Houston
Head north up past I-45, past the I-610 beltway and then drive into an unassuming neighborhood. Pass some modest homes and look for a jammed parking lot…
Must-see restaurants in Texas
San Antonio
Set in a tall, narrow glassed-in conservatory, perched above the quiet northern stretch of the River Walk, this hotel restaurant makes a pleasant 20…
San Antonio
Part restaurant, part bakery, and total explosion of light and colour, decorated for Christmas year-round, this Market Sq behemoth has been dishing out…
Austin
With its communal tables, loud indie music and hustling efficiency, we wouldn't say this busy ramen joint is a relaxing experience, but darn, is it good…
Austin
We're going to irritate some locals by highlighting this dapper cottage of deliciousness. Pop in for croissants, crepes and a few noodle dishes in the…
Houston
Though essentially a park cafe, adjoining the Lost Lake Visitor Center at Buffalo Bayou Park, this flamboyant place is festooned with chandeliers and even…
Dallas
For meat eaters wanting something more than a chain steakhouse, or anyone with a taste for inventive contemporary cuisine, Abacus, 3 miles north of…
Austin
Date night? At this intimate gem hidden behind Whole Earth Provision Co, diners are ushered to tables underneath windows screened with Japanese rice paper…
Austin
A remarkable relic from Austin's early days, this historic mid-1850s building now houses a large and deservedly popular restaurant, serving upscale…
Fort Worth
The welcoming Gonzalez family has been here for more than three decades, offering a good mix of familiar and adventurous items, like Mexican-style pork…
Austin
The flagship of the Austin-founded Whole Foods Market is a gourmet grocery and cafe with restaurant counters and a staggering takeaway buffet, including…
Houston
Set among blooming flowers in a River Oaks garden shop, this lovely cafe is a natural respite for food lovers looking for inventive fare. The breakfasts…
San Antonio
There's a reason why everyone you see in the Pearl District seems to be carrying a box from Bakery Lorraine – the pastries are delicious. Macaroons. Tarts…
Houston
Houston has had many influxes of people from Asia through the years and many have added to the city's culinary bounty. The family behind this dead-on…
Fort Worth
Brewed is an easygoing spot with exposed brick walls, mismatched tables and chairs, taxidermy and friendly waitstaff. With great coffee, 60 craft brews…
Austin
Kerbey Lane is a longtime Austin favorite, fulfilling round-the-clock cravings for anything from gingerbread pancakes to black-bean tacos to mahimahi. Try…
San Antonio
The seasonally inspired tapas dishes are solid, but the atmosphere alone is worth the trip to the King William District: clear Lucite chairs, sparkly…
Dallas
In the center of historic West End, Ellen's serves up American comfort fare in a slightly upscale diner setting (think wild wallpaper, elegant light…
Houston
The name sums up your experience at this delightfully authentic crawfish boil joint. Order your shellfish by the pound and a steaming pile of crawfish or…
San Antonio
San Antonio's pioneer vegetarian restaurant has an appealing location in the Pearl Brewery complex, with lots of outdoor seating. Not only are dishes like…
Austin
Torn between barbecue and fine dining? Lambert's serves intelligent updates of American comfort-food classics – some might call it 'uppity barbecue' – in…
Austin
Walk-up window, friendly staff, shaded patio, plus great people-watching… Throw in breakfast tacos, gourmet deli sandwiches and coffee drinks. Stick it in…
Dallas
With glittering chandeliers and drop-dead opulence, this is one of the top-rated hotel restaurants in the country. Gilt-tinged arches, marble columns and…
El Paso
If you've got someone to impress – prices be damned – this is the place to go. It's the kind of place where, if you drop your napkin, someone will have…
San Antonio
A cute neighborhood cafe located in a former house, Madhatters is a pleasingly homey place to stop when you're feeling peckish. Breakfast during the week,…
Dallas
An icon in Deep Ellum, Pecan Lodge fires up tender brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Add the requisite sides (mac 'n cheese, collard greens, plus peach…
San Antonio
The neon signs in the window advertise 'steak' and 'whisky.' There's a tree growing up through the floor and out the ceiling of the dining room. And the…
Dallas
A mod hunting lodge for stylish cowboys features shotguns for door handles, faux stag heads, antler chandeliers and a gorgeous log bar. With all this…
Austin
The gorgeous building is drenched in the atmosphere of old Mexico, with folk-inspired art, and it's been serving interior Mexican cooking for over 25…
Dallas
A lavishly decorated Hare Krishna temple, 3 miles east of downtown, holds a fine counterpoint to Texas' many meaty temptations. The small but varying…
El Paso
Get ready to share all sorts of awesomeness. The small plates here fuse Spanish classics with the flavors of the Southwest in mouthwatering combos like…
Houston
Set in a former movie theater, El Real serves up first-rate Tex-Mex, with sizzling fajitas, steaming enchiladas and fluffy soft-shelled tacos among many…
San Antonio
This is one of the most justifiably praised restaurants in town, run by chef Bruce Auden. The menu is a wonderful mix of European, Tex-Mex, American and…
Houston
A pint-sized outlet of the locally beloved Barnaby's Cafe chain. Breakfasts and lunches are imaginative versions of American diner classics such as hash…
Fort Worth
At downtown's Grace, local luminaries hold court (and martinis) on the couch-strewn outdoor patio. In the stunning dining room with its temp-controlled…
Houston
Usually to be found serving lunch somewhere around the University of Houston, or pretty much anywhere in the city when school's out – check the website…
Dallas
You supply the dining room – your car – at this classic vintage drive-in, 7 miles north of downtown. The waitresses (yes, all women) may have seen it all,…
Dallas
The line of regular lunch-goers, most clad in business casual, shuffles along quickly for plate-swamping portions of smoked brisket and other meats at…
San Antonio
This stylish former warehouse space in the Pearl complex is frequently packed with people vying for a shot at the fresh, house-made pastas. Best for…
Dallas
An immensely popular hipster taqueria with globally accented tacos, including wagyu brisket and tikka chicken. Despite its freeway-side location, the…
