Lots of people will be traveling to and through Texas this summer, for FIFA and other events.

Austin’s dining scene never slows down, and from exciting new openings to longtime local legends, there’s always something delicious waiting around the corner. Whether you’re craving elevated deli fare, classic Italian comfort food, or a taste of Texas history in cocktail form, these spots deliver flavors and experiences that capture the spirit of the city. Here are 5 Austin area restaurants currently on our radar.

Frank & Margie’s, Round Rock

One of Round Rock’s newest restaurant openings, Frank & Margie’s has quickly become one of the area’s hottest dinner reservations since opening in May. Inspired by classic Italian-American restaurants, the space feels like a longtime neighborhood favorite with its dark walls, vintage artwork, and black-and-white television screens that transport guests straight to an old-school Chicago supper club. The welcoming service and thoughtfully curated wine list add to the experience, with staff happy to recommend pairings for your meal.

The menu is built around Italian-American comfort food, from shareable starters like meatballs, fried mozzarella, and squash blossoms to standout entrées including thin-crust pizza, Rigatoni, Chicken Parmesan, and Steak Frites. Fresh options like the Burrata Salad with marinated cherry tomatoes balance the heartier dishes, while desserts such as tiramisu and house-made ice cream provide a sweet ending. Despite being open only a few weeks, Frank & Margie’s already feels like a neighborhood favorite.

Maggiano’s Little Italy, Domain Austin

Comfort food and abundance are taking center stage at Maggiano’s Little Italy as the beloved Italian-American restaurant introduces larger portions and an expanded Family Style dining experience designed for gathering around the table.

Guests can now enjoy portions that are approximately 20% larger across the menu at no additional cost, with heartier pasta dishes and more protein featured in favorites like chicken entrées, meatballs, and shrimp dishes.

During a recent visit to the Domain location, our group of six sampled the enhanced Family Style menu, which now features 15 shareable dishes for groups of four or more. From classic Italian-American favorites to indulgent desserts like Gigi’s Butter Cake and Tiramisu, the experience makes it easy to enjoy a variety of dishes in a fun, communal setting. Conveniently located in the heart of the Domain, Maggiano’s is an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family after a day of shopping or exploring Austin.

Ranch 616, Downtown Austin

An Austin original with deep Texas roots, Ranch 616 has long been a staple in the city’s restaurant scene. Known for its eclectic Southwestern menu and unmistakable Austin personality, the restaurant also holds an important claim to fame: it’s widely recognized as the birthplace of the now wildly popular Ranch Water cocktail.

Today, Ranch 616 continues to celebrate that legacy with its lively atmosphere, bold flavors, and unmistakable Austin charm. Events like their annual National Ranch Water Day (April 11) celebration with Topo Chico bring together live music, festive patio energy, and plenty of Texas spirit, proving why this longtime favorite continues to thrive in Austin’s ever-changing food scene.

Twin Isle, East Austin

Twin Isle is one of Austin’s hidden gems, tucked away like a true hole-in-the-wall. This fast-casual restaurant serves up bold island flavors and authentic Caribbean comfort food from Chef Janelle Romeo, inspired by her native island, Trinidad and Tobago, and the surrounding Caribbean islands. This women-owned spot offers a fully scratch made, customizable menu where you can enjoy family-style dishes or build your own bowls. The Oxtail Fries were flavorful and addictive; you could easily eat these on their own as a meal. The Macaroni Pie was a perfect balance of a crunchy top with a gooey, cheesy center. It really feels like a baked “pie” version of mac and cheese. A standout dish was the Curry goat, which was best scooped up with soft, flaky paratha roti. It’s a must to try the flavorful jerk chicken touched with a bit of heat, but not to where it’s super overwhelming. 

Pinthouse Pizza, Burnet Road

Pinthouse Pizza has long been one of Austin’s go-to craft beer destinations, but the food deserves just as much attention. The standout here is the Pepperoni & Basil pizza, topped with extra-crispy pepperoni and paired with a perfectly balanced crust that reminds you why pepperoni remains such a classic pizza staple. The Margherita is another solid choice, while vegan diners can customize The Hoe Down with vegan cheese and pepperoni for a surprisingly hearty plant-based option. Beyond pizza, favorites like the Italian Grinder, Crawfish Étouffée Fries, pizza rolls, and Beer Mate cheese sticks make the Austin-born brewery feel far more elevated than your average brewpub. 

High Road DelicaTexan, South Austin

One of Austin’s newest culinary additions, High Road DelicaTexan officially opened its doors in December 2025 and is already making a name for itself with a fresh, laid-back approach to deli dining. The playful name alone is enough to spark curiosity, but the menu is what keeps guests coming back.

Designed as a counter-service concept, High Road DelicaTexan offers an elevated take on handheld favorites and shareable bites. Standout menu items include sandwiches like the Italian and the Chicken Salad Sando, alongside snackable starters, vibrant salads, and flavorful small plates perfect for mixing and matching.

The beverage program is equally impressive, featuring craft cocktails, draft beer, non-alcoholic cocktails, and coffee offerings that make the space ideal for everything from a casual lunch to an easy happy hour stop. Relaxed yet thoughtfully curated, High Road DelicaTexan brings a fresh energy to Austin’s fast-casual dining scene.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Austin and Round Rock

Since opening in Austin in 2010, Hopdoddy has helped redefine the city’s burger scene with a focus on quality ingredients (my favorite buns in town!), scratch-made menu items, and creative flavor combinations (jalapenos and fried eggs on a burger, anyone?). What started as a local favorite has grown into a nationally recognized brand, but the Austin-born burger joint remains committed to serving fresh, made-to-order burgers alongside hand-cut fries and an impressive beverage program featuring local craft beer and cocktails.

Menu favorites include the Wagyu Smash, topped with shaved onions, pickled jalapeños, and Hopdoddy’s signature sauce, as well as the indulgent Cadillac Burger made with Wagyu beef, steakhouse bacon, crispy onions, and truffle aioli. Pair your burger with the fan-favorite Parmesan Truffle Fries or Hot Honey and Sage Brussels Sprouts for a meal that proves why Hopdoddy continues to be one of Austin’s go-to burger destinations.

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Cover Photo Ranch 616.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News (statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime, and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.

Leean Vargas is the The Lone Star Low Down newsletter editor at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She is a concert enthusiast who loves traveling, photography, good food, and discovering new hangout spots in her beloved city, Austin, Texas.