A break from the fried food, burgers and pizza near the downtown bars, Koriente offers fresh, healthy food in the heart of the Red River bar scene. Open late on weekends, the Asian-inspired restaurant has a diverse clientele, from health-conscious diners to late-night snackers. The menu features lots of fresh vegetables, noodles and spicy dishes like curries and bibambap. Snacks include summer rolls, tapioca wraps and edamame. To drink, Koriente offers an extensive tea list featuring greens, blacks, reds and herbals. Bubble tea, the chilled drink with delightfully chewy tapioca pearls suspended in it, is also available in a variety of fruit or yogurt flavors. - Christine Whalen

Located on boutique-lined West Second Street, Delish offers sweet, buttercream-topped cupcakes in creative flavor combinations. Each of the cakes and frosting are made from scratch. The banana chocolate features rich banana cake topped with chocolate buttercream, while red velvet pays homage to the bright red Southern classic, featuring tangy cake topped with Mexican vanilla cream-cheese frosting. Guests can enjoy cake with a hot French-press coffee or cold glass of milk inside the tiny shop, or on one of the chairs outside their shop, which is located in a prime people-watching spot. Special daily flavors are offered, so check the board for details. - Christine Whalen

Craving a hot dog? Frank serves up a wide variety of dogs from the basic beef frank to those made with exotic meats like antelope and rabbit. Like the dogs themselves, toppings range from the basic, like the chili cheese dog, to the elaborate, like the Texalina, made with game, huckleberry compote, sriracha aioli and smoked cheese. Vegetarians can substitute a veggie dog on any hot dog combination, including the veggie chili cheese, or opt for a portabello cheesesteak. Sides include waffle fries and poutine: a Canadian classic made with fries, cheese curds and gravy. The menu doesn't stop at dogs and fries. Cocktails are a specialty and include ingredients like local liquors, fresh juices and bacon. Brunch is served on Sundays. - Christine Whalen

With its huge Japanese menu, Suzhi Zushi offers a wide selection of sushi with raw fish, cooked fish and no fish at all, as well as a variety of Japanese comfort foods. Sushi Zushi serves the classic rolls, like the California Roll, Philadelphia Roll and Rainbow Roll, and some decidedly Texas-style rolls such as the Texas Roll with roast beef, cream cheese and asparagus and the Godzilla Roll with fried crawfish and serrano chilies. Non-sushi items like udon noodles, yakisoba noodles and tempura also pepper the menu. Plenty of vegetarian items, both sushi and non-sushi, are also available. Happy hour is Monday through Friday 3-7p and offers drink specials. For those who choose to stay in, Sushi Zushi delivers within an 8-mile radius. - Christine Whalen

Owned by well-known Austinite Sandra Bullock, Walton's Fancy & Staple is a laid- back space combining a deli, bakery, catering service and florist. With over 20 sandwiches to choose from, along with a daily soup special, multiple freshly made salads, spreads and breakfast tacos, Walton's offers a wide variety of lunch choices. As for dessert, Walton's prepares fresh pastries every day that include macaroons, scones, cupcakes, fresh breads and old-fashioned whoopie pies. Grab one of the few tables to dine in, or walk your lunch to a nearby park for a picnic. The back of the store holds a floral counter with a florist ready to make you a bouquet from the many types of flowers available. - Christine Whalen

Wahoo's Fish Taco offers a nice combination of world cuisine with an emphasize on Mexican dishes. Wahoo's Fish Taco has a surfing theme and provides fast service. You can choose to have a taco or burrito with chicken, beef or vegetarian, but you'd be missing out on the restaurant's specialty of fish tacos. The restaurant also has a nice range of dishes including salads, enchiladas, bowls and more.

El Sol y La Luna has some of the best Mexican food in the city. This establishment certainly serves the best Mexican breakfast with items like their huevos rancheros, migas and breakfast tacos. Their Posole, a chicken soup with a masa broth, is heavenly and is worth a try. Their enchiladas and tacos are also a tasty treat. A large patio beckons on fine days, and the inside dining space is cool, light and comfortable, with a sun-moon-and-stars mural on the floor and overhead. Relax in the morning with a coffee and a taco, and at night with a bottle of beer and some mole poblano. This isn't just a fabulous eatery. There are live music and events had at this hub of culture and community.

With all the black leather, neon and jazz here, one might be suspicious. Is this a trendy Mexican joint where the food takes a back seat to the slick atmosphere? The answer is a resounding "no." One bite of the Chile Relleno en Nogada is the proof; tender Pork Picadillo studded with raisins and stuffed into a roasted poblano pepper, then sauced with walnut cream. Or try the Enchiladas, Gorditas and Flautas; all make excellent choices. Sunday brunch, with live jazz, is a winner, but dinner and happy hour are the real standout events. The second location is on Jollyville Road.

Austin has its fair share of upscale dining, but Restaurant Jezebel rises above the rest with an innovative menu, extensive wine list, and unique style. Chef/Owner Parind Vora mans the kitchen, preparing entrees with fresh seafood and prime meats. Try the mahogany garlic chicken breast or the crusted Atlantic salmon. As for the wine list, even a connoisseur would get lost in its pages. Do not be shy about asking the wait staff for their recommendation. Jezebel is not priced for nightly patronage, but is more suitable for a celebratory evening or a treat for your out-of-town guests.

Garrido's Mexican cuisine has been inspired by Chef Garrido's grandmother's recipes and from some of the world's best cuisines to create a contemporary and authentic menu. Using seasonal, fresh and organic ingredients to give a unique flavor, their menu is 95 percent gluten free and is served in tapas style portions. Their lovely patio which overlooks the famous Shoal Creek, is an oasis with its luscious palms. Enjoy dining here while listening to live music featuring local artists, or have a lazy weekend brunch. Whether it is for the delectable food, fine drinks or the nice happy hour, indoor or outdoor dining, Garrido's rocks and will make you want for more. Salut!