Austin’s diverse food scene spans everyday hangout spots and artsy fine dining restaurants, with several layers of talent and delicious cuisine in between. But if this city is known for anything, it's a penchant for the casual. Exceptional neighborhood haunts are what make Austin feel so welcoming for locals and visitors alike.
These treasured eateries are a coveted third space for Austin’s locals, offering both lunch and dinner without the need of a reservation. There’s no such thing as overstaying your welcome when you become a regular at these restaurants.
The judges of the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards are taking all this and more into consideration when choosing their favorite neighborhood spots. Only one can walk away with the coveted trophy at our Tastemaker Awards ceremony and signature tasting event on May 8 at Fair Market. Read up on the 10 contenders below, and consider doing your own field research in the meantime.
You can see all of the Tastemaker Award nominees here and learn more about them in our special editorial series leading up to the big event.
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP (includes early access to the event and a dedicated bar). Prices will increase April 10. Grab your tickets now, because this party will sell out — just like it does every year.
Cheers to our nominees for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year 2025:
Distant Relatives
Distant Relatives may not be a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but that hasn’t stopped the barbecue trailer from garnering citywide attention. Its African-inspired smoked meats and its convenient location at Meanwhile Brewing are major appeals for barbecue-loving Austinites living south of the river. Chef Damien Brockway's community consciousness ties it all together.
Dovetail Pizza & Bar
This pizza bistro elevates a casual slice without going overboard. Dovetail's signature pie is easy to recognize, with slow-fermented dough rolled thin into a unique oval shape. Even the more creative topping medleys feel seriously considered. Plus, a glass of wine feels natural in the cozy space.
Komé
Komé specializes in small, shareable plates, which is great for a fun date night or an outing with friends. The menu casts a wide net with familiar items like shishito peppers or a classic sushi roll, and invites adventurous guests to try unique bites like the tako (octopus) sashimi or botan ebi (golden tobiko caviar) nigiri.
Korea House
This neighborhood restaurant is tucked away in a shopping center on West Anderson Lane, and an outdoor koi pond gives it a true “hidden gem” feeling. Besides serving traditional Korean dishes, stews, and Korean barbecue, Korea House fosters community by offering free food (with no strings attached) on the first Wednesday of every month.
Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen
It doesn’t get more neighborhood-friendly than the local farmers market, which is where Mum Foods got its start. It’s now more established, but the famous fall-apart pastrami is the same. Corned beef, smoked chicken salad, a plate of assorted pickles, or a bowl of matzo ball soup complete the promise of the eatery’s deli evolution.
Sour Duck Market
Austinites can find goodies by Sour Duck Market across the city, but they might as well go straight to the source: a picnic table-filled haven in East Austin. Using locally milled flour, Sour Duck crafts a variety of staples from baguettes, to challah, to Danishes. Then it makes an extra-indulgent meal of them in sandwiches, savory bakes, and more.
The Little Darlin'
We’d say atmosphere is everything, but we don’t want to discredit the Little Darlin’s burgers, fried chicken, or vibrant salads, which are all deserving of praise no matter where they’re served. It’s a nice bonus, then, that guests can enjoy the outdoorsy, dog-friendly back yard, complete with live music or metal and punk playlists.
The Peached Tortilla
The Peached Tortilla has come far from its humble beginnings as a food truck in 2010, boasting two standalone restaurants, an airport location, a spinoff bar, and an event venue. But its delicious Asian fusion fare has stood the test of time. The bánh mì tacos and kimchi arancini balls are must-try items on the menu.
Uptown Sports Club
This New Orleans-inspired haunt in East Austin has continued growing since its 2023 opening, adding new late-night offerings, hosting brewery takeovers, and more. From its signature po’boys and gumbo to elevated dishes like steak frites, each plate tastes like it’s made with a bold hit of Southern love.
Usta Kababgy
It can feel like the best halal spots are confined to group chats and lucky foot traffic, but Usta Kababgy has broken free of these limitations. Baba ghanoush, dolma, kofta, falafel, and other comfort foods take guests on a trip across the Mediterranean without even leaving the strip mall. Warm hospitality is the cherry — or perhaps the dollop of hummus — on top.
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The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards ceremony is sponsored by The Yuengling Company, Garrison Brothers Distillery, PicMe Events, Audio Visual Consultations, and more to be announced. A portion of the proceeds benefits Central Texas Food Bank.
