Best Lunch in Austin, 25 Top Places! [for 2023]
If you are looking for the best Lunch in Austin, Texas, you have come to absolutely the right place. Here you’ll also enjoy a variety of eateries overlooking the city, where Austin restaurants have something for everyone.
We’ve rounded up some of the city’s most popular and delicious lunch spots for you in this article, so whether it’s New American or Asian fare you’re looking for, Austin has you covered.
Here we have enlisted 25 of the best restaurants in Austin from where you can start your journey with the best lunch in Austin.
1. Second Bar + Kitchen
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
This eatery prepares delicious American favorites and global fare and is located in the beautiful Archer Austin Hotel.
Why you should have lunch at this eatery?
This is one of the best places to have lunch in Austin for a number of reasons, and the staff here combine seasonal and local ingredients from the farm to create plates that taste fresh and great.
What to order at this fabulous eatery?
You can enjoy a great lunch in Downtown Austin at this restaurant with grilled eggplant B.E.L.T and soft bread packed full of flavor.
There are so many more delicious things in here for your tasting, like this one thanks to delicious eggplant, bacon, and farm greens.
And there’s more, like beefsteak. Add tomatoes, goat cheese, and sherry vinaigrette and the sandwich is perfect.
2. Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Photo by Nick Hillier on Unsplash
You probably already know about this eatery as it has become one of the most popular lunch restaurants in Austin, churning out exquisite Southern-inspired flavors.
Why you should have lunch at this eatery?
What stands out about this eatery is that the chefs often use locally sourced ingredients to create their plates, and draw inspiration from the rich history of Texas in crafting their recipes. This is the primary reason why the restaurant has become one of the top lunch places near you.
What to order at this restaurant?
Here you can enjoy the best Austin lunch with Pesto-Marinated Crab-Stuffed Chicken and it’s also delicious as grilled chicken meatloaf. And much like here with blue crab meat, it tastes even better to add paprika, Jack cheese, and Cajun cream sauce, and enjoy the flavor.
The restaurant is actually one of the best lunches in Austin.
3. Biderman’s Deli
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This wonderful eatery is one of three Biederman’s Deli locations in Texas, serving classic comfort food like sandwiches and soups.
Why you should have lunch at this eatery?
The staff here uses only high-quality ingredients and the team follows traditional recipes as well. The beauty of this restaurant is that you can expect familiar flavors.
What to order at this restaurant?
This eatery’s Philly cheesesteak is a treat and a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Here you’ll nd delicious steak perfect in a hoagie, the creamy flavor of which comes from American and Muenster cheeses.
And with scrumptious flavors like grilled onions and sweet peppers, the sandwich is divine.
4. Easy Tiger
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This restaurant is known for serving comfort food and has quickly become one of Austin’s must-visit lunch spots.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
This eatery is known to specialize in all things bread and the amazing staff here already have a unique name for their talented bakers: Dough Puncher.
Here you combine the genius of the dough puncher and high quality our.
What to order in this restaurant?
The pretzel is a signature dish, make sure you try it. Soups, salads, sandwiches, sausages, rye bread, breakfast food, coffee and tea, bread and pastries, and many more are served. Here you will surely fall in love with the crispy, flaky texture of traditional German food.
5. FoodHeads
Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
Operating since approximately 1999, this eatery is now a culinary arts destination in Austin.
Why should you have lunch at this eatery?
This amazing sandwich shop has been operating successfully for more than 20 years which shows its quality.
It is indeed one of the nicer places to have lunch.
What to order at this restaurant?
A ham and egg sandwich would be perfect for the palate.
And the funny thing is, it’s the blackberry jam that gives the ham and eggs an even richer flavor. With more like arugula and Swiss cheese, the sandwich is a delicacy.
6. Épicerie
Photo by Jasmin Schreiber on Unsplash
This cafe and grocery are considered to be one of the best-rated restaurants in the area, offering excellent French fare and a few American plates.
Why should you have lunch at this cafe?
The moment you step inside this cafe, you will feel like you are in France. The ambiance here becomes fabulous due to the authentic French cuisine served.
What should you order at this restaurant?
Here you must try the Gnocchi Parisienne.
And there’s plenty more you can taste, like the soft bread flavored with summer squash and Creole tomatoes, and the addition of corn, Calabrian peppers, and Parmesan cheese will give you a ton of flavor.
7. Otherside Deli
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This eatery initially started as a compost truck, but today it’s known as a brick-and-mortar store serving up great sandwiches.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
The menu at this eatery revolves around Philadelphia and Jersey Shore classics, think brines, and smoked meats for the sandwiches here. And the delicious cheesecake is amazing.
What should you order at this restaurant?
Reuben is a household specialty that you must try once.
And much more, thanks to the combination of sauerkraut and pastrami, soft bread will be a delightfully delicious treat.
Here, with Swiss cheese and Russian dressing on top, the sandwich will turn out great.
8. Uncle Nicky’s
Photo by Zakaria Zayane on Unsplash
This restaurant was opened to the public in 2019 and is one of the very popular restaurants today.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
This restaurant is known for serving excellent Italian plates along with wine, cocktails, and coffee. If you are looking for a restaurant to eat Italian cuisine then this restaurant is a great option for you to have the best lunch in Austin.
What would you order at this restaurant?
You must try the Rigatoni Della Casa here.
The pasta on the plate is scrumptious, and the tangy and creamy combination of the tomato sauce and garlic Alfredo sauce takes your breath away. With Kalamata olives, artichokes, and red peppers, the dish is amazing.
9. Hank’s
Photo by Carolina Marinelli on Unsplash
This elegant restaurant in Windsor Park is known for serving delicious California comfort food, such as gourmet burgers and grain bowls.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
What’s more, the talented chef staff makes everything in-house, from bread, pasta, and pastries. In fact, you can expect great taste here.
What to order at this restaurant?
The Turkish Gruyère palate here is scrumptious.
Roasted sour avocado, aioli, and the meat on top provide a wonderful flavor.
With grain mustard and arugula, the sandwich is awesome.
10. Cookbook Cafe
Photo by Rachel Park on Unsplash
This lovely eatery is at the Austin Public Library. In this restaurant, you will nd classic American cuisine.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
The specialty of this restaurant is that it uses organic ingredients as much as possible to make its dishes, which change with the seasons. Enjoy local craft brews and top-of-the-line coffee here and with each meal, expect the same things: fresh, high-quality, and one-of-a-kind.
What should you order at this restaurant?
The Chicken Salad Wrap here is fabulous. And this chicken and tarragon dressing is wonderful among the flavors.
11. Josephine House
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Located in a blue cottage in Clarksville, this gorgeous restaurant is known for serving exquisite globally-inspired cuisine.
This restaurant has great seating for you.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
You’ll nd unique plates like Greek yogurt and Chinoise salad at this restaurant, and what’s special is that the staff sources local ingredients to create these dishes.
What should you order at this restaurant?
The Josephine House burger here is delicious.
There’s plenty for your taste buds to enjoy, just enjoy the meat and cheddar cheese on a soft bun. Can add greens, aioli, and red onion. And enjoy the burger.
12. Paperboy
Photo by Krisztian Tabori on Unsplash
This elegant restaurant offers delicious American favorites and Latin American dishes.
It has facilities for open-air seating.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
The culinary staff prepares everything here and apart from the main plates, the staff also makes juices and sauces. Here you will love the quality and freshness of each dish.
What to order at this restaurant?
Here you try B.E.C. The sandwich, a classic and more like the sliced bacon and egg on a bun, tastes amazing. And pimento cheese on top is ready to add a creamy flavor.
13. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
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This beautiful cafe is known for serving globally inspired fare.
Here you are also provided with facilities like coffee, wine, and craft cocktails.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
Indulge in delicious flavors that will make you feel like you are on the continent. Whether it is burgers, churros, or soba noodles that you fancy, you will truly taste the authentic flavors here.
And one special thing is that here you can enjoy the flavors even in a casual space.
What should you order at this restaurant?
The pastrami and smoky showroom Reuben here is incredible.
And much more like Texas toast full of delicious flavors can be enjoyed with pastrami and mushrooms on top.
14. Swedish Hill
Photo by Bimo Luki on Unsplash
This bakery and cafe are known for serving delectable lunches.
You can get many more in this like coffee, wine, juice, etc.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
You will enjoy the refreshing taste of this restaurant. Park staff prepares made-to-order sandwiches and main lunch plates, and there’s also juice available by the day.
The special thing here is that the staff here also use high-quality ingredients.
What to order at this restaurant?
You can try the signature dish here, the turkey sandwich, which is amazing.
The meat, beefsteak tomatoes, and red onions help make the sourdough more flavorful.
You are in for a great taste experience, along with cheese, mustard, and mayonnaise.
15. La Barbecue
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
This lovely eatery is known for its excellent barbeque plates.
You can also enjoy tasty sides like mac and cheese at this eatery.
Why should you have lunch at this eatery?
If you are a non-vegetarian then this restaurant is the perfect option for you.
The meat that goes with it here is absolutely amazing, which takes you to a different peak of taste.
Its texture gives a melt-in-the-mouth and savory taste.
What to order at this restaurant?
El Sancho Loco is absolutely fantastic here for meat lovers.
Sausage pulled pork, and beef bread adds a wonderful flavor. Sandwiched and topped with pickled red onions, you’ll enjoy the rich flavor.
16. Sour Duck Market
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
This restaurant and bakery first opened its doors in about 2018.
This restaurant is known for serving delicious American favorites like burgers and salads.
Why should you have lunch here?
In fact, the food here will make you enjoy the rich taste. The special thing here is that the meat here is very fresh, which also tastes great.
The flour used here is also from local mills, which is of excellent quality.
What to order at this restaurant?
Challah bun is full of rich taste, and after tasting the pleasure doubles.
Sausage, egg, and mayonnaise mix perfectly on top, creating an atmosphere of wonderful flavors.
Sandwiches are simply fabulous with cheese, cilantro, and onions.
17. Walton’s Fancy & Staple
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This restaurant is known for serving great comfort food, such as sandwiches and burgers, and you will also nd baked goods including pastries here.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
This eatery serves classic American favorites for breakfast and lunch. But this does not mean that it is limited to traditional dishes only.
Here you also have toast with chili oil and crème brûlée on challah buns.
What to order at the restaurant?
You will definitely like the Walton House Burger here.
The bun gets a creamy flavor from the bacon and cheese on top, which is wonderful to keep. Herb aioli, lettuce, and tomato help add refreshing flavor.
With fries, your meal is fabulous.
18. Fareground
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This beautiful food hall is in One Eleven Congress, a skyscraper in the heart of Austin.
Comfort food and global fare are served in this elegant eatery.
Why should you have lunch here?
This eatery is the perfect place for your perfect lunch experience.
Explore the eateries here that offer a wide variety of scrumptious cuisines. You will find Israeli street food, Asian cuisine, French cuisine, and even cookies here.
You should be prepared to taste all the dishes made with fresh ingredients here.
What to order at this restaurant?
While here you must try The Parisian at Austin Rotisserie.
Here, salted butter and ham blend perfectly on soft bread for your scrumptious taste buds.
A sandwich covered with delicious Swiss cheese makes for a delicious and wonderful dish.
19. Koriente
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This restaurant is known for serving exquisite Pan-Asian cuisine.
You are also given the facility of sitting in the courtyard of this restaurant.
Why should you have lunch at this eatery?
You will nd less oil in most of the dishes here which is also good for your health.
The experienced staff here use natural sweeteners. In this restaurant, you can try Asian cuisine which is tasty and healthy at the same time.
What to order in this restaurant?
You must definitely taste the mixed bibimbap here.
The bowls of steamed rice here are amazing.
This is due to the fresh carrots, cucumbers, cabbage, and chilies which blend wonderfully and give a different taste experience.
Served with red chili paste or wasabi, the dishes give you the ultimate Asian dining experience.
20. True Food Kitchen
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This lovely restaurant is known for preparing delicious comfort food, scrumptious dinner dishes, and healthy plates.
You will also nd beer, cocktails, and wine at this restaurant.
Why should you have lunch here?
The experienced chefs here often use high-quality ingredients to craft crave-worthy plates, so you’re sure to get an abundance of flavor here.
What to order at this restaurant?
You must try the Turkey Burger here.
Meat and jalapeño remoulade blend wonderfully on a flaxseed bun, which tastes amazing.
With smoked gouda cheese on top, the burger is awesome.
21. Summer House on Music Lane
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
This lovely restaurant at the Hotel Magdalena is known for serving local cuisine in a tasteful casual setting.
This restaurant also offers cocktails and wine.
Why should you have lunch here?
The restaurant offers an array of Austin’s favorite dishes paired with wonderful home-cooked flavors.
This restaurant will give you a burst of taste buds and serves some vegetarian options as well.
What to order at the restaurant?
Eggs are a favorite in Purgatory dishes, so you should definitely try this one.
Toast gets its wonderful and scrumptious flavor from Aleppo and lentils.
Top with the herb pesto for the perfect plate that doubles the flavor.
22. Picnik
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This cafe is one of three picnic spots in Austin and is known for offering great health-oriented options.
Why should you have lunch here?
Health lovers will fall in love with this place.
The experienced chef staff creates dishes and sauces using healthy ingredients.
There’s even more to suit your taste, whether it’s a paleo, vegan or plant-based diet, you’ll nd high-quality flavor here.
What to order at this restaurant?
Here you must enjoy the delicious flavors of Picnic Cobb.
The crispy chicken here is perfect and wonderful with avocado, tomato, and blue cheese.
You can add many more like add bacon, egg, and cabbage.
23. Capital A
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
This elegant restaurant at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is known for serving delicious American favorites and globally inspired cuisine.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
The menu at this eatery is a lovely mix of familiar plates and innovative dishes.
There is also a wide selection of cocktails and wines.
In fact, this restaurant is a great choice for what you are looking for.
What to order in this restaurant?
Here you can try Seared Loch and Duart Salmon.
You are really in for a treat here, the plateful sh doubles up your taste buds with every bite.
The chipotle corn broth makes it taste even more amazing.
With cauliflower succotash, the dish becomes a favorite.
24. Snap Kitchen
Photo by Phil Hei on Unsplash
This lovely restaurant serves health-oriented plates, and also gets your takeout.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
The great thing about this eatery is that it strikes the right balance between speed and quality.
After you order food here, you get the food immediately.
Here you will find every dish fresh and delicious.
The cuisine here is prepared from high-quality ingredients, which means you get to taste great too.
What to order at this restaurant?
You will definitely like the Chicken Burrito Bowl here.
Roasted chicken thighs, vegetables, and brown rice meld together perfectly inside a bowl that makes your mouth water at the sight of it.
25. Local Foods
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This elegant restaurant serving upscale American favorites and globally inspired cuisine is also one of four Texas local food spots.
Why should you have lunch at this restaurant?
Each dish you will nd at this restaurant is fresh and made from local ingredients.
This restaurant exclusively uses ingredients from Texas farms for its locally sourced dishes.
What to order at this restaurant?
You will definitely like the Borracho Beef Sandwich here.
The roasted ciabatta makes yours taste even better, with chunks of beef and cabbage on top.
Add provolone cheese and aioli, which really gives it a great flavor.