Bravo Returns

Bravo reveals 4 Austin restaurants competing in new reality show Best New Restaurant

Four local restaurants have secured a spot on Bravo's newest reality show, Best New Restaurant. Hosted by Chef Tom Colicchio of Top Chef fame, the cooking competition will feature local favorites Swift's Attic, Barlata Tapas Bar, Porter Ale House and Gastropub, and Restaurant Jezebel.

Based on a U.K. television show hosted by Gordon Ramsay, Best New Restaurant pits 16 restaurants from Austin,New York, Miami and Los Angeles in a head-to-head competition that tests everything from overall performance to strength of the staff to the clarity of the restaurant's concept. The winner will secure an editorial feature in Bon Appétit, a slot at the Vegas Uncork’d food festival, and $100,000.

Colicchio, along with co-hosts Maggie Nemser and Jeffrey Zurofsky, will determine a winner at the end of the first eight episodes. Those winners will go on to compete in the semifinals. During the semifinal round, the restaurants will compete in groups to open a pop-up restaurant. The grand finale will see the final two restaurants in a head-to-head competition at Colicchio's Riverpark restaurant in New York.

Best New Restaurant premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, January 21 at 9 pm. The restaurant pairings are:

Shared Plates — The Federal vs. Swift’s Attic (Austin)
Italian Cuisine — Dolce Italian vs. Doma Beverly Hills
New Service Concepts — The Church Key vs. Restaurant Jezebel (Austin)
Operated by Couples — R House vs. Barlata Tapas Bar (Austin)
Battle of the Burger — Porter Ale House and Gastropub (Austin) vs. Tongue & Cheek
European Inspired — L’Apicio vs. Little Sparrow
Fast Casual Dining — Morgan’s Barbecue vs. Buns & Buns
Seasonal Menus — Union Restaurant vs. The Pines

In July, the show enlisted local diners to participate in the filming of the program. Though it hasn't been revealed which — if any — local restaurants won in their categories, it should be noted that Restaurant Jezebel's West Sixth Street space was recently put up for rent. The restaurant remains open while a new tenant is found, but the future is uncertain.

Tom Colicchio will host.

Photo courtesy of Grist.org

Tom Colicchio will host.

unspecified

meet the tastemakers

Meet 7 rising star chefs making their mark on Austin's dining scene

Photo by Mackenzie Smith Kelley

Heejae Galluccio, Birdie’s

Chefs all have to start somewhere, whether it's studying under a local legend or leading a pop-up. These rising stars in Austin — either new restaurant owners or those on the cusp of starting a significant new project — have harnessed the magic of finding their niche and exceeding expectations.

The CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards focus on achievements across the industry, but no category can compete with Rising Star Chef of the Year for sheer potential.

$\u200bHeejae Galluccio, Birdie\u2019s$

Photo by Mackenzie Smith Kelley

Heejae Galluccio, Birdie’s

The judges, including the winners from last year, are especially important in this category because they've seen the impressive work of sous chefs, chefs du cuisine, and other pros who have been grinding behind the scenes to help bring some of Austin's most ambitious culinary visions to life.

Find out who wins Rising Star Chef of the Year at the 2025 Tastemaker Awards on May 8 at Fair Market. We’ll dine on bites from this year’s nominated chefs and restaurants and sip cocktails from our sponsors before revealing the winners in our short and sweet ceremony.

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.

Here are the seven nominees vying for 2025 Rising Star Chef of the Year:

Alejandra Kuri, Este
Este’s upscale seafood dishes and its head chef aren’t the only things keeping this buzzy eatery in the limelight. Alejandra Kuri’s interest in cooking began in Mexico City at her family’s banquet hall, but her admirable desire for leadership has brought her all the way to one of Austin’s most attention-grabbing restaurants.

Alexa Mejia, Emmer & Rye
Any exposure at Emmer & Rye is an achievement, but chef de cuisine Alexa Mejia is taking things to the next level by increasing the restaurant's commitment to sustainable sourcing. Mejia has gotten her hands dirty at local farms, and as a result, the restaurant was one of just two in Texas to receive a green star from the Michelin Guide, denoting eco-friendly practices.

Clark Costello, Soigné Supper Club
Former sous chef at Este Clark Costello is the only chef on this list primarily representing a pop-up, Soigné Supper Club. Wherever Costello and Soigné show up — with luxurious twists on casual dishes in tow — guests get to feel like they're a part of something special, only for those in the know.

Derek Zampacorta, Bar Toti/Suerte/Este
Chef de Cuisine at Bar Toti Derek Zampacorta moved to Austin from Colorado Springs to work with great chefs, and he certainly achieved that with leaders at Parkside, Foreign and Domestic, Dai Due, and the Suerte sphere of influence. Zampacorta elevates programs across the latter group, but a nostalgic spirit and curiosity about working with restraints specifically drew him to Toti's small kitchen.

Erik Trotman, Canje
Erik Trotman has been with hospitality group Emmer & Rye since 2021, starting off as a line cook at fine dining restaurant Hestia before becoming Canje’s executive sous chef. Whether it's working in Canje’s kitchen or with his pop-up supper club, Trotman gives his all to create culinary experiences that highlight his passion for building community.

Heejae Galluccio, Birdie’s
After achieving success in the restaurant industry at famous New York restaurants including Gramercy Tavern and Aureole, Heejae Galluccio moved to Austin in 2020 to pursue new career ambitions. She has served as Birdie’s executive sous chef since 2023, relying on her prestigious education and experience to continue innovating the restaurant’s seasonal menus.

Seth Helmly, Loudmouth
Chef de cuisine Seth Helmly is no stranger to making delicious food that leaves guests with lasting memories, having worked at other local eateries like Odd Duck, Dai Due, Barley Swine, and more. His current role at Loudmouth combines his interests in building relationships with local farms and the Austin community to produce high quality pizzas and Italian-American fare.

---

The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards ceremony is sponsored by The Yuengling Company, Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas Beef Council, PicMe Events, and more to be announced. A portion of the proceeds benefitsCentral Texas Food Bank.

restaurants chefs austin tastemaker awards