Austin’s food scene just crowned its best — and one local restaurant is standing above the rest.
The Big Win
Odd Duck has been named Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 CultureMap Austin Tastemaker Awards. The annual awards ceremony was held on April 9 at Distribution Hall, where Austin’s top chefs, restaurateurs and food lovers gathered to celebrate the city’s best dining experiences.
What Is Odd Duck?
Odd Duck is one of Austin’s most beloved restaurants, known for its creative, locally sourced menu and commitment to seasonal ingredients. True to its name, it offers a dining experience that is anything but ordinary.
Other Big Winners of the Night
- Chefs of the Year: Daniela and Rosa Landaverde of La Santa Barbacha
- Bar of the Year: Parley — an Irish-inspired neighborhood bar with Guinness on draft
- Best New Restaurant: Moderna Bar and Pizzeria — known for thin, Neapolitan-inspired pizzas
- Rising Star Chef: Ale Kuri of Este, a Coastal Mexican restaurant
Why Austin Food Lovers Should Care
These awards are chosen by a panel of industry experts and represent the restaurants and chefs shaping Austin’s rapidly growing food scene.
If you haven’t visited Odd Duck yet, consider this your sign. Restaurant of the Year doesn’t come around every day.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
