Aba Austin — Restaurant in Austin

If I could give more stars I would! Where do I even start, so we’re visiting Austin for my birthday and I am so glad we found this amazing space! The atmosphere was wonderful, every employee interaction I had was so professional but fun, there will be a wait but honestly I would have waited twice as long for this dinner. You’re allowed to leave and they will call when your table is ready, you have a 15 minute grace period to get back for your table, we a party of 5 had drinks outside in their cocktail area and then visited some of the other bars in the area while we waited. The wait for non reservation on a Friday night was an hour and a half, not bad at all. Everything we ordered off the menu was 10/10 so 5 starts for the kitchen👏🏽 the wild mushroom hummus was my personal favorite I could eat that everyday and the carpaccio was my boyfriend’s favorite. Even though the food was so very delicious, the thing I wanted to be sure to mention and give so much recognition for is, my boyfriend has an onion allergy, it can be very complicated to dine out specifically at more fine dining establishments that being said, prior to coming to Aba I had called ahead to go over a few things on the menu to be sure he could eat there and if you know anyone or have a food allergy you understand how stressful it can be and how hard it can find places to dine, to find places and humans that are willing to help you, not be unwelcoming or bothered by all of your questions, that said the wonderful woman on the phone (I wish I remembered her name) went over the menu with me, she was just so kind and helpful. Once we sat our waiter was great from the beginning (Christopher I believe was the name on the register receipt) this may be his normal but the way he handled my boyfriends food allergy with such care and concern I was truly grateful, it is not always such a positive experience when visiting restaurants with an allergy, I was blown away in the efforts that were made to ensure we were safe and able to enjoy the delicious food Aba has to offer, our waiter kept us informed about everything on the table even going as far as letting us know what other items my boyfriend shouldn’t partake in with the rest of the group. When we ordered an item he communicated with the kitchen and would come back and let us know when we ordered something that couldn’t be modified and offered us other options each time and never made us feel that we were an inconvenience, that alone I was thankful for. He was also so graceful recognizing someone in our party had a little too much to drink and kept her water full at all times, 5 stars just for him 👏🏽 I know it must be so stressful for staff to handle allergies and the kitchen to ensure that the plates are going to the right places, I was so very impressed. Having grown up with a fine dining chef as a dad I do recognize these situations and appreciate all that was done for us. I know it maybe your normal day to day but I truly am thankful for making us feel welcome and allowing us to experience your amazing restaurant. We are already planning our next visit! Thank you thank you...

So I recently paid a visit to Austin, TX, one of the premiere foodie towns in America. I outlined a food tour of the latest and greatest food that Austin has to offer, based off of a cross referencing of many food websites, and I chose to come to Aba for lunch one day. After a nice stroll up and down the beautiful South Congress area, I took a rest and wandered into this place.

The hostess said it would be an hour wait, but after consulting a manager, we got promptly seated outside. I'm never sure how these things work, but I wasn't complaining. Aba has more outside seating than indoor, and it's expansive, has many different seating type options, and was just beautiful.

We got some drinks. I don't drink alcohol, so I always appreciate when a menu takes the time and space to add mocktails to their drink menu. Aba did that, and I decided to sample the Gazoz with a Kick (pineapple fresno cordial, lime, soda). It was fine. It was spicy. Which is not my cup of tea, but I won't knock on it for that. I'm sure it's someone's cup of tea.

We ordered four food items off the menu, and each of the items were so, so good.

First, we got the Classic Hummus (served with our house bread; paprika, olive oil, vegetable crudité). Very smooth hummus with nice, warm pita. Fresh, crisp veggies rounded out the small plate as an excellent first course.

Then we sampled the Green Falafel (avocado tzatziki, garlic tahini, jalapeño). Wow! Smooth, guacy tzatsiki was the perfect pairing to cool off the miniscule amount of heat from the jalapeno inside the little balls. Ultra crispy on the outside, and moist and chewy. These Mediterranean hush puppies are a must-buy!

We then got the Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebab (served with basmati rice; lemon, olive oil, tzatziki). This was greeeaaat. The meat was mega juicy and had that specific flavor that you only get by mixing lamb and beef together. You know which one I'm talking about. Slide a bite through the sauce and the olive oil and pick up some fragrant basmati, and you have a wonderful bite that you can only get from a restaurant of this genre.

And finally, the best thing I had the entire meal. The Brussel Sprouts (almond & cashew dukkah, harissa honey). I'm not even kidding. The sprouts were burnt to a delightful crisp, with the outer leaves very crunchy and the inner part of the sprout with a cooked-through bite that gives you the best of both sprout presentations. Drizzle all that in a umani honey and add in the real crunch of the almonds and my God. This is one dish I swear I will prioritize getting again if I ever come back to Austin. I've never had or seen anything like this.

Overall, this place was excellent. I wish I had another star to give it, because five doesn't feel like enough stars. Come...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Aba Austin, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Aba Austin not only impressed me with its stunning ambiance but also surpassed my expectations with its delectable cuisine and impeccable service.

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The modern yet comfortable decor, combined with soft lighting and tasteful artwork, created a welcoming environment. The attention to detail in the design truly sets Aba Austin apart.

Moving on to the highlight of the evening—the food—I was blown away by the diverse and innovative menu. Aba Austin specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, and they truly do justice to the flavors and ingredients of the region. Each dish was expertly crafted, showcasing a delightful combination of textures and flavors. From the crispy Brussels sprouts with lemon and chili to the mouthwatering lamb kebabs, every bite was a burst of culinary bliss. The presentation of the dishes was also exquisite, adding to the overall dining experience.

What truly sets Aba Austin apart is their commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients. I could taste the freshness and authenticity in every dish. The menu incorporates seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients, making each dish a true celebration of flavors.

The service at Aba Austin was outstanding. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every need was met. They were passionate about the cuisine and took the time to explain the dishes and their origins, further enhancing the dining experience.

Furthermore, the beverage selection at Aba Austin deserves special mention. The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, featuring unique combinations that perfectly complemented the food. The wine list showcased an impressive range of options, catering to all palates and preferences.

One aspect I particularly appreciated about Aba Austin was its versatility. Whether you're looking for an intimate dinner for two, a gathering with friends, or a special occasion, the restaurant offers a variety of seating options to suit your needs. The outdoor patio is particularly charming and provides a lovely atmosphere for al fresco dining.

Aba Austin is an exceptional restaurant that excels in all aspects. The stunning ambiance, the tantalizing cuisine, the attentive service, and the impressive beverage selection make it a standout dining destination. Whether you're a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply seeking a memorable culinary experience, Aba Austin is undoubtedly worth a visit. I cannot wait to return and explore more of their...