Unearth The Voyage
Tucked just off South Congress, Aba Austin feels like a secret garden where Mediterranean flavors meet Austin energy. The patio glows at night, the bar hums, and the kitchen fires up dishes that keep locals coming back.
If you love bold spices, silky spreads, and wood grilled kebabs, this spot will win you over fast. Come hungry and ready to share, because the plates are made for passing and the vibe invites lingering.
1. Lamb & Beef Kefta: The Star Of The Patio
You know a dish is special when the reviews keep circling back to it. At Aba Austin, the lamb and beef kefta delivers juicy, charcoal kissed richness with fragrant spices that bloom as soon as you slice in.
The chilled cucumbers and garlic kissed hummus bring a cool counterpoint, while warm pita becomes the vehicle for every perfect bite.
I loved how tender the kefta was without losing that pleasant grill char. The portion invites sharing, so you can build little bites with herbs, pickles, and a swipe of hummus.
If you want to understand why this place holds a 4.7 rating across thousands of diners, start here and let the flavors do the convincing.
Pair it with a crisp white or a herb forward cocktail and settle into the tree lined patio. Whether you sit at the indoor outdoor bar or a cozy table, you will feel that Austin ease meet Eastern Mediterranean soul.
Order early, because you will want seconds.
2. Crispy Short Rib Hummus That Changes Minds
This hummus comes loaded with tender, crispy edged short rib, and it hits that comfort food sweet spot without feeling heavy. The warm pita tears cleanly, scooping up silky chickpea, rich juices, and a pop of herbs.
It is a must order for first timers and repeat guests alike, and it sets the tone for a sharing style meal.
You can taste how carefully the kitchen layers textures. There is creaminess, crunch, and a savory depth that lingers just enough.
It pairs beautifully with a glass from their thoughtful wine selection or something bright and citrusy from the cocktail list.
If someone in your group is skeptical about hummus, this is the dish that wins them over. Sit back, pass the plate, and watch it disappear faster than you planned.
At Aba Austin, spreads are a signature, and this one shows exactly why the reviews keep raving.
3. Garlic Hummus With Warm Pita
Sometimes simple is the flex. The garlic hummus at Aba Austin is ultra smooth and balanced, with enough roasted garlic to feel indulgent and not so much that it overwhelms the table.
Warm pita arrives soft and steamy, perfect for generous scoops that make easy converts out of anyone claiming they are not a hummus person.
You will appreciate the drizzle of olive oil and the light dusting of spice. It gives that luxe finish you expect at a polished Mediterranean spot.
Share it to start, then keep a little on the side because it plays great with kebabs, potatoes, and grilled vegetables later in the meal.
This is one of those dishes that sets pace for the evening. Pair it with sparkling water or a crisp white to refresh the palate between bites.
When a restaurant nails the basics, you can trust the rest of the menu.
4. Whipped Feta That Steals The Show
Whipped feta at Aba Austin is a creamy, tangy cloud you will keep coming back to between sips and stories. The texture is lush yet airy, with a gentle salty punch that begs for pita or crisp vegetables.
It is the kind of spread that makes the whole table pause, then nod in unison after the first swipe.
Order it alongside hummus for a contrast of flavors and textures. The feta’s brightness plays well with wood fired meats, roasted vegetables, and a zippy cocktail.
Every bite feels casual and elevated at once, which is exactly the point of a great SoCo evening.
If you are planning a date night, this is a winning opener. It is shareable, photogenic, and totally satisfying without weighing you down.
When the patio lights glow and conversation warms up, you will be glad this plate landed first.
5. Brussels Sprouts With Big Mediterranean Energy
These Brussels sprouts arrive caramelized and deeply savory, with edges that crunch and centers that stay tender. The kitchen leans into Mediterranean flavors, so you get brightness, a little sweetness, and spice that wakes everything up.
It is a side that turns into a centerpiece once the forks start flying.
You will want a scoop of hummus nearby, because the sprouts love that garlicky richness. Add a bite of kefta in between and you will see how the menu connects from plate to plate.
The balance is thoughtful without ever feeling fussy.
Order them for the table and watch even the skeptics convert. On a cool Austin night under the patio heaters, the smoky aroma feels just right.
This is comfort food that still lets you save room for dessert.
6. Muhammara: Roasted Pepper Walnut Magic
Muhammara at Aba Austin delivers a sweet smoky kick from roasted peppers blended with walnuts and pomegranate. The texture lands between dip and spread, rich but lively, especially with a finishing drizzle of good olive oil.
Scooped with pita or crisp vegetables, it becomes the bright counterpoint to the wood grilled mains.
You will taste layers of flavor that unfold slowly. A little heat, a nutty depth, and a tang that keeps you reaching back.
It is a good move to order muhammara alongside whipped feta and garlic hummus so everyone can customize their bites.
If you love discovering a new favorite spread, this one feels like a signature. On a sunny afternoon, pair it with sparkling water and take your time.
Aba Austin knows how to make a table feel abundant, and this bowl proves it.
7. Shawarma Spiced Prime Skirt Steak
Here is a dish that marries Austin’s love for grilled beef with Levantine spice. The prime skirt steak gets shawarma seasoning, so it arrives fragrant, deeply caramelized, and sliced for easy sharing.
Each bite carries warmth from the spice blend without overpowering the buttery beef.
You will want to drag pieces through a swipe of spread or a puddle of resting juices. The texture is tender with a satisfying chew that steak lovers crave.
Pair it with crispy potatoes and a bright salad to round out the table.
If you are plotting a celebratory night, this plate feels festive from the first slice. The servers know the menu well and can steer you toward a perfect drink pairing.
Order confidently, then pass the platter and enjoy the chorus of happy reactions.
8. Salmon Kebab With Lemon And Herb
The salmon kebab at Aba Austin threads generous cubes that stay silky inside and lightly charred outside. Citrus and herbs keep the profile bright, so each bite feels clean and satisfying.
It is wonderful with the house rice and a scoop of garlicky yogurt or hummus.
If someone at your table prefers seafood, this is a smart pick that still plays nicely with the spreads. A sip of crisp white wine or a spritzy cocktail brings the flavors into perfect focus.
The plating is simple and beautiful, making it a natural centerpiece for sharing.
On warm Austin evenings, the kebab’s freshness really shines. Add grilled vegetables and a salad to round out the meal without weighing it down.
You leave feeling energized instead of stuffed, which means dessert can absolutely happen.
9. Beef Tenderloin Kebab Over Rice And Salad
When you want classic, go for the beef tenderloin kebab. At Aba Austin, the meat is seared hot for that smoky edge, then rested so it lands tender and juicy.
A mix of rice and salad brings texture and freshness, making each forkful balanced.
You will appreciate how the marinade whispers rather than shouts, letting the quality of the beef shine. Share it with a lineup of spreads and you have the best of both worlds.
The plate photographs beautifully, but it tastes even better than it looks.
Whether you sit outdoors beneath the leafy canopy or inside with the buzzy bar, this kebab fits the mood. Add sparkling water or a bold red if you are feeling generous.
It is the kind of dish that makes group dinners easy, because everyone finds something to love.
10. Charred Eggplant With Bright Accents
Charred eggplant is one of those dishes that quietly steals the show. At Aba Austin, it lands smoky and soft, then gets lifted with herbs, citrus, and a creamy element that ties everything together.
Spread it on pita or layer it next to kebabs for contrast.
You will notice how the kitchen respects vegetables as much as the meats. The textures are intentional, the seasoning confident, and the overall effect is comforting.
It is an excellent option for a lighter bite that still feels indulgent.
On the patio, with the breeze moving through the trees, this plate tastes like vacation. Pair it with a mineral driven white or sparkling water with citrus.
It is a reminder that Mediterranean cooking sings when smoke, acid, and cream meet on one plate.
11. Sticky Date Cake To End On A High
Save room, because the sticky date cake is worth the gentle pause. Think warm, plush crumb soaked with toffee like sauce, then balanced by something cool and creamy.
It is nostalgic and elevated at once, a dessert that earns silence around the table for a few seconds.
You will appreciate how it avoids cloying sweetness. The texture stays light enough that you do not roll out of your seat.
Pair it with coffee or a digestif and enjoy the slow glide into the rest of your evening.
On cooler nights, this dessert feels especially right under the patio heaters. If you tried to skip dessert, this cake will change your mind.
Aba Austin knows how to close a meal with heart, and this is the proof.
12. Olive Oil Frozen Yogurt, Light And Lush
When you want a refreshing finish, the olive oil frozen yogurt delivers. It is tangy, silky, and lightly floral from a drizzle of good oil, with maybe a sprinkle of flaky salt to make the flavors pop.
You get that clean, not too sweet profile that pairs with everything.
If your table went heavy on spreads and kebabs, this dessert brings balance. It is the kind you can share in a few bright spoonfuls and still feel satisfied.
Pair it with espresso or a citrusy cocktail for a breezy finale.
On a warm Austin evening, it hits especially well. I love how it keeps the Mediterranean thread running from first bite to last.
Aba Austin shows restraint and confidence with this dessert, and the result is quietly memorable.
13. Patio Vibes On South Congress
Aba Austin sits slightly tucked from the main SoCo swirl, giving the patio a private, leafy feel. Heat lamps and fans keep the space comfortable year round, and the big tree overhead frames golden hour beautifully.
It is one of those patios where you settle in and forget the clock.
You will notice the double sided bar, connecting indoor energy with outdoor ease. The staff keeps things moving without rush, and the soundtrack hums just under conversation.
It works for date night, group birthdays, or a relaxed business dinner.
Make a reservation when you can, especially on weekends. If you end up waiting, the bar and lounge make time pass quickly.
Once seated, lean into the spreads, order a kebab or two, and let the evening unfold.
14. Pro Tips: Reservations, Timing, And What To Order
Book ahead for prime hours, especially Friday and Saturday nights. If you are walking in, ask for the patio or bar and be flexible with timing.
Starting with spreads is the move, then add a kebab and at least one vegetable or potato to keep the table lively.
For first timers, go garlic hummus, whipped feta, and lamb and beef kefta. Add crispy short rib hummus if your group is hungry.
Finish with sticky date cake or olive oil frozen yogurt so you leave on a high.
Weeknight dinners feel relaxed and come with less waiting. Brunch can be a fun surprise, and the service team is great with allergies when you flag them early.
Keep your order share friendly, sip something bright, and enjoy that SoCo magic.
