If you're anything like me, dressing up and going to a fancy restaurant is one of your favorite things. I get so excited for special occasions because I love an excuse to try a new restaurant. On many occasions, my husband and I splurge on a nice meal instead of getting each other gifts.
Living in Austin now for over 12 years, I've fortunately had a fair share of nice dates in this city. If you're celebrating something special or just want an indulgent date night, here's a list of my top 10 favorite restaurants for a fancy night out.
If you want to impress your date, you can't go wrong with one of these restaurants.
Odd Duck
www.oddduckaustin.com | 1201 S Lamar Blvd
When I first went to Odd Duck three years ago, I was blown away by the creativity. Flavors I thought would never work find a happy marriage at Odd Duck. The menu changes regularly, so you'll always get something new and exciting.
I love going to Odd Duck for date night-- it's like a fun, little adventure. You order a few items with really no idea what you're in for. Then each plate they deliver gets better and better. Here you'll get the trifecta: Local ingredients, unique flavors, and excellent service.
Intero
www.interorestaurant.com/ | 2612 E Cesar Chavez St
One of my favorite Italian restaurants in Austin, Intero's food is locally-sourced and absolutely delicious. Italian for "whole," Intero uses whole local ingredients that are seasonably available to create innovative dishes. The decor is understated and moody, but perfect for a dimly-lit date night. They also have a cute patio which is perfect for a warm summer night.
Pro-tip: Do yourself a favor, and order the Timballo as a starter. One of my favorites!
Justine's
www.justines1937.com | 4710 East 5th Street
Their ambiance is everything here. Dining at this intimate, vintage-inspired brasserie will make you feel like you're in the middle of Paris. It's a beautiful place to feel fancy, forget your troubles, and pretend you're on vacation. Nothing makes me feel more decadent than eating escargot and sipping red wine under a string of lights.
Juniper
www.juniperaustin.com | 2400 E. Cesar Chavez
Dining at Juniper just feels fancy! I love a prix-fixe menu. There's not one "meh" item on their menu. Every dish is exquisite, from their Little Lettuce salad to the Cacio e Pepe to their Zeppole dessert. I took my husband here for his birthday a few years ago, and he still talks about how this was one of his favorites.
Oseyo
www.oseyoaustin.com/ | 1628 E Cesar Chavez St
I love Oseyo's patio for its romantic feel and cozy lighting. It's great when you find a restaurant with the perfect ambiance AND an incredible menu. This sleek, modern-looking restaurant serves traditional Korean food, from bulgogi to kalbi. Enjoy with a Somaek (beer + soju).
Este
www.esteatx.com/ | 2113 Manor Rd
Este is an upscale, Mexican coastal restaurant brought to us by the Suerte team--- and oh, it is good! I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, but my personal favorite dish is the fish tacos. You'll definitely spend some money here, but I couldn't recommend this place more for its fresh seafood, strong margaritas, and fantastic service.
See Also: Date Night at Este
Fonda San Miguel
www.fondasanmiguel.com/ | 2330 W N Loop Blvd
I LOVE Fonda San Miguel. The food is incredible, and the drinks are way too good. This building is so impressive, you'll forget you're in Austin when you step inside and see the beautiful stucco walls surrounded by vibrant tiles and tropical plants. Beautiful, colorful, and authentic, Fonda San Miguel is always a good decision.
Jeffreys
www.jeffreysofaustin.com | 1204 W Lynn St
Go here for a classic steak-and-wine, indulgent night out. This is THE place for fine dining in Austin. At Jeffreys, you'll feel like royalty sitting in its dark blue interior while enjoying the best steak of your life. It's pricey here, so definitely save Jeffrey's for a special occasion. But if you're comfortable with splurging, I can't recommend Jeffreys enough.
Olive and June
www.oliveandjune-austin.com/ | 3411 Glenview Ave
One of the most romantic patios in Austin, Olive and June is an Austin treasure. The restaurant is built around an expansive oak tree, which lends to the idyllic setting. The pasta here is made in-house daily and is delicious.
Arlo Grey
www.thelinehotel.com/austin/restaurants-bars/arlo-grey/ | 111 E Cesar Chavez St Located in the swanky, modern Line Hotel, this restaurant has beautiful views of Town Lake and is brought to us by Chef Kristen Kish, winner of Top Chef season 10. The menu is influenced by Kish’s background in French and Italian cooking, with ingredients from Central Texas. My personal favorite dishes here are the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop and AG Burger.
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