Emmer & Rye - Austin, Texas

Noodle M.

Long story short: not worth it for the cost.

Crudo was tasty.

Oysters had too much going on with them where you couldn’t even tell there was an oyster underneath.

Mushroom pasta was delicious and creamy !

Texas Wagyu was good but… $70 for 6 medallions?! Not worth it.

Overall food was pretty good but just not worth the prices. Ambiance and service was nothing above average either. Skip.

Kristina Z.

We had higher expectations based on the Michelin recommendations. While it’s clear they’re putting in effort, the experience felt underwhelming. It might be good by Austin standards, but it doesn’t compare to any truly exceptional places we’ve been to. The flavor combinations didn’t work well together, and none of the twists on the dishes were enjoyable.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single dish that stood out or that I’d want to try again — I didn’t even feel like finishing most of them!

Michael W.

Had a terrific experience at Emmer & Rye.

Standout dishes were the Johnny Cakes, Cacio e Pepe, and Carnitas (best dish).

Service was friendly and kitchen staff seemed passionate and knowledgeable.

Only bad dish was the broccolini, which was too bitter.

Lisa N.

Emmer and Rye is by far my top 3 favourite restaurants in Austin, even before receiving their Michelin Bib Gourmand.

I’ve been here a few times and would come back. I always make sure to order at least pasta dish - they absolutely kill it with their pastas. My fiancé isn’t a big pasta guy (I know, red flag) but he loved the pastas here lol. The beef carpaccio deserves a special mention - the flavor profile on this dish is perfection.

I wouldn’t say every dish is mind blowing though. For instance, the broccolini leaned more on the saltier side rather than showcasing bold, rich flavors which I expected but it was fine. The staff here are great and the restaurant has a very laid back, unpretentious vibe that I love.

Cassedy C.

Emmer & Rye is an absolute gem in the Austin dining scene, offering an upscale, modern, and glamorous atmosphere that makes it perfect for a special night out. This restaurant is proudly recognized with a prestigious MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainability, sourcing the majority of its ingredients from local Texas farms. It’s clear that every dish is crafted with care and respect for both flavor and the environment.

The menu is nothing short of incredible. The starter, Johnny Cakes, with perfectly golden corn cakes and a shishito relish, sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. The Cacio e Pepe, made with blue beard durum spaghetti and fresh black pepper, is a flawless execution of a classic dish, while the Gnocchetti with herb butter, green garlic, zucchini, and feta delivers a delicate yet flavorful experience. The Pappardelle with smoked wagyu beef ragu is rich and indulgent, leaving you craving more with each bite.

Beyond the food, the service at Emmer & Rye is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they serve, enhancing the overall dining experience. Do note that a reservation is absolutely necessary, especially on weekends, as this restaurant’s reputation draws in both locals and visitors alike. Emmer & Rye is a must-visit for anyone seeking a refined, sustainable, and unforgettable dining experience in Austin.

Christine K.

This was our favourite restaurant that we visited in Austin! We came for dinner and between the three of us, we shared the oysters (the guanciale and spicy sauce gave it a good kick), carpaccio (the contrasting textures kept it interesting), johnny cakes (fluffy and light which surprised me), cacio e pepe (simple yet delicious), pappardelle (good flavour) and the carnitas (the meat was perfectly cooked, while the kohlrabi, sweet potato and pecan added excellent balance and depth). The service was well managed which created a relaxed atmosphere. The sommelier was highly knowledgeable and provided an excellent wine recommendation.

Kendall D.

Absolutely one of the best restaurant experiences in Austin. Exceptional service staff, amazing seasonal food, textures and flavors. Really awesome Chef and kitchen staff. Out of this world desserts. Sit at the chef's counter to get a view of the artists at work. They always have the best mocktails too.

I recommend the snapper crudo, Johnny cakes, any pasta dish and the chocolate chips dessert.

Zia L.

We dined here for NYE. The staff was friendly and amazing. The atmosphere was nice. The food was disappointing. The dishes were ok, but nothing stood out as spectacular and for the price, the dishes should stand out. The dessert was the absolute worst, overly sweet and a lot like carnival cotton candy. We spent way too much money on a mediocre meal.