DineSpin

Best Fine Dining in Austin

Find the best fine dining restaurants in Austin, TX. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Austin's fine dining scene has matured beyond the BBQ-and-tacos reputation. These ten restaurants are where locals celebrate anniversaries, close deals, and eat better than they probably should on a Tuesday. The trade-off is consistent: premium pricing, reservation requirements, and ambiance that costs money. What separates them is execution—and whether the noise level, wait times, and occasional service stumbles actually matter to you.

Recommended:

Best Fine Dining in Austin

1.

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

95/100

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants offers an excellent omakase experience in Austin, celebrated for its incredibly fresh sushi, exquisite flavors, and attentive service. The intimate atmosphere and personalized approach make it a standout destination for a memorable meal.

Pro tip: Definitely one of the best sushi places in Austin.

🍽️Food98

The sushi is well-regarded for its outstanding freshness, exquisite flavors, and masterful preparation, often described as a notable culinary experience.

The sushi was so fresh

👋Service95

Service is noted as attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized, contributing significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

The staff were extremely attentive

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as intimate and modern, with a subtle entrance and a welcoming ambiance.

The small space and atmosphere

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the overall experience and quality suggest good value for the omakase format.

What a fantastic experience!!

📍 603 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.9$$$$AustinJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions like anniversariesSushi aficionados seeking high qualityDiners looking for an experiential meal
2.

Fabrik Austin

92/100

Fabrik Austin offers an excellent plant-based fine dining experience with creative, artfully prepared tasting menus. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service contribute to a memorable occasion, making it a highly recommended destination for those seeking elevated vegan cuisine.

Pro tip: Absolutely incredible from start to finish. Every course is a work of art.

🍽️Food98

The plant-based tasting menus are consistently lauded for their creativity, fresh ingredients, and outstanding flavor profiles, often exceeding expectations for both vegan and non-vegan diners.

Every course is a work of art

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as warm, attentive, personable, and knowledgeable, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate guests.

The service was warm and attentive

Vibe90

The restaurant offers an intimate, cozy, and relaxing atmosphere with thoughtful lighting and calm music, ideal for special occasions.

Small, intimate setting

💰Value85

While considered pricey, the tasting menus are generally seen as offering good value due to the quality, creativity, and portion sizes.

Value is great for a somewhat fancy outing

📍 1701 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Suite 102, Austin, TX 78702, United States
4.9$$$AustinVegan/Vegetarian
Ideal for
Special occasions and anniversariesDiners seeking innovative vegan cuisineIntimate dining experiences
3.

Fogueira Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse

92/100

Fogueira Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse offers an excellent dining experience with perfectly cooked, high-quality meats and outstanding, attentive service. It is a highly recommended destination for special occasions and general enjoyment, well-regarded for its atmosphere and overall quality.

Pro tip: Outstanding food and service, making every occasion feel special.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its quality, flavor, and perfect cooking, with particular highlights including the picanha, beef ribs, grilled pineapple, and a well-regarded salad bar.

Food was absolutely superior

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as outstanding, first-rate, and attentive, with numerous staff members named for their top-notch care and hospitality, often going above and beyond for special occasions.

Service from Esperanza and Sophia was truly out of this world

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, upscale, romantic, and welcoming, with pleasant lighting and music contributing to a special occasion feel.

Atmosphere was calm and romantic

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the consistent recognition for high-quality food and top-notch service suggests diners feel the experience is worth the price, especially for special occasions.

Food was amazing

📍 3221 Feathergrass Ct, Austin, TX 78758
4.6$$$AustinBrazilian
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsCarnivores seeking high-quality meatsRomantic date nights
4.

Sushi Junai Omakase

92/100

Sushi Junai Omakase is a highly-regarded Austin sushi restaurant celebrated for its remarkably fresh and high-quality fish, creative preparations, and engaging omakase experience. Well-regarded for the attentive service and pleasant atmosphere, finding the value to be excellent.

Pro tip: The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared, but what truly made the night stand out was our server, Sunny.

🍽️Food95

The sushi and sashimi are well-regarded for their outstanding freshness, quality, and flavorful preparation, with many diners highlighting the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the fish.

The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared

👋Service88

Service is frequently described as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with specific recognition for servers like Sunny and chefs like Eddie and Sean who engage with diners.

Sunny did a phenomenal job. He was attentive

Vibe88

The atmosphere is consistently described as engaging, romantic, modern, and cozy, with the open kitchen providing an entertaining element.

The atmosphere was engaging

💰Value85

Diners find the prices reasonable, especially for the high quality and generous portions of fish offered, particularly during happy hour.

The prices are very reasonable

📍 315 Congress Ave. #100, Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.6$$$AustinJapanese
Ideal for
Date nights — romantic atmosphere and engaging chefsSushi aficionados — first-rate quality and freshnessSpecial occasions — memorable omakase experiences
5.

Ember Kitchen

92/100

Three floors means three different nights depending on where you land—casual ground-level bar energy, intimate mid-floor date vibes, speakeasy-dark upstairs. The Latin-American cooking is genuinely sophisticated: Josper oven technique, Texas ingredients treated like they belong in fine dining, dishes that taste inventive without performing. Service reads the room and adapts. The upstairs music volume climbs past conversation range, $65+ entrees feel like a statement, and 40-minute waits past reservation time happen. But the personalization for special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries) is specific, not rote.

Pro tip: Avoid the top floor if you need to actually talk. Middle or ground floor has better acoustics. Request a table away from the open kitchen if you're noise-sensitive.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent quality, unique flavors, and beautiful presentation, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Absolutely incredible. Every bite was packed with flavor

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as outstanding, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with many staff members well-regarded for making occasions special.

Service was amazing, from the hosts to the servers

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as chic, sexy, modern, and well-designed, creating a sophisticated and enjoyable dining environment.

Ambience was dark and sexy

💰Value80

While acknowledged as pricey, most diners feel the quality of food and service justifies the cost, offering good value for a fine dining experience.

Pricey restaurants I’ve visited, and I wasn’t disappointed

📍 800 W Cesar Chavez St Ste PP110, Austin, TX 78701, United States
4.8$$$$AustinLatin American
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDate nightsDiners seeking upscale Latin-inspired cuisine
6.

VERDAD True Modern Mexican

92/100

VERDAD True Modern Mexican in Austin offers an excellent dining experience with a stunning ambiance and well-regarded, high-quality food. The service is attentive and friendly, contributing to a memorable atmosphere that many find perfect for special occasions.

Pro tip: The food was outstanding — fresh, vibrant, and beautifully executed. The vibe is perfect for date night.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, fresh ingredients, and beautiful execution, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding.

The food was top-notch — fresh, vibrant, and beautifully executed.

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as top-notch, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond for guests.

Service was fantastic. We loved the salsa & mole tastings

Vibe97

The ambiance and decor are consistently lauded as stunning, chic, and perfect for various occasions, creating a highly desirable atmosphere.

The vibe is perfect for date night, too.

💰Value75

While the food and experience are well-regarded, some diners note that the prices are on the higher end, though many feel it is worth it.

This is an upscale restaurant and the prices reflect it

📍 2701 Perseverance Dr, Austin, TX 78731, United States
4.5$$$AustinMexican
Ideal for
Date nightsSpecial occasionsExperiencing modern Mexican cuisine
7.

J Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse

92/100

J Carver's Oyster Bar & Chophouse is a highly-regarded fine dining establishment in Austin, celebrated for its excellent steaks, seafood, and impeccable service. It offers an upscale, romantic ambiance, making it a top choice for special occasions and memorable culinary experiences.

Pro tip: Outstanding food and service create a memorable fine dining experience, ideal for special occasions.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, with steaks, seafood, and appetizers frequently highlighted as standouts. Dishes are often described as perfectly prepared and flavorful.

Succulent steaks grilled to perfection

👋Service96

Service is a major strength, with staff frequently described as attentive, friendly, knowledgeable, and professional, contributing significantly to a memorable dining experience.

Service was top-notch, our waiter was attentive

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as upscale, romantic, and elegant, with dim lighting and a sophisticated decor, making it ideal for special occasions.

Ambiance was impeccable

💰Value75

While acknowledged as expensive, diners generally feel the high quality of food and service justifies the cost, offering good value for a premium dining experience.

Expensive, hell yes!

📍 509 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701
4.7$$$$AustinSteakhouse
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsFine dining and steak enthusiastsRomantic dinners
8.

Uchiko Austin

92/100

Uchiko offers an excellent Japanese dining experience with innovative dishes, fresh ingredients, and outstanding service. While generally well-regarded, some diners note small portions and a potentially loud atmosphere.

Pro tip: The food was amazing, the service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect for a special night.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its first-rate quality, fresh ingredients, and innovative flavor combinations, with many dishes described as culinary masterpieces.

Food was incredible.

👋Service93

Service is frequently highlighted as top-notch, with staff described as attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, often going above and beyond for guests.

The service was amazing

Vibe85

The atmosphere is described as vibrant, refined, cozy, and entertaining, suitable for various occasions, though some find it too loud.

Ambiance is super nice!

💰Value75

While many find the experience and quality worth the price, some diners note that portions can be small and the overall cost is high.

Price and the quality make it well worth!

📍 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756, United States
4.7$$$$AustinJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsFoodies seeking innovative cuisineDiners with dietary restrictions
9.

Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab

92/100

"excellent seafood, elegant ambiance, attentive service worth the premium"—and that assessment holds across nearly every visit. The fish is treated with respect, the room carries that hushed-expensive feeling without trying too hard, and servers move with purpose. There's a bar-service bottleneck (25 minutes for a cocktail isn't rare) and the lighting sits on the dim side of moody. But the consistency is rare for this price point. This is the place you book when you want to know exactly what you're getting—no surprises, all of them good.

Pro tip: Order cocktails during happy hour at the bar while you're being seated, then move to your table. Saves 20 minutes.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, freshness, and delicious flavors, particularly the seafood and steaks. Desserts, especially the Baked Alaska, are frequently highlighted.

Food was immaculate and high-quality

👋Service90

Service is a standout feature, described as impeccable, attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, with staff often going above and beyond to make occasions special.

Service was impeccable

Vibe95

The ambiance is consistently lauded as elegant, upscale, intimate, and sophisticated, often enhanced by live piano music.

Ambiance is unbelievable

💰Value75

While considered pricey, most diners feel the high quality of food, service, and overall experience justifies the cost for special occasions.

Worth the price

📍 10225 Research Blvd Suite 4000, Austin, TX 78759, United States
4.7$$$$AustinSeafood
Ideal for
Special occasion celebrationsSeafood and steak enthusiastsUpscale dining experiences
10.

Odd Duck

92/100

Odd Duck is a well-regarded Austin restaurant celebrated for its innovative, locally sourced, and seasonal New American cuisine. It offers an excellent dining experience with creative dishes, outstanding service, and a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts.

Pro tip: Outstanding food, service, and vibe make this worth trying Austin culinary destination.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its creativity, fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and bold, well-balanced flavors. Dishes are often described as unique, innovative, and expertly prepared, with a particular highlight being the cast iron cheddar cornbread.

Outstanding and unlike anything I’ve had before

👋Service95

Service is frequently lauded as first-rate, with staff described as knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, and passionate about the food. Many diners specifically mention servers by name for providing outstanding experiences.

Service was incredible from start to finish

Vibe90

The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, lively, relaxed, and uniquely Austin, with an upscale yet unpretentious feel. The open kitchen and chef's counter seating add to the engaging ambiance.

The vibe is warm, lively, and very Austin

💰Value85

Diners generally find the prices fair for the quality and portion sizes, especially considering the innovative and high-quality ingredients used. Small plates are seen as a good way to experience a variety of dishes.

Portion size and prices were very fair

📍 1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, United States
4.7$$$AustinAmerican
Ideal for
Adventurous eaters seeking unique flavorsSpecial occasions and celebrationsDiners who appreciate farm-to-table concepts

Can’t decide?

Let DineSpin pick a restaurant for you based on your mood.

Try DineSpin →

More in Austin

No paid placements. Independent restaurant rankings.