The 25 Best Restaurants In Austin 2024

"The first time we tried the papaya salad at Thai Kun, we cried. That’s not some sappy statement about the transformative power of food. It’s just that spicy. Despite our internal fight-or-flight response, we kept going back for more, because along with that heat was the tart shredded green papaya and the intense punch of lime and fish sauce. That same approach to flavors, boldness, and balance makes its way across the entire menu at Thai Kun, and it’s why we’re willing to battle for a parking spot at The Domain to get it. The dining room—with lots of comfy booths and quirky, hand-painted murals—also makes for a pretty nice escape from that busy shopping center outside, too." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion