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Bites from Hestia.
Hestia

12 Most Romantic Restaurants in Austin

For cozy corners and memorable dinners, look no further

by Erin Russell Updated
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Bites from Hestia.
| Hestia
by Erin Russell Updated

Though Austin is known as a casual, wear-shorts-to-a-steakhouse kind of city, its restaurants can turn up the charm when the occasion calls for it. For celebrating an anniversary, holiday reservations, or making a big impression on a first date, here are some of Austin’s most romantic restaurants.

These Austin restaurants have a combination of features that amp up date night: soft lighting, distinctive ambiance, and of course, great food. This list encompasses both the classics — it’s hard to beat a steak at Jeffrey’s or sushi from Uchi — as well as newcomers to the city’s restaurant scene like high-end hot pot restaurant DipDipDip Tatsu-ya and live-fire restaurant Hestia.

Likewise, explore Eater’s picks for date night restaurants. finer dining restaurants, and the best make-out restaurant spots.

Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

With updates by Nadia Chaudhury.

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DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya

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The rich, intricately carved dark wood and intimate quarters of DipDipDip Tatsu-ya show an attention to detail that is also present in its dishes. This upscale hot pot restaurant offers high-end cuts of meat like A5 wagyu, or omakase options for hot pot novices. It’s a pricy destination, but it makes for a fun dining experience. There are indoor dine-in services.

7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101, Austin, TX 78757
(737) 701-6767
(737) 701-6767
The cart at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
The cart at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
Courtney Pierce/Eater Austin

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Fonda San Miguel

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For those who think a quiet dinner sounds stuffy, head to Rosedale’s Fonda San Miguel. From the colorful, lively interior to the exquisite mole poblano, the higher-end Mexican restaurant is a beacon of a good time. There are indoor dine-in services.

2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 459-4121
(512) 459-4121
Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel
Paul Bardagjy

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Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

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It’s in the name. This sweet restaurant in Heritage has a maximalist decor (chandeliers, jewel-toned wallpaper) to accompany strong cocktails and a rich New American menu with mid-range pricing. Think cheesy truffle fries, red Thai curried mussels, and risotto with fish. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

624 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705
(737) 209-0319
(737) 209-0319
The oyster dish from Honey Moon Spirit
The oyster dish from Honey Moon Spirit
Cassandra Klepac Photography

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L'Oca d'Oro

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For those who have pasta as their love language, this Mueller restaurant is a must. The mid-range-priced menu, which focuses on sustainable sourcing, features dishes like exceptional fresh mozzarella and a strong array of pastas and desserts. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
(737) 212-1876
(737) 212-1876

Also featured in:

Jeffrey's

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The fine-dining Clarksville steakhouse offers a modern take on old-school glamour with a martini cart, a roaring fireplace, caviar service, dry-aged steaks, and valet uniforms straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. The plush, cozy booths and impeccable service complete the romantic mood. Be prepared to spend. There are indoor dine-in services.

1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

Also featured in:

Olamaie

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This upscale restaurant from James Beard Award nominee Michael Fojtasek and chef de cuisine Amanda Turner offers cozy quarters in an old house and excellent Southern fare. Don’t forget to order biscuits. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2796
(512) 474-2796
Olamaie
Olamaie
Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

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Birdie's

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The sweet Chestnut neighborhood wine bar makes for a casual unplanned evening with a mid-range-priced selective menu, since it doesn’t take reservations and it’s counter-service-only. Check out the fantastic tartare and pastas and indulge in a bottle or two of wine. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

Also featured in:

Hestia

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Live-fire cooking is the focus of this high-end downtown restaurant, from the smoked crab tart to the grilled maitake mushroom entree. Even the chocolate cake dessert comes with smoked eggplant. For those who don’t want to choose, there are tasting menus. There are indoor dine-in services.

607 W 3rd St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 333-0737
(512) 333-0737
Hestia’s dry-aged bavette
Hestia’s dry-aged bavette
Hestia

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Uchi

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After nearly 20 years, Uchi is still a leader in the Austin dining scene, with its high-end menu of fresh sushi and sashimi and other inventive dishes and desserts. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Also featured in:

Justine's

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A favorite of celebrities in Austin for a reason, Justine’s is definitely a place that respects privacy — no one will mind or even notice if your table becomes a little over-amorous. The boisterous restaurant is known for cocktails, steak frites, escargot, and other French delights. Dine on the patio (which offers seasonal tents) or inside the rich, velvet-draped interior.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 385-2900
(512) 385-2900
A fork holding up a slide of steak in front of steak topped with butter, a pile of fries, and a condiment container with butter.
Steak frites from Justine’s.
Justine’s

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Perla's

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Looking for a great patio and fresh seafood? As a McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurant, Perla’s exudes vibes, with smart decor, a large airy patio, and a cozy bar inside, as well. Order cocktails and oysters and shrimp from the cold bar, or opt for meals of simply grilled seafood or plates like lobster bucatini at mid-to-high range prices. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-7300
(512) 291-7300

Also featured in:

Lenoir

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Lenoir is a strong contender for the most beautiful restaurant in Austin, inside and out. Dine outdoors in the shabby-chic wine garden (the full menu is available) or cozy up inside at a table or the bar. The mid-range New Texan menu offers seasonal selections like whole roasted red snapper prepared with Goan crab curry, as well as an impressive wine list. There’s also a tasting menu option.

1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-9778
(512) 215-9778

Also featured in:

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DipDipDip Tatsu-Ya

7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101, Austin, TX 78757

The rich, intricately carved dark wood and intimate quarters of DipDipDip Tatsu-ya show an attention to detail that is also present in its dishes. This upscale hot pot restaurant offers high-end cuts of meat like A5 wagyu, or omakase options for hot pot novices. It’s a pricy destination, but it makes for a fun dining experience. There are indoor dine-in services.

7301 Burnet Rd Ste 101, Austin, TX 78757
(737) 701-6767
(737) 701-6767
The cart at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
The cart at DipDipDip Tatsu-ya
Courtney Pierce/Eater Austin

Fonda San Miguel

2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

For those who think a quiet dinner sounds stuffy, head to Rosedale’s Fonda San Miguel. From the colorful, lively interior to the exquisite mole poblano, the higher-end Mexican restaurant is a beacon of a good time. There are indoor dine-in services.

2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
(512) 459-4121
(512) 459-4121
Fonda San Miguel
Fonda San Miguel
Paul Bardagjy

Honey Moon Spirit Lounge

624 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705

It’s in the name. This sweet restaurant in Heritage has a maximalist decor (chandeliers, jewel-toned wallpaper) to accompany strong cocktails and a rich New American menu with mid-range pricing. Think cheesy truffle fries, red Thai curried mussels, and risotto with fish. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

624 W 34th St, Austin, TX 78705
(737) 209-0319
(737) 209-0319
The oyster dish from Honey Moon Spirit
The oyster dish from Honey Moon Spirit
Cassandra Klepac Photography

L'Oca d'Oro

1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723

For those who have pasta as their love language, this Mueller restaurant is a must. The mid-range-priced menu, which focuses on sustainable sourcing, features dishes like exceptional fresh mozzarella and a strong array of pastas and desserts. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723
(737) 212-1876
(737) 212-1876

Jeffrey's

1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703

The fine-dining Clarksville steakhouse offers a modern take on old-school glamour with a martini cart, a roaring fireplace, caviar service, dry-aged steaks, and valet uniforms straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. The plush, cozy booths and impeccable service complete the romantic mood. Be prepared to spend. There are indoor dine-in services.

1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703
(512) 477-5584
(512) 477-5584

Olamaie

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701

This upscale restaurant from James Beard Award nominee Michael Fojtasek and chef de cuisine Amanda Turner offers cozy quarters in an old house and excellent Southern fare. Don’t forget to order biscuits. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-2796
(512) 474-2796
Olamaie
Olamaie
Robert J. Lerma/Eater Austin

Birdie's

2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

The sweet Chestnut neighborhood wine bar makes for a casual unplanned evening with a mid-range-priced selective menu, since it doesn’t take reservations and it’s counter-service-only. Check out the fantastic tartare and pastas and indulge in a bottle or two of wine. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

Hestia

607 W 3rd St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701

Live-fire cooking is the focus of this high-end downtown restaurant, from the smoked crab tart to the grilled maitake mushroom entree. Even the chocolate cake dessert comes with smoked eggplant. For those who don’t want to choose, there are tasting menus. There are indoor dine-in services.

607 W 3rd St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 333-0737
(512) 333-0737
Hestia’s dry-aged bavette
Hestia’s dry-aged bavette
Hestia

Uchi

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

After nearly 20 years, Uchi is still a leader in the Austin dining scene, with its high-end menu of fresh sushi and sashimi and other inventive dishes and desserts. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

801 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 916-4808
(512) 916-4808

Justine's

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702

A favorite of celebrities in Austin for a reason, Justine’s is definitely a place that respects privacy — no one will mind or even notice if your table becomes a little over-amorous. The boisterous restaurant is known for cocktails, steak frites, escargot, and other French delights. Dine on the patio (which offers seasonal tents) or inside the rich, velvet-draped interior.

4710 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
(512) 385-2900
(512) 385-2900
A fork holding up a slide of steak in front of steak topped with butter, a pile of fries, and a condiment container with butter.
Steak frites from Justine’s.
Justine’s

Perla's

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Looking for a great patio and fresh seafood? As a McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurant, Perla’s exudes vibes, with smart decor, a large airy patio, and a cozy bar inside, as well. Order cocktails and oysters and shrimp from the cold bar, or opt for meals of simply grilled seafood or plates like lobster bucatini at mid-to-high range prices. There are indoor and outdoor dine-in services.

1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 291-7300
(512) 291-7300

Lenoir

1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

Lenoir is a strong contender for the most beautiful restaurant in Austin, inside and out. Dine outdoors in the shabby-chic wine garden (the full menu is available) or cozy up inside at a table or the bar. The mid-range New Texan menu offers seasonal selections like whole roasted red snapper prepared with Goan crab curry, as well as an impressive wine list. There’s also a tasting menu option.

1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
(512) 215-9778
(512) 215-9778

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