Austin Foodies

Austin is a city of foodies, with restaurants deeply steeped in its Texas roots. So when deciding to move here, it is important to know your way around the food map. It's now a magnet for oak-smoked barbecue, top-notch Tex-Mex, and an ever-changing food-truck scene that morphs into brick-and-mortar institutions. As one local guide explains, "Austin prides itself on striving to keep things weird, and this attitude carries over into the food scene," pairing classic dishes such as brisket and migas with new, innovative dishes.

Much of what makes Austin great is its emphasis on locality, sustainability, and inventive cuisine. Restaurants like Odd Duck have made a name for themselves as pioneers of farm-to-table dining. Others boast national prestige through the Michelin Guide due to their quality, sustainable offerings. For visitors or locals alike, food-blog networks and guides list everything from the best burritos to refined seasonal tasting menus, reflecting the broad depth of Austin's food scene.