19 Romantic Restaurants in Austin

Whether planning a first date or celebrating an anniversary, these romantic restaurants in Austin are just the thing you need to spend quality time with your partner and enjoy an incredible meal while you’re at it.

On this list, you’ll find funky atmospheres, award-winning chefs, and drinks and dishes from around the world–all within one incredible capital city!

After all, Austin is easily one of Texas’s hippest locales, practically overflowing with colorful, personality-packed restaurants. 

Since you’re bound to be spoiled for choice, we’re helping you narrow it down to the best of the best.

Pssst: If you want a romantic getaway in town, check out these romantic hotels in Austin!

19 Most Romantic Restaurants in Austin, Texas

So grab your special someone and keep reading to get all the need-to-know info for your Austin date night!

Emmer & Rye

$31-60 | Website | (512) 366-5530

With its warm, farmhouse-chic decor and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, Emmer & Rye is the epitome of trendy Austin dining.

From moniker to mission, everything about this spot is focused on being more connected to local food production.

The name is a nod to the heirloom grains they mill fresh on-site for homemade pastas, breads, and desserts. Furthermore, the restaurant utilizes “in-house whole-animal butchering,” has its own fermentation program, and is proudly designated as carbon neutral.

The food offerings change daily, so your best bet is the chef’s tasting menu, which consists of small plates perfect for sharing as well as expert wine pairings.

They take reservations up to 60 days in advance, and you’ll likely need one to snag a spot in their super-popular dining room.

Aba

$11-30 | Website | (737) 273-0199

Mediterranean influences abound at this ultra-cool Austin locale, which draws dishes from countries like Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece.

Their decadent, flavor-forward menu features standouts like brussels sprouts with dukkah and harissa honey, crispy short rib hummus, and an incredible muhammara spread, plus classic mezze platters, kebabs, and meat dishes.

If the hundreds of rave reviews aren’t enough to sell you on its status as one of the best date night restaurants in Austin, just look at how far in advance Aba tends to book out. 

(Hint: You’ll want to reserve a spot at this Mediterranean restaurant at least a few weeks ahead of your visit).

Fixe Southern House

$31-60 | Website | (512) 888-9133

This is the perfect spot to go on a date with someone you want to impress.

Southern comfort food is renowned for its hearty serving sizes and rich flavors, and at Fixe Southern House, that’s exactly what you’ll find…with an upscale twist!

You and your date can enjoy the best of both worlds–a chic and charming dining experience (think plush chairs and candlelight) plus dishes any local Texan would approve of.

Fixe’s most popular orders include shareable plates like the house biscuits, deviled eggs, and shrimp and grits. For the main, their lobster and crawfish pot pie will leave you speechless.

Lenoir

$31-60 | Website | (512) 215-9778

Lenoir is named after a variety of grapes native to Central Texas, and continues its homage to Southern ingredients throughout the restaurant concept.

Their farm-to-table menu utilizes seasonal local ingredients and perfect drink pairings, with highlights like house-made bread, grilled summer squash, and schnitzel.

However, the best option for two is the chef’s choice menu. You can choose five courses served family-style for $70 per person, and add optional wine pairings chosen by their award-winning sommelier.

Be sure to make a reservation because this beautiful restaurant in south Austin only has seats for about 30 people. Oh, and they are a praised wine bar in Austin, too.

Olamaie

$31-60 | Website | (512) 474-2796

Southern comfort food gets a makeover at Olamaie, an elegant, modern eatery housed inside a former local residence.

Cute, cozy, and with a touch of glamour, this is an easy go-to for a romantic dinner in Austin.

Their menu changes daily to make the most of seasonal ingredients and market availability, but past diners’ favorites include dishes like beef tartare, Texas-raised wagyu, and even an upscale take on hushpuppies.

For drinks, the wine list is brief but thoughtfully curated, featuring both local and international bottles.

Launderette

$11-30 | Website | (512) 382-1599

There are dozens of romantic restaurants in Austin, but few are as vibrant and cool as Launderette, an ultra-popular, diner-inspired hotspot not far from downtown.

This restaurant in East Austin lives inside a converted gas station/Laundromat, offering seating in a sleek dining room or outside on a covered patio.

Couples will be spoiled for choice with a selection of shareable plates from all around the globe. The sticky brussels sprouts, beet hummus, and whole branzino all come highly recommended.

Whether it’s a special occasion or not, wrap up your meal with their famous birthday cake ice cream sandwiches.

Suerte

$31-60 | Website | (512) 953-0092

Anyone with a finger on the pulse of Texas culture knows that Mexican food has carved out a serious space in the state’s culinary landscape.

Led by award-winning Chef Fermin Nunez, this Mexican restaurant delivers all kinds of specialties and snacks originating south of the border.

The restaurant’s bright, airy dining room already demands a photo-op or two, and things only get prettier as the dishes are brought out.

Their signature combo of traditional Mexican cooking techniques + local Texas ingredients results in colorful, flavor-packed dishes like suadero tacos with wagyu brisket, refried lentils with crema, and a number of different ceviches.

Hestia

$31-60 | Website | (512) 333-0737

This luxurious spot is the epitome of romantic restaurants in Austin, boasting swanky interiors and show-stopping plating.

Named after the Greek goddess of the hearth, Hestia is all about “the role of fire in food.” 

You won’t find gas or electric stoves here. Instead, their menu is built around a show-stopping 20-foot-tall hearth that straddles the kitchen and dining room.

Although the chef’s tasting menu does not come cheap ($150 on its own, and $100 more with wine pairings), you’ll be well taken care of by the expert staff.

Even the pickiest foodie couples will fall in love with dishes like Texas wagyu beef tartare, scallops, halibut, and an otherworldly kakiguri for dessert.

Dai Due

$31-60 | Website | (512) 524-0688

Nothing says romantic restaurants in Austin like some true TLC, and that’s exactly the way Dai Due approaches food.

From dry goods to wines and beers, most dishes and drinks you order are seasonally fresh, certified organic, and made from ingredients sourced in-house or from close by.

Ask where any of the produce, seafood, game, or other ingredients came from, and your waiter will have an answer waiting. Now that’s a date night you can feel good about!

Just a few of the delicacies that grace their rotating menu are wagyu ribeyes, coffee-cured antelope filets, and wild boar confit.

June’s

$11-30 | Website | (512) 416-1722

Just like its name, June’s is bright, welcoming, and oh-so-chic. Make sure you and your date are dressed to the nines, as the checkerboard floors and wooden counters of this South Congress eatery demand to be photographed.

On the menu, you’ll find diverse New American fare, like grilled lamb couscous, bone marrow bolognese, and snapper carpaccio.

Can’t choose just one dish? They have a hearty selection of snacks and shareable plates perfect for splitting between two. We hear the fried baby eggplant is particularly worth an order.

The real highlight, however, is the drink menu. The restaurant is actually named for the on-site master sommelier, June Rodil, who has curated an impressive jet-setting wine list ready to pair with any meal.

Fonda San Miguel

$31-60 | Website | (512) 459-4121

Fonda San Miguel has been treating Austin locals and travelers alike to genuine Mexican cuisine since 1975.

With so much time to perfect their craft, it’s no surprise that the menu is full of treats like duck enchiladas, chicken with mole poblano, and grilled baby lamb chops–all seasoned to perfection, of course.

But perhaps the most romantic element of this spot is its dining room. 

Covered in potted plants, artwork, and extravagant chandeliers, the hacienda-style space is almost as jaw-dropping as the delicious food served there.

Justine’s

$31-60 | Website | (512) 385-2900

No one does romance like the French, so you can trust that the bold, intimate atmosphere of Justine’s Brasserie will deliver on any date night.

Their European-inspired menu includes staples like escargot, steak frites, ratatouille, and French onion soup, as well as some fabulous charcuterie boards – we love French food.

Unlike other romantic restaurants in Austin, this late-night dining destination takes an edgier approach to an evening out. 

You’ll find deep red walls, vintage vinyl, and moody lighting that will have you leaning in close in this French restaurant.

Olive & June

$31-60 | Website | (512) 467-9898

Italian food has long been a date night staple, but Olive & June dares to dream outside the standard pizza and pasta dishes. Instead, they bring inventive flavor combinations and colorful plating to the table.

Weaving Southern influences into the appetizers and mains alike, Olive & June delivers delicious dishes like Texas peach bruschetta and linguine with bay shrimp.

Eating out for an extra special occasion? You can reserve a private dining room just for you and your special someone.

Garrison

$31-60 | Website | (512) 600-2000

Set in downtown Austin and built around a chef-driven, open-flame kitchen, Garrison is the epitome of fine dining.

On their classic menu, you’ll find comfort foods elevated to culinary masterpieces (like house rolls slathered in fermented honey or tater tots garnished with black truffle) as well as a can’t-miss lineup of seafood and steak dishes.

If you like a drink with your meal, Garrison’s Texas whiskey is an easy choice. Alternatively, they also have a short but sweet list of indulgent cocktails.

Uchiko

$ Above 60 | Website | (512) 916-4808

No list of the most romantic restaurants in Austin would be complete without a mention of Uchiko, a Japanese restaurant serving award-winning sushi and small plates.

After all, any foodie planning a trip to Austin has certainly heard of Uchi, the world-renowned sushi spot Uchiko is lucky to call its sister restaurant.

This iteration is more spacious than the original, which means you may be lucky enough to grab walk-in seats, although reservations are recommended.

Rather than plan your order in advance, let an expertly-curated omakase (either the 10-course chef’s tasting menu or the 5-course signature tasting menu) take you on an unparalleled flavor journey.

Odd Duck

$31-60 | Website | (512) 433-6521

Cool, contemporary, and very Austin-esque, Odd Duck is a popular New American eatery known for its creative small plates.

The cornbread is to die for, the spicy melon salad is a pleasant surprise, and the redfish ceviche will have your tastebuds singing.

As for drinks, their Paloma’s have been dubbed some of the best in the city, or you can choose from an extensive selection of wines, draft beers, and ciders.

Perla’s

$31-60 | Website | (512) 291-7300

Couples that prefer a more laidback date night can skip the more refined romantic restaurants in Austin in favor of this easygoing surf-and-turf spot found on one of the capital’s trendiest streets.

The fish and oysters dished up at Perla’s are flown in daily from both coasts, so you know you’re getting the freshest dish possible.

Dig into a wide variety of oysters on a half shell, or try house favorites like grilled octopus and Nova Scotian lobster bucatini.

When the weather is good, the best seats in the house are on Perla’s outdoor patio, where you can wind down the evening with craft cocktails and excellent conversation.

Swift’s Attic

$31-60 | Website | (512) 482-8842

Hiding just above one of Austin’s liveliest streets, Swift’s Attic offers an escape into the indulgent retro decor and eccentric yet unfailingly delicious shared plates.

The tapas-style menu at this American restaurant is practically made for date night, so order as many dishes as you can stomach!

Fan favorites include their bacon-wrapped apricots, charred edamame, and pad thai. The latter two, like many of this spot’s offerings, are even vegan and gluten-free!

For dessert, look no further than their brown butter sour cream churro donuts, served with Mexican chocolate-espresso caramel and dulce de leche ice cream. Drooling yet?

Birdie’s

$11-30 | Website | N/A (They don’t have a phone).

Few romantic restaurants in Austin can invoke the bubbly, happy-go-lucky feeling of puppy love like this spot.

Birdie’s is unpretentious, a family-run neighborhood joint that accepts no reservations, only walk-ins. But make no mistake–their food can more than hold its own.

The menu, built around simple American dishes with subtle European influences, changes daily to suit the seasons. 

Order a few small plates to share, like beef tartare and spaghetti pesto, then let one of the knowledgeable servers recommend a perfect wine pairing.

Final Thoughts on Romantic Date Night Restaurants in Austin

So, now tell us. What’s your favorite date night restaurant? Drop your answer in the comments, we would love to hear from you!