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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Salad and French food in Downtown Austin

Combining the precision of French cooking with the lightness of a fresh salad creates a balanced meal.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
J Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse image 1
J Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse image 2

Small space with classic steakhouse design and sexy, clean interior sets a cozy, high-end vibe. Lighting and furniture create a well-executed atmosphere that feels special for occasions. Comfortable seating and attentive service add to the refined dining experience.

Caesar salad offers a classic taste, while the new cobb salad brings fresh, rich flavors. The apple salad adds a crisp, sweet touch to the options.

People are saying

"The steak here is incredible, and the service is phenomenal."

"The service here is excellent and the staff are very attentive."

"The French food, especially the escargot, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.

2

Proper attire is required; business casual is preferred.

3

Street parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

02
VanHorn's image 1
Steak house

Steakhouse channels classic New York style with luxurious decor and a buzzy, lively atmosphere that fills up and gets noisy. The patio offers a well-designed, fun vibe distinct from the indoor space. Cocktails and steaks stand out as key features enhancing the overall experience.

Salads here come in several varieties, including a house salad and a Caesar salad that stand out. Portions suit sharing and pair well with other dishes like steak and oysters.

Steak tartare stands out with its freshness, Parmesan topping, and solid seasoning. Desserts like the layered chocolate crepe and cheesecake offer unique, rich flavors.

People are saying

"Jeremy's service made my steak experience perfect."

"I thought the cheesecake was truly to die for."

"The steak tartare here is excellent and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

2

Parking is limited; expect to pay around $18 for two hours.

3

Happy Hour offers steak tartare, prime rib sandwiches, and martinis for $10.

03
The Guest House Austin image 1

Steak house offers an elegant setting with chandelier sparkle and private seating areas for intimacy. Music ranges from a live DJ to carefully curated playlists, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Signature cocktails feature theatrical presentations that complement the upscale vibe.

Salads here include a Kale Caesar that stands out and an Apple & Endive Salad with a unique flavor. The Chopped Salad also features among the popular choices.

Steak tartare stands out with its amazing truffle flavor and is served on toast points topped with micro chives and aioli. Other notable dishes include spicy rigatoni and dry-aged steak.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to the super nice and proactive staff."

"Celia's impeccable service made our night unforgettable."

"The French Food here is amazing, especially the steak tartare."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are required for private events and must be confirmed in advance.

3

A $25 cutting fee applies if you bring your own cake.

04
Bill's Oyster image 1
Restaurant

Small oyster bar with an intimate, cozy space featuring an open kitchen and a bar running the length of the restaurant. Atmosphere is warm and charming with quaint patio seating for outdoor dining and friendly service. Known for phenomenal drinks and a classic coastal vibe.

Caesar salad stands out with toasted breadcrumbs adding a unique crunch. It pairs well with seafood options like oysters and clam chowder.

Steak Tartare stands out with a rich, flavorful profile, though it sometimes comes covered in cheese. The Crab & Andouille Hush Puppies and Clams Michelada also offer bold, distinctive tastes.

People are saying

"The oysters here are insanely fresh and taste clean."

"The Caesar salad comes with toasted breadcrumbs and is marvelous."

"You have to try the steak tartare; it's one of the best."

Good to know

1

Parking near the restaurant can be difficult and expensive.

2

Bill's Oyster does not take reservations, allowing for walk-in dining.

3

Happy hour features $3 oysters and $8 beer and shot specials.

05
Restaurant François image 1
Modern French restaurant

Open kitchen creates a warm, buzzing energy with visible chefs at work. Interior blends art deco style and 1930s Paris vibe using black, white, and gold tones. Atmosphere balances upscale and welcoming, encouraging relaxed, unhurried dining and conversation.

Salads include a bibb salad and an apple salad with fresh, crisp ingredients. The Lyonaisse salad offers a classic mix with a rich dressing.

Rich, buttery escargot starts the meal with perfect seasoning. Dishes like short rib bourguignon and creme brûlée showcase classic French flavors with solid execution.

People are saying

"The duck and red snapper at these dinner spots were so tender and flavorful."

"The French food's fries are thin, crispy, and cooked in beef tallow."

"The fried are top notch, cooked in beef tallow."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as walk-ins may not be accepted.

2

Expect to pay over $100 for steak dishes, unless opting for the filet.

3

Desserts are complimentary for special occasions like anniversaries.

06
J-Prime Steakhouse image 1

Restaurant offers a modern aesthetic with romantic atmosphere and beautiful lighting at tables. Ambiance includes loud pop and EDM music, creating a club-like energy that contrasts with the decor. Space feels busy and close, with tables near each other and servers frequently passing by.

Salads here come with fresh ingredients like beets and Caesar greens. They pair well with hearty sides and stand out without heavy dressings or cheese.

Flavors stand out with escargot, foie gras, and truffle fries. Sides like crispy Brussels and au gratin potatoes complement dishes such as steak and lobster mac n cheese.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, tasty, and fresh."

"The service for our salad was amazing and our server was very nice."

"The French food here is great, and the service is impeccable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays and Sundays with $10 specials.

3

The daily social hour from 4-7pm offers great value on drinks.

07
Péché image 1
French restaurant

Shotgun-style French restaurant with vintage charm and dim lighting creates an intimately festive atmosphere. High noise level fills the space, making it lively but challenging for quiet conversation. Known for an impressive absinthe selection and a cozy, cramped layout suited for small groups.

Caesar salad stands out with crisp, fresh greens and a classic dressing. The Duck Confit and Haricot Vert Salad offers rich flavors paired with crunchy beans. Beet salad brings a sweet, earthy touch to the mix.

Steak tartare stands out with a fresh, rich flavor. Foie gras and crème brûlée offer classic French richness, with the latter shining even during happy hour. Bouillabaisse, quail, and Bananas Foster add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"Happy Hour has fantastic cocktails and excellent food like mac and cheese."

"The duck confit here is absolutely delicious French food."

"The salads here are fresh, delicious, and lightly dressed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drinks for $6 and half-off appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The bar area is not ideal for cocktails; consider dining instead.

08
Austin Rotisserie & Sandwicherie image 1

Parisian café style blends with a casual food court setting in a basement space. Air-conditioned comfort supports a relaxed vibe amid lively chatter. Rotisserie chicken, carrot soup, and French-inspired sandwiches stand out for quality and flavor.

Salads come with meals like the half chicken and stand out as divine. They pair well with sandwiches and soups, especially when ordered early in the day.

Poulet Roti Baguette features plenty of meat and a perfect cheese blend with Swiss cheese. The baguette is fresh and crispy with balanced saltiness, pairing well with butter and ham.

People are saying

"The baguettes here are fresh with a crispy exterior."

"The salad here is divine and super flavorful."

"The French food here, especially the baguettes, is so good with salty butter."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the one eleven building garage with a voucher from the register.

2

Free parking is possible on Brazos with a receipt.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

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