Serenade

I really wanted to like Serenade, especially for a Valentine’s dinner, but the food was genuinely terrible and completely unacceptable for the price. First, the positives. The service was great. Our server and the host were very kind, attentive, and accommodating. They did their jobs well and were the only redeeming part of the experience. Unfortunately, the food was awful. Not just disappointing, but bad. If this meal were free, I would maybe give it a four out of ten. Paying hundreds of dollars made it feel insulting. We ordered a medium Wagyu tenderloin. It came out blue rare, nowhere close to medium. We sent it back and somehow it came back still rare and barely improved. I do not understand how a chef can miss a steak temperature twice and still send it out. I ordered the lamb chops. They were also undercooked, poorly seasoned, and had almost no sear. The beans that came with them were mushy and clearly overcooked, possibly canned. Ironically, the beans were one of the better parts of the plate. The oysters were fishy and oddly pre dressed. I prefer to dress my own oysters, and if oysters taste fishy, something is wrong. The lobster bisque was awful. I genuinely do not know how you mess up lobster bisque, but they managed to do it. The salmon was decent, maybe slightly fishy, but that is me reaching to find something neutral. Dessert was another low point. The cheesecake was terrible. The crust tasted stale, the filling was bland and poorly textured, and it honestly felt like something a child could make at home. The red velvet wafer on the bottom was dry and unpleasant. Completely unacceptable for a restaurant at this price point. The only genuinely good thing the entire night was the sourdough bread and butter, which I strongly suspect was sourced from another bakery. To make matters worse, we were charged for a wine pairing that we never received, and it was not clearly listed on the menu, despite me noting it in the reservation. Bottom line, great service cannot save food this bad, especially when the meal costs hundreds of dollars. A Valentine’s dinner at this price should not feel like a kitchen that cannot cook proteins correctly or execute basic dishes. I would not return and I would not recommend this place for a special occasion. Note: picture was taken after it was sent back a second time.

We had an amazing time here! Carpaccio Caesar salad was so delicious, as were the burger and steak. Our server, Jay, was so kind, helpful, and attentive. Will definitely be back whenever I’m in Austin again.

Went here for NYE and had a good time with the girlfriend. The food was great and the place looked very nice and everyone was very friendly. Only removed one star because some of the food took forever.

The place and atmosphere is very nice, but the food and service are not on par with the price. They tried to be creative, and I like their not-overwhelmingly-sweet desserts, but half of the savory options we tried were not good. The ribeye steak was very tough I couldn't finish it. Our server didn't clean our table between courses and we had to box the leftovers ourselves.

Overall great experience! The drinks were delicious and the main course was exceptional. The duck confit was amazing it was so rich and even the veggies were well seasoned and vinegary. The service seemed a bit discombobulated but Tad took great care of us and stepped up to ensure we had a good experience. Also once the food came out, it was piping hot the fries or frites were so hot they singed my fingers but were so good. It's also beautiful inside the restaurant and Tad was sure to tell us about the design and the history of this new place. I can't wait to see how this new restaurant grows with time.

Love the atmosphere Paloma was good Steak was good Fries were really good Mustard béarnaise was fire Our server Tad was kind and attentive. Gluten free options for shared plates, entrees and desserts. Writing the review before desert but, it will probably be good. Update: crème brûlée was great

One of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had. Chef Johnny Ray elevated our visit by taking the time to visit our table and tell the story of the dishes which created a true one of a kind experience. We will definitely be back again.

Had an amazing brunch at Serenade! The food was absolutely delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors. The ambiance is classy yet relaxed, creating the perfect setting for a leisurely meal. The cool vibe and attentive service made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

I stopped by during a quiet Friday happy hour and ended up having the bar all to myself. They offer a $25 special where you can choose between steak frites, mussels, or chicken frites. I went with the classic option and ordered the bavette steak. The steak was good, though slightly overcooked and not quite as tender as I would have preferred. On the other hand the cocktail I ordered, the Gold Rush was perfectly balanced and exactly what I was in the mood for. The restaurant and bar are absolutely gorgeous, and I especially loved the bird wallpaper. Even though it was slow when I visited, the staff was very friendly and attentive. The manager even stopped by to check in, which I appreciated. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit Serenade, but it's a solid choice if you're already downtown or looking for a place to eat before an event at ACL Live. P.S. They also offer free parking when you dine at the restaurant.

We had breakfast at Serenade while staying at the W Austin and really enjoyed it. My husband had the blue crab benedict, which came with a fresh salad on the side and he loved it. I ordered the Serenade breakfast -- eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast -- and it was exactly what I was craving. We also shared a pancake, which was big, fluffy, and came with butter and syrup on the side. The restaurant itself is beautiful inside, bright and modern but comfortable. Service was friendly and quick, and our coffee cups stayed full. Everything tasted great and we both finished every bite. A little on the pricey side, but overall a really good experience

We dined here for Valentine's day where they had a pre-fixe menu. We were blown away by how gorgeous this space is! That mosaic wall is stunning with Texas wild birds on it, the cowhide art piece along the wall and ceiling and their bar are all beautiful pieces of art. Their drinks were good. The halibut was perfect!!! We added oysters from Canada and they were okay. Everything on their pre-fixe menu was delish!

This was my first time here at Serenade and I was very impressed overall. We did the Valentine's Day Pre-Fixed dinner a day early, and all the courses were great. My Wagyu tenderloin was noteworthy, as it was cooked perfectly. The service was next to none, and the restaurant was spacious and comfortable, especially for special occasions like this. The free parking for 3 hours is icing on the cake. We will come back to check out their regular menu and happy hour!

Words cannot express how good they did on the remodeling of this place. It is so pretty inside. It is a vibe in general. The staff is so friendly and very attentive and even the manager comes to check to make sure everything is going great and she was so nice. The bar is gorgeous. It is definitely a date night or girls night owl or just go and relax there and mingle kind of place. Huge election on cocktails you can choose one of theirs which they have very unique tasting ones or you can just order what you usually do and they will do a great job at it. They also had a great wine selection, which is very nice. All the food we got was delicious. The muscles came in a very good sauce that honestly, you can drink it. This was a different take for the beef tartare, but that little white sauce that they would add was so delicious on it. The only thing that I thought was OK with the little biscuits not relief for me but people who love biscuits would love them. Now I know super odd but I have to say their french fries were so good. I am big on french fries. Now, sadly, the tomahawk that they gave us they overcooked it and it was not medium the way we wanted it. It was a little dry. It was the last one they had, but they were nice enough to comp us that steak and on the house make us ribeyes, which came out amazing it's not on the menu, but I think you can request them and they were made medium and perfect to Taste literally like butter. Overall, definitely will keep going back to this place just for the vibes and also for the food.

I'm always on the lookout for good French cuisine and was not disappointed! The food. Let's face it, if the restaurant is beautiful and the food is terrible why go?! Our waiter was attentive and was ready to make recommendations. They also offer valet parking - which is a big incentive to me when coming downtown. I'll always select a restaurant who thinks about their patrons before they even get into the car.

The W Hotel opened its restaurant! We arrived toward the end of their Sunday brunch and were seated immediately. The ambiance is airy and refreshing, a big departure from the previous dark, velvety vibe. John, the host and manager, stopped by to chat about upcoming renovations and even showed us the tucked-away Blue Room. The pastries are a must-try, especially the puff pastry with mascarpone, fruit compote, and cream cheese--absolutely delicious. The pastry chef came from Swedish Hill. I had the duck confit, which was slightly overcooked but still enjoyable, especially with the perfectly crisped mashed potato rectangle. My companion ordered the crab cake eggs Benedict and really liked it, He loves eggs Benedict. The space is lovely, the service was excellent, and the bar is absolutely gorgeous. They had run out of the Chilean sea bass, which happens to be the chef's favorite dish, so I'll have to come back to try it!

This is the restaurant attached to the W in downtown Austin. It was our breakfast spot, and our breakfast was included in our rate. Yes, we tipped the normal amount on top of the "free" breakfast. The menu was spectacular and we each ordered according to our tastes. I requested a side of bacon cooked extra crispy and received exactly that - beautiful responsiveness. The breakfast sandwich with pork belly was similar to a bacon roll from the UK in some ways and not the traditional "bacon egg and cheese croissant" in the US style. My wife's crab benedict was incredibly flavorful and she enjoyed the lightly dressed greens as a sharp accompaniment to the sweet crab and umami egg. The coffee was spectacular - brightly acidic and paired well with some heavy cream. This is the kind of place that if we had a reason to be downtown early, we'd come for breakfast and should be a welcome sight to anyone staying at the W.

I used to frequent the W as the brand has always been associated with the party crowd, but now that each hotel is rebranding itself, the vibe is more sophisticated, grown up and chic. I have been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this space and it was so worth the wait! A few little nuggets of info: They offer brunch all day, everyday and during lunch, valet is free!

We came here for a brunch during my bachelorette, and while this was the perfect establishment for vibes and pictures, the food was simple not it. I got the duck confit hash, and the theme of my dish was underseasoned. My duck was dry and tasteless and the potatoes and eggs were saltless. I had to drown my dish in cholula. My friends all had similar sentiments about their dishes- many got the serenade breakfast. Our server was very nice though! He was very attentive and gave us a good mixture of juices for our mimosas. He also gave us a complimentary plate of delicious fruit and honey. Overall, I probably wouldn't be back, especially not for the food. But Serenade is well cleaned and nestled in JW, has many beautiful single stalled restrooms, and is perfect for vibes and pictures.

Serenade, previously Trace restaurant has a Texas flare with French undertones. The newly renovated restaurant was convergence of a French brasserie combined with an American speak easy. We were treated to four passed bites: Miniature Endive bite, Housemade Gougeres, Chevre Spread and Beef Tartare. Hands down, the Housemade Gougeres was my favorite...the bacon was sweet and savory at the same time and quite crunchy, which soothed my palate. Beef tartare was not my favorite...it was a bit bland and uneventful. The two welcome beverages were served and were quite refreshing: De Soi Sparkling non-alcoholic sparkling aperitif and Daylight, which was highlighted as a lemon martini (wow: alcohol content TBD...but let me just say you only needed one and should be experienced slowly). I carefully selected the Oscar Winning Tears - a gin cocktail with whisked egg white and mixers. I loved the miniature clothespin that attached mint to the side of the glass. The drink was a little on the foamy side. Truly the crescendo of the evening was the chef highlighting some Serenade signature dishes. He described the dishes with intricate detail with onlookers salivating as the dishes were unveiled. He epitomized an individual that loved what they did. All in all, a lovely evening and great opportunity to meet yelpers!

Had really high hopes for this restaurant but was very disappointed by the drinks, food, and service here. The restaurant itself is beautiful, but the experience and service were very much lacking. As another review mentioned, the bread served with the Whipped Chèvre was cold and the dish overall was underwhelming. The fish and french toast dishes were decent, but nothing that really sets it apart from other restaurants. We felt rushed during our time here and were not very satisfied with the wine recommendations we received from our server. We were hoping to receive recommendations that paired with the dishes we ordered, or that were generally popular, but realized we were simply recommended the wines with the highest prices on the menu. Really wished the service was more similar to other restaurants in Austin, where servers aren't trying to upsell you on drinks. Would not recommend sitting at the bar for a casual brunch, or visiting if you aren't staying at the hotel. I'd say this is a decent spot if you're staying at the hotel, but definitely wouldn't come to mind when recommending restaurants to locals. There are lots of restaurants around town with better service, tastier dishes, and a more pleasant experience.

Good food option inside the W hotel. We ate breakfast there twice. Good coffee and great service. Prices were reasonable given the quality of the food and size of the portions.

Decided to check out this new restaurant with friends and was super underwhelmed. 1. Whipped Chèvre was pretty good but even the naan served with it was cold so nothing great 2. Tomahawk steak was insanely overpriced and not well cooked or a good cut of meat in this instance 3. Mussels were just OK 4. We had a birthday and had requested a birthday dessert and were charged for this which was not a great touch when you've just opened.

This is the new restaurant in the renovated W hotel, formerly Trace. Unfortunately, despite a nice facelift of the overall hotel space it still feels like a mediocre hotel restaurant. There's no validated parking, it's $30 for 2-3 hours or $45 if past that. It's worth it to park at a garage around the hotel. They just opened so still figuring out the kinks, which is why service gets a pass. Food wise, nothing stood out as unique but we tried a couple things: - whipped chèvre - crudo - mussels - this was probably my fave dish - tomahawk - very medium rare but was just ok for me - duck fat potatoes - not crispy , don't recommend

The food was cold, the bacon tasted rotten, the breakfast potato's tasted like deep fried fair food. The ambiance is weird and feels like you're in a hotel lobby. The service was decent but slow. Do not recommend coming here

Validated valet parking. Service was friendly. The whipped chèvre spread was AMAZING!! The space was beautiful and had a great ambiance.

We were first introduced to Serenade on 12/23 when we stayed at the W for our daughter's 8 y/o birthday. Conveniently adjoined to the hotel and open at 11am, it made for the perfect brunch spot. The staff were so nice and accommodating. The manager even came to speak to us and brought us a plate of sugar and gingerbread cookies because they heard it was her birthday. The food was excellent! I LOVED my beet salad and the grilled shrimp were cooked to perfection. My husband ordered the duck confit hash and it was so flavorful! Our 12 y/o ordered the pancakes and they were to die for! The birthday girl ordered a grilled cheese and fruit - not on the menu but the chef accommodated us. She was so happy! As if the meal, service and ambience weren't enough, they also sent us "home" with another box of cookies to continue celebrating her birthday! Fast forward to 2/1/25, we came back to the W because we were going to see a show at ACL. This time, it was closer to an early dinner service (about 430ish pm). They provided us with the dinner menu, but then changed it out with the brunch menu because the chef said they had not set up the dinner line yet. While that was OK for the (now) 13 y/o, husband and I didn't want breakfast-y kinda food. So we ordered the kids food first, then waited about 15min to place our dinner menu order. The seafood board was interesting. Love the crab claws, ceviche and the oysters. Did NOT enjoy the mussels. They had a weird aftertaste. I ordered the cauliflower steak. The veggies tasted good but it was not a "steak." It was more like purple cauli florets and a piece of the cauli stem. Not a problem but I was mentally prepared for it to be a knife and fork situation. There was also a purée of sorts underneath. Not a fan of that, so I'll omit that next time. Husband ordered the sea bass. The fish was a delicate texture but could have used some more seasoning. He didn't care for the green sauce, which one of the hostesses described as an onion flavor. The 13 y/o ordered French toast (decadent and so good!) and the 8 y/o repeated her grilled cheese. All in all, we will still come back to serenade. Just maybe stick to brunch time lol.

Had breakfast here twice during our stay and everything tasted great, staff was super nice too!

Overall: Serenade might be one of my new favs in Austin! The decor is beautiful, the wait staff is attentive, and the food was good! I went during brunch and they had so many options for me to choose from. Also, they have a huge patio, perfect if you prefer to sit outside. What I Got: - Blue Crab Benedict - This was delicious. I love the sweetness of the corn cake paired with the crab. I wish the corn cakes were thicker or more crab was added. Get this if you want a healthier or lighter option to eat. - Chicken Cordon Bleu - this sandwich is THICK! The chicken is crunchy, which I love, and the bread is a brioche bun, which I love even more. It also comes with a whole bunch of fries. Definitely get this if you're hungry hungry. - Serenade breakfast platter - This was a simple platter which is always a good option to have. The bacon was crispy, the bread was chewy, and the potatoes were good!

The interior of the restaurant is 5 stars, however, the food, drinks, and service was ok. The Seafood Board looked cute, but didn't deliver on taste. It was MEH. There was no ambience, as we were the only table inside.

This was our first time dining at Serende, chosen for its proximity to the Deep in the Heart benefit concert at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, and the advertised perks--15% off with our concert tickets and validated valet parking. As three friends visiting from Waco for a girls' night out, we were excited to enjoy a relaxing meal before the show. The ambiance was stunning, and the frites were absolutely delicious--crispy, flavorful, and a highlight of the meal. We all opted for burgers, as the only steak option was a 12 oz. cut, which felt too large for our appetites. Two burgers came on brioche buns that unfortunately weren't fresh and crumbled easily, while mine was served over greens. We added bacon, avocado, and egg, and while the flavor was promising, all three burgers were undercooked. With the concert starting soon, we didn't have time to send them back, so we ate around them. The margaritas were good, though we weren't asked about our tequila preference on the first round--something we corrected the second time. Service was friendly, but checkout was a bit chaotic. Our server had to redo our tickets to apply the concert discount, and when retrieving our car, we were told we'd exceeded the three-hour valet limit and would be charged extra. Our valet ticket hadn't been stamped, and I had to show receipts and messages confirming full validation. Serende is a beautiful restaurant in a prime location, and we appreciated the partnership with the benefit concert. With a few tweaks to service consistency and communication, it could be a truly seamless experience. We hope to return again--with more time and fewer hiccups.

Serenade is SUCH A VIBE I love the new restaurant so much. I honestly forgot to take photos of the food cause I just dug right in. I'm not usually a big fish fan but wow the sea bass is heavenly. So buttery and melt in your mouth good without being too heavy. Great selection of cocktails and who can resist a pit stop here pre or post ACL Live shows. It's the perfect spot!

I truly enjoyed my dinner here before an ACL Live show yesterday. Attentive and friendly service. The Sea Bass was far better than I expected, or have found locally in Austin in several years. Summary no flaws, fantastic food and wonderful staff team. Nothing I would change. Very well done Serenade!

The new W downstairs bar/restaurant space is absolutely gorgeous. A group of friends and I had drinks and dinner and the beef tartare, sea bass and duck, as well as a couple of delicious desserts. Staff was lovely. Love when a hotel has a great, spacious restaurant option!

Had an amazing breakfast at the new W Hotel restaurant. Space is beautiful and really nice for a business meeting or brunch with friends. Highlights were the pancakes (some of the best I've had in Austin) and the crab benedict. Service was excellent too. Can't wait to try it for dinner soon!

The space is gorgeous. We had a drink at the bar before dinner, and it is such a lovely place to enjoy a cocktail. I recommend the Cantar cocktail. Dinner was also a great experience. The service was outstanding, and the food was 1) beautiful and 2) so, so good. My #1 recommendation is the Pan-Roasted Sea Bass. It was my absolute favorite of all the dishes we ordered. Duck Confit was great, as was the crudo of the day and Cheese Selection. Overall, it was a great experience, and I highly recommend Serenade.

Don't Go ! The food was marginal and the Service was Pathertic. My eggs Benedict had no flavor and came with a miniscual 1/2 inch dot of hollandaise on it. The server was no where to be found and never checked in and never refilled our coffees or waters. We waited twenty Five minutes before finally walking up to the front and getting our own check because we had to be somewhere.

It was pretty "meh" for the price. We went on a Saturday night and it was empty- bad sign. We started with the cheese board and it was fine, but nothing special. 3 cheeses and 3 jams/spreads on a white plate for $24. We asked for a few pieces of extra grilled bread and they charged us for the bread. We ordered the duck- very undercooked Brussels sprouts, unflavored potato puree, and a small portion. We got the apple tart for dessert and only ate a few bites and left the rest. Service was surprisingly weak for a restaurant with those prices. Perhaps he was a new server but we were constantly looking for him. He brought over our bottle of wine after we had finished our meal. The ambiance would be fine for a breakfast or lunch but was lacking for a dinner date. There are so many great restaurants in Austin with the same price point, and they are much better than this one. If you're staying at the W on an expense account, I'm sure it would be fine for a breakfast or lunch.

Food was average for the price and the service! So many better restaurants with better food and cheaper....

The food is not good. We had their mocktail and that was really yummy. If you know what's good for you do not order the cauliflower steak. HUGE disappointment.

The vibes were perfect!! Food was amazing and the management team kept checking in on us to ensure we were satisfied highly recommend.