El Naranjo Restaurant & Bar, nestled in the heart of South Austin off South Lamar Boulevard, announced on Wednesday, June 10, that it will close for good in mid-July, with its final day of service slated for July 18. El Naranjo staff confirmed the restaurant is working on a slew of farewell specials to serve as a love letter to its patrons who have frequented the eatery over the years.
Located on South Lamar, El Naranjo is helmed by award-winning chef Iliana de la Vega, who earned top honors and was named the 2022 best chef in Texas by the James Beard Foundation. El Naranjo’s menu is centered around traditional Mexican cuisine, with menu highlights including blends of salsas and moles alongside empanadas, slow-braised meats, vegetable-driven dishes, as well as ceviches and homemade guacamole.
“Gracias, gracias to each one of you and to the city of Austin for opening your arms to us,” Iliana de la Vega and Ernesto Torrealba wrote in the announcement. “Thank you for welcoming our whole family when we had nothing but our recipes and hope. And for returning, again and again, to enjoy our history, traditions, culture, and the food of our family, with us.”
MySA reached out to El Naranjo staff for further comment. We will update this story once we receive a response.
Find it: 2717 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 1085, Austin, TX 78704