I only scratched the surface when trying to work my way down my list of New Restaurants in Austin in 2022. There were way too many new restaurants to count and I have several more to try but I did find 15 of the new restaurants that opened in 2022 to be noteworthy and must-visits!
As always, it’s so sad to hear and see many longtime establishments in Austin close their doors and 2022 was no exception. RIP to those who shutdown due to rising rents, increased supply costs, staff shortages, burnout, or simply the owners couldn’t bear the long days and nights and all of the challenges that they faced. You will be missed.
Now on to the 15 Best New Austin Restaurants of 2022 – remember, these are my recommendations…I know there are others out there I haven’t tried yet…and this is MY opinion.
Salmony
This absolutely divine, high-quality salmon-focused sushi spot opened up at 5610 N IH 35 – in the CloudKitchen space with other well-known favorites like Charoen Express, Pokeworks, Dog Haus.
Salmon sashimi, nigiri, sushi rolls are my favorite, so I knew this place would quickly become a go-to for me. Some of my favorites are the Cilantro-chili salmon, salmon sampler, Spicy Zen Zen roll, Yummy roll, Hot Night roll, Salmon Chirashi Don. You won’t go wrong with anything you order, even if it isn’t salmon!
They’re temporarily closed due to a family emergency out of the country. Stay tuned for their return in the new year.
Website: https://salmony.co/
Choo Sando
Did you know Chef Choo who is known for his incredible sushi and omakases also makes the best Japanese sandwiches in town and has a brick-and-mortar now? Stop on in and grab one or more of his sandos asap! My personal favorites are the Tamago, Fruit, KFC, and Smoked Salmon. He also has specialty sandwiches and you can pre-order if you want a bunch and don’t want to test your luck by showing up at the shop and not having what you want.
Website: https://www.chooatx.com/sando
The Diner Bar
Did you know we have a restaurant in Austin by the highly acclaimed, Chef’s Table featured Chef Mashama Bailey? Yep, we have our very own Diner Bar at The Thompson Hotel and it is a must-visit if you haven’t been yet. Their oysters are the freshest and quite a steal if you enjoy all night happy hour on Sunday or Monday. Don’t pass up their Deviled Eggs and I really enjoyed the Shrimp & Carolina Gold Rice. Be sure to save room for dessert too!
Website: https://thedinerbar-austin.com/
Maie Day
The Owner and Executive Chef of Olamaie opened up Maie Day earlier this year and I never say no to anything he touches so of course, when Maie Day opened, I knew I had to dine there stat!
I’ve been three times now and tried different dishes every time. Haven’t been disappointed ever. Highly recommend the smoked fish dip, green beans, fries, shaved prime rib, the prime rib, roasted chicken, Mac and Cheese, and YOU MUST TRY the Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake and whatever the cheesecake is. Be prepared to order a bunch to try and share with your friends and family.
Website: https://www.maieday.com/
La Plancha
This awesome fast-casual spot opened off E. MLK right next door to Mi Mundo and if you enjoy Mexican street food, then this is the place for you! I’ve had the LA Hot Chick twice (with fries) and can confidently say that it needs to be in your mouth soon. Enjoy it there (hot and fresh out of the kitchen is best). Still need to try their tacos for breakfast!
Website: https://www.planchaatx.com/about-1
Curry Up Now
This Indian gal was so happy to hear Curry Up Now opened in Austin. I LOVE Indian street food so much and they have so many of my favorite bites (nearly as good as my Mom’s)! It’s located off of Rock Rose in the Domain – great brightly decorated restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
I enjoyed the Mini Samosas, Sweet Potato Fries with Maggi sauce, Naughty Naan, Pani Puri, Chicken Tikka Masala Thali, and Gulab Jamun for dessert. I’ll be back for sure!
Website: https://www.curryupnow.com/
Wax Myrtle’s
This gorgeous rooftop/poolside restaurant opened at The Thompson Hotel and launched Afternoon Delight Brunch on the weekends. You HAVE TO GO! This is far from your average brunch buffet. Enjoy a raw seafood bar, all the pastries, plenty of Mediterranean dishes like shakshuka, bacon wrapped dates, fancy hash browns, cured salmon, chicken and waffles, etc. So impressed with the space, vibes, and food!
Website: https://www.waxmyrtles.com/
Missed the Best New Austin Restaurants of 2021? Visit the round up and add to your list for the new year – http://atx-bites.com/the-10-best-new-austin-restaurants-of-2021/
LOTE
We love grabbing a drink at Batch and enjoying it out back in their huge backyard area. It’s such a kid and dog-friendly spot. So when we heard that the Chef at Batch known for his kolaches, opened a Mexican food truck where he uses kolache dough for his tortas, we knew it was gonna be a hit!
Sure enough, the food is amazing and I know they’ll have a long successful spot there for years to come. I really enjoyed the Bean and Cheese Mulitas and the Picadillo Burrito. I’ll be back to try more of the menu.
Website: https://www.batchatx.com/lote
Marufuku Ramen
The Mueller area continues to be developed and the newest restaurant to open there is Marufuku Ramen! It’s Hakata-style ramen and worth a visit! They have a full bar serving cocktails, beer, wine and sake too.
I tried the Chicken Paitan ramen and the Hakata Tonkotsu. Both were great! They have deluxe versions of both which I haven’t tried but if you want extra pork or chicken, then these options are for you. Also, try their baos, gyoza and chicken karaage.
Website: https://www.marufukuramen.com/
Local Foods
Local Foods’ restaurant on 2nd street opened earlier this year! I was ecstatic to say the least! The space is a stunner, it’s huge, and I adore their food. They also offer brunch on the weekends and that’s a must if you’re looking for guaranteed goodness.
On the brunch menu, the Latke Glow Up, Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Brioche French Toast are my go-tos. For lunch, I struggle between choosing the Truffle Egg Salad Sandwich and the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich. I guess I could go with someone and share half of each with them 🙂 Oh and if you want a salad, the Texas Caesar is massive and so satisfying.
Website: https://www.localfoodstexas.com/
Nido
The Loren Hotel opened up off Riverside and S. Lamar and is quite possibly my new favorite hotel. It’s right across the lake from the hustle and bustle of downtown, with incredible views of the lake and hill country and quiet!
The Nido is their rooftop restaurant with the best views in Austin (IMO). You don’t need reservations to enjoy a drink at the bar or the outdoor lounge. But, I do recommend making a reservation and dining at Nido soon. Chef McDonald works his magic in the kitchen and the dishes are not only going to knock your socks off when you see them but light up your tastebuds! I enjoyed the Yellowfin Tuna, Ricotta Gnudi, Half Chicken a la Brique, cocktails, wine and dessert. I heard they serve brunch now and while I haven’t tried it yet, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy your meal!
Website: https://www.thelorenhotels.com/austin/cuisine/restaurant
Este
It’s safe to say that anything Chef Nunez cooks up is going to be out of this world! You’re in for an amazing dining experience at Este. The restaurant is breathtaking, you feel like you’re sea-side somewhere glamorous but also cozy. The wine and cocktail menus are well-curated and anything you choose will wash down those delectable bites!
I devoured and dream about constantly the Tuna Tiradito, Este Ceviche, Trucha Tostada and Whole Dover Sole Milanesa. Seriously, they specialize in seafood and know how to prepare it in a way that will have you coming back again and again.
Oh and before you leave or if you have extra time before your reservation, check out the garden in the back. It’s a magical wonderland of fresh produce and flowers and quite the operation!
Website: https://www.esteatx.com/
KG BBQ
Egyptian meets TX BBQ at KG BBQ! Y’all, get on over to their permanent location at Oddwood Brewing as soon as you can. I bet you’ll crave their food and go back all the time once you try something. Recently, I had dinner and lunch the next day because I couldn’t get their chicken out of my head.
The Chicken Shawarma and Chicken Rice Bowls are my go-tos but they have lamb, sausage, ribs, salads if you want to venture out. I have this problem of trying something, falling in love with it and then not wanting anything else lol!
Website: https://www.kgbbq.com/
Toshokan
It may have taken me 4 attempts to finally get a reservation at Toshokan but it was worth the wait! Toshokan is a 6-seat, 14-course omakase tucked away in East Austin. Chef Saine sources his fish from all around the world and presents and prepares each bite in a way that will blow your mind.
They release reservations for the next month a month prior so be on the lookout and set your alarms! You definitely want to try your luck at a highly coveted seat at this omakase!
Website: https://www.toshokanatx.com/
Proud Mary Cafe
I might have been impatiently waiting for Proud Mary to finally open in Austin after hearing about their spot at least 2 years ago. This Australian cafe specializes in the best coffee in the world, with an extensive coffee menu (pour overs, lattes, mochas, espresso shots), and solid brunch choices!
I enjoyed the Magic Mocha to start, curried eggs and roti as my meal and a salted chocolate chip cookie to finish off that delicious meal! They don’t take reservations, so you may have to wait a little, but I promise the wait will be worth it!
Website: https://proudmarycoffee.com/pages/proud-mary-cafe-austin
So there you have it! The 15 Best New Austin Restaurants I ate at in 2022! You may or may not have been to these spots yet, so be sure to add them to your list and let me know what you think down below.
Bon Appetite,
Shveta
December, 2022
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