When you read about Austin’s vibrant restaurant scene, you undoubtedly see famous places like Franklin Barbecue and Gourdough’s. While there’s no denying their scrumptious appeal, Austin is also home to some truly wonderful hidden gems. Savor the magnificent flavors of traditional Cajun cuisine and dig into the freshest oysters around. These are seven delicious underrated restaurants in Austin that you’ve probably never tried.

1. Little Deli and Pizzeria
management/Trip Advisor
management/Trip Advisor
You'll find the best pizza outside of New York at Little Deli and Pizzeria. The thin crusts, fresh ingredients, and inventive toppings will make your heart skip a beat. Come see why this neighborhood bistro has been a long-time favorite. Little Deli and Pizzeria is tucked away at 7101-A Woodrow Ave. Want to learn more? Read our feature article about Little Deli and Pizzeria.
2. Cypress Grill
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YLangenbach/Trip Advisor
If you're craving a taste of the Louisiana Bayou, look no further than Cypress Grill. This South Austin eatery specializes in seafood po'boys and mouthwatering muffulettas. They're also known for hosting some of the best local musicians in the area. For a thoroughly exciting dining experience, head over to 4404 West William Cannon Ste L. To learn more, visit The Cypress Grill's website.
3. Cafe Java
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DannyMac13/Trip Advisor
Journey back to a simpler time at this classic North Austin diner. The interior feels as homey as grandma's house, and it's full of regular customers. It's the kind of place where the waitstaff quickly learn your name and your favorite dishes. Indulge in their western omelettes, crispy hash browns, and buttery pancakes. Cafe Java is located at 11900 Metric Blvd, Ste K. To learn more, visit the Cafe Java Facebook page.
4. El Mesón
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Nothing beats El Mesón's epic brunch buffet. This massive spread has everything Tex Mex lovers crave: Sweet street corn, huevos rancheros, French toast, and breakfast tacos. Of course, it doesn't have to be Sunday in order to get scrumptious food. You can devour their smoky fajitas and cheesy quesadillas any day of the week. You'll find El Mesón at 2038 S Lamar Blvd. Visit El Meson's website to learn more.
5. G's Dynamite Deli
G's Dynamite Deli/Trip Advisor
G's Dynamite Deli/Facebook
G's Dynamite Deli sits in a quaint little cottage on South First Street, but their sandwiches are anything but dainty. Piles of fresh meat, veggies, and cheese sit on top of freshly baked bread. Their marbled rye bread is almost too beautiful to eat. This tasty eatery is located at 2312 S 1st St. To learn more, visit the website for G's Deli in Austin.
6. Arturo's Underground Cafe
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Chipotle hollandaise, crispy bacon, and fried eggs will get your Sunday started off right. You can find this incredible dish and so much more at Arturo's Underground Cafe. Whether you come here for breakfast or dinner, you're certain to thrill your taste buds. Arturo's is located at 314 W 17th St. You can learn more about this scrumptious Mexican restaurant by reading our feature article.
7. Deckhand Oyster Bar
Deckhand Oyster Bar/Facebook
Deckhand Oyster Bar/Facebook
Savor the flavors of the ocean at Deckhand Oyster Bar. Their exquisite scallops, crispy fried catfish, and delicious oysters will really make your mouth water. Be sure to come by during crawfish season. Nobody cooks crawdads like Deckhand. You can find this eatery at two Austin locations: 500 Parker Dr. and 4211 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste. C-1. To learn more, visit Deckhand Oyster Bar's website.

Have you eaten at these delicious underrated restaurants in Austin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another tasty eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.

Aching for more hidden gem restaurants in Austin? These 10 under-the-radar restaurants are scrumiddlyumptious.

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delicious underrated restaurants in Austin

Elisa Regulski | June 05, 2020

What are the best little known restaurants in Austin?

El Caribe is one of the best little known restaurants in Austin. This unassuming eatery sits in a modest shopping center on North Lamar, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. As soon as you step inside, the smell of wonderfully fresh Tex Mex will greet you. Everything is absolutely scrumptious -- from the burritos to the refried beans. If you loved this little eatery, you should also visit Mi Ranchito in south Austin. This humble Mexican restaurant may not look like much on the outside, but they make the absolute best tamales in the whole area. You don’t have to wait until Christmas to get these amazing eats, either. They serve these mouthwatering meals all year long.

What are the most famous restaurants in Austin?

There are so many famous restaurants in Austin. In fact, Austin has really gained the reputation of a food city in recent years. This is partly due to the popularity of Franklin BBQ. This iconic Austin restaurant has lines out the door almost every single day. It’s not uncommon for hungry folks to stand outside in the sweltering heat for up to 4 hours just for a plate of their tender and flavorful brisket. Matt’s El Rancho, located in south Austin, is another famous place to stuff your face. This restaurant has been around for decades, and they even catered to president Lyndon B. Johnson. He was always a fan of their wonderful chile rellenos, and it’s easy to understand why. Each and every bite bursts with rich flavor.

What kind of food is Austin known for?

From sushi to Tex Mex, Austin is home to a wide variety of cuisine. If you love Asian-inspired fare, you should pay a visit to Kemuri Tatsu-ya or Ramen Tatsu-ya. With their authentic flavors and inventive twists, these restaurants have completely taken the city by storm. You can also find exceptional barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and wonderful Italian cuisine in the capital city. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for!

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Featured Addresses
7101 Woodrow Ave unit a, Austin, TX 78757, USA
4404 W William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78749, USA
11900 Metric Blvd k, Austin, TX 78758, USA
2038 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704, USA
2312 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
314 W 17th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
4211 S Lamar Blvd C-1, Austin, TX 78704, USA
500 Parker Dr, Austin, TX 78728, USA