Siti — Restaurant in Austin

I’m just amazed at how flavorful everything could be. You MUST order the Harimasa. I’ll be dreaming of it. I’m very excited to introduce my friends to this place and it will be top of my list for special occasions. you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

We were told the chef is a level 3 sommelier, and while I’m no expert- you can’t deny how well all of the flavors and beverages pair together. I’m not a huge foodie, but Siti just blew me away.

As a recovering picky eater, I’m never usually a fan of Lamb, but I think Siti changed me with these lamb chops. Similar to how Perry’s transformed steak for me. (not usually a fan of red meat, Perry’s and Siti will be my exceptions!)

Even the small plates are shareable if you want to make it family style. And everything was so good, we absolutely shared every morsel. down to the leftover curry- which was happily enjoyed with a side of Nan and the DELICIOUS banana leaf rice. - My partner and i have a new found obsession with the banana leaf rice.

The servers were so well acquainted with the menue and the flavor profiles of the dishes- yet were very kind and down to earth people at the same time.

Also I need to assert how well the staff handled my medical emergency - I began having an allergic reaction to some peanuts on the dish (I forgot to inform anyone about my allergy). The server didn’t panic at all, she took away the peanuts with grace and discreetly replaced the cutlery that we used to split the dishes between everyone at the table. And she checked in on me multiple times after I took my medication and brought the full-ingredients menu to me as we ordered through the rest of the night- making sure we didn’t have another close call. I’ve never had an allergic reaction NOT ruin whatever might it affected. I almost cried after because no server had ever accommodated me so casually and effectively before- and with such kindness. She didn’t let my medical emergency ruin the night 😂 THANK you,...

The service here was stellar, and the drinks menu was genuinely impressive—fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully curated. The space has a stylish, energetic vibe that sets the tone for a fun evening out.

As someone who grew up in Malaysia cooking and enjoying many of these classic dishes, I was intrigued by their modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine. Some reinterpretations worked well; others missed the mark. The Rendang, for example, leaned too saucy and lacked the complexity and depth that toasted coconut “kerisik” brings. While coconut milk was included, the essential flavor profile felt incomplete, and the traditional spice blend didn’t quite come through. It strips away the essence of what makes Rendang truly Rendang. As a non Rendang dish, it is good. The small portion of rice accompanying it also felt underwhelming.

Another standout miss was the Nasi Lemak. Traditionally, it’s a vibrant dish made up of sambal, peanuts, anchovies, cucumber, and egg—all centered around coconut rice. What was served was just Nasi Santan (coconut rice), without the signature components that make it truly Nasi Lemak. If those elements aren’t available, it might be worth calling it something else.

The Roti Canai could benefit from more fluff to bring out its signature flakiness. On the other hand, dishes like Char Kway Teow, Satays, and Ayam Penyet were decent, though they didn’t wow.

I’m giving this place 3 stars— it’s hard to overlook the missing components in a few iconic dishes. I understand and respect the modern interpretation, but some elements are essential to preserving the spirit of these classics. If they had been presented under different names or framed differently, I’d be leaning toward 4 stars. It’s only their first week, and I’ll definitely give it another go—there’s promise here, especially with such a welcoming atmosphere and...

Siti is hands-down one of the best new restaurants in Austin. I have multiple food allergies (gluten, dairy, eggs), and Laila, the chef and co-owner, personally emailed me beforehand with a full breakdown of safe options. That level of care is so rare and immediately made me feel comfortable picking this spot for a large group dinner.

We were seated in a semi-private room, which worked perfectly for our group. Parking was simple, and the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere struck the right balance of modern, romantic, and welcoming.

The service was truly outstanding. Our servers were warm and attentive throughout the evening, and one of the chefs, Eddie, came out to introduce himself, take a group photo for us, and chat with the table. His kindness and humility made the night feel extra special.

As for the food—it was phenomenal. The mushroom + eggplant satay was the standout for me: rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I could have eaten several orders of it. I also had the pomelo and citrus salad, which was refreshing and surprisingly large for being listed as a starter. We shared the pork belly ssam, which was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—one of the best pork dishes I’ve had in Austin. Drinks were wonderful too; my sparkling rosé paired beautifully with everything. I didn’t try dessert myself, but my friends ordered the banana split and tiramisu and said they were the best they’d ever eaten. Portions across the board were generous, and everyone left with leftovers.

Between the warm hospitality, incredible food, and welcoming atmosphere, Siti is already one of my favorite restaurants in East Austin. I’ll absolutely be back—especially...