Austin’s dining scene is constantly evolving, with exciting new restaurants and beloved local favorites expanding their reach. 

Whether you’re craving elevated wine bar bites, classic Tex-Mex flavors, or something entirely new, the city’s culinary landscape has something for everyone. Here’s a look at the latest must-visit restaurants making waves in Austin.

Postino Wine Café

Postino Wine Café has officially arrived in Austin, opening its doors in November 2024 in the vibrant South Lamar hood. Known for its crave-worthy bruschetta, boutique wine selection, and beautiful decor, Postino brings a fresh and inviting dining experience to the city. Highlights include happy hour specials, a “Board & Bottle” deal for $25 on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and a commitment to the community through a partnership with Creative Action. The new space features a stunning art wall of vintage keychains paying homage to the site’s history, and the menu has seasonally inspired bites, local brews, and for the first time, classic cocktails.

Chuy’s Hutto

Expanding its Austin-area presence, beloved Tex-Mex restaurant Chuy’s is bringing its flavors to Hutto, just east of Round Rock. Known for its signature Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and creamy jalapeño dip, the restaurant’s hand-rolled tortillas set the foundation for their take on Tex-Mex cuisine. The extensive menu features made-from-scratch dishes paired with daily happy hour making it the perfect place to grab a bite with friends or family. 

Oribello’s

Bringing a fusion of Filipino flavors and classic American comfort food to Central Austin, Oribello’s is the city’s newest sports lounge with a culinary twist. Located at 519 W 37th St, this family-owned spot blends the vibrancy of a sports bar with the warmth of Filipino heritage. Oribello’s menu features creative takes on game-day favorites, including lumpia, katsu chicken sandos, and Loco Moco fries. Their standout 16-inch pizzas such as the Birria Pizza with adobo cream sauce are made with fermented dough for a light, flavorful crust. Pair your meal with inventive cocktails like the Frozen Purple Ube-Rita or an Ube Gin & Tonic, all while catching the latest game on one of their many big screens. 

Hattie B’s

Finding great hot chicken in Austin isn’t easy — but Hattie B’s has it down to an art. This family-owned, Nashville-born spot landed on South Lamar with a fiery menu that brings the heat and the flavor. Known for their crispy, juicy chicken with customizable spice levels (from mild to the daring “Shut the Cluck Up!!!”), Hattie B’s serves up everything from bone-in chicken to tenders and sandwiches. Whether you like it scorching hot or no heat at all, Hattie B’s delivers bold bites and plenty of Southern hospitality.

North Italia

North Italia is bringing a slice of Italy to Austin this Pi Day with its annual nationwide pizza celebration! Kicking off on March 14 and running through April 11, the campaign introduces 12 new, regionally inspired pizzas. At Austin’s 2nd Street and Domain locations, guests can try the Toscano Stampede, featuring Calabrian sausage, nduja, shrimp, oregano, and pecorino Toscano. For a national favorite, the Lasagna Verde is inspired by Bologna’s lasagna Bolognese and will be available at all locations.

Lee’s Kitchen + Cocktails

Bringing generations of culinary tradition to Austin, Lee’s Kitchen+Cocktails specializes in authentic Asian comfort food with bold, aromatic flavors. ​​Their menu is a love letter to Asian comfort food, with steaming bowls of pho simmered for 24 hours, fragrant lemongrass stir-fries, and endlessly customizable vermicelli bowls. And the drinks? Expect bright, refreshing flavors like lychee and lemongrass woven into their cocktail menu. It’s the kind of place that feels both familiar and exciting — like home-cooked food, but better.

The Culture Club

If you’re looking for a fun hangout spot, a place to watch the game, or just a casual place to enjoy great food with family and furry friends, then you should definitely check out The Culture Club! This newly opened rock and roll bar and pizza kitchen covers all the bases, and is the ultimate spot to kick back. The kids will love the lawn games in the play area — a perfect way to keep them occupied while you knock down a cold one. (We suggest the Ride or Die cocktail or Killer Queen!) And if you don’t have kids, bring your furry friends to enjoy the space with you. Inside you’ll find plenty of pinball games to choose from. I especially loved the swings at the bar, which added a very playful twist to the experience. You’ll find multiple indoor and outdoor TVs, making this the ideal location to watch your favorite game.

As for the food, it’s a very short menu, but it definitely packs a punch. Specifically, I’m thinking of the fried pickles which packed a bit of heat, but they gave a flavorful kick to add to the excitement. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, the Nashville hot flavor wings would be a great choice. They also offer barbecue in case you’re wanting something other than spicy notes. For the pizza lovers – you of course have to try the pepperoni pizza – so get your camera ready for that perfect cheese pull.

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Cover photo courtesy Postino’s / Jessica Attie

Madi Hise is a Public Relations student at the University of Texas, minoring in business. She currently serves as the Editorial Intern for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.

Leean Vargas is the Highlight Reel 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.