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Austin’s Most Anticipated Restaurant and Bar Openings

Discover the latest wave of Austin newcomers slated to open before the year’s end

Ēma Austin. (Photo by Jeff Marini)
A selection of mezze dishes from Ēma, a Mediterranean restaurant opening at Domain NORTHSIDE in fall 2025. (Photo by Jeff Marini)

Austin’s dining scene continues to shift with new experiences, menu announcements and openings. As the year enters its final quarter, a new wave of restaurants and bars is set to debut. From anticipated sister spots created by established neighborhood favorites to inventive new concepts, these additions are expected to make their mark on the city’s food landscape.

Leona's botanical garden exterior (Rendering by Clayton Korte)
Leona’s botanical garden exterior. (Rendering by Clayton Korte)

Leona Botanical Cafe & Bar

6405 Brodie Lane

Expected opening: Early Fall

A collaboration between the DEE DEE and Veracruz All Natural teams, Leona is targeting an early fall opening in South Austin. The project features a botanical garden, a main cafe and bar, a shaded pavilion and three restaurants. Chef Lakana Trubiana will serve Northeastern-style Thai dishes using herbs from the garden, while sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez will introduce Mexican offerings with fresh ingredients. The development includes DEE DEE’s first brick-and-mortar location and a new Veracruz outpost.

The team behind Veracruz All Natural will open La Mezca, an intimate mezcalería in Mueller. (Photo courtesy of L Mezca)
The team behind Veracruz All Natural will open La Mezca, an intimate mezcalería in Mueller. (Photo courtesy of L Mezca)

La Mezca

1905 Aldrich St., Suite 120

Expected opening: Late September

Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez of Veracruz All Natural will open their first mezcalería, La Mezca, later this year. Inspired by trips to Oaxaca, the bar will feature more than 20 artisanal mezcals and agave spirits from small family producers across Mexico. Bar team members Sebastian Cajas and Bryan Ruiz will lead tastings and curated flights. The space includes Día de los Muertos-inspired design, seasonal cocktails with traditional Mexican ingredients and street-style tacos from Chef Reyna. La Mezca will be open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m., with private tastings and classes available on weekdays.

Kappo Kappo, a 25-seat restaurant opens this fall at Austin Proper Hotel.
The new restaurant, Kappo Kappo, opens this fall at Austin Proper Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Austin Proper Hotel)

Kappo Kappo

600 W 2nd St.

Expected opening: Fall 2025

This fall, the Proper Hotel will open a kappo-style restaurant with just 25 seats, led by twin chefs Haru and Gohei Kishi. The brothers will serve an 11-course menu blending Japanese seasonality with French technique. At the heart of the space is a 15-seat chef’s counter, where dishes such as wagyu and seafood will be presented directly by the culinary team alongside sake, wine and cocktail pairings.

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VanHorn’s wedge salad. (Photo courtesy of Berg & Sons Hospitality)

VanHorn’s

238 W 2nd St.

Expected opening: Fall 2025

Chefs Daniel Berg and Dylan Salisbury of Berg & Sons Hospitality will open VanHorn’s this fall, their third Austin venture. The New York-inspired steakhouse is planned for the Second Street District with a menu designed to appeal to a range of price points. VanHorn’s will serve dry-aged steaks sourced from Manhattan’s Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors, making it the only independent Austin restaurant with that partnership. The 95-seat space will also feature a raw bar, comfort dishes and craft cocktails.

Chef Natalie Gazaui, formerly of Bacalar and Comedor, will lead the kitchen at Tzintzuntzan. (Photo by Natalie Gazaui)
Chef Natalie Gazaui, formerly of Bacalar and Comedor, will lead the kitchen at Tzintzuntzan. (Photo by Natalie Gazaui)

Tzintzuntzan

2330 W. North Loop Blvd.

Expected opening: Fall 2025

The team behind beloved Fonda San Miguel introduces their new concept this fall, named for the Purépecha word meaning “place of hummingbirds.” Tzintzuntzan will operate as an independent breakfast and lunch spot featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, a panadería and unique ice cream offerings. While maintaining its own identity, the restaurant will share patio and garden access with Fonda San Miguel. 

Ēma’s spinach and feta spread. (Photo by Jeff Marini)
Ēma’s spinach and feta spread. (Photo by Jeff Marini)

Ēma

3120 Palm Way, Suite 170

Expected opening: Fall 2025

The sister restaurant to Music Lane’s Mediterranean favorite Aba arrives at Domain NORTHSIDE this fall, expanding its coastal ambiance year-round to Northern Austin. Named “mother” in Hebrew, Ēma continues the mezze-style tradition with Mediterranean small plates designed for sharing alongside light, seasonal cuisine—all under the leadership of “Top Chef” alum Chef CJ Jacobson. The 5,000-square-foot space features indoor and outdoor dining areas plus a full bar, creating a Mediterranean coast-inspired atmosphere that answers Austin’s growing appetite for fresh, inviting flavors.

Aburi Restaurants is set to introduce its acclaimed sushi concept, TORA, to Austin this December.
Aburi Restaurants is set to introduce its acclaimed sushi concept, TORA, to Austin this December. (Rendering courtesy of TORA)

TORA

3500 E. Parmer Lane

Expected opening: December 2025

Japan-based restaurateur Seigo Nakamura will open his Michelin-recognized concept TORA at EastVillage this winter. The Aburi Restaurant Group concept will feature Nakamura’s flame-seared sushi technique. The restaurant will include a sushi concierge system with touch-screen ordering and conveyor-style delivery from chef to table. The menu will offer Aburi nigiri, oshi and rolls, along with seasonal omakase selections, premium sake and modern Japanese small plates.

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