Experience the Best Austin Restaurants During Formula 1
September 1, 2026
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Formula 1 United States Grand Prix returns to Austin October 22–25, 2026. This year is the first time COTA has expanded race weekend to four days, with an all-new Thursday preview day on October 22 before the main action kicks off Friday.
The weekend also brings headline concerts at Germania Insurance Amphitheater: Maroon 5 on Friday, Post Malone on Saturday, and Alesso closing things out Sunday night after the race. With the Heywood Hotel’s proximity to both the track and downtown Austin, we’re one of the closest hotels to all of the action.
Austin is not only a Formula 1 destination each year. It’s also home to some of the country’s best restaurants and bars. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide recognizes Austin restaurants with more distinctions than any other Texas city. While you’re in town for the race, don’t leave without experiencing some of the best dining the state has to offer.
Our SAVOR AUSTIN package combines a stay at the Heywood Hotel, a One MICHELIN Key property, with VIP access and extras at 20 MICHELIN restaurants. Learn more and book your SAVOR AUSTIN package.
Here are our top recommendations for the best restaurants to experience while you’re in Austin for Formula 1.
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Hestia
Hestia is a live-fire cooking restaurant, as evidenced by the 20-foot hearth that anchors its kitchen and dining room. The MICHELIN One Star restaurant offers an a la carte menu and a chef’s tasting menu at $165 per person, with every dish carrying notes of ember and smoke.
Olamaie
Another MICHELIN One Star restaurant, Olamaie is a longtime favorite of the Heywood Hotel. The award-winning restaurant offers a modern take on classic Southern American cuisine with dishes including chicken pressé, gumbo, catfish, and their iconic buttermilk biscuits. Located in a converted house near downtown Austin, Olamaie is a must-visit during Formula 1 Austin.
Barley Swine
MICHELIN One Star contemporary American restaurant Barley Swine is another spot to add to your dining list during F1. Helmed by chef and owner Bryce Gilmore, Barley Swine is known for its highly curated tasting menus featuring seasonally-driven and locally-sourced ingredients. The dining space seats 65, making for an intimate experience.
Odd Duck
Chef Bryce Gilmore is also behind the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant Odd Duck. Located on South Lamar in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, Odd Duck is considered one of Austin’s top restaurants. The menu focuses on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients and features New American cuisine with signature dishes that include a wagyu burger with beer cheese, cast iron cheddar cornbread, and stuffed quail.
Experience MICHELIN Dining During F1 WeekendOur SAVOR AUSTIN package combines a stay at the Heywood Hotel, a One MICHELIN Key property, with VIP access and extras at 20 MICHELIN restaurants. Our concierge team handles reservations so you can focus on the race. |
Juniper
Located just a few blocks from the Heywood on East Cesar Chavez, Juniper is one of the most cosmopolitan restaurants in the neighborhood. The exposed kitchen and open dining room set an energetic tone, and the Northern Italian menu of small, shareable plates and pasta is ideal for a group coming off a race day. Reservations are accepted and group dining is available.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a Japanese izakaya and bar down the street from the Heywood. The restaurant has an adventurous menu with a focus on Texas smoked meats. They also have an extensive sake list and inventive cocktails, making it an ideal spot for late-night, after-dinner drinks.
Kemuri Tatsu-ya accepts reservations through their website for parties of up to seven people, which our concierge team will gladly assist with. Otherwise, it is first come, first served.
Casa Bianca
Casa Bianca is a modern American-Italian restaurant located just across from the Heywood on East Cesar Chavez.
The restaurant serves what they call “weirdo Italian,” influenced by Japanese forms and techniques, along with craft cocktails and wine. The menu includes raw bar and conservas, plus on-tap cocktails including the Aperol Spritz and Old Fashioned. We love the limoncello doughnuts. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Ezov
Named one of Austin’s Best Restaurants by the New York Times, Ezov is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant that “celebrates the markets of Tel Aviv and the bounty of Texas.”
The menu changes with the season, and the dishes are served tapas-style so they can be shared with the table. The restaurant also serves inventive cocktails and wines from Greece, Lebanon, Israel, Italy, and more.
Oseyo
Oseyo is a modern Korean restaurant serving family recipes in a fun, comfortable environment. It’s also located directly across the street from the Heywood! Dishes are served with homemade banchan (side dishes like kimchi) and inspired by “mom’s recipes.” Dinner reservations are encouraged and can be made online. Our concierge team is also happy to help coordinate a reservation.
Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye has earned multiple James Beard nominations alongside a MICHELIN Green Star for its sustainable practices and Bib Gourmand recognition from the MICHELIN Texas Guide. Emmer & Rye focuses on whole-animal butchery and house-milled grains, highlighting inventive techniques and beautifully composed flavors.
Co-helmed by James Beard finalist Kevin Fink and Food & Wine Best New Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, the Rainey Street restaurant serves inventive small plates and larger dishes and offers an extensive wine list. Emmer & Rye is just one mile west of the Heywood.
Uchi and Uchiko
Uchi and Uchiko are two of Austin’s best restaurants. Serving outstanding sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine from owner and James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole, the restaurants are an example of contemporary dining at its finest. The original Uchi is located just south of downtown. The second location, Uchiko, is located in Central Austin and has more seating and a slightly more adventurous menu.
Both locations accept walk-in seating at the bar, though reservations are highly recommended given their popularity.
As a guest of the Heywood, our concierge team will take care of reservations, so the only thing on your to-do list will be to enjoy one of the best meals in town.
Comedor
Comedor is located in a stunningly designed downtown building, a little more than a mile from the Heywood Hotel. Chef Philip Speer’s modern Mexican menu focuses on heirloom masa and live-fire cooking, with standout dishes that include bone marrow tacos with pecan gremolata and an impressive mezcal list. Comedor holds MICHELIN Recommended recognition, and the building itself, designed by architect Tom Kundig, is as much a reason to visit as the food.
BBQ Restaurants in Austin
If you’re looking for a casual meal, Austin BBQ is mandatory. A few of our favorites are just minutes from the hotel:
- la Barbecue: MICHELIN One Star restaurant located about seven blocks east of the Heywood on E. Cesar Chavez. Chef Alison Clem’s brisket is worth planning around.
- Micklethwait Craft Meats: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand barbecue restaurant at 4602 Tanney St, about three miles from the Heywood. Don’t skip the banana pudding.
- KG BBQ: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. Pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh applies Central Texas techniques to traditional Middle Eastern flavors. The brisket shawarma is unlike anything else in town.
Any one of these is a great call for a race-weekend lunch.
While these are just a few of our top recommendations for the best restaurants to visit during Formula 1 in Austin, our concierge team loves to provide personal recommendations for each of our guests and assist with any plans throughout your stay. We also offer free parking, a welcome basket, and a convenient location to make the most of your time in Austin on and off the track.
Book Your Stay at the Heywood Hotel for Formula 1 WeekendStay at a One MICHELIN Key boutique hotel steps from the best Austin restaurants. Our concierge team can help with reservations, recommendations, and everything in between. |