Never tried pho before so I winged it by ordering brisket pho LOVED IT! I love the ambiance in the…read moredaytime nice and quiet the staff is super friendly you can tell there's a lot of love put into this restaurant.

First things first: 1618 Asian Fusion is located in a busy and popular area of South Austin, but…read morethere is a free parking garage right across the street, which makes visiting much easier. The dining environment is comfortable, clean, and fun. It has a lively atmosphere that works well for hanging out with friends, date nights, or even a casual dinner when you want something a little nicer. Their menu has a great variety of food and drinks to choose from, which makes it a good spot for groups. I tried the dim sum and pho, and both were fresh and delicious. What surprised me the most was that the prices were actually very reasonable, especially considering the location, atmosphere, and quality of the food. No wonder every time I come here, it's always packed. It's rare to find an Asian fusion restaurant that does this concept right, but 1618 really pulls it off.

Tried the Loro x Siete: Backyard BBQ collab at Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar and it was such a fun…read morehappy hour bar experience. Loro is an Asian smokehouse and bar featuring grilled and smoked meats with Southeast Asian and Japanese-inspired sauces, sides, and a bar that boasts craft beer, boozy slushees, and batch cocktails. Parking at this location is a bit of a challenge. They have overflow parking in the back but the spots are really small. We sat at the bar area and worked our way through cocktails, apps, and dessert. We opened a tab and the bar staff takes your order which is convenient, versus how you normally have to order by waiting in line at the bar. The bar staff was extremely busy because they have to make all the cocktails and take the line orders at the bar. They are a master of multitasking. It was $3 martini night on Tuesday, so was excited to sample the four different drink options. lychee martini, Mexican martini, and Lucky Cat cosmo martini. Lychee martini is made with new amsterdam vodka, sake, elderflower, Mexican martini with espolon blanco, olive, yuzu, lime and cosmo with vodka, blood orange, naranja, lime. The lychee was hands down my favorite of the three. We started with the Dip Sampler that included a trifecta of smoked shishito queso, smoked salmon dip and Thai green salsa with the Siete blue corn tortilla chips. We went through the chips quickly and got a second round of wonton chips which I preferred to the Siete chips. Tried the Mango Chamoy frozen Slushee with Siete Chamoy Botana Sauce & Siete Chile Lime Seasoning Rim, passionfruit, Aperol, Sake and Sparkling Wine which was refreshing. All their boozy slushies are $5 during happy hour. Ordered the oak grilled edamame from the happy hour menu and it was a flavor explosion with a dusting of serracha powder, lemon zest and white sesame. For dinner, I ordered my go-to rice bowl with coconut-scented rice, seasonal pickles, thai herbs and steak as the protein. They normally served this with Bavette, but the steak was a bit tough and chewy this time. Finished everything off with cheesecake with five spice crumble, yuzu marmalade for dessert. The vibe at the bar was relaxed and lively without feeling overwhelming, and the collab menu felt creative without trying too hard. The ingredients are very thoughtful for a fully developed flavor profile. Just what I would expect from the culinary minds of Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin. Definitely one of the regulars in my list when craving good cocktails with a casual but elevated food menu.

One of my first and best experiences of barbecue in Texas!…read more Firstly, staff here is super friendly, especially given how slammed this place was, their attitudes were upbeat. They have a great outdoor layout, as well as lots and lots of seating indoors.

When wonderful humans start businesses in the community like this one, you KNOW it's a labor of…read morelove. They are in a "soft opening" phase currently, and we got to meet the owner who was very enthusiastic about his business, the community, and garnering any feedback we had. The food is - in one word, impeccable. We went in for a snack and ended up ordered 4x as much as we meant to because everything was so darn delicious. The menu consists of baos, sushi, hand rolls, adorable pearl shaped nigiri, bento, and more - they are all customizable with yummy sauces (miso butter - mmm!), and many types of protein (seriously like all the protein options you can find at a premium sushi bar). Everything is served with house made sauces so if you are a condiment gal/guy like me this is your place! Food - I had the escolar, unagi, and scallop hand rolls (all under $5 each) and was so surprised by the quality / freshness of the protein and the portions given. The escolar was so soft and buttery. I then ordered the shrimp fresh roll (also under $5, it was HUGE) and the chicken katsu baos (around $6-7) - they were amazing. The chicken tenders are panko crusted and fried crispy. BF tried the steak baos and LOVED them too. Okay also did I mention the PRICES?! You can't get quality food like that for a greater deal. Drinks are all $8 and hit the spot :) The interior is not completely redone / set up yet but I can't to come back when it is! The phone / QR code system makes it so easy to order. JUST GO! and Support this incredible addition to the neighborhood.

If you're looking for something quick, casual, and cheap, this would be your spot! I feel like it's…read morejust very average, like a decent spot to just fuel up, but not necessarily somewhere I would bring friends to. It is pretty cheap, but the serving sizes match the price, not really filling you up. The baos were pretty good. The char siu pork belly didn't look the most appealing. But it smelled and tasted pretty decent. They give you a good amount of meat too. The turmeric chicken was pretty good too, I really liked the seasoning on this one. The sushi was ok though. The presentations was super cute, with the little sushi balls! But the fish itself didn't taste as fresh as I would have liked. The workers were all really friendly though. You can practically see inside the whole kitchen when you walk in, so it's a little unsettling walking in and seeing all the workers like standing there waiting for you to put your order in online, but interacting with them, they were really friendly.

What a pleasant place to dine at. My husband and I were looking for some Asian-fusion place and we…read moreare so glad we came across this place. More of a diner/casual place and I can see people coming here for social gatherings. Wouldn't recommend for very large parties though. There is parking behind the restaurant and since the restaurant isn't that big, I don't think it would take long to find a spot. You definitely get what you paid for. We got the hanger steak and chicken and it was more than enough. We got some appetizers because we thought the entrees wouldn't be filling enough but were so wrong. And surprisingly, the main entree entree chicken wasn't dry and pretty flavorful. The steak was also cooked well - wish there was more flavor but the condiments complimented it very well. I would also get the umami wings (well cooked and great flavor). Service is A plus - the workers were all very attentive, personable, answered any questions we had. We had a mishap with our bill and the (I think?) manager was so nice and accommodating. They also have different specials depending on the day/week! Will definitely come back anytime I come back to Austin.

The service was awesome. Enhanced the dinning experience. Arrived during Happy Hour, and it was my…read morefirst time. Our server explained the owner's backstory, inspiration, the menu, HH, and the portion sizes. The charred Brussels sprouts were crispy and flavorful. The chicken wings were done in a spicy Szechuan Thai sauce. Very delicious. The Pork Buns were a home run. It was easily the biggest piece of Pork Belly I've ever seen on a bao bun. It was extremely tender and the sauce on the bun complimented it very well. It was my birthday and the wait staff gifted me an Ice Cream with Rice Paper Wafers. If I remember correctly, it was called a Thai Movie Theater (could be wrong). Ice cream was drizzled with chocolate, caramel, and fish sauce. Unique, unlike anything I've had before. The Rice Paper Wafers gave it a nice buttery crunch. Wonderful service. Wonderful food. Highly recommend and I will be back!

I had a wonderful time the other night thanks to my server Fere! She was super friendly and helpful…read morewith my really annoying order. I made several changes and she had no issue handling them. Will be coming back again and requesting her as a server!

I brought my mom and sister here for lunch!…read more The indoor space and outdoor patio are very spacious. The salmon rice bowl ($15.95) and the brisket sandwich ($15.95) were both filling and delicious. The salmon especially was perfectly cooked and I loved the coconut rice. Order at the counter, and they bring your food out to you.

Service was decent, and the food came out quickly and hot. I ordered the pho combo, which came with…read morea generous portion. The flavor was on the slightly bland or mild side (very subjective, and I ddin't add extra sauce), but I appreciated that it didn't seem to have MSG. Unlike some pho places where I usually feel thirsty afterward, this felt lighter, which was a big plus. Overall, it was a decent experience. I'll be back to try their bánh mì, Thai iced tea, and Vietnamese coffee.

The bone marrow appetizer was delicious, two large bones along with some bread with pate…read more The Banh mi at this place is also quite good. However prices are pretty high.

    This was one of the best Omakase experiences we've ever had. Chef Ling is a brilliant and personable chef who treats her chefs and staff like family. Several different chefs prepared each course, and the presentation was well beyond what we expected, both visually stunning and thoughtfully composed. From the moment we walked into Ling Kitchen, the energy felt warm and intentional. The space is intimate without feeling cramped, and you immediately sense that you are about to be part of something special rather than just another dinner reservation. Chef Ling personally welcomed guests, shared the story behind the menu, and checked in throughout the evening in a way that felt genuine and never forced. Each course built on the last, with a clear progression of flavors and textures. The fish was impeccably fresh, the knife work precise, and the seasoning balanced to highlight the natural ingredients rather than overpower them. You could see the coordination among the team as different chefs stepped forward to prepare and present their dishes. It truly felt collaborative, like a small culinary orchestra. What stood out most was the creativity. Traditional techniques were honored, but there were subtle twists and unexpected combinations that kept us curious and engaged. Every plate was composed like art. The pacing was perfect, allowing time to savor each bite and appreciate the craftsmanship. Beyond the food, the hospitality elevated the entire experience. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and clearly proud to be part of the team. That family atmosphere Chef Ling fosters is palpable and makes the evening feel personal. If you are in Austin and looking for a memorable omakase that rivals experiences in much larger food cities, Ling Kitchen is a must. This is not just dinner, it is a curated, immersive experience. We will absolutely be back. Thank you Ling!!! You are truly one of a kind!

Chinese fine dining with a memorable, unique hospitality experience that will truly blow anything…read moreelse you've had out of the water. I saved Ling Kitchen for a recent visit to Austin, reuniting with my college roommate. She has been before; I hadn't, but we both enjoy memorable meals and she said this was sure to please; it did not disappoint. I eat at fine dining around the world and I appreciate that Ling Kitchen is truly trying to carve their own path, not trying to fit a specific mold. It was refreshing and so welcome. You enter through the back of the kitchen (where the private parking lot is) and are taken to a prep area where you'll select drinks and have opening bites. You get a selection of champagne or a non-alcoholic option to start and get your first taste of the food (charcuterie on a rice cracker, yum). They have a decent wine and sake menu, but everything is by the bottle, so beware if you're a light drinker. We opted for a bottle of sake that was just the right amount for two to share for a 3-hour meal. The actual meal takes place in the kitchen itself, alongside the prep of the chefs working it. It's such a unique ambiance and different to the "open kitchen" setup I have done for other fine dining; you are truly in between the cold storage, the duck aging for future diners, etc. The low light & ambiance is beautifully arranged for a nice meal and they put all the special touches - down to LED camera lights for each diner so you can use to take photos of your food better! You can only make reservations in 2's or 4's for this spot and the table arrangement is really for diners to share a meal together. The food itself is extremely beautiful and so filling! I think this was the first time at a fine dining restaurant I literally could not finish all the food and had to make a few smart choices towards the end to have room to try it all! I think some dishes stood out more than others (the XO lobster tail, every single dessert, an eggplant dish they made to sub for the aged duck for me, and the king salmon with curry lahksa), and a few were aesthetically pleasing but otherwise lacked strong flavor (the dumplings, the steamed egg, a pan seared halibut that was a sub for wagyu). I thoroughly enjoyed the meal and more so enjoyed the storytelling and thoughtfulness of each dish and the overall service & hospitality experience. Chef Ling Qi Wu is introduces several dishes and is available to chat with guests throughout the meal. She noted the taro dish as one of her first dim sum items she had ever made and the salmon curry lakhsa as a home comfort dish for her. The desserts were themed around the four seasons - just so much thought put into the whole experience! They had the entire table introduce themselves and share what brought them there halfway through the meal and gave us the opportunity to walk around the kitchen, talk to chefs, try some elements used in later dishes like the fresh honey used in our desserts. They gave us a polaroid, branded chopsticks and a clean menu to commemorate the experience. Ling Kitchen is truly more than a fancy restaurant; it's a whole memorable dining experience, and I hope to return for a future special visit one day!

09-19-2025 We came to Austin to visit our brother. He…read morerecommended this place for a lunch gathering. Glad he did; everyone in our party enjoyed what he/she ordered. The food was extra delicious due to Saki's attentiveness and superb service! I look forward to dining here again the next time am in town. Ordered: -Grilled Salmon Bento $16.90 -Tonkatsu Bento $15.90 -Broiled Red Snapper Bento $15.90 -Beef Yakisoba Bento $16.90 -Rainbow Roll Combo $17.90 -Sushi & Sasmi Combo $18.90 -Green Tea $5 -Salmon Roll $12 Thanks Saki for suggesting the Rainbow Roll Combo! It was the perfect choice for me : )

I know this place for many years, I like their lunch menu options, quality and prices. The service…read moreis always nice and professional. I usually get bento and extra sashimi. It comes with tasty miso and side salad. It is located in a convenient location. They are very consistent and I appreciate the fact. They actually make a very good good tempura. Not greasy and light.

About two weeks ago, after we saw their menu online, we noticed that they had Vietnamese food we…read morehad never heard of, so we decided to try it. However, when we went there, they told us many of the dishes on the online menu were no longer served, due to recent change in ownership. So no, they didn't have Bánh Xèo or many other items anymore. I'm not sure if they have added items back yet. But if you want certain items, I'd recommend calling ahead. I got their hot stone filet mignon rice noodles. This dish was served by a heated stone bowl with broth. On the side were two plates: one with bean sprouts, Thai basil, and jalapeño slices - the classic trio, and the other with filet mignon, rice noodles, and veggies. I was supposed to add ingredients to the bowl to cook them. Since the stone bowl was already full of broth, I had to ask for an extra bowl for me to scoop out some broth to get some space for other ingredients. That was fine, but the stone bowl was extremely hot, so I ended up overcooking both the meat and rice noodles... Their stone bowl rice noodles is from $30 -$45. Given the price and experience, I wouldn't come back.

Banh Xeo here is pretty good. The crepe is nice and crispy,…read moreand the veggies and shrimp fillings go well together with the fish sauce served together. I like it's served with lettuce and rice paper so you can make your own wrap.