Living Near East Austin’s Top 9 Michelin Restaurants
Few dining accolades are as prestigious as a Michelin star, awarded to restaurants that demonstrate extraordinary quality. Austin boasts seven Michelin-star restaurants, all awarded one star. While no restaurant in the city has yet achieved two or three stars, these establishments offer some of the finest dining experiences in Texas. East Austin is lucky to have three of these exceptional destinations nearby, making it a true hotspot for fine dining.
Here are the 3 East Austin Michelin-star restaurants you don’t want to miss:
La Barbecue
2401 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, 78702, USA
$$ · Barbecue
La Barbecue is one of the standout Michelin-star restaurants in East Austin, renowned for bold flavors and expertly smoked meats like brisket, house-made sausages, and pork ribs. Show up with plenty of time—lines can get long, but the unforgettable flavors are well worth the wait.
Olamaie
1610 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
$$$ · American, Southern
Olamaie reimagines Southern cuisine with creative techniques and local ingredients. Signature dishes like the famous buttermilk biscuits and blackened dayboat fish have earned it a loyal following. With a refined yet welcoming ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for a special night out.
Hestia
607 W. 3rd St., Austin, 78701, USA
$$$$ · American, Contemporary
For those seeking fine dining near East Austin, Hestia offers a one-of-a-kind experience centered around live-fire cooking. Inventive dishes like embered cantaloupe and seared scallops with beef tallow sauce highlight its bold, locally inspired menu.
Other Michelin-recognized East Austin Restaurants
Michelin Bib Gourmand Spots
Sometimes you want an incredible meal without the splurge. That’s where the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction comes in. It celebrates restaurants that offer “good quality and good value cooking.” These spots deliver high-quality dishes at more affordable prices, making them ideal for casual yet memorable dining.
Here are the Bib Gourmand restaurants in East Austin:
La Santa Barbacha
2806 Manor Rd., Austin, 78722, USA
$ · Mexican
La Santa Barbacha specializes in barbacoa, with signature dishes like quesabarbacha—tender meat encased in vibrant beet-red tortillas. Its casual outdoor seating and welcoming atmosphere make it perfect for a laid-back meal full of bold flavors.
Nixta Taqueria
2512 E. 12th St., Austin, 78702, USA
$$ · Mexican, Regional Cuisine
Nixta Taqueria redefines tacos with heirloom corn and bold flavors. Highlights include the duck carnitas taco and the carrot tostada, showcasing creative combinations that are both casual and innovative.
KG BBQ
3108 Manor Rd., Austin, 78723, USA
$$ · Barbecue, Egyptian
KG BBQ blends Texas barbecue with Egyptian flavors. Standout dishes like brisket shawarma and lamb ribs with Middle Eastern spices make this food truck a must-try for adventurous foodies in East Austin.
Dai Due
2406 Manor Rd., Austin, 78722, USA
$$ · American, Regional Cuisine
Dai Due celebrates Texas flavors and hyper-local ingredients with dishes like wild boar schnitzel and smoked pork porterhouse, in a rustic yet refined ambiance. As a Michelin Green Star recipient, it’s recognized for sustainability and eco-friendly culinary practices, offering a meal that’s as conscientious as it is delicious.
Michelin Recommended Restaurants
Not quite there for a star, and not affordable enough to get the Bib, but still recognized for good cooking—this is what it means to be a Michelin Recommended Restaurant. These spots offer delicious meals that showcase skill and creativity, earning them a well-deserved place in the Michelin guide.
Este
2113 Manor Rd., Austin, 78722, USA
$$$ · Mexican, Seafood
Este combines bold Mexican flavors with fresh seafood, offering dishes like ceviche amarillo in pineapple turmeric broth and banana leaf-grilled fish. Its garden patio and modern bungalow setting create a welcoming yet upscale vibe.
Birdie's
2944 E. 12th St., Austin, 78702, USA
$$$ · Contemporary
Birdie’s serves fresh, seasonal dishes like tortiglioni with sungold tomato sauce and chilled tomato and peach soup. Its relaxed counter-service approach and shaded patio make it a neighborhood favorite for casual yet elevated dining.
Living near these Michelin-recognized restaurants is truly life goals. With options ranging from fine dining to casual gems, East Austin’s vibrant culinary scene has something for every taste and occasion.
Live near the best East Austin restaurants
Luxury East Austin apartments near Michelin-star restaurants
Looking for luxury apartments close to East Austin’s Michelin restaurants? The Blockyard offers spacious studio, one, two, and three bedroom layouts, on 1909 Alexander Ave, putting world-class cuisine right at your doorstep. Enjoy upscale amenities like a resort-style pool, fitness center, and coworking lounge—all just steps from East Austin’s vibrant dining scene.
Distance from The Blockyard Apartments to Michelin-star restaurants:
Michelin restaurants under a mile away from The Blockyard:
- La Santa Barbacha: .3 miles, just a short walk away. Around the corner from The Blockyard.
- KG BBQ: .5 miles, a quick drive away.
- Dai Due: .6 miles, or a 2 min drive.
- Nixta Taqueria: .8 miles, around a 3 min drive.
We also have live-work spaces with private street-level access, ideal for independent professionals to balance home and business in a vibrant neighborhood steps from award-winning restaurants, scenic trails, and everything else East Austin has to offer.
Ready to see for yourself? Browse our gallery, take a virtual tour, or contact us today to schedule a visit!
What are the Best Michelin-star restaurants in East Austin?
East Austin is buzzing with energy, and the area around East MLK Blvd and Airport Blvd is one of its most popular spots. Living here means being at the center of it all—upscale businesses, top-notch dining, and easy access to downtown Austin. The luxury apartments on MLK are near UT Austin and several Michelin restaurants in East Austin, making this a dream location for foodies.
The variety of Michelin-recognized restaurants in a 1-mile radius is sure to satisfy every craving—ranging from bold global dishes to reimagined local classics. And when you’re ready to explore further, Michelin-star restaurants across Austin are just a short drive away.
