Few restaurants have truly embraced the idea of changing with the seasons, which is why Somnio’s Café might catch the attention of Austin-area locovores looking for a certain kind of meal (an environmentally-supportive V-Day dinner, perhaps?). With a menu based on the freshly-harvested offerings of a number of Texas farmers, this elegantly simple eatery brings a sense of conscience and variety to South Austin.

Lunch and dinner fare consist of colorful salads (check out the watermelon radishes), tacos, wraps, rice bowls and a selection of entrées that may include pork tenderloin medallions or stuffed Portobello cups. The menu is vegetarian friendly (the cooks even use separate fryers) but satisfying to meat-eaters as well, and every creation seems to have been conceptualized with a sense of honoring the ingredients.

Owner and chef Jay Guidry, a former electrical engineer, relies on foods collected from Oak Hill Farm, Finca Pura Vida, Gunderman Farm and local organic delivery service Greenling, among other sources. Guidry’s wife, Anna Worthy (also an engineer), plays an important role in the restaurant’s functioning as well, including attending the Sunset Valley Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in order to replenish the pantry.

Though byob for now, Somnio’s will soon be serving a selection of wine and beer along with their changing, ever-seasonal entrées. Guidry credits the surrounding neighborhood with being supportive of this venture, and looks forward to a future of following the ebb and flow of the local food supply.


AFM RATES ‘EM

Location: 3/5
Located on South First between Annie and Mary, Somnio’s Café doesn’t have the easiest storefront to spot; keep your eyes sharp and look for Flashback Vintage, as they share a parking lot.

Service: 5/5
A small, friendly staff and an efficient kitchen set-up make for quick service and a positive dining experience overall.

Price: 4/5
Salads and appetizers are priced at $4 to $5 while entrées range from $7 to $11. Not too bad considering the quality and care that have gone into the menu.

Food: 5/5
The menu is shaped by available produce, but that doesn’t mean it constantly or dramatically changes. Somnio’s Café is a unique blend of local, fresh, healthy foods, which we love.

Overall: 4.5/5
Seasonality meets serenity at this locally-oriented restaurant tucked away in the trees of South Austin. Visitors will leave feeling sated and better connected to the environment in which they live.


MENU ITEMS FEATURED

Orange Pork Tacos
Topped with baby spinach and queso fresco and served with chips and salsa, this filling dish is available for lunch or dinner.

Radish Salad
Pretty watermelon radishes, orange slices, spinach, sprouts and honey soy vinaigrette come together with panache. Available as an appetizer or an entrée.

CONTACT
Somnio’s Café
1807 South First St.
somnioscafe.com
512.442.2500