17 Best Restaurants With A View In Austin
Searching for a restaurant with a view in Austin is pretty common because - let’s face it - Austin has a lot of beautiful bodies of water for a landlocked city! From the downtown Lady Bird Lake to the trickling Colorado River in east Austin to sprawling Lake Travis on the west side of the city, there are some magnificent views in Austin. Here’s a roundup of some of the best restaurants with views in Austin.
Scroll down to see a map of the best Austin restaurants with views!
Let’s start with this, though: finding a place to eat in Austin with a view of the water is increasingly difficult. Real estate prices are soaring, and so most developments and restaurants are going to try to capitalize on their space and pack in a bunch of tables, rather than leaving space for sprawling out with a view.
Plus, if you want to dine with a view, you’re going to be paying for…the view. Sure, there are a few places where you can get good (even great) food while also enjoying the sunset over the water, but you should go in with the expectation that the food will be just a little bit lackluster.
After all, the seats at the restaurants basically sell themselves because folks want to dine with a view!
(Psst: if you’re truly looking for the best of the best restaurants in Austin, start here. Most of these restaurants have a focus on food, service, and ambiance, not views of the water.)
There’s also the issue of the vast number of high-rises being built in Austin. There are a few restaurants, like Geraldine’s at Hotel Van Zandt, that used to offer amazing views of the skyline and the lake. But as new monstrosities keep getting built on top of one another, the views get blocked off.
However, there are a few restaurants that are literally built on the very edge of the lake, so they have permanent views of the water. Let’s get to it!
17 Best Restaurants With A View In Austin
1. Nido at the Loren
For one of the most glamorous places for rooftop dining in Austin, you have to book reservations at Nido. It’s located in the new Loren Hotel at Lady Bird Lake, which is uniquely built on the south side of the lake.
Why is this significant? Because it means that instead of sitting in a rooftop restaurant in downtown Austin and looking away, you get a view of downtown Austin + Lady Bird Lake. There aren’t many high-rise dining options on the south side of the lake (yet), and this one is a good one.
Nido is a modern American restaurant serving seasonal cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include Murder Point Oysters, blistered shishitos, housemade burrata on sourdough, lamb ragu cavatelli, and redfish provencal.
They have a delightful selection of wine and cocktails, and you could easily stop by for a drink and an appetizer if you don’t want to splurge on a full dinner.
Speaking of splurging…the prices here are quite high. As with all rooftop dining in Austin, keep in mind that you’ll be paying a premium for those waterfront views.
WEBSITE | Rooftop, 1211 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
2. Oasis Texas Brewing Company
What every local Austinite knows is that, after a day of boating out on Lake Travis, you should skip the crowded Oasis on Lake Travis restaurant, which is packed with tourists, and instead go to Oasis TX Brewing Company. It’s next door and offers the exact same view of the sunset over the lake, but you can skip the overpriced and underwhelming cuisine at Oasis Restaurant and instead enjoy award-winning craft brews, excellent pub food, and a fun, casual atmosphere.
As far as beers go, they have a little bit of something for everyone. Their Golden Hour golden ale is a popular choice for lake people who want to watch the sunset. And if you’re a craft beer snob, be sure to try their London Homesick; it’s an English bitter that won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Fest, and it tastes malty and yummy, kind of like a fresh piece of bread. Their beer menu rounds out with a double IPA, a session IPA, a porter, a 4.1% “Patio Pounder” and a few other rotating options.
The pub fare is what you would expect: burgers, fries, pizza, fried shrimp, cobb salad, and plenty of options for kiddos 12 & under. Everything is fresh and tasty and pairs well with a sunburn, a lager, and a view of the lake. There are no reservations here, so just show up, order a beer, and grab a table.
WEBSITE | 6650 Comanche Trail Suite #301, Austin, TX 78732
3. P6 At The Line
Truly one of the most phenomenal views in Austin, P6 at The LINE Hotel was previously a parking garage! Can you believe that this phenomenal view was wasted on parked cars? Thankfully, when the hotel was bought and rebranded into its current iteration, the 6th floor of the parking garage was meticulously renovated into the stunning P6 bar.
Since the hotel is built on the edge of Lady Bird Lake, there is literally nothing blocking the breathtaking view of the water. And (bonus!) you don’t only get a view of the lake - you also get a view of the Congress bridge, aka the “bat bridge” in Austin. In the summer months, you can watch millions of bats emerge for their nighttime feeding.
Menu items include small plates like a cheese and charcuterie board, a little gem Caesar salad with shrimp, and local roasted mushrooms. There are just a couple larger plates, like a half-roasted chicken with apricot glaze, and seared sea scallops served on leek risotto. If you’re looking for brunch with a view in Austin, they also offer a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu.
While it’s mostly advertised as a rooftop bar and lounge and you probably won’t want to count on P6 for a multi-course seated dinner, there are enough food items on the menu to make up a meal. However, the cocktails are truly the star of the show here! It’s a great place for a happy hour drink paired with a cheese board.
WEBSITE | 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
4. Hula Hut
Hula Hut serves traditional Tex-Mex food with a surfer twist…aka food that tastes great on a sunny day with a view of the water!
This is an old-school Austin restaurant, and there aren’t a lot of frills. But the deck is literally built out on Lake Austin so you can look down and see fish swimming below you, and they have a consistently good menu. (Not the best Tex Mex you can find in Austin, but it's a great spot if you’re going here for the views!)
Start with one of their tiki cocktails. The Hu-La-La is the way to go if you’re with a friend because this drink serves two. It’s made with light rum, coconut rum, spiced rum, and fruit juices. Or go for a Mai Tai, a top shelf margarita, or a tropical mojito. (Psst: happy hour drink deals are really good here!)
Arrive very hungry because the plates here are HUGE. Go for a tubular taco filled with shrimp or steak, a luau dinner of macadamia-crusted Mahi Mahi, or a combo Pu Pu platter, which is big enough to serve the whole table from the selection of baby back ribs, Texas nachos, chicken tacos, flautas, and sides.
WEBSITE | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
5. Bulevar
Sister restaurant to popular downtown spot ATX Cocina, Bulevar is a north Austin restaurant located at The Arboretum. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the outdoor patio tables, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in Austin!
Order from a selection of excellent tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails and appetizers like chips and guacamole, queso, and salsa, or raw bar snacks to share with the table. Then enjoy their premium seafood, prime steaks, and heirloom vegetable mains. All of the dishes at Bulevar are gluten free, which is an added bonus if anyone in your party has dietary restrictions.
This is a festive, high energy restaurant that’s perfect for a celebratory meal like a birthday, anniversary, or date night out. Just be sure to request a patio table if you want those sweeping Hill Country views!
One thing worth noting is that in the summer months the patio gets HOT, even with fans. They probably won’t allow diners outside in the hottest months of the year (July, August, September) because it would be unbearable. However, Bulevar lifts the shades after the sun has set so you can enjoy golden hour from inside the air conditioning.
During the cooler months of the year, though? Get you one of those outdoor tables!
WEBSITE | 9400 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX 78759
6. Sway Thai
This award-winning modern Thai restaurant in Westlake has a rooftop dining option that offers views of downtown Austin. And while most restaurants with a view have mediocre cuisine, Sway is one of the few Austin restaurants with a view that has a menu that could completely stand on its own, view or no view.
It was named one of Bon Appetit’s “50 Best New Restaurants” when it opened in 2013 and has continued to impress its guests with its modern takes on traditional Thai cuisine. Try the Jungle Curry with Texas wagyu brisket, the popular Son In Law (braised pork shoulder, crispy farm egg, thick soy, nahm prik pla), and their delicious and spicy pad thai.
Cocktails are far from an afterthought here. In fact, if you just go for happy hour drinks on the rooftop deck, you’ll have a great time. However, you’ll probably want to get at least a few bites, like a Moo Sway Wrap or those delicious fried crab wontons to pair with your drinks.
WEBSITE | 3437 Bee Caves Rd, West Lake Hills, TX 78746
7. Mozart’s Coffee
Another old school Austin spot that is adored by locals, Mozart’s Coffee has the best deck in Austin for a breakfast date or a solo coffee with a good book or a journal. Like Hula Hut (which is also located at Oysters Landing Marina on Lake Austin Blvd), Mozart’s Coffee has as deck that is built into the edge of Lake Austin. You can hear the water lapping against the side of the wood while you start your day with a bottomless coffee and a slice of their potato leek quiche.
All the pastries are made in-house, and the selection is quite impressive. They have the standard croissants, muffins, and scones, as well as more substantial items like greek yogurt with berries, empanadas, and personal pizzas.
No, this isn’t a fine dining restaurant. But if you want to enjoy a quiet breakfast at a coffee shop with a view of Lake Austin, Mozart’s is one of your best options.
WEBSITE | 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
8. La Bis
If you’re familiar with the San Antonio dining scene you’ve heard of James Beard Award finalist chef Steve McHugh, owner of Cured and Landrace. He now has two restaurants in Austin as well, and Las Bis is a rooftop bar with a view that you won’t want to miss.
This 8th-floor terrace bar serves biodynamic wine, craft cocktails, and a tapas menu. The Barcelona-inspired food list includes seafood tins and snacks like catfish bologna sliders, spiced mackerel tacos, and caviar. {Photo: Hyatt Centric}
WEBSITE | 721 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
9. Ski Shores Cafe
Ski Shores Cafe has long been known as one of the best views from a waterfront restaurant in Austin since 1954…but the food wasn’t much to talk about. That is, until MML hospitality bought it, renovated it, and revamped the menu.
Now you can enjoy a lakeside dining experience that’s great for the whole family, complete with a sandpit for the kids to play in while you wait for food to arrive and live music. The food is delightfully fresh and casual.
Start with a frozen lake house marg with passion fruit swirl paired with ahi tuna tostadas. The ski burger, served on a Swedish Hill baked bun, is a solid bet, but the “original recipe” fried catfish has been around since 1954 for a reason. All the entrees are served with fries + slaw. They also have plenty of sandwiches, hearty salads, and options for the kids.
There are limited boat slips and parking spots here, so if you’re able to carpool or rideshare, do it. Otherwise, plan on hunting around for a parking spot if you’re visiting on a beautiful weekend evening.
WEBSITE | 2905 Pearce Rd, Austin, TX 78730
10. Jacoby’s Restaurant and Mercantile
Texas ranch-to-table family restaurant Jacoby’s has a sprawling location on the banks of the Colorado River in east Austin, making it one of the best restaurants with a view in Austin. They focus on Texas southern classics and source sustainably from their own family ranch right here in Texas.
The pimento cheese and deviled eggs are two must-try starters. The family-style sides mean you can order a bunch for the table and try a bit of everything. They’re famous for their mac & cheese, made with Tillamook, cheddar, and gruyere and sprinkled with crispy breadcrumbs. And since beef is their thing here, go for their epic ½ pound cheeseburger and fries or a daily butchers cut with mashed potatoes and broccolini. All of the Jacoby brand beef is family-raised on the Jacoby ranch and hormone-free and antibiotic-free.
The interior of the restaurant feels like a cozy southern kitchen, but if you want to enjoy a view of the river, ask for one of their outdoor tables. Jacoby’s isn’t just one of the best restaurants with a view in Austin..it’s one of the best restaurants, period. Psst: they have a great brunch, too!
WEBSITE | 3235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
11. Marker 10
While restaurants like Jacoby’s, Oasis Brewing, and Bulevar could stand on their own with or without the epic views, Marker 10 is one of those Austin restaurants that you’re mostly dining at for the view. The food is good, but it’s not a uniquely Austin restaurant with a memorable dining experience. It’s located at the Hyatt Regency and has a bit of that “corporate hotel” feel to it.
However, the views here are unmatched. Like Nido at the Loren, Marker 10 is located on the southern banks of Lady Bird Lake. From Marker 10’s patio, you can see the Congress bat bridge, the downtown skyline, and the gorgeous lake.
Enjoy snapper ceviche, smoked wings, brisket sliders, steak fajitas, and pan seared halibut on the outdoor patio. They have a nice selection of cocktails, a few local beers on tap, and wine by the glass or the bottle, as well as dessert and rotating menu features.
WEBSITE | 208 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
12. Lutie’s Garden Restaurant
You might have seen Lutie’s on our list of the best restaurants in Austin. It’s a beautifully decorated restaurant with exceptional food, impeccable service, and an attention to detail that you won’t find at many other restaurants.
And while the interior is gorgeous, you can also dine on the patio to take in the lovely views of the hotel grounds. After all, Lutie’s is located at Commodore Perry Estate, a 5-star hotel in central Austin. They take great pride in their groundskeeping to ensure the lawn is lush, the fountains are flowing, and the entire vibe is peaceful and calm.
While it’s not a view of the lake or the skyline, the view at this Austin restaurant is impeccable in its own way. (Plus the food is perfect!)
WEBSITE | 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751
13. County Line BBQ
West Austin is near the Texas Hill Country, so it's a great place for restaurants with sweeping views of the classic Texas terrain. County Line BBQ is one of the best restaurants with a view in Austin for a big, casual meal with friends and family.
They've been serving classic barbecue in both Texas and New Mexico since 1975, but the original Hill location is where you should go if you want to dine with a view. The menu features standard bbq fare like brisket, sausage, smoked chicken, ribs, and sides. {Photo: Yelp, Hollie B}
WEBSITE | 6516, 5204 Ranch Rd 2222, Austin, TX 78731
14. El Alma
The rooftop of El Alma Mexican restaurant offers a subtle, peaceful view of downtown. You can see the tops of the buildings and enjoy a bit of space between the restaurant and the noise of the city (thanks to Auditorium Shores acting as a buffer). It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a delicious meal of contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Rather than offering the same Tex-Mex menus you typically see in Austin, El Alma serves contemporary Mexican cuisine. Dine on ahi tuna ceviche tostadas, chile rellenos stuffed with roasted duck, almonds, and raisins, grilled quail smothered in pasilla mole. {Photo: Yelp, Amy W.}
WEBSITE | 1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
15. Estelle’s Lounge
If you love an urban view while you dine, reserve a table at Estelle’s Lounge in the Warehouse District of downtown Austin. This two-story building has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling downtown scene.
The first floor is a bar and lounge where you can stop by for a bite and a cocktail, and the second floor features a club and DJ booth, along with private booths with bottle service.
Enjoy your Baysipper and truffle fries before moving on to truffle mac and cheese or a classic Estelle burger. Want to splurge? Go for the Golden Kaluga caviar with red onion creme fraiche or the market price seafood tower.
WEBSITE | 400 Colorado St, Austin, TX 78701
16. Tillery Kitchen and Bar
Located just past the Longhorn Dam in east Austin (next to Jacoby’s, mentioned in this guide!), Tillery is an excellent spot to enjoy a casual meal with a view in Austin. It’s a Mediterranean-influenced menu with fresh, seasonal cuisine.
The cocktail list is fun and you could easily stop by for a refreshing happy hour of a mezcal old fashioned and house-cut fries. Or, enjoy a full dinner of squash salad, roasted chicken, and chilled corn gazpacho. {Photo: Yelp, Kelsea K.}
WEBSITE | 3201 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
17. La Piscina
This might be the fanciest (and most expensive!) place in Austin to order fajitas, but if you love a bougie meal with a view, La Piscina is excellent. Located on the 5th floor of the Austin Proper Hotel, La Piscina specializes in top shelf margaritas, the softest homemade tortillas, and tableside specialty fajitas.
While the interior of the restaurant doesn’t offer much of a view, the outdoor tables are near the pool and offer a view of some of the downtown Austin highrise buildings.
WEBSITE | 600 W 2nd St 5th Floor, Austin, TX 78701
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