The Carillon, "A New American Grill," is Austin’s premiere destination for value and fine dining and one of the highest ranked restaurants in 2009 and 2010's Austin American Statesman’s Annual Dining Guide. Located on the southernmost fringe of the UT campus, The Carillon is the capital’s best kept secret.
We offer an upscale contemporary dining experience combining flavors from America's melting pot with traditional recipes and modern preparations and presentations. New American cuisine includes ethnic twists on loved standbys and Old World favorites made from luxury ingredients and molecular gastronomy. Our focus on food and beverage incorporates creative use of local, fresh, and seasonal produce as well as organic and grass fed or free range proteins.
We offer an A la Carte menu as well as prix fixe and chef tasting menus, all of which may be paired with wine.
We hope to see you soon.
"The food and presentation was exceptional & the flavors are unique but very delicious. Much of the food is marinated and cooked for hours. Get the 3 course meal for $50.
Highly recommend the crisp pork belly (get it as an entree!) & the ahi appetizer. The olive oil beef tenderloin was delicious. The lamb was good but I didn't care for the rosemary bread pudding (it was more of a dry corn bread). We had a chocolate dessert that was very good but too small of a portion - like a single piece of chocolate. We should have gone with the servers coconut dessert recommendation because all of his recommendations were our favorites. Service is exceptional (including a very thorough education of the food being served). You'll leave very satisfied."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My daughter and I truly enjoyed our entire meal. We tried some new things, recommended by our very pleasant server; like pork belly and a fish called Mero. They were both excellent! I would definitely return!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The Carillon is surprising warm and friendly and serves excellent and well thought out food. Atmosphere and service were relaxing and the menu was innovative but very accessible to all tastes. Not so much of a show-off place, but more of a place to share fine food with people who understand what a true quality restaurant is all about. Plenty of space means you can wine & dine large groups of friends, family, or clients, but also a very nice place for a special night out (like we did for our anniversary). Felt like finding a true off-the-map secret."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Took my hard to please french parents to Carillon on 5/3/13. They loved the food, ambiance and service. First time I've taken them somewhere they totally enjoyed."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My partner and I celebrated our 20th anniversary here with friends. The food and service were terrific. My fish entree was a surprising medley of flavors, cooked to perfection. And the chocolate dessert was sublime. The waitstaff was knowledgeable and helpful. We look forward to a return trip. Thanks!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Another great trip to Carillon. This is a not-well-known gem. Go and then tell others about it. Josh is inventive and artistic making the food delicious and a joy to behold."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It seemed odd to go out for an anniversary dinner to a restaurant on the campus of the place we both work, but it was fabulous. The food was outstanding (and my husband is extremely picky), the restaurant was quiet (I wonder that if it weren't in a university building if the place would be packed), the ambiance was romantic, and the service was professional and attentive (perhaps too attentive for a romantic dinner). Very highly recommend!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food was good, but not spectacular. Our server talked up the pork belly a whole lot, but I found it too sweet and too salty. Other items were just slightly above average.
I would have given Carillon 4 stars, but the service was pretty bad considering what type of restaurant the Carillon tries to be. When booking, I had noted that my wife is a vegetarian, but when the server suggested that next time we tell him in advance, it was obvious that the message didn't convey. My lamb plate came out without any silverware, so the runner grabbed a butter knife and a fork from an empty adjacent table and left; unfortunately this butter knife didn't cut my lamb very well."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We liked Carillon more than we expected to. We had chosen it as we had an event to attend on UT campus. The food to be wonderful. Interesting and different selections. Nice portion sizes. I think the waiter was giving us time to enjoy the dinner early on but when we told him we had theater tickets, he moved things along and we got done in time to make the show. It's a beautiful space. Definitely would be nice for a special occasion."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Made reservations for my husband's birthday, because our usual spot does not take reservations. Good, service, and atmosphere --all three were were superb. Usually we are lucky to get two out of three at other high-end restaurants. We were a few minutes early but table was ready for us, and we were seated promptly. Waiter took time to answer our questions, and make recommendations. He took care of us without hovering ( husband and I both hate that). Cooking staff served us efficiently without rushing. We liked having a view of the cooking area. Again, preparations were efficient but not hectic. Noise level was low enough that we could carry on a conversation without shouting.
Overall a very pleasant experience."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our food was very interesting with impressive infusions of taste and texture. Service was outstanding with 3-4 people taking care of us~very attentive. Tables spaced better spaced than usual with an open spacious feel."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Carillon is such a great place for a special occasion dinner. The food is interesting and fun, and beautifully prepared. The wait staff is attentive, but not overbearing. I love the way that they allow you to eat leisurely, and enjoy the evening without rushing you. I also love that the restaurant is not loud, even when it is very busy. We've been there several times now, and think of it as our new favorite restaurant in Austin."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"One of the best restaurants in Austin. Right up there with Uchi, Uchiko, and Congress. A prix fixe 3 course dinner is available for $50, so the price is reasonable considering the quality. Wine prices are similar to other top quality restaurants."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were delighted with the restaurant -- the menu was inventive and varied without being weird and outrageous, the service was attentive and pleasant but not intrusive, every dish was beautifully presented. The food was well - seasoned, but balanced and did not rely on heat for flavor. The pace of food presentation was just right.
Our group, which included two celiacs. was extremely impressed with the care and concern that the waiter and the kitchen took to be sure that those who needed GF dishes enjoyed the same beautiful presentations and interesting variations in food choices.
Having just returned from dining in some top restaurants in NYC, I feel very comfortable saying that Carillon rates right up there with the best of them."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I recently dined at the Carillon as an out-of-towner for a 30th birthday & girl's night-out. Myself and the two others were extremely happy with the entire experience!
We all chose the 3 courses with wine pairings option, and we were all happy with our own choices at the same time as being jealous of the others'. Out of the 9 dishes, I would have to say the beef short ribs came out as the over-all favorite by a close margin and the kale salad came out on the bottom, as it was tasty, but a bit too salty. We shared the cheesecake to finish and it was the perfect exclamation point to end the evening.
The service was outstanding. It was attentive and competent with a subtle dash of playful that made the evening a true celebration!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The only thing I would ding Carillon on is their wine list. Wanted to start off with a bottle of champers but couldn't find a mid $ range one I wanted. Would have gladly paid $50-$60 for a bottle of lucien albrecht brut rose. More cremants please! Had to go domestic and it just didn't have the flavor profile I was wanting. It's a minor quibble. I think Carillon has some of the best food in the city."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"There a good things to say about this restaurant: innovative salads, delicious desserts, beautiful room, creative plating, neat & tidy. But since we'd last visited (several times) a year ago, we were sad at the passing of their 'sous vide' selections (of meat or salmon dishes) and staff this night was both over stretched or not too attentitive at the beginning and end of the meal, taking orders: getting bread on table, pouring wine....All courses were delivered too late. We dined as a group of six during a weeknite with a half full restaurant so we didn't expect a crunch in the kitchen. Carillon is missing that creative elegance we experienced previously. It was an up-and-comer for Austin; but not anymore."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This was truly the best meal my wife and I have had in the 2 years we've lived in Austin. And one of the best all-time. Every dish was beautifully presented and the layers of flavors were so complimentary. Looking forward to our next meal at Carillon and Josh Watkin's cooking.."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"While visiting Austin Valentine's day weekend, we went for the 7 course valentine's menu with wine pairings. It was fantastic. The portions were perfect and wine pairings were definitely generous. It was a lovely ambiance for a quiet dinner and our server was excellent. I would definitely return the next time I'm in town."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The seven-course Valentine's Day dining experience was Michelin quality. Seriously one of the best meals we've ever had, anywhere. Service is a little unpolished, but efficient and knowledgeable. We'll be back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I was extremely impressed with the creativity, complexity and balance of the entire meal. To say that each dish was independently delicious is an understatement and the table service equaled the quality of the food......courses were never rushed but the next course was but a breath away from the last. My first 7 course meal was indeed a completely FABULOUS experience napkin up to napkin down!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"An amazing dinner from start to finish! We went on Valentine's Day for the first time and were simply wowed! Staff was extraordinarily attentive, the food was incredible and the ambiance lovely. Just wondering why it took us so long to go."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had a Pri-Fixe dinner for Valentines. It was truly great. 8 light courses, each really innovative. I've been here before and eaten off the standard menu, and the choices are truly unique, and very well prepared. The service is impeccable. I do think this is one of the top restaurants in Austin, if not the very best."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food great, the service was, well...weird and the ambiance was just downright plain ole stuffy! Attracted here by the great reviews of the food...and they were spot on. The food is excellent. A group of four of us did the $50 3-course dinner which meant we had 8 different starters between us. All were superb, with the pork belly being the stand-out for me.
Now the negatives. This place reminded me more of an establishment in Dallas or Houston...I have never seen so many people dressed in suits in an Austin restaurant. It just isn't very "Austin". I wasn't dressed in jeans or t-shirt but I still felt under-dressed. And the service...was just very strange. It was very slow (40 minutes before we got a drink)...and simply very "stuffy"."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great food, fantastic decor. Certainly a great restaurant for foodies. Unique foods like corn dog dessert. The chicken was ok, but first course and last were great. Bread was good. Drinks were not up to my expectations."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The Carillon is a best unknown restaurant in Austin. I wish the university would allow them to advertise because the restaurant is a quality restaurant that always delivers!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Top-notch restaurant in Austin! All the food is at a high level; the meat/seafood/vegetables are cooked perfectly and are accompanied artfully by several secondary ingredients (e.g., celery puree, caviar, brussels sprouts, sweet potato, etc.) The wine list is great, and the servers are extremely knowledgeable about the food and the wine list and very helpful. The atmosphere is a bit hotel-like, as it is in a building with a fancy campus hotel, but it is comfortable and friendly and quiet. Quite a find considering the casual atmosphere of Austin! But you don't have to dress up to go to this restaurant."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.