The coronavirus has delayed nearly all project this year. Everything-from construction to the liquor license takes longer in a pandemic. If you’re wondering where you should be eating in East Austin, you’ve come to the right place. There are still some exciting new restaurants in East Austin that you are sure to love. And when we say, “best new restaurants,” we mean it. Let us know which restaurants you end up checking out.
? Zanzibar
Zanzibar is truly one of my favorites in East Austin as they offer all my favorites: stunning city views, tropical vibes, delicious food, one of a kind cocktails and kind service. The people behind Zanzibar wanted to create a lush rooftop destination where people can leave their worries and cares at the door. Located on the 7th floor, this restaurant offers a rooftop oasis surrounded by shady cabanas, tropical foliage, poolside relaxation with scenic views of the cityscape. Depending on which time of the day one goes, the menu does change depending on the day night and hour. Two recommendations that people specifically love and reorder are the Grilled Pineapple Salsa which comes with avocado, pickled red onion, Kennebec, yucca, and plantain chips. Another yummy bite is the Sushi Burrito filled with lots of healthy and delicious goodness!
Hour & Location
? MON | Closed
? THU | 4–11PM
? FRI | 2PM–12AM
? SAT | 12PM–12AM
? SUN | 12–9PM
?304 E Cesar Chavez St Unit 700, Austin, TX 78701
? Le Cowboy
Grae Nonas, the co-founding chef of Southern restaurant Olamaie and opening chef at Carpenters Hall, has taken over the previously housed Mum Food Deli at the former Eastside Cafe space. His new restaurant, Le Cowboy, focuses on Italian dishes like fresh-made stracciatella cheese, chicken parmigiana, chocolate mousse, and lots of pasta! Currently they offer both take out on Monday as well as an in patio dine-in service Tuesday-Friday.
Hour & Location
? MON–FRI | 5PM–11PM
? 2113 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
? Nom Burgers
Bored of eating the same old boring burgers? Break up the monotony with some of Nom Burgers that are made with a delicious twist in the East Austin. Nom Burgers was created by Chef and food truck guru Chris Rios, founder and creator of The Vegan Nom. This food truck offers a few staple burger options as well as giving the option of giving add-ons to each burger.
Hour & Location
? MON | CLOSED
? TUE–SUN | 11AM–11PM
?2324 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
? Island Thyme Grill
The brand-new fast-casual north campus restaurant is all about Caribbean flavors. The customizable build your own bowls, wraps, and salads can be made with ingredients such as jerk chicken, steak, mojo pork, plantains, and even Beyond Beef Crumbles, alongside an option of beans, island pico, roasted peppers, and pickled vegetables. The restaurant is open for takeout and dine-in services, with online ordering to come later.
Hour & Location
? MON–SAT | 11AM–8PM
? SUN | 11AM–7PM
?2915 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
? Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
There are over 700 Gyu-Kaku restaurants worldwide providing service to people all around. This restaurant now opening in East Austin will provide authentic Japanese grilled barbeque with premium meat cooked over a flaming charcoal grill. What makes this place so unique is the option of being able to choose some of their Angus Beef that is aged for 21 days to increase tenderness and rich flavor. One of the best-selling cuts is the Harami Miso Skirt Steak that is sure to put a smile to your face after eating.
Hour & Location
? SUN–THU | 11:30AM–9:30PM
? FRI & SAT | 11:30AM–10:30PM
?1211 E 5th St Suite 100, Austin, TX 78702
It could be a little difficult to keep track of every brand new restaurant in East Austin. That is why we’ve made it super easy for you. This list is a record of the new best restaurants in East Austin that we’d highly recommend you try. If you decide to check out any of these places, make sure to tag the restaurant and our team on Instagram/ other social media outlets. We can’t wait to see which restaurants in East Austin you choose to try out next.
Lizzy is a blogger for the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Austin area, download the UNATION app and follow @StufftoDoinAustin on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok.

