A New Way to Do Lunch in Austin

There’s something about lunch in Austin that calls for a little more. More flavor, more color, more reasons to linger. Starting April 13th, we’re leaning all the way in with a brand new lunch menu, shaped by Chef Partner Michael Bertozzi and inspired by the kind of meals that feel just as right for a quick bite as they do for a long, easy afternoon. 

If you’re the type who likes to start with items for the table, our “shareables” section is for you. Indian puffy tacos layered with curried potatoes, chutneys, and sweet yogurt, or hot buttered dates with guanciale and rosemary that hit that perfect sweet-savory balance. The urfa-spiced carrots with whipped feta and pistachio are already a team favorite, and the burrata with strawberry and pesto brings a bright, spring-ready energy to the table.

For something a little more classic with plenty of personality, our soups and salads bring depth and texture in all the right ways. Gumbo with roasted chicken and andouille, miso Caesar with crispy alliums, or a wedge salad topped with flank steak and brûléed Texas ruby red grapefruit. Each one feels familiar, but never predictable.

Our sandwiches and plates are the kind of dishes that make lunch feel like the main event. From a halal cart chicken and a classic cheeseburger to a crispy shrimp po’ boy, there’s a little something for every mood. If you’re leaning toward a heartier lunch, the tagliatelle with bolognese or the crispy pork schnitzel deliver in a big way. Our Mediterranean mezze and crispy cauliflower keep things vibrant and light.

This new menu is a reflection of how Chef Michael Bertozzi approaches food: globally inspired, deeply rooted in seasonality, and always grounded in thoughtful execution. Since joining The Kitchen in 2020, he’s helped shape a culinary direction that pulls from his Southern roots, his experience across some of the country’s most dynamic kitchens, and a genuine love for bold, layered flavors. The result is a lunch menu that feels fresh, unexpected and right at home in Austin.