The Best New Restaurants in South Austin: The 2021 Edition

Check out the entire City Guide here!

There have been a lot of ADJUSTMENTS in the restaurant world this past year. Many places unfortunately have closed, most places have pivoted, and a new generation of spots to stuff our faces with have opened. And KUDOS to all of those who have survived, thrived, and opened during a global clusterfluffage! 

If you blinked, or in many cases, didn't really eat out much in the past year, here's the link to my 2020 best new South Austin spots guide; please give them some love too!  The link in the above logo will take you to the entire City Guide with over 70 posts for top Austin eating. And if you're looking for places in far South Austin, check out Phat Phoodie's guide!

In alphabetical order, here are my picks for best new South Austin restaurants.

Aba, 1011 South Congress Ave.

Open in the Music Lane development on South Congress + Academy, Aba is beautifully designed with lots of outdoor space, and the Mediterranean foods were great, especially this whipped feta. *swoon*

Aba's whipped feta + incredibly soft pita bread

Easy Tiger, 3508 South Lamar Blvd.

While not new to Austin, this is the first one south! Big outdoor beer garden. (The former Red's Porch location.)

Jjims, 1100 South Lamar Blvd. (in Lamar Union)

Specializing in Korean braised meats, for the most part, they don't have your traditional Korean menu items. The ribeye bulgogi was incredibly tender.

Jjim's tender ribeye bulgogi

La Tunita 512, 2400 Burleson Road

This trailer is where I first learned about the birria-style taco trend.

Mumtaz Market, 1816 South First Street

From the Garaj Mahal people, Mumtaz opened in the former Alcomar space in the fall of 2020. Modern Indian foods, along with some traditional curries. Their lamb burger is one of the top things I have eaten all year. 

Lamb burger from Mumtaz Market

Nala's, 4894 Hwy 290 West

I was clued into Nala's by an Instagram acquaintance who is originally from South India, which is the type of food they do. Extensive menu, and many dishes that were unfamiliar to me, but their lamb biryani (they call it mutton) was extremely tender and flavorful. Large portions.

Lamb biryani from Nala's

Phantasma Kitchen, 3403 South Lamar Blvd.

Cracker-thin crust pizza coming from this ghost kitchen.

Phantasma Kitchen pizza

Spicy Boys, 440 East St. Elmo Road (at St. Elmo Brewing)

A pivot from the original Soursop trailer, these are  delicious spicy fried chicken sandwiches with an Asian twist! And as much as I loved the sandwich, I REALLY loved the roti chicken curry!

Spicy Boys chicken sandwich

1618 Asian Fusion, 1618 East Riverside Drive

Big Asian menu in a booming area (Riverside + IH-35/Lakeshore Drive), primarily Thai and Vietnamese focused.

24Pho7, 601 West Live Oak St.

OMG. This French dip sandwich with Vietnamese flavors on the most perfect bread -- it's killer!

Places on my radar but I haven't yet been to: 

Pho MPH, 3715 South First Street

Tiny Market, 1718 South Congress Avenue (new grocery in the former Farm to Market space)

Word of Mouth Bakery, 1506 South First Street

What are your favorite new spots in South Austin? Where else should I check out? Drop me a note!

The Top Sweet Shops in South Austin

I rarely met a dessert I didn't like!  Here are my picks for best dessert shops in South Central Austin. Updated February 2022.

Dolce Neve, 1713 South First Street (also on E. 5th Street)

A crazy-good Italian gelateria run by Italians! They've embraced South Austin culture, and "do it" in

front of everyone. Lots of traditional (chocolate, salted caramel) and unique flavors (roasted pistachio,

lemon creme).

La Patisserie, 602 West Annie Street (also on Burnet Road)

French pastries like croissants, eclairs and a rainbow array of macarons. The morning bun is a favorite, especially slightly warmed in the toaster oven so the sugar caramelizes.

Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, 1905 South First Street

Not just cupcakes, but cakes, pies, muffins, bars... sugar heaven! Also, owned by good, socially

conscious people.

Thoroughbread, 1709 Bluebonnet

Probably best known for their sourdough bread (which is delicious), but I love their giant cookies!

Confituras, 2129 Goodrich

Comfort food: fresh, warm biscuits and house made jams.

Haleycakes and Cookies, 1700 South Lamar, #316

The most adorable decorated cookies in a ton of designs. They ship anywhere too!

The Salty Donut, 2000 South Congress

Your eyes will glaze (get it?) over upon entering the shop and seeing the stair stepper of holy donut offerings. The over the top ones like dragon + passion fruit were delicious, but I am exceedingly content with the brown butter glazed cake donut or the Texas chocolate sheetcake. 

Vivian’s Boulangerie, online 

Killer almond + chocolate croissants, tiger paws, and more. All online, order delivery or pick up with is a South Austin secret location. As of January 2022, owner Kendall Melton says she's hanging up her apron, but keep an eye on her hilarious social media for any updates.

Other spots of note: 

-- Teal House Bakery at 2304 South Congress Avenue for cinnamon rolls + kolaches

-- Word of Mouth Bakery at 1506 South First Street for cakes, baked goods and light lunches

-- Manolis trailer at 603 West Live Oak for frozen treats

-- Easy Tiger at 3508 South Lamar for bread, pretzels + baked goods

This should hold your sweet tooth for a minute!

Check out the AFBA website for MORE city guides! #ATXbesteats