When your travels bring you to Austin, or you’re a local Austinite, be sure to experience the paella scene!
Paella is a culinary work of art. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Although historically created in Spanish town of Valencia ions ago, there are many styles of paella to be experienced. Austin has an amazing array of restaurants that feature paellas for you to dig into and enjoy!
Although Spain claims to have the only authentic paellas, several countries have their own version of paellas from their local towns where they lived as well as some paellas are an expression of the artist’s – I mean chef’s – interpretation.
If you have enjoyed a well-made paella you know what I am talking about. If you haven’t, the waiting is over! Austin has such an amazing array of restaurants that represent this warm bubbling and aromatic rice dish that if you don’t, then your just missing out.
(photo from Instagram El Raval @elravaltx)
El Raval is Austin’s newest Spanish tapas and paella bar that features authentic Spanish cuisine and paellas that will keep running back for more. El Raval Restaurant and Tapas Bar is the newest dining concept created by Chef Laila Bazahm that replaces the previous Spanish Restaurant Barlata. El Raval celebrates the diverse cultural influences of Barcelona’s iconic El Raval neighborhood. The ambience is rustic yet modern and the paella is about as exquisite as they come. The menu features an extensive list of a diverse and popular Spanish cuisine incorporates the bold flavors and fragrant spices of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia as well as a multitude of wine and cocktails selections.. We were not disappointed with the paella and tapas selections. The paella is succulent with deep rich flavors, fresh seafood and well formed soccarat (aka crispy rice at the bottom) served with a side of the Spanish version of the garlicky aioli called allioli. We couldn’t get enough! The artfully created cocktails, including the Spanish Gin & Tonic and Spanish tapas is the prefect way to spend the evening with friends or your favorite person.
1500 S Lamar Blvd #150,
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 473-2211
[email protected]
El Raval is open 7 days a week:
Monday through Wednesday
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Thursday through Saturday
5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
“Sunday’s in Barcelona”
11:30 am to 9:00 pm. Brunch menu 11:30 am to 4:00
¡La Vida Tapa! (Happy Hour Specials!)
All evening Mondays, and Weekdays 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm (excluding holidays)
(photo from Instagram @rosieswinebaraustin)
Rosie’s in a neighborhood wine bar tucked in the historic Clarksville District which features wines and small plates from the cuisines of Spain, Portugal and France. Now that spring is here, Paella on the Patio is making its triumphant return to Rosie’s Wine Bar for select (most!) Tuesdays this spring. Come join us next week, March 12, starting at 6PM, for the official kickoff of our favorite al fresco party. There’ll be big pans of paella by Chef Chelsea Fadda, pours from the porron, AND live music from guitarist JJ Poyatos inspired by classic Brazilian, Spanish, and Caribbean rhythms.
Freda’s is locally-owned upscale-casual seafood and steak restaurant located in Northwest Austin featuring Texas-inspired foods and fresh seafood with a touch of southern flair. What a great place to enjoy a cocktail and meal with friends and family with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Their menu features Gulf Coast Paella served by the bowl which is one of their offerings from the Signature Seafood Menu. It is LOADED with delicious fresh seafood such as: Jumbo Blackened Shrimp, Mussels, Calamari, & Crawfish. The dish also incorporates ingredients like Chicken, White-Wine, Freda’s Signature Spice Blend and of course what would a delicious Paella without our friend Mr. Andouille. It is the best Paella Austin has to offer… (photos courtesy of Freda’s)
Local restaurant features a succulent seafood paella by the bowl:
Freda’s Seafood Grille features Gulf Paella
10903 Pecan Park Blvd,
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 506-8700
Habana Cuban Restaurant featuring Cuban-style Seafood Paella
Habana has been located on South Congress for many years and is well known for their authentic Cuban comfort food and cool Mojitos. On Friday and Saturday night you get a big plate full of Cuban Style Seafood Paella topped with creamy maduros (fried ripe plantains) and served with a garlicky fresh cilantro chimichurri. Here’s another example of how paella has morphed into a South American Cuisine featuring local flavors. It’s enough for 3 to 4 hungry people along with specialties such as the huge helping of ceviche with crispy plantain chips.
2728 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Sunday11AM–10PM Monday 11AM–10PM Tuesday11AM–10PM Wednesday11AM–10PM Thursday11AM–10PM Friday11AM–11PMSaturday11AM–11PM
My Paella Travels: Paella Catering to you!
Lisa Mays, Local mobile Paella Chef
When I moved back to the Austin area, I had no idea just how much my paellas would be embraced by my community of friends, wineries, wine bars and distilleries. I began catering paella in the Texas Hill Country many years ago, moved to Nashville and returned to Texas. My paellas are inspired by Texas using only the highest quality, freshest local ingredients such as Texas shrimp, chorizo and even locally smoked Texas brisket while maintaining authentic techniques; a Texas- fusion paella!
Paella parties are perfect for backyard parties and would be a perfect opportunity for those coming town for SXSW and ACL who want to relax after a long day of music and just chill with friends.
I am a boutique paella chef and customize each paella for your small group parties. Contact me for details: [email protected]
