Austin is full of fabulous five-star restaurants and trendy eateries, but sometimes the best food is tucked away in surprising places. Get off the beaten path and try out these fabulous underrated hidden gems. These eight unsuspecting restaurants in Austin have food so good, it should be illegal.
- El Caribe
C K/Foursquare
Food Police Mx/Foursquare Don’t be fooled by its humble exterior. El Caribe is easily one of the tastiest Mexican food restaurants in the city. Their margaritas are strong, their salsa bar is plentiful, and their enchiladas will blow you away. If you haven’t been to this hidden gem yet, head on over to 5610 N Lamar Blvd.
- Reale’s Italian Cafe
LK R/Trip Advisor
Rachel M./Foursquare Warm, fresh breadsticks and delectable pasta await your eager tastebuds. Reale’s Italian Cafe sits in a small shopping center in North Austin, but their food will make you feel like you’re dining with a family in Naples. Come by during the week and enjoy their affordable lunch specials. You can find Reale’s at 13450 US-183.
- Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe
Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe/Facebook
Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe/Facebook From spicy red curry to fresh basil fried rice, Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe always delivers. It’s impossible to have a bad meal at this little eatery. Dine in or take out! No matter what, you’re sure to devour your meal. Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe can be found at 5517 Manchaca Rd.
- Habanero Mexican Cafe
Habanero Mexican Cafe/Facebook
Habanero Mexican Cafe/Facebook Swing by 501 W Oltorf St for some truly mouthwatering Mexican food. Habanero Mexican Cafe has all of the Tex Mex specials you crave plus numerous authentic Mexican dishes. Try their spicy menudo and delicious tortas. Habenero Cafe is cash-only and open every day for breakfast and lunch.
- Cafe Java
Kari S./Foursquare
Katie G./Foursquare This neighborhood diner is the definition of comfort food. Cafe Java serves fresh omelettes, crispy hashbrowns, and amazing house blend coffee. This cozy eatery is located at 11900 Metric Blvd.
- G’s Dynamite Deli
Oscar G./Foursquare
Mitchell M./Foursquare Fresh sourdough bread and flavorful marbled rye make the sandwiches at G’s Deli truly dynamite. This hidden gem will satisfy any palate. Head on down to 2312 S 1st St and see for yourself!
- Kanji Ramen
Ryan T./Foursquare
Kanji Ramen Austin/Facebook Austin is full of delicious ramen restaurants, but this one often gets overlooked. Tucked away on Research Blvd in a small storefront, Kanji Ramen is a unique hidden gem. The rich broth and delicious noodles are a cut above the rest.
- Taste of Ethiopia
Dylan R./Foursquare
Taste of Ethiopia II/Facebook Taste of Ethiopia’s rich beef stews and fresh vegetarian meals are wildly delicious. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, there’s no better way to become acquainted with their delicacies. You can find Taste of Ethiopia at 3801 S Congress Ave and at 1100 Grand Ave Pkwy in Pflugerville.
These aren’t the only hidden gems in Austin. This unassuming restaurant serves the best seafood you’ve ever tried.
C K/Foursquare
Food Police Mx/Foursquare
Don’t be fooled by its humble exterior. El Caribe is easily one of the tastiest Mexican food restaurants in the city. Their margaritas are strong, their salsa bar is plentiful, and their enchiladas will blow you away. If you haven’t been to this hidden gem yet, head on over to 5610 N Lamar Blvd.
LK R/Trip Advisor
Rachel M./Foursquare
Warm, fresh breadsticks and delectable pasta await your eager tastebuds. Reale’s Italian Cafe sits in a small shopping center in North Austin, but their food will make you feel like you’re dining with a family in Naples. Come by during the week and enjoy their affordable lunch specials. You can find Reale’s at 13450 US-183.
Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe/Facebook
From spicy red curry to fresh basil fried rice, Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe always delivers. It’s impossible to have a bad meal at this little eatery. Dine in or take out! No matter what, you’re sure to devour your meal. Tuk Tuk Thai Cafe can be found at 5517 Manchaca Rd.
Habanero Mexican Cafe/Facebook
Swing by 501 W Oltorf St for some truly mouthwatering Mexican food. Habanero Mexican Cafe has all of the Tex Mex specials you crave plus numerous authentic Mexican dishes. Try their spicy menudo and delicious tortas. Habenero Cafe is cash-only and open every day for breakfast and lunch.
Kari S./Foursquare
Katie G./Foursquare
This neighborhood diner is the definition of comfort food. Cafe Java serves fresh omelettes, crispy hashbrowns, and amazing house blend coffee. This cozy eatery is located at 11900 Metric Blvd.
Oscar G./Foursquare
Mitchell M./Foursquare
Fresh sourdough bread and flavorful marbled rye make the sandwiches at G’s Deli truly dynamite. This hidden gem will satisfy any palate. Head on down to 2312 S 1st St and see for yourself!
Ryan T./Foursquare
Kanji Ramen Austin/Facebook
Austin is full of delicious ramen restaurants, but this one often gets overlooked. Tucked away on Research Blvd in a small storefront, Kanji Ramen is a unique hidden gem. The rich broth and delicious noodles are a cut above the rest.
Dylan R./Foursquare
Taste of Ethiopia II/Facebook
Taste of Ethiopia’s rich beef stews and fresh vegetarian meals are wildly delicious. If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, there’s no better way to become acquainted with their delicacies. You can find Taste of Ethiopia at 3801 S Congress Ave and at 1100 Grand Ave Pkwy in Pflugerville.
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