1618 Asian Fusion — Restaurant in Austin

Rating: 4.6/5 [dine in]

One of our go-to spots when we have guests in town--definitely one of the best Asian restaurants in Austin. The menu is massive and diverse, with seasonal food and drink offerings that keep things fresh. That said, it's on the pricier side and always busy, so make a reservation or arrive early to put your name down.

Dragonfruit Rose Refresher ($9): Fresh dragonfruit and raspberry purée with house-made rose-infused water. Light, tasty, and refreshing.

Lemongrass Tangerine Refresher ($9): Fresh tangerine and lemon juice with lemongrass syrup. Mostly just tastes like tangerine juice--like something you'd find at Trader Joe's. I'd skip it.

Hanoi Egg Coffee ($9): Hot espresso with egg custard and a rolled wafer. Thick, creamy, and flavorful--like a dessert in a cup. Loved this.

Matcha Espresso Martini ($16): Vodka, RumChata, matcha, and espresso. Unfortunately, the matcha was clumpy and didn't mix well. Would not recommend.

Crispy Pad Thai ($20): Spicy Thai-style fried noodles with chicken, onion, cilantro, egg, and peanuts. A must-try--super unique and flavorful. The crispy texture of the noodle is incredible.

Salted Pepper Shrimp ($15): Five jumbo shrimp, lightly battered and fried, served with stir-fried veggies and lime dipping sauce. Good, but not a standout.

Grilled Octopus ($10 | GF): Charcoal-grilled baby octopus with pineapple sauce. I'm not a big octopus fan but gave it a try and it wasn't bad. My husband loved it.

Wagyu Beef Betel Leaf ($15 | GF): Grilled wagyu beef wrapped in betel leaf, topped with roasted peanuts, fried shallot, and scallion. The beef was incredibly tender and juicy--loved this dish.

Grilled Lemongrass Duck Skewers ($12 | GF): Flavorful and tender duck skewers with caramelized onions and fish sauce. Great for sharing.

Tri-Meat Feast ($39): Includes duck, pork, and wagyu skewers with vermicelli noodles, lettuce, pickled veggies, and herbs. Comes with house fish sauce. A fantastic way to sample a bit of everything--and more cost-effective than ordering skewers individually. Highly recommend for first-timers.

Five Sampler ($26): Brisket spring rolls, pork skewers, sugar cane shrimp, pork belly bao, and egg rolls. A good mix, but I preferred the Tri-Meat Feast.

Saigon Chicken Wings ($13): Vietnamese-style battered chicken wings. The meat was a bit dry, and the sauce was just okay.

Hu Tieu Kho (Dried Noodle) ($20): Shrimp, pork belly, fried shrimp dumpling, shallots, and rice noodles with pork broth on the side. Portion was generous, but the flavor was underwhelming.

Thai Tom Yum Coconut Fried Rice ($23): Crabmeat and shrimp with veggies and egg, served in a coconut. Subtle flavors but overall a good dish.

Crispy Shrimp & Pork Shiitake Sui Mai ($10): Came with only four pieces of crispy sui mai so a bit pricey for the portion size. Flavors were good, but nothing standout.

Empress Me Not ($18): Made with sour apple liqueur, St. Germain, mint, lemon, and Empress rose gin. The taste was just okay, but the presentation was a 10/10. It came in a cute blowfish glass, and they lit a sugar cube on a lemon slice on fire which was perfect for the 'gram.

Vanilla Crème Brulee ($10): Our friend let us try a spoon and it was okay. Not too sweet and more on the...

1618 Asian Fusion offers a diverse and exciting menu with some truly delicious dishes. While some small details prevent a full 5-star rating, the overall experience is worth trying, especially for adventurous eaters.

Service: Introduction/Welcome: Standard greeting, nothing special - 7/10 Review, Offerings: Explained the menu well and offered suggestions - 7/10 Offer Daily or Seasonal Experiences: Described specials - 7/10 Proper Etiquette: Professional and polite - 8/10 Go the Extra Mile: Didn't go above and beyond - 9/10 Throw in a Surprise: No surprises - 5/10 Attentive and Efficient: Reasonably attentive - 5/10 Ease of Payment and Close: Smooth and easy - 6/10

Ambiance: Background Music: Good volume and fitting the atmosphere - 7/10 Guest Noise: Moderate, not too loud - 7/10 Kitchen Noise: A little noticeable - 6/10 Lighting: Comfortable - 9/10 Location: Convenient - 9/10 Cohesiveness: Decor and ambiance worked well together - 6/10 Design Aesthetic: Modern and stylish - 7/10

Food: Shrimp Balls: 6/10 Description: Crispy outside, a little tough, needed more flavor. Comments: Decent texture, but lacked seasoning.

Doers dragon: 8/10 Description: Has a kick, wonderful finish. It will be too spicy for some. Comments: Enjoyed the spice, but could be overwhelming for those sensitive to heat.

Crispy Chilean Salmon: 7/10 Description: Breading was good, skin was on it. Tame Comments: Nice crispiness, but the flavor profile was a bit subdued.

1618 Collins: 7/10 Description: Gin, sweet and sour, lemongrass simple syrup Comments: Refreshing and balanced cocktail.

Filet Mignon: 7/10 Description: Sweet and Savory sauce, sauteed onions, leaks Comments: Good but not memorable.

Thai Stir Fry: 8/10 Description: Tropical coconut shrimp with pineapple Comments: Enjoyable and flavorful stir-fry.

Yum Yum: 8/10 (Assuming this is Peking Duck based on the next item's description)

Description: Rich, skin was thicc and perfect, meat was moist, presentation of the duck was excellent, de-boned Buns were dry but fluffy Comments: The duck itself was excellent, but the dry buns detracted from the experience.

Fried Sampler: 8/10 Description: Great collection, spring rolls balanced out everything that was fried. Buns were top for Tim. Egg roll top for John. Buns top for Jason Comments: A good way to sample different appetizers.

Chicken Dumplings (5): 7.5/10 Description: Thinner noodle, soup inside was super savory. Pickled Ginger was an amazing addition Comments: The broth was the highlight, dumplings were good but not exceptional.

Flambé Cheesecake: 10/10 Description: crispy outside, rich cheesecake, entertaining, presentation, creamy ice cream Comments: A fantastic dessert, highly recommended.

Overall, 1618 Asian Fusion provides a decent dining experience with a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. The highlights like the Peking Duck and Flambé Cheesecake, combined with the pleasant ambiance, make it a place worth considering. I would recommend focusing on their specialty dishes for the...

Thomas was the man.

Embarking on a culinary adventure is always a delightful experience, and today I had the pleasure of indulging in a gastronomic feast at a renowned restaurant. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat. With an elegant ambiance and an air of anticipation, I eagerly awaited the culinary creations that would grace my palate.

Appetizers: The meal commenced with a series of captivating appetizers that set the tone for the unforgettable dining experience that awaited. The first bite was a symphony of flavors as the perfectly seared scallops melted in my mouth, accompanied by a delicate citrus-infused sauce. The crispy calamari, lightly dusted with a delicate blend of spices, provided a delightful contrast of textures. The appetizers were beautifully presented and showcased the chef's impeccable attention to detail.

Main Course: The main course was a captivating display of culinary mastery. The succulent grilled steak, cooked to perfection, was a testament to the chef's expertise. Each bite was tender and bursting with flavor, complemented by a rich red wine reduction that elevated the dish to new heights. The accompanying roasted vegetables, caramelized to perfection, provided a delightful balance to the robust flavors of the steak. The main course was a true celebration of flavors that left me wanting more.

Dessert: No culinary journey is complete without a sweet finale, and the dessert selection did not disappoint. The velvety dark chocolate mousse, adorned with a delicate raspberry coulis, was a decadent treat that tantalized my taste buds. The combination of rich, bittersweet chocolate and the vibrant acidity of the raspberry created a harmonious balance of flavors. The dessert was a perfect conclusion to an exceptional dining experience.

Service: Throughout the evening, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the culinary creations they served. From recommending the perfect wine pairing to accommodating dietary preferences, their attention to detail ensured a truly personalized experience. The seamless coordination between the kitchen and the front-of-house staff further enhanced the overall dining experience.

Ambiance: The restaurant exuded an inviting and sophisticated ambiance, with tasteful decor, soft lighting, and comfortable seating arrangements. The attention to detail in creating a warm and intimate atmosphere added to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Conclusion: In conclusion, my culinary journey at this exceptional restaurant was an experience to remember. From the captivating appetizers to the mouthwatering main course and the delectable desserts, each dish was a testament to the chef's culinary expertise and creativity. The seamless service and inviting ambiance further enhanced the overall dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment to anyone seeking an unforgettable...