Top 5 New Restaurants in Austin

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure this summer as we give you our top 5 new restaurants that have opened in Austin!

Bill’s Oyster: Bill’s Oyster, located on 205 West Third Street in Austin, is a captivating cocktail bar and specialty seafood restaurant founded by Stewart Jarmon and Chef Daniel Berg. Inspired by the spirit of Old New Orleans, the space exudes charm. Indulge in a seafood tower of oysters, enjoy tantalizing dishes such as mozzarella sticks with caviar, shrimp cocktail, King crab, and Bill’s Burger. The drink menu features a variety of martinis, wines, and classic cocktails. 

Gracia Mediterranean: Gracia Mediterranean, nestled at 4800 Burnet Road Suite 450 in Rosedale, is a Mediterranean-style restaurant and wine bar. The restaurant caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, ensuring a diverse range of options. From delectable Calamari Bolognese to succulent Scallops and delicious Swordfish skewers, the menu promises a delightful seafood feast. With its popularity, reservations are strongly recommended to secure your dining experience. 

Bar Toti: Bar Toti, located next door to Este, draws inspiration from the vibrant bar cultures of Spain, France, and Mexico. With communal tables and counter height seating, it provides a lively setting for private gatherings and celebrations. Executive chef Fermin Nunez, influenced by his home country, showcases his creativity in translating those flavors into unique and exciting dishes. Menu highlights include a Mexican hamburguesa, marinated olives, seasoned nuts, croquetas, ash-roasted leeks, and mussels with piquillo brava sauce. The cocktail menu features aperitivos, classic Mexican cocktails, and a variety of beer options.

Ezov: Ezov, located at 2708 E Cesar Chavez St, is a culinary gem in Austin. Open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM, it offers a menu designed for sharing and inspired by the flavors of Tel Aviv’s markets and the bounty of Texas. The seasonal menu showcases both classic dishes and innovative twists, highlighting seasonal Israeli cuisine with a focus on the Galilee region. The wine selection, features Mediterranean wines from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, and more. Led by Israeli native Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ezov promises a delightful culinary experience that harmoniously blends cultural influences and seasonal delights.

Estelle’s: Located in downtown Austin’s vibrant warehouse district at 400 Colorado St., Estelle’s is a stylish and upscale social lounge that has specialty cocktails, shareable bites, and a charming boutique-scale flower shop. The venue encompasses an intimate and sophisticated bar and lounge on the first floor, while the second floor hosts a lively club room complete with a DJ booth. For an exclusive experience, Estelle’s offers private seating areas with bottle service. Their menu includes a curated selection of upscale wines, craft cocktails, and beers, all drawing inspiration from a botanical theme and a thoughtfully chosen color palette. Additionally, Estelle’s offers happy hour every Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 6 PM, featuring complimentary passed canapés and light bites.

10 Things To Do in Austin This May

May is a beautiful month to visit Austin, with sunny days and bearable Texas temperatures, it is the perfect time to explore all the city has to offer before the summer rush! Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Austin this May. Here are some of the most exciting events and activities happening in Austin this month:

Pecan Street Festival (May 6-7): This free, family-friendly festival takes over historic Sixth Street for two days of live music, food vendors, and local artists selling their wares.

Hot Luck Festival (May 19-22): This food and music festival brings together some of the top chefs from around the country for four days of culinary delights and live music performances.

Austin Reggae Festival (May 27-29): This annual festival features three days of live reggae music, food vendors, and local craft beer.

Hiking and Biking Trails: With mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, May is a great time to explore Austin’s many hiking and biking trails. Some popular trails include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, and the Walnut Creek Trail.

Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater: This legendary music venue hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout May, featuring both local and national artists.

Austin FC Soccer Matches: May is the start of the MLS season, and Austin’s own soccer team, Austin FC, will be playing several home matches at Q2 Stadium. Catch a game and join the excitement of the city’s newest sports team.

Congress Avenue Bat Colony: Every evening from May to September, the Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. Watch as over 1.5 million bats emerge from under the bridge at sunset.

Austin Food and Wine Festival (May 27-29): This three-day festival celebrates Austin’s vibrant culinary scene with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and wine and cocktail seminars.

Art Galleries: Austin is home to a thriving art scene, with many galleries showcasing works from local artists. Some popular galleries to check out include the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, and the Mexic-Arte Museum.

Texas State Capitol Tours: Take a guided tour of the Texas State Capitol building, a historic landmark and the largest state capitol building in the country. Learn about Texas history and the state’s legislative process.

These are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Austin in May 2023. With so much to see and do, there’s never been a better time to visit this vibrant city.