Ever since Austin’s food explosion began a few years ago, it seems like a new restaurant (or three) opens every week. Needless to say, when it came to selecting the Best New Restaurants for this year, there was no shortage of options. We dined at and debated over the dozens of new restaurants that opened between September 2012 and September 2013, and narrowed it down to our favorite 15. From a Top Chef’s first restaurant and a worth-the-drive sushi place far off the beaten path to an Austin institution that got a revitalizing facelift and more, here are the new restaurants that deserve a spot on your must-try list.

qui

1600 E. Sixth St., (512) 436-9626, quiaustin.com

Paul Qui, arguably Austin’s most famous chef, took his time to get every detail of his namesake East Side restaurant just right before its June opening, and yes, it was worth the wait. His multiculturally influenced cuisine is as artful as the handmade pottery or simple dishware it’s served on. It’s also filled with imagination, and sometimes esoteric references, such as Ode to Michel Bras, a changing dashi (soup) with locally grown vegetables. If your server—likely the cook who made it—doesn’t explain the name, ask. Or get Qui himself to do it. You’ll be able to spot him among the cadre of staffers dancing a well-choreographed ballet amid the open kitchen’s stainless-steel stations. Their concentration is a marvel to behold; for a better look, request seating at the kitchen-facing counter. That is, once you get in. With a Top Chef and James Beard Award winner at the helm and a no-reservations policy, it could take a while. But let us repeat: It’s worth the wait.

Searsucker

415 Colorado St., (512) 394-8000, searsucker.com

With Searsucker and West Coast restaurants Herringbone and Gabardine, celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey is weaving his “fabric of social dining” concept into an empire. But the idea behind what Inc. magazine calls “equal parts scene and cuisine” is clearly a winner. Searsucker’s expansive space contains couch-filled corners, U-shaped booths, kitchen-counter stools and a large, L-shaped bar, all of which invite sipping and savoring—as if, Malarkey says, you’re actually hanging out at his house. Both the decor and the menu reflect his playful attitude, with delectable cocktails such as the Peter Rabbit, a mix of Pimm’s No. 1 and housemade basil lemonade, and a Cajun shrimp and bacon grits appetizer hot enough to make you reach for the rabbit drink. Sharable plates, entrees worth ordering (not the case everywhere) and brunch with meal-in-a-glass bloody marys make Searsucker a sure bet, something Malarkey knows a bit about. He photographs thoroughbreds (and seersucker-wearing fans) at the Kentucky Derby every year.

Jeffrey’s

1204 W. Lynn St., (512) 477-5584, jeffreysofaustin.com

When young, ambitious restaurateur Larry McGuire and his hospitality group took over this historic establishment in late 2011, there were those who feared he would strip away the legacy of 38-year-old Jeffrey’s. Fast forward nearly two years and one top-to-bottom remodel later, and boisterous doubters and naysayers are now irrevocably silenced. Long gone is the rickety infrastructure and stagnant spirit of the former Jeffrey’s. The new Jeffrey’s is a reincarnation of yesteryear’s fine dining days, chock-full of small-but-meaningful details in its chic, white tablecloth design, first-class service, sensuous wine and cocktail selections and refined French-American fare. It’s not just the pungent cheese cart, classic American sides and tender dry-aged steaks that helps Jeffrey’s snag a spot on our list; it’s the lasting euphoria diners take away from this revitalized, reborn restaurant.

Gourdough’s Public House

2700 S. Lamar Blvd., (512) 912-9070, gourdoughspub.com

Gourdough’s and gluttony go hand-in-hand. Indulgers have been visiting the popular food trailer on South Lamar for greasy spoon cravings since 2009. But the new Gourdough’s Public House is more than a midnight haunt; it’s a restaurant that is transforming a beloved American pastry into a staple ingredient in Southern comfort cuisine. The industrial, pale-wood space has turned up the heat on these dangerous doughs by combining them with more than powdered sugar and thick glaze—we’re talking fried potato chips, chicken fried steak and pecan pie filling. And it takes the popular treats to a dangerous level by incorporating spirited cocktails into the menu, while using everything but the kitchen sink to create even more soft, gooey entrees and desserts, such as Grandma’s Dumplins, slow-cooked chicken with doughnut hole dumplings, and the Freebird, a doughnut made with tangy cheesecake filling, thick cream cheese icing, crumbled graham crackers and fresh berries.

Soto

11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 402, (512) 257-0788, sotoaustin.com

Austin now has so many sushi bars, standing out from the rest is a challenge. Soto rises to it by combining simplicity and sophistication with the freshest ingredients and a flair for drama. Shellfish might appear on an ice bed glowing ocean-blue, courtesy of a buried LED light. (Recessed lighting also creates an entrancing effect in the “moon room,” a private dining area.) For his fire salmon dish, Chef Kenji “Andy” Okamoto drapes strips of fish dotted with microgreens and pansy petals on a lemongrass stick as if they were festive banners, suspended over a rum- and coffee bean­fueled fire. You sear slices of kobe beef Ishiyaki yourself on a hot stone seasoned with truffle butter. Or go with the chef’s choice—he might deliver a piece of butter-soft blue fin otoro painted with gold flecks next to a chunk of black cod with ginger root and sweet miso. The popular Goldenrod cocktail, a mix of St. Germain, pear vodka, sparkling wine and lemon, is definitely worth trying, and the green tea tiramisu created by Chef Andrew, Andy’s brother, will send you over the moon. It’s the best tiramisu in town.

Pieous

12005 Hwy. 290 W., (512) 394-7041, facebook.com/Pieous

After years of working as an accountant and lawyer, respectively, Josh and Paige Kaner decided to trade it all in for pans, pie weights and wood-burning ovens. So they exited their careers and opened Pieous, a sweet and savory concept, off of Highway 290 West in Oak Hill. Unlike most ingredient-saturated, greasy-pie pizza shops, Pieous employs a small menu of authentic, artisanal ingredients and perfectly balanced flavor combinations to sit atop their sourdough, Neapolitan-style crusts. The House on Fire pizza, for example, features crushed tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, calabrian peppers, hot sopressata, spicy onion and crushed chili. The atmosphere is equally delightful, with a bright-red wood facade accented by whitewashed window frames and a homey counter-service bar surrounded by chalkboard-painted walls. It’s easy to call it a meal once you’ve made your way through the signature delicate pizzas, but save some room for the slow-smoked pastrami and decadent pies. You can’t go wrong with a slice of the wild blueberry or banana cream.

Ramen Tatsu-Ya

8557 Research Blvd., (512) 834-8810, ramen-tatsuya.com

There’s something boiling in the Texas culinary scene, and it looks an awful lot like noodles. ATX has definitely seen a ramen explosion this year (see “Hot Eats,” page 120), but few of the savory creations have won our affection quite like the ramen served at Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Owners and former hip-hop DJs Tatsu Aikawa and Takuya Matsumoto pay homage to authentic Japanese ramen fare, marrying al dente noodles with succulent meats, bright greens and standard garnishes like pork belly, Napa cabbage, soft-boiled, marinated eggs and bamboo. While ramen is undoubtedly king at the eatery, which now features both counter and seated service, it’s no one-trick pony; the small plates and sides mirror the decadence of its noodle counterparts. Most days, there is a wait to get into this 38-seat restaurant, but the soul-warming goodness at Ramen Tatsu-Ya is worthy of delayed satisfaction.

Sway

1417 S. First St., (512) 326-1999, swayaustin.com

Sway’s neon lotus flower glows like a pink beacon on South First Street, signaling to diners that a unique experience awaits—starting with the spirit house in the outdoor courtyard. (Leaving offerings is said to assure happiness and prosperity.) Inside, knotted wood paneling contrasts with dark-stained communal tables and benches, creating a warmth enhanced by Magda Sayeg’s colorful “Knitta, Please” stitchery accents. But it’s the blend of flavors in Sway’s modern Thai cuisine, filtered by way of Australia, that sends a heady rush to the taste buds. Prawn miange on betel leaves, fragrant tom kha gai soup, Wagyu beef jungle curry, the special-order moo Sway pork-shoulder feast—they’re all so good, it’s worth bringing a crowd to share several dishes. A cocktail list augmented by housemade drinking vinegars and kombucha elixirs, as well as oh-so-intoxicating desserts, provide further support for Bon Appetit’s inclusion of Sway on this year’s list of “50 Best New Restaurants in America.”

Épicerie

2307 Hancock Drive, (512) 371-6840, epicerieaustin.com

Épicerie feels like a cafe you’d stumble upon while walking the beaten pavements of New Orleans or the cobblestone streets of Paris. The warm, counter-service space is adorned in bright lighting and marble, tile and wood finishings—the product of Michael Hsu’s genius. The upscale grocery store-restaurant combo opened last December in the Rosedale neighborhood and features a cornucopia of simple-but-well-made French/Louisiana-style staples like fried green tomatoes, steamed mussels with french fries and crispy pork boudin. Chef-Owner Sarah McIntosh has cultivated an impressive fine-dining resume over the years in places like Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc in California and James Holmes’ Olivia, but approaches Épicerie, her first restaurant, with a humble simplicity in price point, serving sizes and menu selections. As for the groceries, there is a selection of staples, including cheeses, chocolates, wines and other gourmand goods.

Jezebel

800 W. Sixth St., (512) 436-9643, restaurantjezebel.com

Ah, Jezebel. False prophet? Fallen woman? The Bible paints you as evil, but dinner at Chef-Owner Parind Vora’s restaurant couldn’t be more divine. Vora’s prix-fixe five-course dinners are not made to order; there’s no menu to order from. Servers interview diners to assess preferences, then Vora creates dishes from those notes and his ever-changing ingredient supply. No two diners get the exact same dish. In fact, records are kept to avoid repetition. Italian servingware, tableside cocktail service, perfect wine pairings and the jackets-required rule enhance the atmosphere of understated elegance and exclusivity. Jezebel has only eight tables, but there’s no turnover. You’re there for an event, not just a meal. From the caviar service complete with Champagne or chilled vodka to the petits fours cart and “morning after” muffin, the Jezebel experience is a foodie’s dream. Vora calls it “couture dining.” You’ll likely call it one of the most memorable nights of your life.

Barlata

1500 S. Lamar Blvd., (512) 473-2211, barlataaustin.com

Chef-Owner Daniel Olivella and wife Vanessa Jerez wanted Barlata to feel like a neighborhood tapas bar in his native Barcelona, and they’ve succeeded, with a convivial vibe, friendly staff and a menu full of authentic Spanish flavors. The casual atmosphere draws on playful elements, such as Ryan Hennessee’s cartoonish murals and a long bar where they might pass you a cava-filled perrón. When you’re told to tilt your head back and pour from its long, narrow glass spout (no lips allowed), just do it. It’s a kick, as are cocktails that could incite flamenco dancing and an all-Spanish wine list. Menu offerings admirably represent Olivella’s coastal home, from octopus, squid and shellfish to lamb, multiple chorizos, wonderful cheeses and myriad vegetables. Standouts include the gambas ajillo (shrimp with garlic and adobo sauce) and bravas (fried potato cubes with tomato and garlic-and-oil allioli). Save room for the mel i mato dessert. And do ask to see the book about human tower walkers. Olivella’s talents include that, too.

Arro

601 W. Sixth St., (512) 992-2776, arroaustin.com

Bread. Cheese. Wine. The very food of life—the good life—is what you’ll find at Arro, the latest offering from the folks behind 24 Diner and bakery/beer garden Easy Tiger. Arro is inspired by a French phrase meaning “make a toast to life,” and Executive Chef Drew Curren and his pastry chef wife, Mary Catherine Curren, have French down. Everything is delicious, from the rich butters accompanying Easy Tiger breads (the pecan-cinnamon is outrageously good) to the charcuterie (try the shredded, flame-crisped duck rillette), amazing appetizers and main-course offerings and, of course, outstanding desserts, like profiteroles. Two master sommeliers oversee the beverage program, without a hint of snootiness. In fact, highfalutin’ airs—French or otherwise—are, happily, absent from Arro; this is Austin, after all. The friendly staff, clean, light-filled space and $25 prix fixe offering make Arro an accessible, welcoming spot—and it’s open late, too.

The Bonneville

202 W. Cesar Chavez St., (512) 428-4643, thebonnevilleaustin.com

Boston transplants Chris Hurley and Jennifer Costello are more like your favorite cooking couple than careerist restaurateurs or stardom-seeking hotshots. That’s because they met after each ditched a previous career to pursue cooking. Their labor of love is a comfortable, calming spot where tourists, downtown high-rise dwellers and on-the-town Austinites can strike up easy conversations over classically inspired craft cocktails or well-curated wines and beers. The menu is well-curated, too (not to mention affordable), with don’t-miss signatures, such as the creamy bacon and egg ravioli in brown butter, salt cod fritters, seared diver scallops and chicken under a brick. Pizza, happy-hour specials, heavenly desserts and brunch offerings like bananas Foster French toast with rum syrup and cinnamon Chantilly cream—plus vintage flicks on the bar TV—might inspire fantasies of establishing residency in the curtained “Sinatra” booth.

Eden East

755 Springdale Road, (512) 428-6500, edeneastaustin.com

It’s unlikely we’ve seen such a fervent locavore as Sonya Coté. The influential farm-to-table chef has broken barriers on behalf of small farmers, Texas ranchers and hard-working female chefs everywhere. Coté built an enviable reputation at East Side Show Room and Hillside Farmacy, but she’s taken her no-holds-barred creativity and imagination to the next level at Eden East, an outdoor dining experience in the center of Springdale Farm. Hours before the intimate dinner service, Coté traverses the farm grounds in search of earth-grown ingredients to prepare with her multicourse weekend entrees, such as vegetable croquettes with tarragon crème fraîche and rabbit pâté with carrots and pickled beets. Eden East looks much like a rustic Pinterest wedding: a giant oak tree serves as the living centerpiece, while Mason jars and seasonal flowers decorate the rest of the earthy landscape. The menu changes weekly at the farm restaurant, but what’s certain is each dish will be a representation of Austin’s seasonal bounty.

Salt & Time

1912 E. Seventh St., (512) 524-1383, saltandtime.com

When Ben Runkle first started the Salt & Time brand back in 2010, he sold a small selection of meats out of a booth at HOPE Farmers Market. Popularity and praise propelled him and his equally passionate business partner, butcher Bryan Butler, into the next chapter, using Kickstarter and more than 250 loyal crowd-sourced investors to fund an intimate brick-and-mortar butcher shop and salumeria in East Austin. These days, the neighborhood stop features more than just cases of bovine, poultry and swine. A curated collection of artisanal sandwiches and daily-changing specialties permeate the restaurant’s savory air, drawing in carnivorous diners to sit at the smooth counter bar and gorge. It’s hard to pick just one favorite, but shop specialties, including the classic muffaletta, cheeseburger and charcuterie board, are where Salt & Time shines the most.