‘Ooh’ and ‘Aah’ at Nido

We all know that heat rises, but even in the steaminess that is Central Austin in the summer, a recent fancy date night spent dining from a perch eight floors above West Riverside Drive felt remarkably cool.

Nido, which calls itself “Austin’s most glamorous respite,” is situated inside The Loren hotel and boasts unbeatable views of downtown Austin. We had a fantastic, reasonably priced (remember, fancy) dinner in the dining room, a softly-lit open space with a luxurious vibe.

I ordered a glass of orange wine ($16) from the dining room’s circular wine bar, which paired perfectly with a few dishes we shared: a refreshing watermelon and tomato salad ($21), surprisingly delicate and bright octopus carpaccio ($22), Parker Rolls ($10), and the crispy, yet tender and flavorful grilled branzino with hummus, an herb salad, and flatbread ($42). The restaurant also has an extensive raw bar.

Every table at Nido is magical and comes with a spectacular view, thanks to a wall of windows and glass doors that open to a patio where guests sit on sleek yet inviting couches around tables. We “ooh’ed and ahh’ed” at golden hour, as Austin’s violet crown reflected in downtown’s glassy skyscrapers, and joined the parade of guests who posed for a photo on the patio.

After enjoying the evening views, I’m now hoping to head back soon to catch breakfast and a sunrise. If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate or escape from the summer heat, head on up.