A Culinary Tour of Austin: 10 Must-Try Restaurants Representing the City’s Best Food Types
If you’re attending a CME conference in Austin, TX, prepare your taste buds — this city takes food seriously.Known as a hub for creativity and culture, Austin’s culinary scene mirrors its music and arts: bold, diverse, and unapologetically authentic. Whether you’re chasing smoky barbecue, hunting down the perfect breakfast taco, or seeking a five-star tasting menu, Austin delivers on every front.
Here’s your insider’s guide to 10 must-try restaurants that represent the best flavors the city has to offer plus a few ways to experience them all in one delicious afternoon.
Food Tours in Austin: A Delicious Way to Explore the City
Pressed for time between CME sessions? Austin’s guided food tours let you taste your way through multiple restaurants without the decision fatigue. These tours highlight the city’s culinary diversity, introduce you to local chefs, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at Austin’s food culture.
Top Picks:
- Austin Eats Food Tours – Known for its BBQ, brunch, and food truck tours. Choose between walking and bus options for a laid-back, filling experience.
- Secret Food Tours: Austin – Perfect for small groups looking to uncover hidden gems, local stories, and lesser-known favorites.
Whether you’re traveling with colleagues or flying solo, food tours are the easiest (and tastiest) way to cover Austin’s must-try bites in just a few hours.
1. Franklin Barbecue — BBQ Royalty
franklinbbq.com
If you eat one meal in Austin, make it here. Franklin Barbecue is an institution — a temple to Texas brisket where pitmaster Aaron Franklin perfected the art of smoke, fat, and flavor. Expect a line that stretches down the block, but also expect the best BBQ of your life. Pro tip: arrive early and bring a friend to share the wait.
2. Veracruz All Natural — Authentic Tacos & Mexican Breakfasts
veracruzallnatural.com
No Austin visit is complete without breakfast tacos, and Veracruz All Natural sets the bar. Their famous migas tacos — fluffy eggs, tortilla strips, avocado, and cheese — are a local obsession. Everything’s made fresh daily, from the salsas to the tortillas, offering authentic Mexican flavors with a wholesome touch.
3. Odd Duck — Farm-to-Table, Reinvented
oddduckaustin.com
Once a humble food trailer, Odd Duck has evolved into a cornerstone of Austin’s modern dining scene. Its ever-changing seasonal menu celebrates Texas ingredients through inventive small plates. Expect flavor combinations that surprise — think smoked goat with mole, or duck confit paired with pickled peaches. Ideal for a leisurely dinner that showcases the city’s culinary creativity.
4. Uchi — Refined Japanese Fusion
uchiaustin.com
Uchi’s reputation precedes it — and for good reason. Chef Tyson Cole blends traditional Japanese techniques with local Texas ingredients for a menu that’s refined yet approachable. From the signature “hot rock” wagyu to impeccably fresh sashimi, every bite is a masterclass in balance and precision. Reservations highly recommended.
5. The Peached Tortilla — Southern Comfort Meets Asian Street Food
thepeachedtortilla.com
Born from a food truck, The Peached Tortilla brings together flavors that shouldn’t work — but absolutely do. Try the Korean braised short ribs or the brisket taco with hoisin BBQ sauce. It’s laid-back, inventive, and distinctly Austin: a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary adventure.
6. Emmer & Rye — Seasonal Small Plates on Rainey Street
emmerandrye.com
Emmer & Rye champions sustainability and creativity, milling its own grains and sourcing ingredients locally. The menu changes daily, emphasizing fermentation, preservation, and impeccable presentation. Don’t skip the dim sum-style cart service; it's a playful nod to global cuisine that makes every visit unique.
7. Ramen Tatsu-Ya — Austin’s Ramen Revolution
ramen-tatsuya.com
Rich, creamy broth. Chewy noodles. Explosive umami. Ramen Tatsu-Ya is Austin’s answer to authentic Japanese ramen, and locals can’t get enough. From the Tonkotsu Original to the spicy Mi-so-Hot, every bowl packs depth and comfort — perfect for refueling after a long conference day.
8. Arlo’s — Vegan Burgers Done Right
arloscurbside.com
Late night and plant-based usually don’t mix — but Arlo’s flips the script. Serving out of food trucks parked near some of Austin’s best bars, Arlo’s dishes out vegan burgers so good you won’t miss the meat. The Bac’n Cheeze Burger is a crowd favorite, pairing perfectly with a craft beer and good company.
9. Terry Black’s Barbecue — Classic BBQ with Austin Energy
terryblacksbbq.com
If you can’t make it to Franklin’s (or can’t stomach the wait), Terry Black’s delivers top-tier BBQ without the lines. Expect tender brisket, juicy sausage, and tangy sides in a casual, communal setting. Grab a seat on the patio and soak up the Texas sun with a plate piled high with smoked perfection.
10. Launderette — Playful, Elevated Dining in a Converted Laundromat
launderetteaustin.com
Stylish yet unpretentious, Launderette turns everyday ingredients into artful plates. The fried oysters and burrata toast are local favorites, while the “birthday cake ice cream sandwich” has a cult following. Ideal for brunch, date night, or unwinding after your final CME session.
Austin doesn’t just feed you … it inspires you. Its restaurants reflect the city’s personality: diverse, bold, and endlessly creative. Whether you’re indulging in world-class barbecue, sipping sake at Uchi, or trying vegan comfort food under the stars, each bite tells a story about Austin’s culture and community.
For those short on time, food tours offer the perfect culinary crash course. But if you can linger a little longer, let your stomach lead the way, every corner of Austin has a flavor worth discovering.
Bon appétit, and welcome to the tastiest part of your CME experience.
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