From barbecue to tacos to elevated Southern dining, the local restaurant scene has served up a bunch of great new restaurants. As part of the 2015 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, 16 of the best new restaurants in Austin will go head-to-head in our annual Tastemaker tournament, where you decide who is named the Best New Restaurant of 2015.
Vote for your favorites in the bracket-style elimination challenge now through May 11. Voting for the first bracket ends on April 30. Before you vote, meet all of the contenders:
416 Bar & Grille
This family-owned restaurant from father-son duo John and Colin Jurey offers up old-school Americana fare. Indulge in breakfast all day, and delight in flashes of interesting flavor combos centered around meaty main dishes.
Apis Restaurant & Apiary
You'll find this fine dining oasis in a beautiful Hill Country setting. Apis is named for, and inspired by, the honey bee and emphasizes local sourcing and sustainability. The restaurant also crafts house-made honey from its own beehives.
Black's Barbecue
One of Texas' most famous barbecue establishments opened a new location on Guadalupe Street, bringing fare from the original Lockhart joint to hungry Austinites. Fill up on tender brisket, juicy ribs and all the fixin's.
Counter 3. Five. VII.
Dining at Counter 3. Five. VII. is quite an experience. The set up at this new downtown eatery is innovative and intimate. Choose a three-, five- or seven-course menu, then prepare to interact with the talented kitchen staff throughout your meal.
Counter Café East
The beloved Austin diner expanded to the east side last fall, offering a larger space with the same great taste and iconic counter. The menu mixes tasty items like crab cakes, fried oysters and quail with gourmet takes on traditional diner fare like blueberry pancakes and eggs Benedict.
Fixe
The vintage touches at Fixe's cozy downtown space complement the elevated Southern menu. Classic dishes like shrimp and grits have already made the restaurant a hit among foodies.
Fork and Taco
This Burnet Road eatery adds a contemporary edge to one of Austin's favorite foods: the taco. Fork and Taco fuses Asian, Mexican and Thai cuisine for a truly tasty experience.
Fork & Vine
Fork & Vine serves Austin-inspired cuisine alongside a world-class wine and beer selection. The restaurant, which boasts indoor and outdoor seating, is located in the booming Burnet Road/Anderson Lane corridor.
Gardner
The second project from Contigo's Ben Edgerton and Andrew Wiseheart brings vegetable-focused fare to East Austin. The carefully crafted menu is perfect for an adventurous evening out.
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
This family-operated restaurant nestled along the Colorado River is the sister to Jacoby's Cafe in Melvin, Texas. The Austin location offers a ranch-to-table dining experience with simple, southern roots and a comfy atmosphere.
Launderette
Launderette is the hotly anticipated neighborhood cafe from chefs Rene Ortiz and Laura Sawicki of La Condesa and Sway fame. The duo presents contemporary fare that's innovative and un-fussy in a cool east side space.
Lucky's Puccias & Pizzeria
What started out as a trailer has grown into a full-fledged restaurant with a great beer and wine selection. Lucky's Puccias and Pizzeria is perfect for a midday sandwich fix or an evening date over perfectly baked pizza.
Nasha
Nasha embodies Indian food with Tex-Mex flair, serving up everything from classic masala curries and biryani plates to tacos, enchiladas and margaritas. Nasha also serves one of the best weekend brunches on the east side.
Prelog's
Prelog's blends French, Austrian and Austin influences to perfection. The European-inspired menu is complemented by a well-rounded bar program.
Sala & Betty
Chef Teresa Wilson's new Airport Boulevard establishment offers healthy New American cuisine in a variety of dine-in and to-go options. Whether you're dining out or grabbing food on the run, Sala & Betty delivers on its promise of "food prepared with tender loving care and served pretty darn quick."
Sawyer & Co.
The best of New Orleans and comfort food come together at Sawyer & Co. The spirit child of Austin staple Arkie's Grill, this East Cesar Chavez eatery serves up satisfying, Cajun-inspired dishes.
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The Best New Restaurant winner will be announced at the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards on May 12 at Brazos Hall. Tickets are available now.
Chicken fried steak with waffles at Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile.
