Dining: Everything is bigger in Texas and when it comes to the restaurants in Austin that means a big variety of global flavors. In addition to the expected barbeque and Tex-Mex, Austin has grown to be a food destination, thanks to talented chefs who have built their restaurant reputations in the creative city. Here's a look at the best restaurants in Austin, TX:
Uchi
Uchi is what gives Asian-fusion a good name. Chef owner Tyson Cole has worked at sushi restaurants around the world before opening Uchi and the new Uchiko, creating daily specials of "user- friendly" sashimi. Look for creative dishes like bluefin tuna served with a cube of watermelon and drizzled with fish sauce, and starters like fried green tomatoes coated in panko (Japanese bread crumbs). With fans like celebrity chef Tyler Florence, it's easy to see why Uchi lands at the top of so many best lists.
Jeffrey's Restaurant & Bar
Since opening in 1975, Jeffrey's Restaurant & Bar has changed chefs and seasonal menus, but it is hasn't changed its devotion to serving up the best food in the city. Seasonal flavors pair up well with an award-winning wine list. As part of the first wave of the new American cuisine, Jeffrey's continues to be a favorite destination of foodies from around the globe.
Olivia
Bon appétit magazine has named Olivia as one of 2009's best new restaurants in America. With a casual yet elegant atmosphere, chef James Holmes draws inspiration from his backyard vegetable garden which he turns into amazing riffs on homestyle favorites. Look for spaghetti cooked in red wine and milk-braised pork shoulder. The clientele is as diverse as the menu, drawing tattooed musicians as well as black-tied opera fans.
440 Stubb's bar-b-que
No visit to Austin would be complete without a taste of Texas barbeque and Stubb's is the place to go for live music and tasty meat. From classic Southern favorites like Fried Green Tomato appetizers to smoked duck quesadillas, Stubb's has become an American legend for its tasty sauce as much as for the live music at the popular Sunday Gospel Brunch. Enjoy generous portions of your favorite kind of barbequed meat accompanied by generous sides and topped off with pickles, onions and spicy Serrano peppers.
Driskill Grill
Executive Chef Jonathan Gelman consistently puts together great food that puts the Driskill Grill in the historic Driskill Hotel at the top of many a best in Austin list. European style food with a Texas flare, the "Farm to Table" menu incorporates local, natural and organic products. Favorite menu items include Lobster Polenta, Lobster Bisque, Fennel & Coriander Crusted Ahi, Duck "Three Ways", Dijon Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops and Prime Dry Aged Filet Mignon.
