3 Best Restaurants in Central Austin and the University of Texas, Austin

This fine-dining destination tucked away on the UT campus is a convenient bonus for guests staying at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center. The simple but elegant interiors are a classic backdrop for gourmet, locally sourced fare at anytime of day. Buffet and à la carte items are available for breakfast and lunch, and the three-course, prix-fixe dinner ($45) is an artfully presented, well-proportioned sampling of any starter, main entree, and dessert on the menu. Full dinner offerings fluctuate, with evergreen signatures like Rosewood Ranch steak and Niman Ranch pork shanks and seasonal standouts, like creamy carrot risotto and crispy pork belly with peach butter and fennel.

Dining at this central Austin classic is like having a warm meal at a friend's home; a refreshing change of pace from the trendy decor and steep price tags found at some of the city's hottest eateries. The relaxed counter service and down-home decor at this charming cottage-turned-café matches its appealing, handmade offerings of sandwiches, soups, and salads. An expanded breakfast menu is popular with locals, and the front patio is usually bustling and is a perfect spot for people watching.

Located within the historic Hotel Ella—formerly known as the Goodall Wooten mansion—this stately restaurant is a wonderful added luxury for overnight guests and nonguests alike. The old-world charms of the bright, tastefully decorated dining room are ideal for an indulgent cocktail or special occasion meal. But reviews can be inconsistent regarding service, and many patrons desire an expansion of the limited menu. Breakfast and lunch are served on weekdays, with brunch and special high tea services available on weekends. Snag a table on the wraparound porch if the weather is nice, and valet to avoid the stress of finding parking in west campus.