Most great food in Austin is found at taco trucks, because taco trucks can make food in all kinds of interesting ways that don't scale, which makes them unique.

The food-truck movement was born out of post-2008 when no restaurateur could get a loan, so they hustled to get enough money for a food-truck. It did create an explosion of unique dishes and some of the best in Austin, most noticeably Torchys.

Uchi and Barley swine are not even close to the best Austin has to offer so I can see why you are confused about Austin food.

> Uchi and Barley swine are not even close to the best Austin has to offer

I don't claim they are. I mention them, because, in my experience, those are emblematic of the restaurants that top the recommendation lists year after year and are actually good.

Which restaurants top your list?

I don't know about Barley Swine, but Uchi is a good Japanese restaurant, likely in the top 3 in Austin, at least.

I wouldn't rate Uchi as a top 3 sushi much less top 3 restaurant. Maybe 10 years ago it was the best sushi.

Which ones would you recommend, then?

Personally, I find Fukumoto, Ebisu, and Komé, pretty good overall, and my personal favourite is Bon, actually in Bee Cave. I don't think any of them would be considered "fine cuisine", but that I also like.

X

Agreed the food was legitimately not-good at most places. There are some good ones ( Clarks Oyster Bar, Habesha Ethiopian, Evangelines ) , but mostly it was bland and the home cooking is downright disastrous.