After landing in San Antonio yesterday to kick off my summer vacation, the very first thing I did…read moretoday was ask my friend to bring me back to this restaurant. The reason is simple: we ate here two years ago, and it left such a great impression on us that we had been looking forward to coming back ever since. Fortunately, not much has changed in terms of either the quality or the overall presentation of the food. Everything is still delicious, especially the Pho Combo. To be honest, it's far better than most of the pho we've had in Germany. That doesn't mean the pho in Germany is bad--it simply means this place matches my personal taste much better. As for the downsides, they're almost exactly the same as before. Parking is still a major challenge, and I understand that's probably not something the restaurant can easily fix. We also tried calling ahead to reserve a table, but they don't take reservations, whether you're coming with a group of 5-7 people or just 2-3 people. We arrived at 6:45 PM and still had to wait about 40 minutes before being seated, which was honestly quite inconvenient. Coincidentally, there was live music tonight, which was a nice surprise. Unfortunately, the sound system wasn't very good, so it was difficult to hear what the singers were performing. Then again, this isn't really the type of venue where people come specifically to enjoy live music, so most diners didn't seem to pay much attention to it. One thing I did notice was that either the kitchen has made a few changes over the past two years, or perhaps my own taste has changed a little. The food felt slightly saltier than I remembered, and the pho broth was richer and creamier. While that added some depth of flavor, it was a bit too rich for my liking, to the point where finishing the entire bowl of broth felt a little overwhelming. The braised short ribs were incredibly tender--so tender that a knife was almost unnecessary, and they could easily be pulled apart with just a fork. While many people would probably see that as a positive, I actually missed the slightly firmer, meatier texture I remembered from my last visit. That said, these are relatively minor issues. The quality may have dipped just a little compared to our previous visit, but this is still an excellent restaurant. If they can fine-tune those small details, it would easily return to being one of my favorite places. There's a good chance we'll stop by one more time before heading back to Germany.

Is it that time of year for another 1618 update? Absolutely…read more After my umpteenth visit, I think it's safe to say I've worked my way through almost the entire menu (minus a few noodle, chicken & vegetarian dishes). My 2025 review still stands, but after so many visits, I've noticed a few items haven't been good as they used to, particularly the chicken wings (and yes, all three of them). The Garlic Wings haven't been hitting quite the same. They've started to taste a little dry, and the saucier wings taste better the next day since they don't have time to steep through once served. The Filet Mignon Pepper Steak is still my favorite dish on the menu, but I still can't justify ordering it family-style anymore. It's delicious, but the portion just doesn't match the price. One of the newest additions--the Truffle Fried Rice is spectacular. It's light, not overpowering with truffle, and the fish eggs really adds the perfect little pop of texture/flavor. I don't think I breathed the entire time I scarfed it down!! 1618 is still one of my favorite restaurants in Austin of all time, but I think it's time for the menu to elevate a bit and dive deeper into less mainstream Asian cuisine. If anyone can do it, 1618 can.

Authentic. Consistent. Excellent Food and Service. Could actually be in Kyoto, Japan…read more Kyoto/Piney Creek.. Best in Town.

My partner mentioned that this was the best sushi place near Bastrop, and after hearing so much…read morepraise, I finally decided to visit. Unfortunately, the food was just okay, and the menu felt overwhelmingly large. What used to be a sushi-focused restaurant now includes a broader Asian menu. I believe there has been a change in management and chef, and the food quality seems to have been compromised compared to before and this is something my partner also confirmed. On a positive note, the staff were friendly and helpful. I am not sure if we will be visiting again.

Loro was one of the highlights of our trip to Austin. It's an excellent spot for large groups…read morebecause there's something for everyone. The menu has a great variety of Asian-inspired barbecue, smoked meats, shareable plates, and sides, so everyone in our group found multiple dishes they loved. Everything we ordered tasted incredibly fresh, and the quality really stood out. The combination of barbecue and Asian flavors was unique without feeling overdone. Although I would reorder everything again, these are the following things that I still dream about: crunchy sweet corn fritters, char siew pork belly, smoked shishito queso, and smoked butcher's cut. The laid-back atmosphere made it easy to relax, share food, and enjoy good conversation. If you're visiting Austin with friends or family and want a place that offers delicious food, plenty of variety, and a fun, casual vibe, Loro is an easy recommendation. We'll definitely be back.

Plenty of parking, lots of seating options both indoor and outdoor, no wait, easy ordering at the…read morebar, creative menu. We came here for a small late lunch during a hot day and this place checked all the boxes. Plenty of seating options and we loved the AC. Both high chairs and booster seats available for kids. The char siew pork belly was very good. Nothing like barbecue pork belly or asian char siew, but somehow they made it work. Chicken karaage was what you would expect, similar to what you get at Japanese places. Portions are big. The sesame rice noodles were highly reviewed but kinda underwhelming. Sauce was surprisingly spicy and the sesame flavor wasn't super obvious. We also tried the rendang beans and rice, which was a creative spin. I enjoyed the curried beans with the fragrant coconut rice. Nice spot to rest, relax, enjoy a meal and drinks. Enjoyed our experience.

"Entree-only" options were at a good price point. They had a big screen menu kiosk for ordering and…read morea covered sit down area with small fan AC. Why didn't I take pictures of those? Worth taking a look at. They seemed to have regulars.

I have passed this food truck more times than I can count and often think to myself; I need to stop…read morehere but never did. Today is a pretty day and I said I'm stopping, and boy I'm glad I did. The food is fresh. It tasted good the portion size and price were reasonable and I'm happy I finally stopped! I can definitely recommend this place and I will be stopping by and enjoying more of their dishes in the weeks to come!

    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!

Very nice establishment with great interior design touch, however the food was lacking for the…read moreprice. I went with my brother and we had a fun time talking with the people around us. For $150/head you get solid Chinese food, with nice presentation. To me, if I consider the $150 price point for the meal, paying simply for presentation is not enough, especially if you consider other restaurants competing at this price point in the Austin area. Very few of the dishes had any real flavor advancements/innovations past the original Chinese dish it was based on. For example, the salt and pepper lobster comes out in this fancy wide wooden dish, filled with dried peppers, and then is seated on a textured stone bowl with sliced lettuce under the lobster tail. All to get 2 bites of typical tasting lobster. Was the lobster good? yes, but the general feeling is pay more to get better presentation, and less food for the money, not a food taste upgrade. To be fair, that may be what the restaurant is targeting. To contextualize Ling's kitchen, I feel as if you would be able to get a larger version of most if not all dishes, with similar quality in Houston for $20. For $150 you would be able to feed an entire family with drinks and dessert normally so I do not feel as if the money is worth it. Not much innovation on the flavors for the palate, but the food had very cute visuals. Service was nice, and the Chef's energy was infectious.

Went to Qi for dim sum brunch and overall had a really enjoyable experience. Qi is know for…read morecombining western and traditional Chinese cuisine by using local organic farming. Did not have a reservation on this occasion, but they always make me feel welcome and manage to fit us in. Sat on the outdoor covered patio that was cool and shaded. The atmosphere is modern and lively, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch. Started the meal with cocktails including Lycheetini with Deep Eddy Vodka, Giffard Lichi-li. lemon, cranberry, I cut the cranberry. Also had a Fresa Paloma with Socorro Reposado Tequila, Contratto, strawberry, lime, grapefruit, five-spice that was very sweet and garnished with a flower. You are given a card where you can mark your dim sum selections. I ordered the Shrimp Pancake, Snow Crab Ball and Chinese Sausage Sticky Rice. The standout was the shrimp pancake that had a really great texture and flavor. The snow crab ball had a strange texture with shrimp surrounding the snow crab claw. The Chinese Sticky Rice is always a favorite. Also ordered the Truffle Egg Fried rice and Birds Nest with Seasonal Vegetable. The Truffle rice is so flavorful like a flavor explosion in your mouth. The Birds Nest is made with fried potato shreds which contain the a variety of vegetables including cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms and asparagus. The nest is also edible and has a crunchy texture. The presentation of the food is amazing and everything came out hot and fresh. The flavors were on point, and you can tell there's attention to detail in the preparation. Service was attentive outdoors and the pacing of dishes felt just right for a relaxed brunch. This restaurant is truly a gem whether you come for brunch or dinner service. Will definitely be back.

I wasn't as blown away by the service and menu as I hoped- but continue to hear great things so…read moreI'll be back. Can't recommend the truffle fried rice or soup dumplings enough. The chicken basil pot stickers and pork belly were good.. but a bit dry for my taste. However, the sauces they offer were all good. Martini was a jump scare in color but taste was on pointtt! Service was fine but we were out front on the patio and though our waiter was attentive while we ordered, we ended up finishing and waiting 40 minutes for someone to come by so we could grab the check. I ended up just heading inside and the maître d' was able to close us out. Tables around us were open so I'm not sure what had them held up, and it could've been a one off, but definitely not ideal at this price point.

Excellent and attentive service, they even have Lola working which I loved, so cute…read more Ambiance has Filipino history included in photos, and shows how much they care about sharing tradition. Went here for my dad's birthday and all of us gobbled up the amazing food! Tasted just like home

We're out of towners from Houston, and somehow craved Filipino food. So when we were in Austin, I…read morewasn't sure what to expect. This place happened to be just a few minutes from our hotel and I'm really glad we gave it a shot. First off, it's very mom-and-pop -- no frills, straight to the point, and focused on the food. I did think it was interesting that they also operate as a Chinese restaurant, but honestly, it's probably a smart move given the area. More ways to bring people in the door. The staff were incredibly friendly. It genuinely felt like being back in the Philippines. They were also super accommodating with our toddler, which always earns bonus points from me. We ordered the pansit, sizzling sisig, and sizzling chicken BBQ and all three were delicious. The pansit was savory and loaded with veggies and shrimp. The sisig was nicely peppery with just the right amount of spice. The sizzling chicken BBQ was such a great twist on the classic -- I might actually prefer it this way over skewers. It was easier to eat and came with extra sauce to drizzle over rice. Even though we were stuffed and already had to-go boxes, we couldn't skip halo-halo. It was the perfect ending -- refreshing, sweet, and exactly what we needed. If I lived here, I'd honestly be a regular. If you're looking for solid Filipino food in Austin, this is definitely a spot to check out.