Restaurants for a Special Occasion in Austin, TX

Intero Restaurant $$

A fabulous contemporary Italian restaurant in Austin, TX. Everything here blew me away recently and I ranked it as one of the best restaurants in Austin, TX. I recommend the focaccia, the bucatini, and the brown butter cake.

Location: 2612 E Cesar Chavez St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702

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Diner Bar Austin $$$

A Southern French Fusion Spot. The Day Boat Catch, Foie with Grits, Hamachi Crudo and Chess Pie were my favorite.

Location: 500 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701

Tsuke Edomae $$$$

If you're lucky enough too procure reservation at Tsuke Edomae, It's the best meal or sushi you'll have in Austin, maybe even Texas. The menu is set course and at the end Chef Mike offers A la Carte for extra. Menu changes every visit.

Address: 4600 Mueller Blvd #1035, Austin, TX 78723

Canje $$$

Currently The Spot with a James Beard Nomination. The Grouper is a must along with their to die for tres leches. The other dishes are good but i wouldn't necessarily say it's all amazing. This spot is advertised as shareable but i would say the portions run a bit small.

Address: 1914 E 6th St ste c, Austin, TX 78702

Jeffrey's $$$$

Jeffrey's is the spot you take your date if you’re going to marry her or him. It’s a 10 year anniversary spot. It’s that special. The food is incredibly expensive and the porterhouse steak will be the best you ever ate.

Location: 1204 W Lynn St, Austin, TX 78703

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Musashino Sushi Dokoro $$$

This photo is dark because this spot is very intimate and serves the best rolls in Austin with the most amazing fish. They don’t mess around here and everything is really delicious but pricey. I like the Hybrid Roll and the Roadrunner roll. I like their diamond Steak or Surf and Turf as well.

Location: 2905 San Gabriel St Suite 200, Austin, TX 78705

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Lutie's Garden Restaurant $$$

Lutie's is a beautiful restaurant located on an estate. The necessary dishes are the petit aioli, Kouign Amann Icecream, Estate Bread, and the delta blues rice. I would avoid the steak. Reservation can be difficult.

Location: 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751

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Birdie's $$$

A spot in East Austin serving a seasonal menu and counter service. They have fantastic pasta dishes and it makes for a romantic night out.

Location: 2944 E 12th St Unit A, Austin, TX 78702

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Clark’s Oyster Bar - Austin $$$

A beloved Austin classic with patio and indoor seating. This spot serves lobster rolls, fresh seafood and oysters. As well as steak and a amazing hamburger.

Location: 1200 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

Hestia $$$-$$$$

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Hestia is a restaurant by the owner of Emmer and Rye. The head chef is Kevin Fink. We came here for their pre fixed valentines menu. I felt some dishes were amazing but some were a miss. If i could go back i would opt for a la carte and get the steak, the beets, and some other dishes. I was not a huge fan of my halibut with ash dish.

Location: 607 W 3rd St Suite 105, Austin, TX 78701

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Kemuri Tatsu-ya $$

They serve Japanese Texas bbq fusion food. Very vibey drinks and eats. I like the yakitori here!

Location: 2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702

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Fukumoto $$

A beloved sushi spot by Kazu Fukumoto, this spot has grilled Japanese meats and tasty sushi. I recommend the Uni Pasta and the Mentaiko pasta.

Location: 514 Medina St, Austin, TX 78702

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Uchiko $$$

Another spot that everyone has been to is Uchiko. Their menu is always solid and the food is always delicious. I like the Hama Chili, Foie Gras, and Happy Hour bites.

Location: 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

Fonda San Miguel $$$

A beautiful spot with fountains. Elevated Mexican Food spot that has been in Austin for years.

Location: 2330 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

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ALC Steaks $$$

Take your date here to try their dry aged steak. Easily one of the best steaks in town and it will blow her mind. This spot is an Austin classic. I would say the ambience is more Texas Steakhouse.

Location: 1205 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

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Olive & June $$$

A spot with delicious pasta. I think their Amatriciana pasta dish is delish! Very intimate setting as well. They have an amazing happy hour with half off food. They make all the pasta from scratch.

Location: 3411 Glenview Ave, Austin, TX 78703

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Hillside Farmacy $$

A classic of East Austin, they serve delicious French style cuisine in a beautiful setting and older building. I recommend their Mac and Cheese and their steak and frites. When it's really busy the service can be all over the place.

Location: 1209 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

L'Oca d'Oro $$

I'm on the fence about this spot. I think the pasta is decent and i like the vibes, I wouldn't say the food here is spectacular but it's beloved by the locals and was voted top restaurant in Austin by the Statesmen. Service was okay when i went.

Address: 1900 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum $$$

If your date likes delicious soup dumplings and fancy Asian food then this is the spot to be. Their soup dumplings are delicious. If you're from Houston and very versed in Asian food, this may be a miss. Served in an upscale setting.

Location: 1203 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703

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Andiamo Ristorante $$

Andiamo is your classic white sheet table top Italian spot with plenty of pasta and anti pasta options. Food is served with free bread in an cozy intimate setting. It has family italian vibes and i wouldn't say the pasta here is amazing.

Location: 2521 Rutland Dr #325, Austin, TX 78758

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Foreign & Domestic $$$

A small restaurant with a flare. This spot features a lot of Fusion European American food with modern twists. Food uses seasonal ingredients and they have a lot of specials. I think it's a fun dining experience overall.

Location: 306 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751

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Barley Swine $$$

This is a spot featuring seasonal pre fixe meals. If your date is into molecular gastronomy then this is the spot to be. There is also a wine tasting menu. It's a good option for those looking for a more elevated meal in Austin, but i would say it's 6-7/10.

Location: 6555 Burnet Rd #400, Austin, TX 78757

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Neighborhood Sushi $$$

Sushi spot on SOCO featuring delicious rolls and nigiri creations. I highly recommend trying their specialty nigiri. I think the Sushi here is good but the drive to SOCO and parking situation is a bit of an inconvenice to some.

Location: 1716 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Odd Duck $$$

It's been years since I've been to Odd Duck, This spot is popular for their upscale locally sourced menu. They change the menu frequently.

Location: 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Este $$$

Este is the seafood sister restaurant to Suerte. Personally i wasn't a huge fan of Suerte but i think Este is a little better. The Tuna Tiradito dish is so good and clearly a contender for best dish in Austin. However, after that dish everything fell alittle flat. The menu feels pricey for what you get. However, the Masa here is phenomenal and I found myself munching on multiple chips. Anyways, If you're gluten free or love seafood this is your spot.

Address: 2113 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722

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