John Anderson
No matter where this truck goes, hungry Austinites follow in search of smoky baba ghanoush and sumac-topped falafel spreads. This Lebanese trailer is a delight for both vegetarians and carnivores, and there’s always a delicious twist on the classics (love the rose-flavored lemonade).
3225 Amy Donovan Plaza
512/758-3377
www.fb.com/beirutaustin
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Please stop crying about Katz’s, FFS, Austinites. Biderman’s Jewish-inspired joint has your deli-jones well covered, featuring classic sammiches with everything from lox to pastrami to chicken salad, a plethora of bagels, and more. What are they – chopped liver? No, but it’s on the menu!
3742 Far West Blvd. #101
512/340-1404
www.bidermansdeli.com
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Photo by John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
Charm boasts traditional Korean barbecue, but that doesn’t make it commonplace. This far-north outpost brings to Austin something it doesn’t have enough of: a cuisine that’s both exotic in flavor and comforting in delivery. Don’t skip the mandoo dumplings, but make them steamed for a homemade dose of love.
1200 W. Howard
512/505-8513
www.charmkoreanbbq.com
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Their slogan sums it up: “Go ahead, get addicted.” Serving up flavors of Southeast Asia, DFG doesn’t have just any old menu – they have a “menu of goodness.” From chicken nuggets marinated overnight in “DFG Magic Sauce,” to the Empress, a creamy coconut-curry stew delight, you’ll be daydreaming about your next flavor fix from this award-winning food truck.
Check website for location
512/677-9334
www.dfgfood.com
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Photo by Jana Birchum
John Anderson
Honestly, maybe a fat dragon would have saved that last season of Game of Thrones. Here, you’ll find a family joint specializing in a rotating menu of excellent dumplings. Forget Los Angeles – you don’t need to travel west to find tasty Asian fusion inside of a strip mall.
8650 Spicewood Springs Rd. #109
512/258-7587
www.fatdragonatx.com
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Central Texans can thank Heidi Garbo for bringing New England’s legendary fish dishes down South while leaving the weather up North. Now, in addition to the classic lobster rolls, a new location inside Whole Foods Domain boasts specials like lobster Cobb salad and grilled East Coast oysters. The grilled brisket and sirloin burger doesn’t mess around, either – and yes, you can add lobster.
11920 Domain Dr.
512/580-2322
www.garboslobsteratx.com
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John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
They used to be called Hanabi, but like old Shakespeare said, “Sushi by any other name will knock your Harajuku socks off when it’s done this well.” (It’s rumored that Shakespeare was actually four other fellows – and they’d all be glad to dine at this omakase-forward venue.)
9503 Research #500
512/795-8666
www.harutx.com/sushi-menu.html
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Chicken chili momos and hearty, delicious curries serve as a great reminder that comfort food is at its best when it has spice and style. With a (slowly) expanding list of Nepalese restaurants popping up around Austin, we welcome this newcomer with open arms.
8650 Spicewood Springs Rd. #148
512/582-0157
himalayakoshelitx.com
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John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
With a second location opening this year in Rosedale Village, the family-owned grain bowl mecca raised the bar for locally sourced nourishment without a fine-dining-type time and money commitment. With both a set menu and an option to build your own, this one-stop shop works for any diet, preference, or hankering. All of the grains, guilt-free proteins, and the power to choose.
9828 Great Hills Trl. #300
512/953-8427
www.honestmarys.com
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Baja cuisine in an office park might be a surprise, but Rosarito brings ocean cuisine to various parts of Austin every day. Items like the ahi tuna tostada and tempura-fried fish taco satisfy a certain craving, but the chile relleno taco is Mexican vegetarian done right.
Various locations
www.rosaritoatx.com
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John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
You’ve got “13” problems, but finding a good Thai restaurant in North Austin ain’t one, not when this welcoming eatery keeps five separate curries among its taste-forward offerings – and plenty of cold beer and wine to cool you off.
6301 W. Parmer #505
512/358-1878
www.sipsaamthai.com
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Winner of endless “Best of Austin” awards, Veracruz All Natural is all about authentic Mexican cuisine. And with four locations in Austin, you’re never far from taco nirvana. Fill up on migas tacos, tortas al pastor, or chicken tostadas and wash it all down with a fresh juice or agua fresca.
CLOSED
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Photo by John Anderson
Photo by John Anderson
From the moment you spot the rows of roasting ducks hanging in the foyer, you know Din Ho is here to party. This northern mall Chinese favorite would earn their place in the hall of fame for their whole roasted pig alone, but, honestly, you can’t go wrong with the pea shoots either. Inducted in 2018.
8557 Research #116
512/832-8788
www.dinhochinesebbq.com
