Living in Austin is fun for a jillion reasons, not the least of which is the abundance of fantastic restaurants around here.  As one of our friends says, “When people ask me what’s my favorite Austin restaurant, I usually say it’s the last one where I ate. They’re ALL so good!”

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from after a sunset Bat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake.

Here are some new and some coming soon eateries to the Austin foodie scene. The only dilemma will be deciding which one to try first!

Let’s start with some newbies that are here and gaining a devoted following.

Flower Child – Two Locations in Austin

With a winning slogan like “Healthy Food for a Happy World” it’s no wonder Flower Child restaurants are blossoming. With 8 locations already planted in other cities and 3 more in the seedling stage, more and more of the country will be able to enjoy the delicious and healthy bowls of goodness at Flower Child. But for now, you and I are the lucky ones! Two Austin locations make it easy, one at the Domain Northside, and one downtown on 2nd Street.

At the 2nd Street location, choose a salad, plate, bowl or wrap, add your protein of choice and enjoy. 

Don’t let the crowd scare you away. They have an attentive service staff that keeps things running smoothly and keeps your wait in line to a minimum.

My coworkers and I had a great time putting our tasters to the test at the newest place in our downtown hood. 

This sure will be a pretty outdoor dining spot when spring arrives.

Le Politique – downtown on San Antonio St. 

If you’re a little intimidated by a French menu (Parlez vous Francais?), then do like I did and start with dessert at Le Politique’s Patisserie.  Here, you can order from the dessert case and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend or just sit and upload buttery croissant photos to your social media accounts. Don’t worry about the calories, either. You can just walk them off as you meander on over to Austin’s new Central Library to check out a new book or two. French for Dummies, maybe? Oui, oui, mon ami!

Delicate macarons and surprisingly luscious fruitcake at Le Politique’s Patisserie

Modern Market – on Congress Avenue

“Eat well and feel great” is what Modern Market wants you and me to do, and they aim to make it pretty darn easy for us to do it. With two locations in Austin, a healthy lunch or a pre-buttered-popcorn date night dinner are always within reach. Furthermore (I really like that word),  you can even eat breakfast, lunch and dinner if your healthy heart so desires. Avocado toast?? Yummmm.

Lots of stay-awhile seating is available at Modern Market 

Mad Greens – four locations in Austin

Mad Greens’ claim to fame is their hot and hearty grain bowls, but there are plenty of other healthy and “eat better” choices on the menu, like salads, soups, juices and fun things for the kids to eat as well. All four Austin locations including the newest one downtown in the 2nd Street District are open Monday – Sunday 10:30 am to 8:30 pm with easy ordering for pickup on their website. 

 “Kids Awesome Box” at Mad Greens

Popbar – Downtown on West 3rd

Austin is home to some fabulous gelato, like my favorite at Dolce Neve, but now New York style gelato popsicles have come to town in a brand new store on 3rd Street, between Colorado and Lavaca. I can’t decide which one to try first, the Blood Orange Popsorbetto or maybe the Coconut Popwich?

Photo courtesy – Popbar.com

Next in the lineup of restaurants that give Austin its fantastic foodie town reputation are a few that are coming soon. 

Peli Peli – Downtown at the corner of 3rd and Colorado

Peli Peli is considered a premier South African dining establishment, and ranks among TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Restaurants in Houston. The restaurant’s first expansion site will soon be here in Austin, so if your palate is praying for something new and exciting, you may want to try Peli Peli’s Chicken Espetada for dinner or Prawn Cake Benedict for weekend brunch. 

Peli Peli’s Huguenot Filet – Photo courtesy NextSeed

Upstairs Circus – downtown in the 2nd Street District

Austin’s 2nd Street District has definitely got it going on, and will soon have another amazing draw. Like literally. You can draw, work with leather, make jewelry and a host of other fun crafts while sipping cocktails with your friends.  Grand Opening is slated for March 30, 2018, but you can already peruse the full project calendar here. With only two other locations in the country, I’d say Austin is pretty crafty to have secured Upstairs Circus number three.

Photo courtesy – Upstairs Circus Denver 

North Italia – 2nd Street District 

The question I’m asked most often is: “Where should we eat?” I love to share ideas and I love it even more when my recommendations help someone enjoy a great dinner in Austin. North Italia at the Domain has been on my list for a long time, and now, with another location downtown, I’ll be recommending it all the more. What’s my favorite thing on the menu? I’m so glad you asked. The Zucca Chips!

Newk’s – 408 Congress Avenue

Newk’s is already an Arboretum favorite with their yummy pizzas, salads, and easy in-and-out dining. Now, downtown Austin can enjoy the same great food in the restaurant’s prime location on Congress Avenue. Think quick lunch or relaxed afternoon snack break. Either way, you’ll be back to your desk in no time, satisfied and happy with your workday lunch of choice.

Photo courtesy – Newks.com

There you go, my friends. We’re never lacking for snacking here in Austin! We’re not lacking for anything, really, when it comes to foodie fare. From South African steaks to New York gelato on a stick, Austin really, truly seems to have it all – or it’s coming soon.

Encouraging intentional adventure in the foodie capital of Texas,

PS – Be sure and sign up on my home page to receive upcoming newsletters with special information and tips just for subscribers. And leave a comment below when you try some of these new restaurants, ok? I’d love to hear what you think.