25 Best Restaurants At The Domain
There's no denying that the Domain and the Domain NORTHSIDE are awesome places to spend your day in Austin. This massive district in north Austin is home to some of the best shopping in our city (Louis Vuitton! Nordstrom! Anthropologie!) and also some of the best restaurants. And I’m not sure about you, but after I spend a couple hours shopping, I’m STARVING. After many shopping trips, I’m happy to share the best Domain restaurants with you!
The next time you’re looking for a really good meal of noodles or seafood or tacos, or maybe a scoop of ice cream, or an excellent coffee + pastry at the Domain, here’s where to go.
About The Domain in Austin TX
If you're new to Austin, here's a little bit about The Domain (and why everyone loves it so much!)
The Domain is a retail, restaurant, and residential area in north Austin. It’s safe to say that the area is the best shopping in Austin.
The Domain NORTHSIDE is an impressive open-air shopping and dining center. All of the areas around Domain NORTHSIDE are filled with more great restaurants, beautiful residential buildings, and high-rise office towers.
I remember right when Domain Austin was built, the restaurants were pretty sparse. But as the shops have expanded, the restaurants have, too. It’s becoming a mini downtown area.
So...it’s no surprise that we’re all wondering where to find the best restaurants at the Domain!
A Map Of Where To Eat At The Domain
After many shopping trips (and, well, eating trips…), I’ve rounded up the following 25 restaurants as the best places to eat at The Domain.
I’m including my top picks for all times of day, from breakfast through late night, and types of food like dessert, happy hour, dinner, and more.
For each restaurant, I’ll include the best time of day to eat there, my favorite menu items, and quick links to the address and phone number in case you need to make reservations.
25 Best Domain Restaurants in Austin
1. Flower Child
Craving a healthy lunchtime pick-me-up? Flower Child is one of my favorite healthy restaurants in Austin. It started in Arizona but their scratch-made veggie-forward food has now gained fans throughout the southern states, including Texas. It’s a bright and beautiful restaurant with white marble tables and lots of indoor/outdoor seating. If you follow a certain lifestyle like vegetarian, vegan, paleo, DF, GF (or if you just like delicious healthy food), you’ll enjoy Flower Child for a lunch restaurant at the Domain.
WEBSITE | 11721 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
2. Xian Noodles and Sushi
For excellent handmade noodles and Chinese dishes, you need to try this little restaurant at the Domain. Xian means “fresh” in Chinese, and that’s exactly the type of food you’ll find here. It’s a pretty small restaurant with booths and tables; it’s the perfect place to put down your shopping bags and to enjoy a lunch break.
What to order:
- Start with Shui Mai (steamed pork and shrimp dumplings)
- My favorite dish is simply called “Stir-Fried Noodles” on the menu. A bit vague, but it’s made with soy sauce, baby bok choy, bell peppers, onions, leeks, and eggs. Pick your own noodle shape, but I like the wide and flat fettucini shape.
Other specials: they have a daily happy hour from 5-7 PM with $5 wine and beer and discounted bites, all around $5-7!
WEBSITE | 3401 Esperanza Crossing, Austin, TX 78758
3. Houndstooth Coffee (Rock Rose)
This was one of the first successful specialty coffee shops in Austin, and now they have a location at the Domain Austin. It’s one of the very best coffee shops in Austin!
This location has gorgeous high ceilings, wood accents, and lots of space indoor and out. If you’re ready for a caffeine break or a quiet glass of wine, skip the coffee shop chains and head to Houndstooth Coffee for the best latte of your life.
What to order:
- They really do serve the finest coffee here! Houndstooth isn’t the type of place for froo-froo coffee drinks, but rather really high-quality basics like a cortado or cappuccino.
- Houndstooth has a full bar of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Other things to know: while they do offer free wifi, this location of Houndstooth doesn’t have wall outlets (except for lightning plugs to charge your phone.)
WEBSITE | 11501 Rock Rose Ave Ste 118, Austin, TX 78758
4. Thai Kun
This is one of the best spots for Authentic Thai street food in Austin, whether you’re looking for a Domain restaurant or not! Thai-Kun is an Austin classic that goes way back to its food truck days, and now it’s a staple at the Domain Austin. It’s a lovely dining room that’s located right on Rock Rose Ave, so you can stop by for a shopping break and enjoy a big lunch or dinner.
WEBSITE | 1601 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
5. Culinary Dropout
This is definitely one of the best Domain restaurants for a fun dinner with friends! Culinary Dropout is a casual New American gastropub with a lively feel, classic food, and solid cocktails. It has fun urban aesthetic and big windows so you can see straight into the kitchen.
It also happens to be an excellent kid-friendly restaurant at the Domain because it's adjacent to a big turf-covered field where little ones can run around during dinner.
Looking for brunch restaurants at the Domain? Culinary Dropout has both Saturday and Sunday brunch! It’s also one of my top picks for a casual dining restaurant.
WEBSITE | 11721 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758, United States
6. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Well, this Columbus-based ice cream company opened a few locations in Austin, and now we’re all obsessed. Take all my money, Jeni’s!
A single scoop of their ice cream isn’t cheap, but you definitely get what you pay for with their high-quality ingredients and unbelievable flavors. (I never knew that a basic milk chocolate ice cream could taste SO rich and delicious!) If you need a quick dessert stop during your shopping day, swing by Jeni’s for a scoop.
WEBSITE | 11601 Rock Rose Ave #110, Austin, TX 78758, United States
7. Jinya Ramen Bar
If you’re shopping on a cold, windy day in the autumn or winter, nothing tastes better than a creamy bowl of ramen. Jinya Ramen Bar is one of my top picks for best Domain restaurants.
They slow-simmer their six signature broths for 20 hours, resulting in a deep, rich flavor. Jinya began in Tokyo in 2000, and now there are multiple locations in the United States – including this one at The Domain.
Because they have standard counter seating (typical for what you see at a ramen bar), it’s a great place to stop in for a quick solo lunch.
What to order:
- The Sprouting Up Ramen is their most “classic” style, with a blend of chicken and pork broth and all of the typical ramen toppings like pork chashu and soft boiled egg.
- The Tonkotsu Spicy is a good pick if you want 100% tonkotsu broth.
WEBSITE | 3210 Esperanza Crossing Suite 130, Austin, TX 78758
8. Phoebe's Diner (Gracy Farms)
Phoebe's Diner is an absolutely phenomenal diner in Austin. I actually think it's one of Austin's best-kept brunch secrets...while tourists are going to some of the hottest brunch spots in Austin on the weekends, we all know to duck into Phoebe's, grab a bar stool, and get a hot cup of coffee and get their badass bacon and eggs or an enormous egg omelette.
What to order:
- Seriously, their Badass Bacon and Eggs is soooo good. It's served with eggs any way, a thick piece of slab bacon, hash brown casserole, wheat toast, and smoky tomato salsa.
- The diner double burger is two 1/4 pound patties. Get it with hash browns for sure.
WEBSITE | 12001-D Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758
9. Taverna
Northern Italian cuisine in a comfortable, welcoming setting? Yes please!
What is northern Italian cuisine? Think more "hearty," with lots of creamy sauces, pork and beef-forward dishes, and lots of butter and cheese. Basically everything that makes life worth living.
What to order:
- 100% get the chef's focaccia for the table
- the spaghetti alla carbonara is so simple, but they do a really good job with it. It's one of my favorite things on the menu.
WEBSITE | 3120 Palm Way #160, Austin, TX 78758
10. Planck Seafood Provisions
Plank Seafood Provisions is one of the new Domain restaurants to grace the dining scene. If you’ve ever eaten at Anthem Texasian on Rainey street, this is from the same management group. Plank is an absolutely stunning oyster bar and seafood house. They have a full raw bar, seafood towers, delicious chowder, and gorgeous entrees like wood grilled sea scallops on squid ink linguini and fried gulf shrimp with herb fries. Photo via Plank Seafood Provisions
Plank has one of the most beautiful patios, so it’s great for outdoor dining year-round. They also offer a beautiful Saturday and Sunday brunch menu. They’re committed to sustainably sourcing their seafood.
What to order:
- A plate of their raw iced oysters. They’re responsibly sourced and shipped in daily for maximum freshness.
- If you’re going out to celebrate, splurge on the Grand Seafood Tower!
Other things to know: Plank Seafood Provisions at the Domain has a gluten sensitive menu.
WEBSITE | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 136, Austin, TX 78758
11. Bakery Lorraine
This is one of the sweetest and most beautiful little cafes and a must-visit for breakfast or lunch. Bakery Lorraine started at our nearby neighbor city San Antonio, but Austinites are pretty happy that they decided to open a location at The Domain.
Stop in for a solo breakfast pastry + coffee, or meet up with your mom for a delicious cafe lunch.
What to order:
- I wish I had a pastry suggestion, but they’re all SO good! Bakery Lorraine is known for their French pastries, so the macarons and croissants are a good place to start. But I’ve also tried (and loved) their cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, muffins, and cookies.
- It’s simple, but they have a great grilled cheese with brie and fontina. Pair it with their daily soup.
Other things to know: they have free wifi + some wall chargers, so this is a convenient morning spot to get some laptop work done.
WEBSITE | 11600 Rock Rose Ave #100, Austin, TX 78758
12. True Food Kitchen at The Domain
Sure, it's marketed as a healthy restaurant, but if you're somewhat health food - averse please don't let that stop you from dining here. Everything is SO delicious! I don't know how they doing it (well, using incredibly fresh, hormone-free and organic ingredients is probably a big part of it), but this is the type of place where you'll order that big, yummy salad and still be thinking about it 2 days later.
You can order grass-fed burgers, ancient grains bowls that are packed with veggies, and gluten-free pizza crusts...but True Food still has signature cocktails, a nice list of wine and beer, and some delicious desserts on the menu. So you can easily splurge here if you want to!
What to order:
- Get one of their salads or bowls if you need a mid-day recharge that will keep your energy up. Add a protein!
- Ready to relax and finish yoru day? Their pizzas and grass-fed burgers with a side of roasted veggies are absolutely delicious.
- I adore the poke bowls at True Food!
Other specials: Happy hour at True Food is every Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm.
{Photo: Yelp}
WEBSITE | 11410 Century Oaks Terrace Ste 100, Austin, TX 78758
13. Tacodeli
In the battle of Austin tacos, locals will have strong opinions about where to get the very best tacos in Austin. But you’ll definitely find a strong group of TacoDeli supporters who believe these are the very best tacos in Austin. TacoDeli’s north location is a small drive away from the shops at the Domain, but it’s a great option for a casual breakfast or lunch plate of tacos, some chips + guac, or a delicious salad with grilled sirloin.
WEBSITE | 12001 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758, United States
14. North Italia
This beautiful Italian restaurant is actually from the same restaurant group as Culinary Dropout and Flower Child, so you might get a similar vibe: tall ceilings, white marble tabletops, high-quality food, and gorgeous design.
You’ll not only find scratch-made pasta and daily pizza specials, but also a great wine list and some fun Italian cocktails. North is a great place for a date night dinner restaurant or a late afternoon happy hour of Italian cocktails.
What to order:
- If you’re visiting for happy hour, the Chef’s Board is a great deal.
- They have an amazing Tuscan Kale salad here.
- All of their noodles are made from scratch, but the tagliatelle + bolognese is phenomenal.
WEBSITE | 11506 Century Oaks Terrace Ste 124, Austin, TX 78758
15. Spicy Boys Food Truck
For real, this is the BEST fried chicken in Austin. It's not surprise that Spicy Boys started their food truck and quickly grew to multiple locations around Austin!
Most of these Spicy Boys food trucks are parked at breweries, which is great because you'll want something to drink with their spicy chicken! This location near the Domain is parked at Fairweather Cider, and the crisp, dry cider pairs perfectly with a hot fried chicken sandwich.
What to order:
WEBSITE | 10609 Metric Blvd #108, Austin, TX 78758
16. Hat Creek Burger Company
This is a fast-casual burger chain in Austin that's somewhat popular for their playgrounds! What? Haha - yes.
When you're looking for a kid-friendly restaurant at The Domain, you simply can't beat Hat Creek. They have inexpensive, kid-friendly food, salads for the adults, and WINE. Plus, that playground is the perfect place for little ones to run around while you rest for a moment and enjoy your drink. This place is perfect for people at the Domain who are looking for a kid-friendly place to eat.
What to order:
WEBSITE | 12001 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758, United States
17. Dirdie Birdie's
Dirdie Birdie is a fun indoor mini golf place at the Domain. The food isn't incredibly memorable..I'm jsut going to be honest about that. But what they lose in award-winning cuisine they gain in all-around fun times, so if you're lookign for a place where everyone will have an absolute BLAST playing games and drinking drinks and eating food together, Dirdie Birdie is perfect.
(Just to be clear: the food isn't bad at all! It's just not going to be very different from a Punch Bowl Social type of place)
WEBSITE | 10910 Domain Dr Suite 120, Austin, TX 78758
18. Rosen's Bagels
Rosen's Bagels were a favorite in Austin for years and years before this storefront opened near the Domain.
Now, in addition to being able to find these authentic NY-style bagels at stores around the city, hungry bagel lovers can get delicious, chewy Rosen's bagels at their own storefront.
It's not located AT the Domain, but it's very close by on Burnet Rd.
WEBSITE | 11101 Burnet Rd Ste A100, Austin, TX 78758
19. Juiceland
When you’re walking around the Domain in the heat of the summer, you’ll definitely need a refreshing pick-me-up at some point. Stop by one of Austin’s most popular juice bars, Juiceland, for a cold-pressed juice or a smoothie. This is a walk-up window located at a convenient location (right across the street from The Apple Store and Nordstrom).
What to order:
- For green, go for the Ninja Bachelor (it has some jalapeño spice!)
- For fruity, go for the Pleasant Valley (lots of pineapple/orange/lemon/lime. Yum.)
Other specials: they have a daily smoothie special that’s discounted.
WEBSITE | 3120 Palm Way #114, Austin, TX 78758
20. Chi'Lantro
What started as an award-winning Korean Mexican fusion food truck in 2010 is now a multi-location favorite restaurant in Austin…including a location at the Domain!
The Chi’Lantro location near the Domain is a bright and urban little eatery. It’s the perfect spot for a solo or group lunch.
What to order:
- They’re famous for their kimchi fries. Pick your protein, but I love the bulgogi beef!
- When I’m craving something healthier, I love their Signature Bowl – it’s so colorful. You can also create your own customized bowl.
WEBSITE | 11005 Burnet Rd #108, Austin, TX 78758
21. Lotus Chinese
This is a locally-owned little fast-casual restaurant that has some delicious American Chinese dishes. You’ll find delicious crispy dumplings, big plates of fried rice, and popular favorites like Orange Chicken and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. It’s a fairly small restaurant with big communal tables, so it’s a good place to show up for a solo casual lunch, or a fun option if you’re looking for a place to take a dinner break from shopping and enjoy big plates of food with your friends.
What to order:
- Definitely get some of those classic Pork and Cabbage dumplings, fried.
- It’s basic, but they do a really delicious Sweet and Sour Sesame Chicken
WEBSITE | 11501 Rock Rose Ave #152, Austin, TX 78758
22. Velvet Taco
This is a “funky, fast-casual concept” that serves globally inspired tacos, meaning these aren’t the Tex-Mex or Mexican street food tacos that you’ll typically find in Austin. Instead, expect things like a Fried Paneer taco (vegetarian), and a crazy delicious Fish ‘n Chips taco served on a soft flour tortilla. These tacos span cultures from Korean to Indian, Nashville cuisine to England, and all sorts of new and fun menu options popping up seasonally. Velvet Taco started in Dallas, and it fits right in at The Domain (which is, let’s be honest, more of an extension of Dallas than anything…) Walk in, order at the bar, and your lunch tacos will be brought to you in a dash.
What to order:
- The Chicken Tikka taco. Just do it.
- The Red Curry Coconut Queso for a very fun and unique twist on typical queso.
WEBSITE | 11501 Rock Rose Ave Ste 160, Austin, TX 78758
23. Punchbowl Social
While it’s advertised as an arcade, karaoke, food, and drinks keep this place in mind as a fun spot to stop for a happy hour…games or not! It’s a big, lively place with lots of bowling lanes and a mini golf course, but half of the space is reserved for the restaurant. (Psst: a great option if you’re looking for late-night restaurants at the Domain!) Walk in and sit at the bar or grab a table, and enjoy some of the best happy hour deals at the Domain. They also have a bunch of lunch and dinner options, and a brunch menu that’s available on both Saturday and Sunday.
What to order:
- Grab a big plate of their fries for the table (Nashville Haute Fry or Buffalo Fries)
- The Single Knock Burger on the happy hour menu is a delicious and really great deal!
Other specials: Happy Hour runs Sun-F from 4-6 pm, and brunch is offered on both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm.
WEBSITE | 11310 Domain DR, Austin TX 78758
24. Curry Up Now
For some delicious fast-casual Indian street food at the Domain, pop into Curry Up Now. You can place your order, indulge, and be on your way for more shopping in a matter of minutes.
This isn't necessarily life-changing Indian food, but it's really tasty, it's fast, and it's fairly inexpensive. That's a win in my book!
What to order:
WEBSITE | 3100 Esperanza Crossing Ste 130, Austin, TX 78758
25. Shake Shack
Alright NYC, we’re all going to admit that you have a pretty great fast-casual burger chain. I’m not ashamed to add this as one of the best restaurants at the Domain for a quick and delicious burger lunch. This is a big, bright, airy location with an awesome patio space.
WEBSITE | 11228 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78759
Related posts:
All The Austin Restaurants on Diners, Drive-ins And Dives (And Which Ones Are Worth Visiting)
We’ve all seen at least a few episodes of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on The…
Read More
A Map of Where To Eat Near Q2 Stadium In Austin
If you’re heading to see a soccer game tonight, use this guide to find some…
Read More
The Perfect Weekend In Austin (2024 Edition)
Sure, there are plenty of “best of” lists floating around the Web. But what are…
Read More