When in Austin, you’ve got to get your grub on, and celebrities have a knack for picking some of the best food the Capital City has to offer.
Whether A-listers are flocking to Austin for SXSW, ACL Festival, or just a weekend trip, our local restaurants leave a lasting impression. So where do they go? Let us show you.
Bonus: Where would you tell a celebrity to eat in Austin? Drop your recommendations.
Amy’s Ice Creams
On his two-night “Chromakopia” tour stop at the Moody Center, Tyler, The Creator told the crowd he enjoyed a scoop of the locally beloved ice cream while in town. He didn’t disclose the flavor, but we hope he tried the Mexican vanilla.
Aris
While in town for the premieres of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” and “The Sun Never Sets” during SXSW, the Fanning sisters and Michelle Pfeiffer were snapped at a restaurant that Reddit sleuths discovered was Aris, a Mediterranean steakhouse.
Cheer Up Charlies
Ok, it’s not a restaurant, but Will Poulter — who was in town for the SXSW premiere of “Death of a Unicorn” — and prominent YouTubers Rhett & Link were pictured enjoying a drink and partying at the Red River staple bar.
El Arroyo
The TODAY Show’s Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager — who is an Austin native — made a trip to the famous Mexican restaurant known for its cheeky signage while filming in the Capital City. As an honorable mention, they also raved about the barbecue ribs + pepper jelly at Lamberts.
Franklin Barbecue
Celebrities can’t get enough of this world-renowned barbecue spot, which is known for lines around the building, and neither can locals. Former President Barack Obama, Gordon Ramsay, Jimmy Kimmel, and Anthony Bourdain. Some reports also say that Pedro Pascal also visited Franklin this month.
La Barbecue
The list of celebrities who picked this MICHELIN-starred barbecue joint for a meal goes on and on. The restaurant has served the likes of Dua Lipa, Seth Rogen, food critic Keith Lee, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Lutie’s
Figi here. A lot of the celebrities we met on red carpets were staying at Commodore Perry, and had nothing but good things to say about the on-site restaurant Lutie’s. We’ve also eaten at Lutie’s, and it’s a great place to visit both for a delicious meal and a taste of local history.
ONETACO. Taquería
The mayor of Flavortown himself — aka Guy Fieri — is permanently enshrined on the wall at this local mini-chain from when he visited with his TV show.
The Salty
While in town for the SXSW film premiere of “Another Simple Favor,” actress Blake Lively took a tour all over Austin, including a visit to decadent donut shop The Salty.
The A-list actor and friends headed across the street from the Austin Convention Center to visit Taqueria De Diez.
Photo via @blakelively
Taquería De Diez (10/10)
Another stop on Lively’s Austin tour, this no-frills hidden taco shop made the list. Lively also shopped at Allen’s Boots and took a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
Terry Black’s BBQ
What’s a trip to Austin without a stop at this famous Barton Springs Road barbecue spot? Ed Helms, Justin Timberlake, and Post Malone have all been caught enjoying the restaurant’s delicious cuts.
Torchy’s Tacos
“The Last of Us” star Pedro Pascal was spotted dining at the casual taco shop (at what appears to be the South Congress Avenue location). Plus, Bryan Cranston and even former President Barack Obama have paid the restaurant a visit.
Toshokan
“New Girl” actor Jake Johnson told ATXtoday that he tries to visit omakase restaurant Toshokan each time he visits Austin.
Whole Foods
Tyler, The Creator is not shy about his love for the flagship Whole Foods, noting that the health foods store is the first place he visits when he comes to Austin. He’s long had a love for the grocery store — he also mentioned enjoying its food at ACL Festival in 2021.
Know of another celebrity favorite that isn’t listed here? Shoot us a message.
