Pine Point Inn & Suites

Push past the glass door of this restaurant in the heart of downtown and you'll immediately get the drift—quite literally, as wood smoke perfumes the air. This hot spot is all about live fire cooking, as evidenced by the 20-foot hearth in the open kitchen. Contemporary cooking is on display in both the à la carte and chef's tasting menu, and Texas produce and proteins take center stage. From savory to sweet, nearly everything is kissed by the flames or scented with smoke. "Embered" cantaloupe with green tomato and shiso blossoms is an elegant opener; and hearth-dried and blistered tomatoes ove

With its white clapboard and black shutters, Olamaie, named for the chef's grandmother, mother and daughter, is a charming spot north of downtown Austin. Consider a cocktail, as their list is interesting and includes a daily punch and fun drinks like the Spaghetti Western martini with Texas olive-oil-washed gin, vodka, cherry tomato-infused dry vermouth and basil eau de vie.Expect Southern cuisine that's been given a contemporary polish, and don't dare miss out on the buttermilk biscuit, served warm and accompanied by whipped honey butter sprinkled with sea salt. Roasted chicken tucked with sp

LeRoy and Lewis BBQ began as a food truck in 2017 and has since moved into a spacious Garrison Park location. Run by a duo of married couples, the restaurant has a casual, midcentury-inspired feel, with its glazed brick exterior and open, peaked dining area. The menu expands on traditional barbecue, offering a wide range of smoked meats alongside tacos, sandwiches and daily specials, particularly after 5 p.m. While the kitchen explores a variety of cuts and preparations, the approach remains rooted in barbecue, with an emphasis on bold flavors and generous portions. Sides show a more creative

Discreetly tucked away in Rosedale, Craft Omakase has a lounge up front with a dining room and counter in back. It is here where guests wisely place their faith in the hands of Chefs Charlie Wang and Nguyen Nguyen who dole out an impressive procession of nigiri and other bites. Their creative omakase doesn't shy away from embellishment, yet it's done with restraint and allows the fish to shine. An abundance of product hails from Japan, and the fish is skillfully handled. Preparations like an aguachile of pink shrimp with sweet potato or crudo of hamachi with a creamy grapefruit sauce with red

The room is decidedly casual, and diners are welcome to come as they are, but there's no mistaking the passion of this kitchen. They make deft use of local ingredients with a distinctly Southwestern palette of flavors that draws from Mexican and Southern traditions, while maintaining a contemporary, global sophistication. The tasting menu is carefully attuned to the seasons, and refinement is balanced with a sense of whimsy. Hiramasa with caramelized apple is a clever first bite that teases what's to come, from a wood-fired grouper with a creamy curry to wagyu tartare, ribeye and rib cap with

Barbs B Q is run by pitmaster Chuck Charnichart and her small team. Waiting in line for good barbecue is a Texas tradition, and this place, with its hours-long lines is no exception. You'll need to stave off your cravings until the weekend though, as it's only open on Saturday and Sunday. The Lockhart gem's compact menu lists a handful of meats that read classic but have been given a twist, as in the Molotov pork ribs finished with lime zest, giving the tender meat just the right amount of zing. Turkey with a black pepper rub is a total standout, and don't miss the unique sides like green spag

The mark of a good place is when a line starts forming before they've even opened, and at InterStellar BBQ, it's long before they've swung open the door. Everyone is here for a taste of pitmaster John Bates's barbecue, done low and slow over post oak. Brisket with a simple salt, pepper and garlic rub is outstanding but it doesn't end there. Peach tea-glazed pork belly is meltingly tender; the beer-brined tipsy turkey is moist and delicious; and there are three sausages on offer, including kielbasa. You can't go wrong with any of the enticing side dishes like the Frito pie, though the smoked sc