Arguably the hottest new restaurant in Austin is Vox Table, and — lucky for you — it’s right outside your door in the Lamar Union complex. It opened at the end of April and it’s been collecting rave reviews from diners as well as accolades from local publications for its small plate, farm-to-fork concept and its inventive cocktail menu.

Given that it employs the small plate concept, you’ll order a bunch of plates and share with your dining companions. By far the most popular plate here is the smoked hamachi pipette, consisting of tomato raisins, pickled cucumber, thai chili, and coconut soy vinaigrette, which diners says is “to die for.” The calamari noodles is another home run — roasted corn, smoked tomatoes, Spanish chorizo, chili oil, and corn nuts, as is the glazed cabrito, a delicious mix of creamy rice, fava beans, pea tendrils, charred vine ripe tomatoes. Be sure to make a reservation for Vox Table, but if you don’t, you might be able to get a table if your party is small.

Vox Table
1100 S. Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 375-4869
voxtableaustin.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vox-table-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr jenny downing

There's nothing quite like doing yoga outdoors — the fresh air; the soft grass cushioning your mat; the natural soundtrack lulling you into a state of relaxation. These are all perks you can't get in a yoga studio, which is why many yoga instructors take their practice outside during the summer months. In Austin, you can enjoy a free yoga class outdoors courtesy of Wanderlust Yoga at the Spring.

This weekly event transforms Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park, just a mile from Lamar Union, into a yoga studio—sans the walls. Just bring a mat and a bottle of water, and you can join in with the flowing poses at a vinyasa-style class. Yogis of all skill levels are welcome, and there's more to do after class commences. At 8:30 p.m., local cafe Blenders and Bowls will dole out free snacks. Nibble on the fresh food and then allow some time for your stomach to settle before 9 p.m., when open swim begins.

Wanderlust Yoga at the Spring
Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park
7:30 p.m. Mondays
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX 78746
www.facebook.com/media/set/wanderlustyoga

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Average Jane

Fresh, whole wheat pasta. Wines from around the world. Crispy, thin-crust pizzas. These are the elements that converge to make Cantine Italian Cafe and Bar a buzzed-about new restaurant in Austin, and it's a mere 60-second trip from Lamar Union. It just debuted in the space where Fino restaurant once dished out Spanish tapas, and it's taken a new approach to cuisine. Now instead of Spanish fare, the eatery at 1100 South Lamar crafts Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Reserve a table online to sample some of the freshly made pasta or golden-brown pizzas on the menu at Cantine Italian Cafe and Bar. If you opt for the pizza, order the Verde with spinach, zucchini, and ample amounts of cheese. Other more decadent meal options range from bone-in lamb over a bed of asparagus to seafood dishes. Don't forget to order a cocktail or glass of wine as well, since Cantine's list of libations is as impressive as the creative Italian cuisine.

Cantine Italian Cafe and Bar
1100 S. Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704
cantineaustin.com
www.facebook.com/cantineaustin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Nicola since 1972