If you’re looking for a place with a great view to take the family, out-of-town guests, or a date night, here’s your round-up! From views of the Austin Skyline to relaxing overlooking Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, or Lake Travis, here are our recommendations for where to dine with a view.
The Oasis on Lake Travis
6550 Comanche Trail
If you haven’t been to the Oasis on Lake Travis, you’ve gotta check it out. With gorgeous lake views and something on the menu for everyone, The Oasis is known for having the best sunsets in Austin. There’s also plenty to do while you wait for sunset, including a gift shop where you can buy a lock and partake in their tradition where couples, friends (and really, anyone for any reason they want to commemorate) can add their lock to the outdoor balconies to make a lasting memory. The Oasis doesn’t take reservations, but they have so much seating, we’ve never had to wait long.
Ra Sushi
117 W 4th St STE 300
Listen. We all know where to get the best sushi in Austin, but don’t sleep on Ra Sushi. To us it feels like a cool throwback to early 2000s restaurant design, has tons of options for everyone — even non-sushi eaters and vegetarians — and has a gorgeous outdoor patio. They also do a great job for kids, in fact, our editors’ daughter requested to go here for her birthday dinner multiple years in a row and would personally rank it over those better-known sushi restaurants any day.
Steiner Ranch Steak House
5424 Steiner Ranch Blvd
Steakhouses and restaurants at hotels tend to have awesome kids’ menus, and Steiner Ranch Steak House is no exception. While you might have to wait a bit for a patio table, the views from Steiner Ranch Steak House are so worth it. Reservations are encouraged – make yours here.
Nido @ The Loren Hotel
1211 W Riverside Dr
We can’t say enough good things about Nido at the Loren Hotel. Handmade pasta, and a gorgeous yet cozy environment with stunning views? Sign us up. You’ll likely need a reservation and note that you get free valet parking while dining at the hotel. They also have a great space to sit after dinner for dessert and coffee or digestifs.
El Alma
1025 Barton Springs Rd.
Every time we go to El Alma, it’s like the first time. Their staircase that goes from the inside of the restaurant to their multi-level outdoor patio is so beautiful and authentic and it feels like a special place to have enchiladas, and guac, and take in the view. And the grackles, but we just accept them at this point. El Alma takes both walk-ins and reservations, and they have a big ol’ parking lot on the side, though due to the popularity of the restaurant, it does tend to fill up quickly.
Laurel @ Hotel Viata
320 S Capital Of Texas Hwy
Laurel at Hotel Viata makes you feel worlds away from the city, but in reality, it’s just a few miles from downtown. After a recent hotel rebrand, Hotel Viata has added more events for families, like their Dive-In Movies that took place this summer and special teas and programs for the holidays for children. Laurel has a super-accessible kids’ menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and don’t forget gelato for dessert), and you won’t want to miss their views. Make your reservations here.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd
Mozart’s always does a great job for families and has gorgeous views of the lake. Grab a pastry and a latte, sit under their lush trees on their outdoor patio, and watch the ducks and sometimes turtles swim by. We also recommend their quiche if you’re heading out for brunch or lunch, and be sure to check here for more info and their upcoming events.
Voted “Best New Patio in Austin 2023”, QUINCE Austin features a global menu ranging from sushi to Texas Angus Steak to French-style pastries. The patio is gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed their Sweet Corn Ribs with Cilantro Cream, Bloody Marys, and Peruvian Fries with Brisket at brunch. We’re not sure where that 2023 award is from, but we’ll double down and say it’s true – they’ve got the best new view in Austin, right on the lake.
More Places with Great Views:
- Rooftop Bars and Restaurants from our friends at Do512
- More Places to See the Austin Skyline
- Great Family Hiking Spots in ATX
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