News Summary
Austin’s culinary landscape is experiencing a robust transformation as numerous new restaurants and cafes make their debut throughout the month. The innovative offerings cater to diverse tastes, while several notable establishments face closures and relocations. New ventures like Amity’s coffee shop and Café Largesse highlight the trend, alongside well-known favorites such as East Side King closing its doors. Despite the changes, the vibrant food scene in Austin continues to thrive, promising exciting dining experiences and events ahead.
Austin’s Culinary Scene Flourishes with New Establishments and Notable Closures in May 2025
Austin has welcomed a variety of new restaurants and cafes throughout May, adding to the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. A host of innovative dining options have emerged to cater to diverse tastes, while several well-known establishments have announced significant changes, including closures and relocations.
Among the new entrants, Amity’s has transformed the back room of the Hole in the Wall, previously occupied by Jewboy Cantina, into a coffee shop dedicated to serving quality coffee. Operating weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Amity’s plans to expand its hours to Tuesday through Sunday starting in June.
Another addition is Café Largesse, which opened in Barton Creek under the guidance of hospitality veteran Olga Estrella. The café offers a menu emphasizing seed-oil-free, seasonal cuisine, featuring morning pastries, breakfast items, salads, lunch selections, and Spanish-style pizzas, along with an in-house delivery service.
Additionally, an Australian-inspired café called Citizens debuted on Burnet Rd, boasting an all-day menu and dinner service that includes classic Australian delicacies such as Vegemite dishes and inventive cocktails. Knuckle Sandwich has also recently opened within The Far Out Lounge, featuring a comprehensive menu of sandwiches and sides paired with a full beverage program.
Food enthusiasts will also find Strangelove, a collaborative venture between Small Victory and Figure 8 Coffee, which offers morning pastries and plans to feature regular food pop-ups on its patio. Swedish Hill marked the opening of its third location at S. First St., serving a variety of pastries and artisanal breads.
Sweet-toothed residents can rejoice with the arrival of Zeds, a New Zealand-inspired ice cream shop at 2727 Exposition Blvd, allowing customers to customize their soft-serve flavors. Furthermore, the popular Thai food truck Dee Dee is shifting to a brick-and-mortar location after closing its truck at Radio Coffee and Beer.
While new spots are flourishing, the culinary scene is not without its farewells. East Side King will close its South Lamar Boulevard location after 15 years of service, although it will continue catering operations. Chef Paul Qui intends to open Roselle Pizzeria in the former East Side King space, serving New York-style pizza and pasta dishes.
Meanwhile, Leche coffee shop will temporarily stop its operations as it transitions to a truck at a new location, actively seeking community input on this move. Also closing its doors is Redbud Ice House, which had operated for nearly a year and recently hosted a “last hurrah” party before its shutdown. The restaurant Stinson’s has announced the closure of its brick-and-mortar location, with plans to reopen as a food truck nearby.
Looking ahead, Tech X Sushi Tora is set to open in December 2025. This forward-thinking establishment will implement a digital ordering system to serve dishes efficiently via a speedy laneway system in EastVillage.
Austin’s culinary landscape also teems with upcoming events. For instance, Father’s Day specials will be available at various restaurants, promising unique dining experiences suited to the celebration. In addition, P. Terry’s has announced that its original location at Barton Springs will operate 24 hours a day, commemorating the chain’s 20th anniversary.
The combination of new culinary ventures and the transition of established venues underscores the ongoing evolution of Austin’s food scene. With a rich array of options and some adjustments to familiar favorites, the city continues to thrive as a vibrant destination for food lovers.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: 7 New Austin Restaurants
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- CultureMap: Tora Aburi Opening
- Google Search: Austin Restaurant Openings 2025
- KVUE: P. Terry’s 24-Hour Service
- Google Scholar: Culinary Scene Austin
- Community Impact: The Salty Opens at Domain
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Eater Austin: Restaurant Closures June 2025
- Google News: Austin Restaurant Closures
