Austin, Texas: A Culinary Haven + East Side King's Chef Paul Qui
Top Restaurants, Local Favorites, and Exciting New Additions
Austin, Texas has long been known for its vibrant music scene, laid-back atmosphere, and unique culture. However, in recent years, this eclectic city has also emerged as a culinary hotspot, earning a reputation as one of the best cities in the culinary scene. From top restaurants to beloved local favorites, and exciting new additions in 2023, as well as well-known and up-and-coming chefs opening or planning to open restaurants, Austin has become a culinary destination.
One of the reasons behind Austin's culinary rise is its diverse and vibrant food scene that draws inspiration from various cultures and traditions. The city is home to an array of top restaurants that offer an exquisite dining experience for food enthusiasts. One such establishment is "Uchi", helmed by renowned chef Tyson Cole, which has gained widespread acclaim for its innovative take on Japanese cuisine with a twist of Texas flavors. With its impeccable service and culinary artistry, Uchi has earned a reputation as a must-visit restaurant in Austin. Many are awaiting the opening of Uchiba, in downtown this spring from the group.
Another culinary gem in Austin is "Franklin Barbecue", a beloved local favorite that has become an institution in the city. Known for its succulent and smoky brisket, Franklin Barbecue has garnered national recognition and has a cult following among locals and visitors alike. Be prepared to wait in line for hours, but the mouthwatering barbecue is undoubtedly worth the wait.
Austin's food scene is also buzzing with well-known and up-and-coming chefs who are making their mark in the city. One such chef is Kristen Kish, the winner of "Top Chef" Season 10, who opened her restaurant, Arlo Grey in downtown Austin. Kish's culinary artistry seamlessly combines her meticulous training and expert technique rooted in the esteemed culinary traditions of France and Italy, with a heartfelt nod to the flavors of her upbringing, her globetrotting adventures, and her exploration of the abundant ingredients that Central Texas has to offer.
In addition to the established culinary scene, Austin is also a breeding ground for new and exciting restaurants. Chef and restaurateur Steve McHugh the mastermind behind the award-winning restaurant Cured, located in San Antonio, opens Luminaire in Austin. Luminaire promises to be a culinary gem in the city, featuring McHugh's signature culinary style that blends tradition with innovation, and a commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience for food enthusiasts in the heart of Texas' vibrant capital city.
As Austin's culinary scene continues to evolve and thrive, the city's reputation as a culinary destination is only getting stronger. From top restaurants to beloved local favorites, and exciting new additions, as well as well-known and up-and-coming chefs making their mark. The city has unquestionably blossomed into a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a diverse and thriving culinary scene that tantalizes taste buds and satisfies even the most discerning palates.
Hai Hospitality’s Chef Jack Yoss Vice President of Culinary
Chef Jack Yoss shares that his foundation for cooking came from Las Vegas and working for Wolfgang Puck restaurants for nearly eight years. Yoss says he truly learned about people and how to work with different cultures while overseas.
The Chef AF Rating System has launched and is part of our Foodable Labs program tracking the best food artisans worldwide based on consumer sentiment. We feature Chef Paul Qui, executive chef and partner of East Side King and Thai Kun restaurants in Austin Texas.
