Apatite Cafe

Bee Cave is really great, as there are many unique retaurants and shops that we don’t have in Austin. I know it’s becoming more of a true suburb than a small town in the hill country, but thanks to Apatite Café, the 20 minute drive out there is so worth it. This place rules.
From the minute I spotted the tiny outdoor seating area, I felt like we had unearthed a hidden gem. I felt spoiled the whole time we were there as I let the relaxed atmosphere, excellent service, and unforgettable flavors take me over. We loved everything we tried– tuna, crab, butternut squash soup, salads, the special house dessert of the night. My parents, husband, and I will be back asap to sample different items to see what they have to offer, but we are most definitely getting those chips again.

Apatite Café is an excellent choice for a quality lunch. I sat at the bar and ordered food for take out. I was amazed how beautiful the plates appeared coming out of the kitchen. The presentation was outstanding. Generous portions combined with red from watermelon paired with
a slice of orange on side.
The service was friendly and quick. I ordered a tuna sandwich on whole wheat. A large sandwich with coleslaw and fruit. The guy at the bar described it as awesome. Awesome it was. The Cuban chicken wrap was delicious. We were very impressed with this small café. I look forward to trying the dinner menu in the near future.

Fresh local ingredients combined with attention to detail make Apatite Café a must for hungry Unilocalers.

Food: 5 stars
Service: 4 stars
Ambiance: 5 stars
We’ve been here twice, which is saying a lot, since this place is 17 miles from our house. Nobody in Austin (even those nearer to the Arctic, in Round Rock) is probably more than ten miles from great food. For us, to trek that far afield for food says a lot.
The first time was for dinner on a Friday. The place is sparsely and casually but neatly and somewhat trendily decorated (enough adjectives there?). There is a pleasant-​looking outdoor seating area which is probably great in nicer weather.
They have great breads: rosemary sourdough, French baguette. We had:
Three small plates: Tartines, Vin Plat, Truffle and Reggiano Parmesan Gaufrettes (cross cut potato chips with grated Reggiano Parmesan and truffle oil). If you love Jasper’s Maytag Blue Cheese Potato Chips, you’ll also love the gaufrettes.
I had the Tender Sweetbreads; S.O. had the Apple Ginger Braised Pork Belly. I liked ‘em both; S.O., having just enjoyed NYC’s ABC Kitchen’s pork belly recently, said she prefers ABC’s version.
The dessert we had was so-​so: poached pear & Stilton blue cheese. I had expected a sweeter pear and more blue cheese. The dessert was a bit too… grown-​up for me: not enough honey/​sugar in the pear and too light on the Stilton.
I also had an espresso: I recommend against it. It was kinda watery & a little too acidic for me. I observed the waitress pulling my shot, and her technique left much to be desired.
The second time was lunch on a Saturday. I had the smoked turkey sandwich. The bread is a crusty sourdough, grilled golden crispy, the tomato thick and juicy, the bacon slices substantial and crispy.
S.O. had the Vietnamese chicken cabbage salad («Hoa goi gia», which is misspelled BTW) with poached chicken breast, sliced white and red cabbage (raw), herbs and a light fish sauce-​based vinaigrette. It was a TINY bit sweet for my taste but S.O. loved it; I’d have preferred it being a tad more acidic and a touch saltier.
Finally, I need to mention that the portions are goodly sized: no fear of leaving here hungry! We went overboard our first time there (the dinner), ordering three small plates and two entrees, and ended up taking home about 40% of the food!

Okay, David and Jill, here is your well deserved and promised review.
Tonight we found Apatite Café through a Unilocal review and decided to visit on our way home from Fredricksburg. If a visit here is out of the way, it’s worth the trip.
We started with the fantastic blue crab appetizer – fresh and beautifully presented. Then we had the tomato bisque complete with tiny grilled cheese sandwiches. We want the recipe! Next we had the truffle laced potato chips (they had a name that I can’t remember), and they were light and delicious and a perfect companion to the bisque.
We followed up with a perfectly seared and tender pork belly and finally, our dessert consisting of two large pieces of foie gras.
We never got to dinner, but next time we head back, I’m getting the sea bass and my companion has her eyes on the short ribs. Delicious and a restaurant worthy of five stars.

Love, love, love this place. You know the whole «farm-​to-​plate, culinary simplicity» movement that’s so hot right now? Well it’s B.S. at most other restaurants, but it’s a reality here.
The strawberry and avocado salad is a revelation, though admittedly I’m a sucker for good goat cheese. The apple pecan chicken salad is equally good. And the cheese plate… my god, the cheese plate.
You can’t go wrong with the pork belly, short ribs, or tenderloin for your main course. As you can tell, I’m a neandrothol meat eater, though my wife assures me that the squash bisque is just as good.
When everyone says this is a little gem, the emphasis is on «little.» The entire interior might seat 25, so plan accordingly. The interior is tastefully appointed, and masks the fact that the space is slightly larger than an inflatable jumpy house.
Owner David is a Chef with a capital C. He often makes it a point to come out and greet you personally. Think about that. When was the last time you actually shook the hand of the person that cooked your meal?
Go ahead and check out Apatite café… let’s just keep it our little secret, ok?

What do you know, Bee Caves is becoming a hotbed for cool new eateries. Welcome the Apatite Café, as mentioned on other reviews sharing space with a Yoga and acupuncture studio. The setting is interesting and the seating comfortable as ling as you get there early, or maybe late, because the indoor space is limited. Although, they have a few tables outdoors that will be nice when our weather cooperates.
My wife and I tried their Butternut Squash & Pablano soup then shared a Gourmet Grilled Cheese sandwich and a Strawberry and Avocado Salad. They were all wonderful and the sandwich was very generously sized, as I noticed all the sandwiches I saw being served were. The service was friendly and attentive.
My wife suggested that I not Apatite Café so they word wouldn’t get out (sounds familiar), but when I checked Unilocal,it was obvious that the word already has gotten out. We can’t wait to go back and try their dinner menu.

Superb, surprising! A hidden gem! The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the restaurant itself is not cooled well enough for the summer heat. We had lamb and ribs that were outstanding, and the desserts were also excellent. We will be back very soon! Can’t wait to try some of the other things on the menu– it was a tough choice out of many delicious sounding options.
The restaurant is upscale and quite lovely, but too small, and I really think they are going to need to find a bigger space soon, since they are going to get popular fast with this kind of exquisite menu. I think the reason it was too hot is that they are sharing some space with the yoga studio next door, and the door between them is open, creating weirdness for the A/​C flow. It’s not unbearable but it is noticeable. It definitely did not ruin the evening or anything.
The chef came out to meet everyone. The waiter was very friendly and nobody minded that we lingered European-​style taking up a table for a long time.

At one point, my charming and gifted luncheon companion remarked the smartest thing we could do was simply not mention Apatite Café, and to keep it a secret among a few people who would truly appreciate it. I have to admit her point was well-​taken, because this place really is a hidden little gem in Austin.
And I mean hidden and little in a literal sense as well: Its eight 4-​tops and one 2-​top are tucked in the corner of a facility shared with a Yoga studio. There are five outside dog-​friendly patio tables. It is cozy, it is intimate, and there were two people working the front of the house along with two in the kitchen. Everything — from seating and service to food and presentation — was not only seamless, but sublime. At 12:30 on a Friday afternoon every single table was taken, but as far as I could tell, none of the four people working the place missed a beat.
I believe the genre here is Contemporary America Fusion — fresh local ingredients prepared simply by a classically trained chef. My Apatite Burger consisted of four things: A perfect bun, perfect meat, perfect cheddar, and perfect bacon. And that’s it. It’s what I like to call Zen Cuisine or Food Poetry — no embellishments needed, and no accoutrements necessary. It’s the best burger I’ve ever eaten. I’m mildly curious what other burger aficionados will think about it.
At a 1:30pm lull, the chef/​owner came out from the back to visit and introduce himself to each table and inquire about the food. When I asked if he would recommend a playful dessert my friend and I could share, he went back to the kitchen, and returned a few minutes later with his truffle crusted Crème Brule garnished with a simple, fresh strawberry. It was a very, very good recommendation.
So here’s my thing about hidden little gems like Apatite Café: I expect to be impressed by the corporate big boys like Fogo and Sullivan’s who’ve mastered the entire restaurant experience down to a science, and I love being part of the new and ever-​growing dynasties of Austin’s own hometown chefs who quickly climb the celebrity ladder. But when I stumble across some hidden little restaurant tucked inside a Yoga studio with exquisite food and impeccable service, I just want to know — very quietly — what I have to do to get my own table.

What a cool place! Went on a whim after checking Unilocal for a restaurant near Hill Country Galleria and it was top rated … now I can see why. Food was FAB, service was excellent and vibe was classy but totally Austin chill. Much nicer interior than you expect from plain shopping center exterior. Need to make reservations as the place is kind of small, so had to sit at bar.
Top notch all the way around!

Run by a real chef and it shows in the great fresh menu. Reasonably priced. Been here several times and every meal has been very good. Can recommend (at lunchtime) the Cuban sandwich., the turkey & brie sandwich., fish tacos. You won’t find salt or pepper shakers on the tables. I presume it is because the chef has seasoned everything to taste exactly the way he wants you to taste it. So far, I haven’t missed the shakers.

Again, this restaurant is fantastic. My husband and I keep going back! The food is great. The quality is consistent, fresh, and amazing. You are missing out on a wonderful meal. Run to this restaurant. Chef David came to Austin from Vail! Austin needs to embrace him with open arms.
Carey Spence-​Lenss

We decided to try out this place last night for dinner. I started with the butternut squash bisque ($ 8) and for my entrée I had the boiled lobster tail ($ 25). You could definitely taste the fresh ingredients used in the butternut squash soup, but I was looking for the pepper shaker to add some flavor (unfortunately, no shakers were on the tables). Also I prefer a creamier texture in my bisque. When my lobster tail arrived I was immediately wowed by the gorgeous presentation (and am kicking myself for neglecting to bring my cell phone w/​camera). The lobster tail arrived halved with perfectly cooked fluffy white meat inside, surrounded by a delicious hollandaise sauce mixed with sweet corn, diced red pepper and edamame. I appreciated the sauce’s delicate balance and that it was not overly rich, a nice compliment to the lobster.
Located in a strip mall, the exterior view is of the parking lot. However, the interior décor is simple and elegant.
Butternut Squash Bisque: 3 stars
Lobster Tail: 4 stars
Service and ambience: 3.5 stars
The chef being present and greeting the guests: 4 stars

I am obsessed with this restaurant! We just had dinner there tonight and our entire experience was amazing. The atmosphere is intimate and warm, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, and the food is SO good.
For about half the price of a place like Eddie V’s my husband and I were able to get an appetizer, wine, two amazing entrees (The Amorous Oysters is a great choice from the small plates menu if you’re interested), two desserts and coffee. Every plate proved the dedication this establishment has to quality, the presentations were flawless and the taste was spectacular. We left happy and full, what more can you ask for? Great experience!!!

My husband had been here a couple of times for lunch and had raved about the food. I never go to into Bee Cave (can’t handle how they’ve turned a formally beautiful Hill Country gem into another California-​like retail environment) but on this particular occasion I had to return an online purchase to that store that specializes in pink and «angels» and this was the closest one (my review of that particular store will have to wait until I’ve calmed down some).
Driving across the street to Apatite was an easy choice for lunch. The place is small, and at 1:30 there weren’t many people there. We were greeted warmly and seated ourselves at the bar where the chef was quite personable, as was his wife who stepped in to wait on us so her husband could return to the kitchen.
We ordered a couple of sandwiches to share and they were out in no time. The presentation was beautiful and the taste was absolutely fresh and delish! My favorite was an apple and brie concoction that managed to taste healthy and decadent all at the same time. The prices were reasonable, and it looks like they will soon have their license to sell beer and wine.
I am very, very sad that Apatite is in Bee Cave, but for them, I will put up with the Californication just to get some of that beautiful fresh food.

Sometimes Austin can be appalling — and the fact that this 9 table gem had 4 empty tables at 8:00 on a recent Saturday night (²⁄₁₉) is exactly that.
The preparations may not be as uniquely flavorful as Uchi, the dishes perhaps not as peculiar and creative as Hudson’s, the signature dish not as remarkable as Franklin, but right now, Apatite Café is serving up the most charming, best food experience in Austin.
The restaurant itself has been open only a brief time, and for now is BYOB as it waits for its liquor license. On this night, every group that entered came bottle (s)-in-hand. The lunch menu appears to be lighter fare — attempting to complement the restaurant’s location adjacent the Bodhi Yoga facility next door to it. The dinner menu is a very different, fairly creative fusion menu incorporating some classics (well prepared short ribs, a sweetly glazed tenderloin with whipped potatoes and green beans) with rich interpretations of traditional dishes (the truffled gauffrettes, a near-​perfect crème brule). The chef has a history in wine selection, I believe, so it will be interesting to see the direction he takes the wine list, once they acquire their license. Be sure to bring a nice bottle and enjoy the delightful cheese plate as a starter.
Service was fair, although likely still improving. The 9 tables are in fairly close proximity — it’s actually quite charming — but the result is occasional bumps and jostling. My wife and I were both on no kind of schedule this particular evening and weren’t troubled by slowness, but we observed a couple tables growing impatient for the check or for the progression from entrée to dessert.
But when you get that check, you’ll be surprised to find it priced somewhat below its peer restaurants. Take this with a grain of salt; as a new restaurant, they may still be playing with the menu and with prices, but for now, it’s a downright bargain.
To me, Apatite Café is doing, in practice, what Zoot and Wink have purported to do here in Austin. It deserves to be full — I won’t complain that I’m able to get a same-​day reservation, but seriously, Austin? I’ve seen where you’re eating, and it’s not as good.

Apatite is serving some amazing beautifully presented food made from local organic ingredients served in a contemporary upscale yet cozy spot tucked between a yoga studio and Mandola’s. Who would expect to find such amazing did I say beautifully plated food? with white table cloths behind Mandola’s in the Shops of Bee Cave??? AND they are Dog Friendly on the patio!!!
I had an amazing lunch sandwich here a while back — A HUGE Turkey Brie Club grilled with melty cheese and bacon and served with slaw a wedge of Watermelon and slices of Orange.
NOW they are serving Dinner!!! and for now BYOB with COMPLIMENTARY CORKING!!!
The Amorous Fried Oysters were a mouthorgasm!!! Panko crusted fried oysters served atop chopped avocado topped with Crème Fraiche in a pool of Squid Ink and Spicy Arbol Chili Caviar!!!
Blue Crab and Avocado Torta was beautifully presented thin slices of avocado wrapped to form a cup filled with lump crab and topped with micro greens with a rice cracker on the side!!!
Pan Seared Sea Scallops served on Corn Coulis and Pea Tendrils!!!
The Small Dishes that we tried were around 12.00 and with the BYOB no corkage fee was a great deal!
5 Star score!!!

This might be the only five star I’ve ever given on Unilocal.I love walking into a place and expecting nothing and getting bowled over.
Tucked into the side of a yoga studio in a strip mall, you are instantly transported into something much more trendy and upscale.
The décor is beautiful and the food is both inventive and delicious.
As for now, while they await their liquor license, it is BYOB which is really great too.
If you are looking for something on par to what you’d find in LA, this is a great little gem.

Went back to Apatite Café for dinner now that they are open and all I can say is a second yummy! The atmosphere is lovely, good lighting, modern décor and the staff were super friendly. We had several appetizers which were all tasty. For entrees we had the braised ribs (fell off the bone), sea bass and tuna and there wasn’t a bite remaining.
Would recommend to anyone I know!

Dinner is ON @ Apatite Café and it is oooh sooo delicious!
This place is perfect for a romantic date night, the evening atmosphere really transforms this place into something special.
Ready for my tried & true list part deux?
Ahi Poke (light, refreshing and good)
Vin Plat (best cheese plate I’ve had to date)
Truffled chips (that’s right! Addictive.)
Pan Seared Scallops (seared to perfection)
Blue Crab Avo Torte (sweet blue crab, job well done)
Tender Sweet Breads (a sleeper dish, try it you’ll be pleasantly surprised)
Seared Halibut (delicate, and healthy tasting but in a good way)
Apple Ginger Braised Pork Belly (One of my favorites)
Pinot Nior Lacquered Short Ribs (Another fave, comfort food with a punch)
Wow, okay as I look at this list I’ve almost had about everything on the Menu… that should tell you enough ;)
Go! EAT! your happy belly will thank me.

I cannot say enough nice things about this place! I’m a vegan & I work in the area. Getting tired of Subway on the days when I can’t pack a lunch, I thought I’d give something new a try.
First thing I asked is if the vegetarian dishes could be made vegan & was pleased to know that of course they could be.
The owner/​chef brought my meal out to me & explained the changes he’d made to the dish to suit my needs. He was so nice.
Not to mention the place is just down-​right adorable. Though I live out in Austin, I’ve already insisted to a friend that we go there for dinner one evening.