Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish - Austin (TX)

5 /5 John R: Fantastic restaurant for a date night. The swordfish and Berkshire pork meals were delicious and the bartender made drinks to perfection that came out pretty quickly. To top it off, the server was attentive and would would walk by the table to see if we needed anything but had great discretion to know when to verbally check on us as to not overly interfere. Top notch experience.

2 /5 vincent xue: Didnt have any expectations for this restaurant, but I was quite disappointed. The menu selection is pretty small. The restaurant was only 30% full on a Saturday night but it was pretty loud. I couldnt see the colors of my dishes because it was so dark. The food didnt stand out, but it wasnt terrible to eat. The best thing I can say about the dessert, was that it was different. The Flor De Aplos non-alocoholic drink was probably the best thing I had here. Its a berry infused drink with a drop of a vinegar-like substance, giving it a hint of sweetness and a touch of tang. The complexion allows me to pace the drink as I eat my meals. The Roasted Acorn Squash was my starter. The squash was similar to a steamed potato without the heavy starch. Not sure if the squash itself was intentionally bland, but the surrounding elements were pretty neat. The acorns and cilantro gave it a nice texture and contrasting colors. I wish the spicy bits were a bit stronger, but thats admittedly just my preference. The puree is definitely the star of the plate, giving each bite a level of sweetness and savoriness. I had the Half Chicken Milanese for my main. The meat had a nice cook and was splendidly moist. It was a bit too salty for my liking, but it was passable. However the accompanied vegetables felt out of place and random. I appreciate the variety in fiber, but the combination of Okra, Corn, and Cauliflower didnt compliment the protein. I couldnt tell if the Milanese had a special preparation outside of the breading and salt (since the restaurant was too dark); it would have been nice if the chicken had some acidity or was sprinkled with something. The Monkey bread was a pretty big disappointment. Ive never had Monkey bread before, so its possible that Im just not a fan of the dessert. Either way, it was really lacking in the sweet department. Pairing it with ice cream (like a cream puff) would really elevate this dessert. On top of that, the boba was incredibly stale. Was it intentional? Im really trying to give the dessert the benefit of the doubt, but I wouldve tragically been more happier with a regular scoop of sorbet. All in all, the dishes were pretty expensive and left more to be desired. Im actually interested in trying the pasta dishes, but I did not want my first impressions of this restaurant to be their pasta tapas. However my curiosity is not strong enough for me to want to come back.

5 /5 Damaris Ripp: Tucked into the LINE Hotel with sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake, Arlo Grey by Top Chef alum Kristen Kish is the kind of spot that turns a simple dinner into a sultry escape. The ambiance? Pure romance with dim, moody lighting casting a golden glow over sleek, modern tables, while the gentle hum of conversation and clinking glasses feels intimate without being stuffy. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the glittering Austin skyline at dusk, making it impossible not to steal glances (and a few selfies) between bites. It’s the perfect backdrop for a date night, where the world outside fades into a hazy, sunset-kissed dream. Service here is next-level, the kind that makes you feel like the only couple in the room. Our server anticipated every need with effortless charm, offering thoughtful wine pairings that elevated the meal without overwhelming us. And the bussers? Absolute pros they swooped in the moment we polished off a plate, keeping our table clean and the energy light. It was that rare one-on-one attention that turns good dining into memorable magic. We kicked things off sharing the rainbow trout crudo: red chile gazpacho, TX peach, watermelon radish, and basil. The gazpacho was fragrant and bursting with summer vibes, bright, spicy notes but a touch too salty for my palate, pulling focus from the harmony. That said, the fish itself was so impossibly fresh it dissolved in your mouth, making the whole dish worth every salty speck. Next up, the crispy rice with saffron aioli, crab, bacon, cucumber, cilantro, and haricot vert. Oh man—this was the star, straight-up addictive. Crunchy, golden bites laced with luxurious crab and that whisper of smoky bacon, all tied together by the floral saffron cream. We kept circling back for “just one more,” fighting over the last pieces like kids. The pork chop followed, perched on carrot & caper purée, braised cabbage, nasturtium gremolata, and enoki mushrooms. Cooked to smoky, juicy perfection with a gorgeous char, it was hearty Central Texas comfort dialed up to elegant. The cut leaned fattier, which added rich depth though it might overwhelm lighter appetites all of this is ideal for sharing, as we did. We wrapped with desserts that hit all the sweet spots: the sourdough ice cream, tangy and creamy with that unexpected crunchy sourdough croutons and the peach upside-down cake—pure nostalgia with a Texas twist, light enough to end on a high note without regret. Arlo Grey nails that blend of refined whimsy and heartfelt hospitality. If you’re chasing romance with a side of stellar seasonal eats, this is your spot. Can’t wait to return.

4 /5 Jacob Nunnenkamp: The meal was pretty expensive. Two for thanksgiving with one cocktail each was about $235 before tip. The thanksgiving feast was $89 per person, but it came with a lot and I’d say it was worth the price. My favorite by far was the sourdough bread starter, it was phenomenal. Absolutely the best bread appetizer I’ve had at a restaurant. You can tell a lot of thought and care went into preparing this meal for everyone. We came late at night and still felt our service was great. We were pretty thirsty and didn’t get our waters refilled quick enough is my only complaint. But that could just be attributed to a busy thanksgiving. They donated $50 per thanksgiving meal to a food drive so this establishment is definitely one you’ll feel good spending your money at. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a fancy date night or a nice night out on your own.

3 /5 Kristen: I recently visited Arlo Grey by Kristen Kish, which is located within Austins hotel, the LINE, with a group of friends for New Years Eve. Per their website, "Arlo Grey is the LINE’s lakeside restaurant by Top Chef winner, host and cookbook author Kristen Kish. At Arlo Grey, Kish and Executive Chef Alejandro Munoz dig deep into the bountiful ingredients of Central Texas to create a mix of dishes. The restaurant reflects Kristen’s playful yet refined cuisine, pulling inspiration from her classical training as well as nostalgic dishes that highlights her upbringing and love of travel. Come by for a casual, comfortable experience and a menu designed to nourish the soul." In regard to their staff (to start), I regret to say that I wasnt super impressed. Arlo Greys wait service was a little slow throughout our meal and the hostesses were not particularly kind. In fact, they seemed a little intense (& maybe a little snooty) when we were greeted. I understand that it was a holiday, and it was a bit busy, but I personally didnt feel particularly welcome on our groups arrival to the restaurant. Regarding their cocktails, their Love Bug is pretty good - its flavorful and dressed nicely in terms of presentation. In regard to their food, my boyfriend & I split the Texas Farm Salad + the Rigatoni. Everything tasted good! However, was this the most memorable meal Ive ever had (specifically in ATX)? No. Generally speaking, our visit wasnt bad by any means. However, I dont think Ill be back. Overall, the cocktails + food felt expensive for what we got. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is cozy & inviting, and its beautifully decorated, but our table was near the kitchen doors, so this became a distraction during our visit. Unfortunately, all of these factors are what contribute to this 3-star review.