La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights: A Sweet Taste of France in Pflugerville

The French know how to do dessert, from their decadent pastries to their delicately flavored macarons. La Patisserie offers all of these French delicacies and more right in the heart of Austin’s Pflugerville neighborhood, and the bakery features a stylish interior that’s equally as sweet. Glass display cases show off La Patisserie’s colorful baked goods, while hardwood floors, antique bookcases, and gleaming chandeliers offer a touch of charm.

The shop’s brightly colored macaron is one of La Patisserie's most popular desserts, but regulars also adore the pain au chocolat and the cream puffs. La Patisserie serves traditional French quiches and croissants for breakfast, as well as a few American breakfast dishes. For lunch, the menu comprises hot sandwiches like croque monsieur and croque madame, simple cold sandwiches, and fresh soups to go along with them. Don’t forget to grab an espresso on your way out!

Note that La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights is closed on Mondays.

La Patisserie by Oven Fresh Delights
602 W. Annie Street
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 912-0033
www.lapatisseriepfl.com
www.yelp.com/biz/la-patisserie-austin

Upper Crust Bakery: Breads, Pastries, and More

With more than 28 years in the bakery business in Austin, Upper Crust Bakery has earned itself a bevy of loyal fans who flock there for freshly brewed coffee and yummy breads and pastries. Croissants are available here in a dizzying array of flavors, including cinnamon almond, marzipan, ham and cheese, and chocolate. Also in the pastry case are muffins, scones, cookies, cinnamon rolls and turnovers. Brioche, baguettes, rye, whole grain, and ricotta herb are among the bread options.

Stop by Upper Crust at lunchtime for a bowl of Italian stew with spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs. An apple, goat cheese, and pecan salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing is a fresh and healthy option. Sandwiches include chicken salad with pecans and grapes, tuna salad, smoked turkey, and avocado with vinaigrette.

Just a short drive from Hardrock Canyon in Austin, Upper Crust Bakery is open every day.

Upper Crust Bakery
4508 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 467-0102
uppercrustbakery.com

Read the reviews on Yelp.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/khawkins04

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar: Fine Wine and Dining in Austin

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar features flavorful Italian fare served in a richly hued setting with a long mirrored bar and walls decorated to create a delightful ambiance. Happy Hour is a great time to cruise in for great discounts on food and drink — visit the Gusto Italian Kitchen website to find out more.

Gusto's pizza offerings include the Italian Job with sausage, mozzarella & goat cheese, and the Bianco with ricotta, cream, roasted chicken, spinach & caramelized onions. Spinach Lasagna, Spaghetti Carbonara, and Rostini alla Crema with chicken, spinach, walnuts, parmesan & cream are among the pasta choices. If you'd like to order something else, Gusto's menu of entrées includes Cioppino with salmon, shrimp, mussels, calamari & spicy tomato sauce, Grilled 10-Ounce Strip Steak with Brussels sprouts, Pan Seared Black Drum with roasted fall vegetables, and Braised Lamb Shank with creamy gorgonzola polenta.

Just a short trip from Hardrock Canyon in Austin, Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is open every day.

Gusto Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar
4800 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 458-1100
www.gustoitaliankitchen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/gusto-italian-kitchen-and-wine-bar-austin

Write Yourself a Prescription for Fun at Apothecary Cafe and Wine Bar

The Apothecary Café and Wine Bar is the best prescription for a relaxing evening. Located in a small shopping center on Burnet Road in Rosedale, this is a quaint spot to come by for a glass of wine with friends or to stay for a bite to eat. The long bar, nice tables and décor with a little Middle Eastern flair will make you feel comfortable. There’s also an equally comfortable patio, which is also dog-friendly. Come for happy hour, and you’ll always find deals on selected wines and apps to share. (Try the Gouda Chicken Nachos.) Because the dinner menu is seasonal, it changes all the time; however, the high quality remains consistent, and you can always find a good wine to pair with any entrée. Brunch on the weekends is also a tasty option.

Apothecary Café and Wine Bar
4800 Burnet Road, Suite 450
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 371-1600
http://www.apothecaryaustin.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/apothecary-cafe-and-wine-bar-austin-2

Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar: Gluten Free Gourmet

The Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar is a sensitive stomach’s paradise with the entire menu being gluten free without sacrificing a bit of flavor. This place is for everyone who enjoys over-the-top amazing food and atmosphere. The menu is inspired by the tastes of Southern France and Northern Italy. They have placed the kitchen so that your every sense will be heightened with the sounds, smells, and sights as your food is prepared. Don’t be surprised if the chef comes to greet you personally at your table. Regulars are over the moon about the rich, powerful flavors and fresh ingredients on offer. Some  favorites to try are the crab macaroni and cheese and  the salmon rousade wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with potatoes, fine cheeses, and fresh vegetables. Don’t forget their immaculate wine selection, which also happens to be completely gluten free. You will be delighted no matter what you order.

Riviera Bistro & Wine Bar
12801 Shops Pkwy Ste 200
Bee Cave, TX 78738
(512) 263-2960
http://www.yelp.com/biz/riviera-bistro-bee-cave

Asti Trattoria: Italian Cuisine in a Casual Austin Ambiance

Asti Trattoria in Austin’s Hyde Park neighborhood offers, casual bistro-style Italian food.  Meals start with crusty and chewy complimentary bread and the cheese and antipasto plates are popular appetizers, offering a variety of cheeses, cured meats, fruit and nuts. Many diners indulge in Asti’s gourmet pizzas and the Bianca topped with three cheeses, sage and drizzled in truffle oil is a customer favorite. Homemade sausage is featured throughout their pasta dishes, like the orecchiette with broccoli rabe. Traditional main dishes round out the entree selection, try the braised lamb shank with polenta. Customers note the portions are deceptive; they look small but will definitely satisfy. Don’t overlook dessert, diners love the sweet finish of beignets with vanilla bean gelato. Asti’s extensive wine list has many by the glass and half bottle selections, including dessert wine and aperitifs. The decor mixes contemporary updates with a 50s diner vibe; red enameled tables and a counter facing the open kitchen create a fun trendy atmosphere for a casual meal. 

Asti Trattoria
408 E. 43rd Street
Austin, TX 78751
(512) 451-1218
www.astiaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/asti-trattoria-austin

French Quarter Grille: Cajun Fare in Austin, Texas

If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know that Cajun food can be presented two different ways. There’s the quick and tasty plates of shellfish and oyster po’ boy style, and then there’s the upscale, French-influenced dining that brings out some of the most intense and nuanced flavors that the cuisine has to offer. The French Quarter Grille in Austin ably bridges the gap between those two styles, presenting excellent Cajun and Creole food at good prices in a classy atmosphere. Start your meal with an order of the crawfish beignets – these small French donuts are stuffed with spicy, tender seafood and come with a light jalapeno tartar sauce for dipping. Entrees are diverse and universally good, with some favorites including the exceptional blackened catfish gumbo, the pecan-crusted trout, and the blackened ribeye Ponchartrain, which updates surf & turf with a perfectly-seared steak topped with shrimp, crab and crawfish in a mushroom brandy cream sauce.

French Quarter Grille
13000 N. IH 35
Austin, TX 78753
(512) 832-9090
http://www.yelp.com/biz/french-quarter-grille-austin

Opal Divine’s: A Happy Hour Hotspot

Discounts abound at Opal Divine’s! With four locations, including their “Marina” location in north Austin, you’re never too far from a great bar special. 

Every night of the week you can find a great deal to enjoy with friends on their large patio.  Celebrate Texas on Wednesdays with $2.50 Texas brews all day and a pulled pork sandwich. If you’re feeling fancy, Sunday evenings offer a great deal on top-shelf margaritas. Their bar also features over 60 varieties of scotch, many imported and craft beer on tap, and half price appetizers M-F from 4-7 p.m. The bar isn’t the only place you’ll find specials — Monday is buy one burger, get one at half price. Other favorites include their fish and chips, and basket of cracked pepper fries, which come with your choice of dipping sauce like chipotle ranch. They also have an express lunch menu which guarantees your lunch in 15 minutes.  Check their website for a full list of their daily deals.

Opal Divine’s
12709 Mopac Expressway
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 733-5353
www.yelp.com/biz/opal-divines-marina-austin

Playful Elegance at Tomodachi Sushi

Tomodachi Sushi in north Austin is a hip little restaurant that offers both traditional Japanese and fusion dishes, making it a great place to please sushi novices and pros. “Tomo” is the creation of husband and wife Steve Riad and Tina Son. With 18 years of experience, Chef Riad uses fresh seafood imported from the best world fish markets, such as the Tsukiji fish market in Japan, to craft inspired and flavorful food.  Tina Son’s degree in design influences the artful presentation of food, and hip decor.  If you’re in the mood for classic sushi and sashimi, the menu has over 30 seafood options to choose from. They also offer hot and cold sake, and Japanese beer.

Tomodachi Sushi
4101 W. Parmer Lane
Austin, TX 78727
(512) 821-9472
www.yelp.com/biz/tomo-sushi-austin

Casual Homemade Italian Food at Mezzaluna

Mezzaluna Italian Grill is a homey little italian restaurant in Austin's Wells Branch neighborhood, just a few minutes from Hardrock Canyon.

Diners love the oven-fresh bread that starts the meal. Salads are fresh and served with homemade dressings – try the blue cheese vinaigrette. If one of their daily specials doesn’t peak your interest, the huge seafood ravioli is a go-to choice. Meat dishes are ultra-tender and the Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana – a veal cutlet wrapped with prosciutto in a lemon sage sauce – is highly recommended. 

Pizzas have fun gourmet toppings like goat cheese, grilled asparagus, and smoked salmon. Many wines are available by the glass – including several from Texas wineries – as well as a small selection of craft beers. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable, perfect for a casual yet romantic date.

Mezzaluna Italian Grill
14735 Bratton Lane
Austin, TX 78728
(512) 252-1444
www.yelp.com/biz/mezzaluna-italian-grill-austin-2

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