of Le Politique is on point. The custom dinnerware is another chic extra.

110 San Antonio Street, Downtown

Pitchfork Pretty
Pitchfork Pretty
Laura Hajar

Pitchfork Pretty

Pitchfork Pretty has a distinct point of view with both the “Hill Country cuisine” and the airy interior. Jars of the garden’s offerings line the shelves, while swaying large lamps lend to the light, natural feel.

2708 East Cesar Chavez Street, Holly

Mattie’s at Green Pastures
Mattie’s at Green Pastures
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

Mattie's

Renovations restored the mansion at Green Pastures to a new level of splendor, uncovering an inspiring staircase and developing a more modern air of grandeur. Don’t worry — the peacocks are still there.

811 West Live Oak Street, Bouldin

Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

Veracruz All Natural

The brick and mortar location of Austin’s beloved taco spot found the perfect aesthetic for the space. A mix of wood and metal, the interior is both modern and casual.

9003 Waterford Centre Boulevard, North Burnet

Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Robert J. Lerma/EATX

Kemuri Tatsu-ya

While this Texas roadhouse izakaya is not exactly elegant, its distinct flair deserves a spot on the list. Walls are lined with kitsch like Texas license plates and signs for Japanese beer.

2713 East 2nd Street, Holly

Le Politique [CLOSED]

110 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX 78701 (512) 580-7651 Visit Website

El Chipiron

2717 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78704 Visit Website

Mattie's

811 West Live Oak Street, , TX 78704 (512) 444-1888 Visit Website

Aviary Wine & Kitchen

2110 South Lamar Boulevard, , TX 78704 (512) 916-4445 Visit Website

Veracruz All Natural [North Shoal Creek]

9003 Waterford Centre Boulevard, , TX 78758 (512) 363-5917 Visit Website
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