Olamaie

The story

Olamaie Austin: Modern Southern American Cuisine with a Michelin Star

A Modern Take on Southern Hospitality

Since opening its doors in 2014, Olamaie has become a cornerstone of Austin’s dining landscape, earning a Michelin Star in 2026 for its high-quality cooking. The restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of Southern American cuisine, weaving together technical skill and creative flair to create an experience that feels both rooted and fresh.

The Team Behind the Kitchen

Founder and Executive Chef Michael Fojtasek, a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef Southwest and a Food & Wine Best New Chef, leads the vision. Chef de Cuisine Amanda Turner brings her own depth to the kitchen. A Texas native with fifteen years in Austin’s culinary scene, Turner has worked at Uchi, Odd Duck, and Juniper, and integrates her background in Japanese cuisine into the Southern repertoire. She was a James Beard semifinalist for Emerging Chef in 2022 and named Rising Star Chef by Star Chefs in 2023. Together, they craft a menu that highlights the vibrancy of Texas ingredients through the lens of the African diaspora.

The Dining Experience

Olamaie offers a four-course prix fixe menu (three savory courses plus dessert) for $175 per person, available Wednesday through Sunday. Each course presents three to four options, allowing guests to tailor their meal. For a more casual visit, the Biscuit Bar runs daily, and Southern Fried Chicken is served every Thursday at the bar. Reservations are encouraged, as walk-in space is limited.

The restaurant’s atmosphere balances fine dining with genuine warmth—a place where technical excellence meets a sense of community. Olamaie has been named Austin American-Statesman’s Best Restaurant in Austin multiple times, and continues to be a touchstone for both locals and visitors seeking refined Southern American cuisine.