Lakeway: The Hottest New Dining Scene in Central Texas
I can remember just a few short years ago when dining anywhere near Lakeway meant Hudson’s on the Bend, The Oasis, Rosie’s, and Ciola’s and Pao’s. Wow, has that changed.
While Hudson’s still holds forth as the area’s ultimate fine dining destination, it’s gotten a stiff challenge from the newly reenvisioned Soleil adjacent to the Oasis. Chef David Burton Sanchez (formerely of Apatite) is a star so keep an eye on Soleil. Brilliant new menu. The scallops with corn risotto!!! Chef James Ramsey at the recently opened Fore on 620 is another serious contender. His Silver and Stone in Georgetown is fondly remembered by many and he’s working wonders at Fore. The new Sunday Brunch is a smash! Ditto for Ben Nathan at the new Cafe Blue. Ben opened the Belmont several years ago and then took a turn at Chez Zee. Now he’s clicking on all cylinders at restaurant that has acquired a year-round location. You must try his Cubano!
David Cho is sizzling on the Japanese/sushi front with locations at Steiner Ranch and on 620. And Tony Ciola and Creed Ford IV have done a marvelous job with the League Kitchen and Tavern (at the site of the old Ciola’s). The place totally rocks (the Pot Pie is terrific) and Tony’s Tony C’s down at the Galleria makes amazing coal-fired pizza.
Across from the the League is the incomparable Santa Catarina. Owner Francisco delivers stunning interior Mexican cuisine and his Cochinita Pibil may be my favorite in Texas. He makes a green sauce from jalapenos that is so damned good I think I’d even put it on ice cream.
Further down toward the dam is Sobani. This little owner operated gem delivers lovely, nuanced dishes that are simply delightful. And just up the street, Chi Town offers up Chicago-style Beef and Sausage Subs that define the genre. Great hot dogs (Chicago style of course) as well!
All foodies in the area were thrilled to see the reopening of Los Pinos on Hudson Bend Rd. After a fire last summer, owner Margarito Maldanado has rebuilt his wonderful Mexican joint (incredible Posole soup and Carnitas) and is once-again packing them in. And in addition to Cafe Blue, Shane Street’s All Star Burger has opened down from Dillard’s at the Galleria. Street, who opened the excellent Grille at Rough Hollow several years ago (and a member of our Top 20) now has his own place. And it’s a family classic. Another cool new spot is Chisos Grill next to Cafe Blue. Chisos means “ghost” in Navajo and I had something next to a spiritual experience when I tried their Lobster Bisque. This is a mesmerizing Southwest style restaurant owned and operated by Chad Jones (who had opened the Gumbo’s across from Davenport which gave way to Trento).
And less we forget the old classic Zoot on Bee Caves Road, Stuart Scruggs gave up on one of Austin’s long-time favorites and opted for a bit more down scaled approach called BC Tavern. I’ve heard good things thus far. And across from the Galleria, Plate by Dzintra has emerged as one of the coolest restaurants to grace the southwest Austin area. Their California Quiche is ridiculously good.
