Toyota Hypercar overlooking the Austin, Texas skyline at Lone Star Le Mans, which takes place at the Circuit of The Americas every September.
Julien Delfosse / DPPI
International sporting events have always been about more than competition, and Lone Star Le Mans captures that spirit beautifully. The world’s greatest car manufacturers arrive in Austin, Texas each year for Lone Star Le Mans, the FIA World Endurance Championship at Circuit of the Americas, turning the city into a place where cultures meet naturally over food, music and conversation.
Visitors arrive wearing different colors and speaking different languages, yet often leave sharing recommendations for taco trucks, barbecue joints, and neighborhood cafés alongside memories of dramatic finishes and unforgettable wins.
While the world’s fastest prototypes and GT cars compete across 181 miles of Texas asphalt for six hours, something equally remarkable unfolds beyond the paddock. Restaurants across the city fill with an international mix of engineers, drivers, executives, journalists and fans. Conversations drift effortlessly between languages and Austin’s restaurants become meeting places for teams from around the globe.
Austin has always thrived at the intersection of cultures, but in recent years its global profile has been elevated even further. Between practice sessions and race day, the city’s restaurant scene provides an opportunity to experience the culinary traditions of the countries whose manufacturers define modern endurance racing.
The 2026 event takes place from September 4th to 6th. Here are seven restaurants to turn race weekend into an international culinary tour.
Justine’s is as well-known for its French cuisine as for its candlelit dining rooms, bustling patios and a crowd that often includes artists and musicians.
Barbara FGAlpine, Peugeot — Justine’s Brasserie
As the birthplace of Le Mans, France is the perfect starting point for this global guide. French motorsports have always embraced style alongside performance, and nowhere does Austin channel that spirit better than Justine’s Brasserie.
Equal parts Parisian brasserie and lively neighborhood gathering place, Justine’s has become one of the city’s defining dining destinations. The atmosphere feels effortlessly energetic, with candlelit dining rooms, bustling patios and a crowd that often includes artists, musicians and visiting creatives.
Steak frites remain a favorite, while escargots, duck confit, and thoughtfully selected French wines transport diners well beyond Central Texas. Make sure to check the blackboards for excellent daily specials, which often rely on seasonal, local ingredients.
During international sporting events (and Justine’s has seen its share of FIFA World Cup celebrations over the years,) restaurants like Justine’s become gathering places where travelers naturally exchange stories across cultures and serve as a reminder that hospitality often creates stronger memories than the competition itself. Reserve if you want dinner to feel like the beginning of the evening rather than the end.
Classic Italian cuisine and Roman-style pizza from Baldinucci Pizza Romana.
Jane YunFerrari — Baldinucci Pizza Romana
Ferrari’s racing heritage is inseparable from Italy’s appreciation for craftsmanship. Every component is engineered with purpose, and every detail contributes to a larger experience. That same philosophy makes Baldinucci Pizza Romana one of Austin’s most compelling Italian restaurants.
Located in Westlake Hills, Baldinucci Pizza Romana approaches Italian cuisine with precision and authentic technique. Diverse handmade Roman and New York-style pizzas anchor the menu—including vegetarian and vegan—with salads, Parmigiana-style bakes and delectable gelato to round out the meal. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional Italian practices reflects a respect for ingredients rarely seen outside Italy.
Baldinucci Pizza Romana’s ties with the brand travel all the way back to Italy with their Baldinucci Culinary Tours. Reserve if you’re celebrating a Ferrari podium finish, or simply appreciate meticulous craftsmanship on and off the racetrack.
One of Austin’s most influential restaurants, Uchi helped establish the city as a serious contender for modern Japanese cuisine.
Hai HospitalityToyota — Uchi
No manufacturer has demonstrated greater consistency in modern endurance racing than Toyota. Precision, discipline, and relentless attention to detail have become hallmarks of the program. Those same qualities have long defined Uchi.
One of Austin’s most influential restaurants, Uchi, helped establish the city as a serious contender for Japanese cuisine while remaining remarkably consistent decades after opening. The menu moves effortlessly between pristine sashimi, inventive nigiri, and warm dishes that blend traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary creativity.
Rather than overwhelming diners with extravagance, each course builds thoughtfully toward the next. It’s a style that mirrors endurance racing itself: measured, deliberate and exceptionally refined. An omakase experience during Lone Star Le Mans weekend feels less like dinner and more like an exploration of craftsmanship. Reserve if you appreciate precision engineering as much as precision knife work.
Scholz Garden, which has operated continuously in Austin since 1866, is the oldest German beer garden in the United States.
Adriana HerreraPorsche, BMW — Scholz Garden
Germany’s automotive reputation rests on technical excellence, disciplined execution, and timeless design. Austin’s German dining scene carries years of experience and energy, with the most historic being Scholz Garden, which has operated continuously in Austin since 1866.
The oldest beer garden in the United States serves traditional Bavarian pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, and German beers, along with many other noteworthy items. Newer German restaurants like Koko’s Bavarian and Banger’s Sausage House have joined the Austin dining scene, but none rival Scholz’s long-standing history.
Like Germany’s greatest sports cars, Scholz doesn’t rely on spectacle. Confidence comes through consistency. “Authentic German/Texan cuisine is about more than recipes,” says Dan Smith, the current owner and operator. “It’s about preserving tradition and creating the kind of tasty, memorable meals that join people together in celebration. That’s the experience we strive to deliver with every dish at Scholz”.
Bonus for any Germany fans coming in with a little time to spare: several small towns just outside of Austin bring the authentic German charm. West of the city, Fredericksburg awaits, deeply steeped in German heritage and home to several restaurants, biergartens, and an annual Oktoberfest. Just south of Austin, New Braunfels offers German dining options like Krause’s Cafe and a small-town square that oozes German charm.
Murray’s Tavern specials include beer-battered onion rings, a fan-favorite French Dip, and of course, fish and chips.
Consumable ContentAston Martin — Murray’s Tavern
British character often shines brightest in places that feel timeless, welcoming, and effortlessly authentic. Murray’s Tavern captures that spirit with a neighborhood warmth that pairs perfectly with race weekend.
Murray’s Tavern offers elevated pub fare, expertly poured drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere where conversations flow as easily as the cocktails. Whether you’re stopping in for fish and chips, a celebratory pint raised to Aston Martin, or a nightcap after the action at the circuit, it’s a destination that feels both familiar and refined. Its inviting setting makes it ideal for reconnecting with friends, meeting fellow enthusiasts, or unwinding after a full day of racing excitement.
Like an Aston Martin grand tourer, Murray’s Tavern values substance, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence over flash. Pull up a chair if you’re looking for a memorable spot to relax and toast the race weekend.
Lunch tray featuring pork ribs, smoked turkey, sausage and Franklin’s famous beef brisket.
Wyatt McSpadden Cadillac, Corvette, and Ford — Franklin Barbecue
No culinary tour of Austin would be complete without acknowledging the cuisine that defines Central Texas itself. For American manufacturers, nothing represents the host nation more authentically than Franklin Barbecue.
Its reputation has become global, attracting everyone from presidents to professional athletes and international visitors willing to wait patiently in line for brisket many consider among the world’s finest, as Franklin does not take reservations. For visitors arriving from Europe or Asia, Franklin offers classic Texas barbecue prepared at the highest level. Race weekends often introduce international guests to brisket for the first time, creating another small but meaningful cultural exchange between visitors and their Texas hosts.
The experience itself reflects endurance racing in unexpected ways. Success depends on preparation, patience, and respect for the process. Long before guests arrive, pitmasters have already spent hours tending fires with remarkable consistency—an exercise in precision every bit as demanding as preparing a race car for a six-hour contest.
One of Austin’s standout destinations for Korean food, Oseyo balances traditional cuisine with a modern approach.
Ryann FordGenesis — Oseyo
Modern luxury is defined by thoughtful design, quiet confidence, and meticulous attention to detail, all qualities that Genesis has embraced from the very beginning. Oseyo brings that same philosophy to the table, celebrating the bold flavors and warm hospitality of Korean cuisine in a contemporary setting.
One of Austin’s standout destinations for Korean food, Oseyo serves vibrant, thoughtfully prepared dishes that balance tradition with a fresh, modern approach. From shareable small plates to comforting classics, every meal is designed to bring people together. Like a Genesis, Oseyo blends heritage with innovation, delivering an experience that feels refined without sacrificing warmth or authenticity.
For Genesis supporters—or anyone eager to experience South Korean culture beyond the circuit—Oseyo is a natural stop during race weekend. Its lively yet approachable atmosphere makes it equally suited for casual lunches, group dinners, or gathering with fellow fans before or after a day at the track.