The gist: Resident ramen king Tatsu Aikawa’s latest venture is already racking up the gold stars. Tiki Tatsu-ya is an ‘island world’ restaurant and bar concept with Hawaiian, Polynesian, and Asian influences.
The food: It wouldn’t be a Tatsu-ya without a delicious helping of Japan. The Spam on a Half Shell uses housemade Spam, mango, shio koji, dandelion, arugula, and hibiscus furikake. Then you have the Maguro Poke (arguably the best in town) with tuna, cucumber, kahuku limu, taro crunch, and kukui nuts. Dessert comes in the form of Butter Mochi, which uses a rich yet light coconut cream, pineapple jam, macadamias, and mint. Of course, you can’t visit without trying their creative and colorful cocktails, worth ordering for the photo-ops alone.
The cost: Starters and shareables $8 - $18, poke bowls $18, musubi $12 - $20, cocktails $15 - $16.

The gist: A manifestation of Austin’s beloved G’Raj Mahal, Mumtaz Market is its wildly popular successor—and one of Austin’s top Indian restaurants—blending scratch cooking, South Asian flavors, and a touch of adventure.
The food: Aside from a wide selection of traditional curries from Tikka Masala to Korma, the team puts a creative spin on Indian entrees. The Pork Rechaad is a comforting stewed, spiced, and gingered pork with braised cabbage and candied pineapple, while the Gnocchi Saag, a creamed curry spinach with potato dumplings, is a vegetarian’s dream. Lunch specials include the Tikka Masala plate and Lamb Burger and Fries, best enjoyed with Mango Lassi.
The cost: Lunch specials $14 - $16, starters $8 - $10, entrees $19 - $42, curries $14 - $18.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via Toast.

The gist: Austin’s beloved pizza joint has finally reopened after a year and a half out of the picture, and fans have been savoring their pies like a long-awaited Adele record.
The food: Pizza toppings may seem a little on the quirky side, but trust us, they work. There’s the sweet and spicy Hot Honey, laden with tomato sauce, ricotta, Grana Padano, Salumeria Biellese Coppa, fresno peppers, and Mike’s Hot Honey, and the Kale, with mozzarella and house sausage, plus a funky LA BBQ collaboration called the Spicy Pickle, piled with mozzarella, Fontina Fontal, Grana Padano, LA BBQ pickles, pickled garlic, fresno peppers, and fresh dill. 40 North recently launched a natural wine list so add a bottle of Pinot to the mix while you’re at it.
The cost: Pizzas $10.40 - $18.40, salads $11.40, sweets $7.40 - $8.40, wine by the glass $10 - $12.
How to book: Stop by for first come, first served seating or order take-out via ChowNow.

The gist: Geraldine’s is classic Austin, with live music, a buzzing bar, and delicious Southern recipes making their way to the table. Opt for a rooftop igloo during the winter season for an extra cozy experience.
The food: This is a sharing situation here, with plates that get bigger the farther you dive into the streamlined menu. Nibble on Grilled Texas Quail and the Hamachi Crudo to start, then go for the Half Roasted Chicken (you’ll fight over the crispy potatoes, btw) and Smoked Short Rib alongside veggie sides like the sweet, fish sauce-spiked Brussel Sprouts or Smoked Carrots. Oh, and snag a reservation that coincides with the live music program for sure-fire date night bliss.
The cost: Plates $7 - $41, desserts $11.