Author: Eric BernsteinPublished:
When it’s time to celebrate—whether it's a birthday, anniversary, new job, or a hard-earned win—our team doesn’t take dinner plans lightly. These are the places we keep coming back to for unforgettable meals, stylish settings, and a little bit of indulgence. From cozy Italian to upscale Texas coastal, each spot offers something unique—but all are perfect for a night that calls for champagne.
Here’s our personal ranking of the best special occasion restaurants in Austin, starting with solid picks and building to our all-time favorite.
Jeffrey's Restaurant
8. Sammie’s Italian
📍 Downtown Austin – 6th & West
Think of this as Austin’s take on a classic red-sauce joint with Carbone-esque flair—glamorous, vibrant, and indulgent. If you’re deep in a Carbone state of mind—thinking white tablecloths, thick red sauce, and a soundtrack of glamorous chaos—Sammie’s is your Austin equivalent: nostalgic, slightly over‑the‑top, but undeniably fun.
It’s the luxury version of Italian-American comfort food, with house-made pasta and hefty entrées. We love the Mafaldine, Shrimp Francese, and the Chicken Piccata — other favorites include the Mozz Sticks, Caesar Salad, and Lumache.
7. Red Ash
📍 Downtown Austin – Colorado & 3rd
Red Ash is bold, bustling, and unapologetically rich in flavor—a steakhouse with Italian flair. The wood-fired grill is the heart of the kitchen, giving every dish a smoky depth that defines the entire dining experience. Portions are massive and meant to be shared—this is family-style dining at its boldest. The open kitchen and upscale yet unpretentious vibe make it a go-to for work wins, client dinners, or a celebratory night with friends. Book early because reservations fill up fast for a reason.
Our go-to dishes? Definitely the bone-in ribeye with salsa verde, truffle tagliatelle, and the legendary crispy pork shank. We also love the wood-roasted vine tomatoes with burrata to start, and we never skip the Agnolotti alla Piemontese—it's so good!
6. Birdie’s
📍 East Austin – 12th & Harvey
Birdie’s isn’t your typical special occasion spot—it’s more like your favorite neighborhood wine bar that just happens to serve Michelin-level food. They’ve recently moved to a set menu format, which makes the experience feel even more thoughtful and elevated. You’ll still find their signature bold flavors, seasonal Texas ingredients, and wine pairings that surprise you in the best way.
Yes, there’s usually a line, and no, it’s not exactly romantic standing on the sidewalk waiting—but the food more than makes up for it. Once you're seated, it feels casual, intimate, and quietly special. The natural wine list is always fun to explore, and every dish that hits the table feels like it was made with care and purpose. It’s the kind of place that turns “just dinner” into something you’ll talk about for weeks.
5. The Peacock
📍 Downtown Austin – Inside the Proper Hotel
If you’re looking for something colorful and vibrant, The Peacock delivers with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, warm service, and absolutely stunning interiors. Every detail—from the tilework to the tableware—feels elevated, and the ambiance walks a perfect line between luxurious and relaxed. It’s perfect for an anniversary, brunch celebration, or any moment that calls for something festive and elegant.
We love starting with the Crispy Shallot Hummus and the Sunflower Maroulosalata, followed by the Manti Dumplings, Spiced Lamb Kefta, or the Marissa-Marinated Beef Tenderloin. The Cheese Saganaki always makes its way to our table too. Pro tip: Start with a cocktail on the rooftop bar upstairs and soak in the view before dinner.
4. Tatsumi
📍 North Shoal Creek - 2700 W Anderson Ln, Suite 212
Tatsumi is a true hidden gem—unassuming from the outside, but once you know, you know. We recommended it to a friend recently, and he went four times in one month. It’s that good.
This place is all about top-tier fish and traditional technique. We usually skip the house rolls (which can be a bit too saucy for our taste) and go straight for a full spread of nigiri, sashimi, and chef’s choice selections. The quality of the fish here honestly rivals Michelin-level omakase spots—we’re talking bluefin toro, Hokkaido scallop, uni, the works.
It’s quiet, understated, and perfect for a night when you want something truly special without the flash. Sit at the bar, order a sake, and let them take it from there.
3. Este
📍 East Austin – Manor Road
Este is the coastal sister restaurant to the another amazing restaurant, Suerte—the East Side spot made famous by its Black Magic Suadero Tacos—but honestly, we prefer Este. It just feels like a better fit for special occasions.
The space is warm and minimal with subtle coastal Mexican influences, and the wood-fired grill brings a rich, smoky flavor to nearly everything that hits the table. It's perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or when you want to impress someone without it feeling too try-hard.
Our go-to dishes? The Turbot a la Mantequilla with shishito-anchovy butter is absolutely magical. We’re also obsessed with the Tuna Tiradito, Shrimp Aguachile, and the Quesadilla de Hongos—which makes mushrooms feel so luxurious. The seafood is always pristine, and the menu walks that perfect line between inventive and deeply comforting.
2. Uchiko
📍 Rosedale - 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Suite 140
Uchiko is a celebration in itself. While the Uchi/Uchiko name has now spread to cities across the country, it all started right here in Austin—and the original still delivers a top-tier meal every single time. From the thoughtful design to the artful plating, everything about this place says, "you're treating yourself."
The menu changes seasonally, but we’re always blown away by the scallop and ocean trout nigiri, and the karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is one of the most underrated things on the menu. Known for its modern Japanese small plates, dishes like the hamachi with yuzu kosho, short rib nigiri, and miso foie gras are always crowd-pleasers.
It’s a hefty price tag, yes—but one that feels totally worth it for a special occasion.
1. Jeffrey’s
📍 Clarksville – West Lynn & 12th
When only the best will do, it’s hard to beat Jeffrey’s. This Austin institution is refined, luxurious, and quietly spectacular. Every detail is dialed in—from the white tablecloth service to the moody lighting and curated wine cellar. The staff is warm, attentive, and professional without being stiff, and the overall experience just feels special. It’s the kind of place you remember years later.
The crispy fried Gulf oysters are unreal, and the hors d'oeuvres menu is almost impossible to skip—creative, impeccably executed, and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a birthday, a closing dinner, or celebrating buying your first house, Jeffrey’s delivers the kind of meal that anchors a milestone.
Of course, the **dry-aged steaks **are menu mainstays, but there’s no wrong order here. Ask for a corner booth, and don’t leave without browsing the wine list.
This is our top pick for a reason: it’s the best in town when you want to dress up, toast something meaningful, and feel truly taken care of. A meal at Jeffrey’s isn’t just dinner—it’s a celebration in itself.
Ready to Celebrate Something Bigger?
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to your dream space, or just starting the process, we think that’s something worth celebrating—with a great dinner and a solid mortgage strategy. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Austin, give us a call.
We’d love to help you get there—and maybe even recommend a few more places to toast the keys. Schedule a call with me today or get in touch with me by completing this quick form, and we'll help you get started.
