Sixteen of the best new restaurants in Austin went head-to-head in our annual Tastemaker tournament — but now only eight remain. You have until May 4 to decide who advances to the third round of our tournament to determine the Best New Restaurant of 2015. The bracket-style elimination challenge runs through May 11.
Before you vote, here's a rundown of the eight restaurants who have advanced to the next round.
Prelog's faces off against Fork and Taco in a battle of ethnic influences. Situated in downtown Austin, Prelog's blends French and Austrian styles for a European-inspired menu. Fork and Taco, on the other hand, adds Asian and Thai flair to one of Austin's favorite foods: the taco.
Next, two restaurants with extremely different focuses go head-to-head. North Central Austin's Fork & Vine offers meat-centric main courses complemented by a variety of sides. In contrast, East Austin's Gardner brings vegetable-focused fare to the table in the form of small bites and sharable delights.
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile and 416 Bar & Grille are both family-owned and operated, so voting in this match-up is tough. Jacoby's offers a ranch-to-table dining experience with Southern roots, while 416 Bar & Grille serves up old-school Americana fare.
The final match-up features two comfort selections. Chef Teresa Wilson (of Aquarelle fame) recently opened Sala & Betty, which focuses on quick and healthy New American cuisine in dine-in and to-go options. Lucky's Puccias & Pizzeria is the brick-and-mortar incarnation of the popular food trailer that serves delicious baked sandwiches and pizzas.
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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.
Ravioli with almod and prosciutto at Prelog's.
