What restaurants are opening in Austin this May and June? Here's what to know

Hannah Ortega, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·2 min read
Food from upcoming restaurant El Raval.
Food from upcoming restaurant El Raval.

Austin is always growing, especially when it comes to its food scene.

This May and June, three restaurants are opening in and near downtown Austin, two serving as second locations of previously existing establishments.

Here's everything you need to know:

El Raval

This restaurant from Chef Laila Bazahm opened May 12 at 1500 S. Lamar Blvd. The name comes from a neighborhood in Barcelona, Spain, where Bazahm once worked at a Southeast Asian-Latin American restaurant.

El Raval seems to take cues from Bazahm's background with Latin and Spanish food, as the menu includes gambas al ajillo, arroz negro y uni and costillas.

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“El Raval is a neighborhood that celebrates diversity and cultural exchange," Bazahm said in a statement. "The restaurant will reflect the same excitement and be a place where people from all walks of life come together to create something unique and special.”

CARVE American Grille

This grill-centric restaurant, with its original location off of Southwest Parkway, is expanding with a second location. CARVE Central Austin will open June 12 at 2613 Perseverance Drive in The Grove.

According to a press release, CARVE "reinvents the American grille experience by carrying on the legacy of the original butcher shop Perry’s father founded in 1979 and utilizing live-fire, smoke and wood grilling techniques within its menu." The restaurant is a sister concept to the well-known Perry's Steakhouse & Grille from restauranteur Chris Perry.

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“We’re thankful to the Austin community for frequenting our first location of CARVE American Grille," Perry said in a statement. "The initial response to our live-fire approach was overwhelming, and we are grateful for the opportunity to expand with a second location so that we can serve more of this welcoming city. Our goal is to continue establishing an exceptional dining experience that will have Austinites coming back for more."

Dim sum sweets from restaurant Wu Chow.
Dim sum sweets from restaurant Wu Chow.

Wu Chow

With a second location opening, Wu Chow's new spot will open May 19 at 3800 N. Lamar Blvd. The original Austin location sits at 500 W. Fifth St.

The farm-to-wok menu from executive chef Ji Peng Chen includes classics such as crispy sesame beef, salt and pepper squid, fried dumplings and more. The location will also offer exclusive dishes such as "larger-format, family-style offerings," according to a press release.

The restaurant will also feature a new private dining room with a private entrance. The room accommodates 40 people.

Editor's note: At the time of publication, CARVE was scheduled to open June 8. Due to unforeseen delays, it will now open June 12.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: El Raval, Wu Chow, CARVE restaurants opening near downtown Austin