The 7 Restaurants in Austin That Should Have a Michelin Star

Austin has a vibrant arts scene, so it makes sense that the Texas capital would have restaurants with a flair for the dramatic — and they're worth a visit.

Michelin has yet to produce a guide for Texas or any of its cuisine-heavy cities, but if any restaurants deserve a sought-after Star, it would be these seven in Austin. We're basing this on the number of reviews and stars given by those lucky enough to sit down for a meal in these restaurants.

Michelin-worthy restaurants in Austin are as unique and creative as the culture, and judging by the hundreds (if not thousands) of reviews on Yelp, patrons think so too. Here are seven restaurants in Austin that are worthy of at least one Michelin Star. (If you're over in Houston, check out these Michelin-worthy restaurants.)

Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole leads the way for a fantastic experience in this stylish Japanese restaurant. Uchi is the perfect place to make a reservation for a special occasion or a sophisticated night out.

In Japanese, Uchi translates to house, and it's a fitting name for the stylish yet comforting atmosphere at this restaurant. The menu is focused on nontraditional Japanese cuisine and each dish strikes a balance between style and creativity. Choose from among their daily specials, or make a pick from their more permanent menu.

The daily specials are constantly changing but you might choose a dish like the A5 Hot Rock with A5 Wagyu beef, or the Tako with bokchoy, tom kha, and peanut. On the rest of their menu, you may find dishes like the Wagyu Striploin or the Grilled Striped Bass.

Located on the bottom floor of the Skyhouse Austin Apartments, Emmer & Rye is far from ordinary with a menu that changes daily based on the local farmer's haul. The flavors of each dish are inspired by Chef Kevin Fink's unique experience cooking in Copenhagen.

Fink was a James Beard Finalist for the Best Chef in Texas, and the restaurant has also been recognized by The New York Times, Austin American-Statesman, and Bon Appetit.

With an ever-changing menu, it's always a surprise what dishes you might enjoy when you visit Emmer & Rye. You might find entrees like the Red Snapper with Fuji apple and corn relish, or the Grilled Zucchini with pickled turnip and toasted elephant garlic. Try their Texas Wagyu Beef Showcase for $105. Note that your whole table needs to participate in this experience.

Pasta | Bar is the newest addition to the Scratch Restaurant family, started by husband and wife duo Chef Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. Phillip and Margarita have been featured in Zagat's "30 Under 30," and recognized by numerous other publications.

The atmosphere at Pasta | Bar is definitely intimate, with only 10 seats available at the counter where you can enjoy the Tasting Menu. This seating arrangement also gives you a full view of the kitchen. The spectacular experience at Pasta | Bar begins as soon as you walk in the door and are offered a complimentary cocktail in the lounge.

Once the adventure of your meal begins, you'll be surprised by each dish that brings a number of bold and creative flavors. With items such as the Scallop with lime granita and cucumber or the Escargot with smoke and bone marrow, there's no limit to the flavors you'll experience throughout the course of your meal. Dinner starts at $195 per person.

If you're ready for an intimate, exclusive dining experience, Toshokan is the place to go. This restaurant offers a 14-course sushi speakeasy-style meal, served to only six people at a time. You have to be quick if you want to snag reservations here. Toshokan was even included on the list of The Toughest Restaurant Reservations in Austin.

If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, you'll find your seat after entering the restaurant through a secretive bookcase door. Chef Saine Wong brings his talent and knowledge to Toshokan after spending years focusing on different types of cuisines all over the world. Before opening Toshokan, he traveled to 26 different countries to study the food and ingredients used in different cultures.

After opening its doors in 2022, Toshokan has become one of the most prestigious and exclusive sushi restaurants in Austin. Within the first year of opening, they were ranked one of the best new restaurants by Austin Monthly.

Since 2010, Barley Swine has brought fresh flavors and local ingredients to life in the heart of Austin. The team at Barley Swine is led by Austin local Bryce Gilmore and this restaurant is committed to supporting local farmers and ranchers. They're also committed to doing their part in protecting the environment, working closely with the nonprofit organization ZeroFoodprint. Through this partnership, Barley Swine hopes to achieve and maintain carbon neutrality.

Barley Swine is a popular and well-loved restaurant in Austin, so reservations are encouraged. The entire dining experience at Barley Swine will take about two hours and you'll get to experience every bit of the Chef's Tasting Menu.

The menu does change seasonally, but you can expect each dish to include bold flavors and a mix of local ingredients. You may see options like the Cured Bluefin Tuna with brown butter squash and a mushroom dressing. The meal wouldn't be complete without dessert, such as the Grapefruit Ice Cream or the Apple Pavé with an oat cake, oatmeal cookie butter, and cheddar.

Red Ash Italia stands out on the list of Michelin-worthy restaurants in Austin as a restaurant with craft Italian cuisine. Executive Chef John Carver leads his team to prepare creative dishes inspired by the cuisine of Northern and Southern Italy.

The menu at Red Ash includes items such as handmade pasta, seafood, and delectable Italian desserts. There are signature dishes, such as the Wood Roasted Beef Bone Marrow with Wild Mushroom Risotto. You can also enjoy fresh pasta, such as the Potato Gnocchi with fresh cream, gorgonzola, and smoked prosciutto.

During your meal, feel free to choose selections from the extensive wine list. Here you'll find wines from across the world, including selections from Austria, France, Spain, and Argentina. You can also opt to have one of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails.

Traditional and modern dishes collide at this lively and vibrant Caribbean restaurant in Austin. At Canje, you'll find bright colors, bold flavors, and cuisine inspired by Guyana, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and every island in between.

Even the name of the restaurant adds to the story of the environment. Canje is named after the Canje pheasant, the national bird of Guyana. This tropical bird provides some insight into the type of vibrant food you'll experience when you dine at Canje.

The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as the Sea Bass with mojo, tomato, squash, and orange. Or, you might try the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop with mango vindaloo, achar, and green papaya. You can't complete your meal without tasting one of their unique desserts, such as the Cassareep Ice cream with dark chocolate, passion fruit, puffed rice, and pepitas sprinkled on top. Or, try their Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Texas pecan, Rhum Agricole, and strawberry jam. (If French cuisine is calling you, here's a look at the best French restaurant in every state.)