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One of the most exciting aspects of the New Year (at least for this guy) is imagining all of the great new places I’ll get to eat.

Who is going to bring fresh energy and flavor to the scene? What established operator has a new concept ready to spring on us? Who might surprise us?

As I prepare for another year of Austin dining, I have my eye on the following restaurants, where I expect many of you will be eating — and talking about and posting on Instagram — in 2026. Full list available here.

Ēma

Concept: Mediterranean small plates based around the mezze-style of sharing, influenced by California-style cooking, with an emphasis on vegetables.

Principals: Lettuce Entertain You (the group behind Aba on South Congress Avenue) and chef-partner CJ Jacobson, the team behind the wildly popular Aba on SoCo.

Location: 3120 Palm Way, Suite 170 at Domain Northside

ETA: January

Baldinucci Pizza Romana

The purveyors of square Roman-style and classic New York-style pizzas will open a location in Domain Northside at 11501 Rock Rose Ave. #146. baldinucci.pizza.