Around the World in Austin

By: Alora Jones

Originally opened in 1948 in Beaumont, Texas, Patrizi’shas been a family-owned business for 50 years. It has since been reopened in Austin and is located in the vortex Theater Courtyard—a fantastic dining experience. Try The Great Leopold, made with lemon zest, pepitas, crushed red chilis, basil and arugula pesto served with grana padano cheese. You can even choose to add on chicken arrosto, roasted chicken thighs with rosemary, lemon and pomodoro sauce. The prices are reasonable for the large and scrumptious portions given.

The best way to describe Lima Criolla:exquisite Peruvian food. Try theCeviche Mixto, a seafood and fish dishmarinated in lime juice and ají, toppedwith herbs and served on lettuce andonions with a side of sweet potatoesand corn. For a phenomenal steakdish, try their Pure con Asado, whichis roast beef marinated with vinegarand panca pepper, served with garlicrice and mashed potatoes. Traditionaldrinks such as the Pisco Sour areeven offered at the restaurant as well.Immerse your taste buds in thesetraditional Peruvian dishes—all for anaffordable price.

Dining at Chosun Galbi is a decadent Korean barbeque experience. The menu is full of options, including some to even cook yourself on the tabletop grill, such as Yangnyum Galbi (marinated beef short ribs) and Dwaeji Bulgogi (slices of pork marinated in housemade soy sauce). In addition, the restaurant offers an assortment of hot pots—including the Mandoo Kimchi Jeon Gol (Korean-style dumplings with beef and vegetables in a kimchi stew). So much flavorful food is given with each order, so leaving hungry is very unlikely.

If you’re in search of true, authentic Mexican food, Curra’s Grill is the restaurant for you. Serving tacos, enchiladas, tamales, nachos and so much more—they have it all. One of Curra's popular dishes is the cochinita pibil, a traditional Yucatan meal with marinated pork leg cooked in a banana leaf and served with rice, black beans and plantains, when they are in season. There is also a wide variety of breakfast items such as migas, chilaquiles, and huevos curras. With so many items to choose from, you’re guaranteed to leave full and satisfied.

Habesha, a family-owned business, serves stunning, traditional Ethiopianplates. For an appetizer, try the Ayib Be Gomen Roll—fresh cottage cheese and spinach wrapped in injera. Also, Habesha offers many vegetarian, vegan, beef, lamb, poultry and fish entree options. Featured in the image is the Doro Tibs—chicken breast cubes sauteed in onion, jalapeno, tomatoes and habesha spices, served with injera or rice. The prices at Habesha are also reasonable, especially for the unique and beautifully plated dishes.

This award-winning European kitchen offers excellent quality and dishes that are all locally sourced. The biergarten menu is densely packed with tasty items. Try starting with the charcuterie and cheese, which comes with chicken liver paté, smoked duck breast, brie and valdeón. For a main course, have a schnitzel, which is heritage pork, spätzle, krautsalat and pilzrahmsoße. Another great option is the duck confit—a crispy duck leg and green bean salad. Finish off with a goat cheese and gingerbread crust chévre tart for dessert. In addition, the restaurant offers a vast assortment of drink options and an unforgettable, calming ambience.

This family-owned restaurant offers delicious dishes that have been perfected over generations. Enjoy an appetizer of hummus, described on their menu as a Middle Eastern blend of garbanzo beans, tahini, fresh garlic, lemon and olive oil. One of the best parts? They give each table a complimentary loaf of pita bread. For a lighter meal, order the Gyro Salad, which is full of kalamata olives, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, pepperoncini, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, Greek feta cheese, gyro meat and a homemade tzatziki sauce dressing. The Mediterranean menu also includes shawarma plates, kabob plates, pizzas, wings, and falafel. The prices are excellent, the interior is welcoming and all of the menu items are made with halal ingredients.

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed meal, try Asiana. To sample some of the wide variety of items offered at the restaurant, start with an assorted platter appetizer, which comes with Samosa, spring rolls, reshmi kebobs and chicken keema samosa. The entree menu offers a plethora of choices such as lamb curry, chicken tikka masala, paneer butter masala and so much more. There are even combination dinner-for-two options, one of which is vegetarian. At Asiana Indian Cuisine, the pricing is reasonable and the portions are served in a large quantity—you won’t be disappointed.