When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen
Why QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen stands out as a vibrant culinary destination in the heart of Austin, Texas. Specializing in traditional Chinese cuisine with a fresh, Southeast Asian-inspired twist, QI Austin crafts dishes from wholesome, fresh ingredients that appeal to a variety of palates. This restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere ideal for gatherings with friends, whether for casual lunches, elegant dinners, or special occasions. Located discreetly in a shopping center on West Sixth Street, QI Austin provides a welcoming space that combines modernity with authentic Asian flavors, making it a unique spot for social dining experiences. Highlights include their masterfully prepared dim sum, expertly seasoned pickles, and perfectly cooked salmon dishes, reflecting a commitment to quality and balanced flavor. The availability of vegan options and attentive table service enhances the experience, catering to diverse dietary preferences. QI Austin also offers a private dining room for those seeking a more intimate or celebratory setting, making it suitable for groups or special events. Overall, the combination of a thoughtfully curated menu, fresh ingredients, and a modern yet cozy environment makes QI Austin a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy authentic Asian cuisine in Austin.
Here's what people think of QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen
As of recent, QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen holds a 4.4-star rating based on 857 reviews.
Customer reviews of QI Austin consistently highlight the restaurant's excellence in food quality and taste. Positive feedback often praises the flavorful dishes such as dumplings and salmon, noting that the Southeast Asian-inspired flavors are both authentic and creatively executed. The team-style dining experience is especially appreciated, allowing groups to share a variety of dishes, which fosters a convivial atmosphere perfect for social gatherings. Many reviewers commend the attentive and friendly service, recognizing that the staff makes efforts to ensure a pleasant dining experience including accommodating special diets with vegan options. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional delays in service, such as missed drinks and slower-than-expected rice delivery, indicating moments where operational flow could improve. Additionally, the restaurant's location inside a somewhat nondescript shopping center can make it less visible or harder to find for first-time visitors. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus remains positive, with many patrons expressing eagerness to return. In summary, QI Austin receives strong ratings for its delicious and fresh Asian cuisine, friendly service, and comfortable atmosphere, making it a recommended choice for those seeking a modern, flavorful dining experience with friends or family in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Amanda Dunlap
Went to Qi for a small semi private business dinner. Food was excellent, and the service was impressive and incredibly efficient for the small space we were in. We had the soup buns and the beef buns for appetizers plus egg rolls which were all very flavorful and served hot. I ordered the salt and pepper lobster tails which are breaded and fried. Very good but not quite what I expected, still very good. My table neighbor had the honey beef and shared and it was amazing. The desserts stole the show with amazing presentation and flavor! Great spot for a bday dinner in the future, plus a parking garage for easy access!
Jenny Xu
Their soup dumplings are absolutely delicious! You can even watch the staff making these tasty dumplings on-site! I especially love soup dumplings, and this is already my second visit because of them. The hot and sour soup is flavorful and is also the second time I’ve ordered it. The lobster dumplings are amazing, similar to the shrimp dumplings you’d find at dim sum, but with fuller meat. The salt and pepper shrimp go perfectly with rice, and they even include a small bowl of rice and soup for free. But! Why would a chef cut ginger into such thin and tiny pieces that they look like shredded cabbage?!
Angelica Le
Rating: 3.7/5 [dine in] Qi is beautifully decorated and great for events/celebrations, but ultimately it's overpriced Chinese food. Our server seemed checked out--ready to leave and not very confident when answering our questions. Morning Matcha ($16): Campo Bravo Tequila, Ming River Baiju, matcha, lime, yuzu, topped with what I think is a matcha wafer. The drink sounds good but wasn't memorable. Southern Iced Tea ($17): High West Bourbon, peach liqueur, cold-brewed oolong, honey, lemon. Tastes like a sweet tea, but you can barely taste the alcohol. Crab Meat Fish Maw Soup Dumplings ($16): Comes with five dumplings. These were unexpectedly sour and didn't taste like what we anticipated. Scallop Caviar Sui Mai ($15): We expected high-end caviar, so the fish roe threw us off. Still, the three pieces were tasty--probably my favorite of all the dim sum we tried. Crawfish Dumplings ($15): Three bright red dumplings. I'd never had crawfish in dumplings before, but I was pleasantly surprised. A close second to the scallop sui mai. Roasted Duck Scallion Pancake ($16): Comes with four slices. It was fine, but not worth the price. The duck lacked juiciness, and the scallion pancake didn't bring much flavor.
Tara Gharavi
Made reservations for Valentine’s Day Dinner. First time visit, we were blown away! Incredible food, amazing service, beautifully decorated space, and very well maintained restrooms. Soup dumplings are a must have. It was the perfect amount of food and every bite was delightful. Will always come here when in Austin.
David Huffaker
Qi transforms an otherwise bland building with its style. Walking through the doors is like stepping through a portal to another place. The service is excellent the food is both traditional and creative. Overall a great choice for Chinese food.
How to reach QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen
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Why QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen with your friends?
When it comes to gathering with friends for an enjoyable and memorable dining experience, QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen stands out as the perfect destination. With a solid 4.4-star rating from over 850 reviews, this restaurant offers not only exceptional food but also an atmosphere that truly encourages connection and celebration. The moment you enter, the restaurant’s sleek and modern décor immediately sets the tone, providing a vibrant yet cozy backdrop that is ideal for socializing. The menu presents a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes made from fresh, farm-driven ingredients. This culinary blend ensures there is something for every palate, making it a seamless choice for groups with diverse tastes. Whether you’re craving delicate soup dumplings, flavorful potstickers, or indulgent Peking duck, QI Austin’s offerings stimulate your senses and create a shared dining experience that brings friends closer. Moreover, the attentive and friendly service complements the culinary delights and ambiance, ensuring that everyone in your group feels welcomed and well cared for. For these reasons, QI Austin is not just a meal stop—it's a lively rallying point to create lasting memories with friends.
What activities can you enjoy at QI Austin, and why is it perfect for group meetups?
QI Austin’s dynamic menu and welcoming ambiance provide a variety of activities central to a fun and engaging group meetup. First and foremost, sharing plates is a key social activity here. The restaurant’s extensive dim sum selection—as well as other appetizers like beef and chicken potstickers, taro egg rolls, and crab meat fish maw soup dumplings—are perfect for sampling and passing around the table. This interactive style of dining encourages conversation and communal enjoyment as everyone tries different dishes. Besides the dim sum, QI Austin offers substantial entrees such as Akaushi beef, lobster, and Peking duck, elevating the meal to a full tasting experience. The presentation of dishes, often rich in colors and textures, adds to the visual joy, sparking conversations about flavors and presentation.
In addition to food tasting, QI Austin offers a unique cocktail menu featuring innovative drinks like those infused with fresh flowers, providing a sophisticated and playful element to your gathering. Sipping on these distinctive beverages while catching up with friends enhances the festive mood. For dessert lovers, the restaurant’s creations — such as the mango bomb with guava syrup and the chocolate tower — provide the sweet finale that everyone looks forward to and can enjoy together.
The restaurant’s comfortable seating arrangements accommodate different group sizes, making it suitable whether you are hosting an intimate gathering or a larger party. The service staff’s attentive yet unobtrusive style ensures smooth pacing of courses, allowing ample time for chatting without feeling rushed. Additionally, QI Austin’s location in the heart of Austin means it’s accessible and convenient for everyone to meet there. The sophisticated ambiance combined with high-quality food and drink transforms an ordinary meetup into a memorable celebration.
How does QI Austin’s food and ambiance enhance group bonding?
Food experiences have a unique power to foster connection, and QI Austin leverages this through both inventive cuisine and its inviting atmosphere. The modern yet warm décor creates an environment that feels upscale but welcoming, making guests comfortable and relaxed as they enjoy their meals. Lighting and subtle design details contribute to a trendy vibe without overwhelming conversation spaces, allowing friends and family to focus on each other. Whether you’re catching up over brunch options or enjoying an evening dinner, the setting adapts beautifully.
The menu’s blend of traditional and innovative dishes reflects the culinary diversity present in Austin and invites guests to explore flavors together. Sharing dumplings, savory potstickers, and signature entrees not only satisfies appetites but also acts as an interactive event. Describing and tasting different dishes together deepens engagement and makes dining a playful, shared adventure rather than just a meal. This atmosphere naturally encourages storytelling, laughter, and bonding.
In addition, the efficient and friendly service fosters a stress-free environment where groups can focus entirely on their interactions. Staff members are often praised for recommendations and attentiveness, making everyone feel personally attended to within the bustling yet manageable setting. This level of care creates a sense of belonging that is crucial for any successful social meetup.
What makes QI Austin suitable for special occasions with friends and family?
QI Austin is more than just a casual dining spot—it is an excellent choice for celebrating special occasions with friends or family due to its exceptional combination of atmosphere, cuisine, and service. Its menu features elevated dishes made with premium ingredients like lobster, caviar, and Akaushi beef, signaling a feeling of indulgence ideal for festivities. The variety in the menu, including both small plates and generous entrees, means you can tailor the meal to suit the occasion, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a meaningful reunion.
The ambiance provides a modern yet intimate setting that elevates the event without feeling stuffy or overly formal. The tasteful décor and mood lighting create an inviting space for meaningful conversations and photo-worthy moments. Attentive staff are known for their friendly engagement, often going the extra mile to ensure your group’s needs are met, making celebrations run smoothly.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s location in downtown Austin makes it easy to combine with other local activities or nightlife, turning a meal at QI Austin into part of a larger day or evening celebration. This flexibility and attention to quality make it a compelling destination for marking important moments with people you care about.
How does QI Austin accommodate various dietary preferences in a group?
One of the challenges when dining with friends or family is accommodating diverse dietary preferences and restrictions, and QI Austin shines in this aspect. The restaurant’s menu includes a wide range of dishes inspired by different Asian culinary traditions, allowing for ample choice among meat lovers, vegetarians, and those seeking lighter or gluten-conscious options. Many of the small plates and dim sum varieties are made with fresh, healthy ingredients that can cater to health-conscious diners.
The kitchen’s focus on farm-driven, fresh ingredients means dishes are flavorful without relying on heavy sauces or additives, making it easier for guests with sensitivities or preferences to find enjoyable options. For example, seafood dishes like scallop caviar sui mai and crab dumplings provide alternatives to red meat, while vegetable-based dishes and appetizers are plentiful for non-meat eaters.
Moreover, the staff at QI Austin are known for their helpfulness and can provide recommendations or adapt dishes when possible to respect special dietary needs. This attentiveness reduces planning stress for group organizers and ensures everyone at the table can revel in the shared experience without worry.
What do reviews say about the dining experience at QI Austin?
Customer reviews frequently praise QI Austin for the quality of the food, the friendly and efficient service, and the enjoyable ambiance. Many highlight the precision and creativity in the dim sum offerings, with particular favorites being the soup dumplings and potstickers. The Peking duck and dessert options often come recommended as “exceptional,” rounding out a meal that leaves guests satisfied and eager to return.
Reviewers consistently acknowledge the attentiveness of staff, mentioning individuals by name who elevate the experience through thoughtful recommendations and genuine kindness. This personalized hospitality adds considerable value when dining in groups, as it helps coordinate orders and ensures service flows comfortably.
The restaurant’s standout features such as the modern décor and vibrant atmosphere also receive positive remarks. Visitors find the setting attractive for social gatherings, with many appreciating that the location is both central and easy to find. Altogether, the high volume of positive feedback underlines why QI Austin maintains a solid reputation as a prime spot for meetups in Austin’s dynamic food scene.
Hosting a meetup at QI Austin: Modern Asian Kitchen offers an unbeatable mix of outstanding food, attractive space, and thoughtful service. From savoring expertly crafted dim sum to sharing elegant entrees and creative cocktails, and from enjoying a lively ambiance to feeling personally welcomed, the restaurant provides everything needed to make any group gathering special. Whether planning a casual catch-up or a celebratory feast, QI Austin ensures your friends and family dine in style and delight.