When it comes to food, Texas is in a league of its own. From smoky barbecue to upscale dining experiences and Tex-Mex comfort food, the Lone Star State serves up flavors you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler planning your next trip, this list of the best restaurants in Texas for 2025 will help you discover where to eat for an unforgettable dining experience.
1. Franklin Barbecue – Austin
If you ask anyone where to get the best barbecue in Texas, Franklin Barbecue will be the first name you hear. Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, Franklin has become a food pilgrimage site for barbecue lovers worldwide. The long lines are legendary, but the smoky flavors are worth every minute of waiting.
Specialty: Brisket, pulled pork, and turkey
Why It’s Famous: Consistently ranked as one of the best BBQ spots in the U.S.
Vibe: Casual, authentic Texas BBQ experience
Website: Franklin Barbecue
- Tip: Arrive early, as they often sell out before closing.
2. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Houston
Texas isn’t just about BBQ and steaks—seafood shines too, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen proves it. Known for Cajun-inspired dishes, this restaurant offers a lively dining atmosphere perfect for families, business dinners, or a night out with friends.
Specialty: Crawfish étouffée, shrimp & grits, fried alligator
Why It’s Famous: Fresh seafood with bold Southern flavors
Vibe: Energetic, family-friendly, upscale casual
Website: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
- Tip: Try their seasonal chef’s specials for something new each visit.
3. Uchi – Dallas
If you think Texas is all about big plates of meat, think again. Uchi Dallas, created by award-winning Chef Tyson Cole, brings world-class Japanese cuisine with a Texas twist. It’s a fine-dining hotspot that balances traditional sushi techniques with creative modern dishes.
Specialty: Omakase tasting menu, wagyu beef nigiri, and inventive sushi rolls
Why It’s Famous: Michelin-worthy Japanese dining experience in the heart of Texas
Vibe: Sleek, modern, perfect for date nights or celebrations
Website: Uchi Dallas
Tip: Book reservations well in advance, especially on weekends.
4. Mi Tierra Café y Panadería – San Antonio
For a true taste of Texas-Mexican heritage, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería is an absolute must. Open 24 hours a day, this historic restaurant has been serving authentic Tex-Mex since 1941. With colorful décor, live mariachi music, and a bakery filled with pan dulce, it’s as much a cultural experience as it is a meal.
Specialty: Enchiladas, fajitas, and homemade Mexican pastries
Why It’s Famous: A San Antonio landmark and cultural icon
Vibe: Festive, family-friendly, vibrant atmosphere
Website: Mi Tierra Café
Tip: Don’t leave without trying their famous margaritas and Mexican hot chocolate.
5. Knife – Dallas
For steak lovers, Knife, founded by celebrity chef John Tesar, takes Texas steakhouse dining to the next level. Known for dry-aged steaks and innovative cuts, Knife combines tradition with creativity, making it one of the most celebrated steakhouses in the state.
Specialty: 240-day dry-aged ribeye, wagyu steaks, and handmade charcuterie
Why It’s Famous: Reinventing the classic Texas steakhouse
Vibe: Upscale, modern, perfect for steak enthusiasts
Website: Knife Dallas
Tip: Ask the staff about their off-menu specials—you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
6. Terry Black’s Barbecue – Austin & Dallas
If Franklin Barbecue is the king of brisket, Terry Black’s is its strong rival. Known for its beef ribs the size of your arm, this family-run joint has become a Texas BBQ staple. With locations in both Austin and Dallas, you don’t have to drive far to find some of the best smoked meats in the state.
Specialty: Giant beef ribs, brisket, and sausage
Why It’s Famous: Authentic Central Texas BBQ with generous portions
Vibe: Casual, family-style, Texas backyard feel
Website: Terry Black’s Barbecue
- Tip: Grab their peach cobbler for dessert—it’s as good as the meat.
7. Hugo’s – Houston
For elevated Mexican cuisine, Hugo’s is a Houston treasure. Chef Hugo Ortega, a James Beard Award winner, brings traditional recipes from his Mexican heritage to the table with a fine-dining twist.
Specialty: Mole poblano, carnitas, and handmade tortillas
Why It’s Famous: Authentic Mexican flavors paired with upscale presentation
Vibe: Elegant, cozy, perfect for date nights or celebrations
- Tip: Visit during brunch for their famous Sunday buffet with live music.
8. Fearing’s Restaurant – Dallas
Located inside The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Fearing’s Restaurant is where Southern hospitality meets fine dining. Helmed by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, it’s known for blending Southwestern flavors with modern American cuisine.
Specialty: Tortilla soup, maple-black peppercorn buffalo tenderloin
Why It’s Famous: One of the best luxury dining spots in Texas
Vibe: Upscale, classy, and perfect for special occasions
Website: Fearing’s Restaurant
- Tip: Request a seat on the patio for a relaxed but luxurious vibe.
9. Cured – San Antonio
Housed in a historic building at Pearl Brewery, Cured is a unique restaurant centered around handcrafted charcuterie. Chef Steve McHugh emphasizes local sourcing and house-cured meats, creating a menu that’s both rustic and innovative.
Specialty: Charcuterie boards, boudin sausage, and seasonal farm-to-table dishes
Why It’s Famous: A San Antonio gem highlighting sustainable dining
Vibe: Trendy, rustic, perfect for foodies who love artisanal flavors
Website: Cured at Pearl
- Tip: Try their charcuterie tasting boards for a true “best of the menu” experience.
10. Gaido’s – Galveston
If you’re craving seafood by the Gulf, Gaido’s has been serving up the freshest catch since 1911. This historic Galveston restaurant combines old-school charm with iconic Gulf Coast seafood dishes.
Specialty: Gulf shrimp, oysters, and pecan-crusted snapper
Why It’s Famous: Over 100 years of seafood tradition on the Texas coast
Vibe: Classic, waterfront dining with a relaxed feel
Website: Gaido’s Galveston
- Tip: Ask for a table with a Gulf view—you’ll enjoy the sunset as much as the meal.
11. Perini Ranch Steakhouse – Buffalo Gap
If you want to experience a true Texas cowboy-style steakhouse, Perini Ranch is the place to be. Located on a working ranch outside Abilene, this restaurant is legendary for its mesquite-grilled steaks and rustic charm.
Specialty: Mesquite-smoked ribeye, peppered tenderloin
Why It’s Famous: A James Beard America’s Classics Award winner
Vibe: Rustic, authentic ranch atmosphere
Website: Perini Ranch Steakhouse
- Tip: Stay overnight at their guest houses for the full ranch experience.
12. The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood
One of the most iconic BBQ destinations in Texas, The Salt Lick offers more than just food—it’s an experience. Known for its open-pit barbecue, this family-run restaurant has been serving smoky perfection since 1967.
Specialty: Pork ribs, brisket, and family-style BBQ platters
Why It’s Famous: Open fire pit, all-you-can-eat Texas barbecue tradition
Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, outdoor seating with picnic tables
Website: The Salt Lick BBQ
- Tip: Bring cash—it’s still a “cash-only” place (though ATMs are on-site).
13. Odd Duck – Austin
Austin’s food scene thrives on creativity, and Odd Duck is a perfect example. Known for its farm-to-table small plates, Odd Duck focuses on local ingredients with bold, playful twists.
Specialty: Seasonal small plates, craft cocktails, and wood-fired dishes
Why It’s Famous: A pioneer of Austin’s modern farm-to-table movement
Vibe: Trendy, casual fine dining with an artisan touch
Website: Odd Duck
- Tip: Order a variety of small plates and share—it’s the best way to taste everything.
14. Xochi – Houston
Chef Hugo Ortega strikes again with Xochi, a Houston gem dedicated to the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s one of the most innovative Mexican restaurants in the state, with dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Specialty: Mole negro, tlayudas, and house-made chocolate
Why It’s Famous: Oaxacan cuisine elevated to fine dining
Vibe: Upscale, colorful, full of cultural inspiration
Website: Xochi Houston
- Tip: Pair your meal with their signature mezcal cocktails for the ultimate experience.
15. Café Central – El Paso
For over 100 years, Café Central has been one of El Paso’s most elegant dining spots. With its classic fine-dining atmosphere and menu featuring steaks, seafood, and Mexican-influenced dishes, it’s a true Texas borderland gem.
Specialty: Chilean sea bass, prime steaks, and tableside Caesar salad
Why It’s Famous: Old-world elegance combined with Southwest flavors
Vibe: Sophisticated, romantic, perfect for anniversaries or business dinners
Website: Café Central
- Insider Tip: Dress up—it’s one of the few places in Texas with a business casual-to-formal dress code.
Final Thoughts – Top 15 Best Restaurants in Texas 2025
By now, you’ve got a list of 15 must-try Texas restaurants, covering barbecue legends, upscale steakhouses, historic institutions, and modern foodie hotspots. Whether you’re traveling through Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, or El Paso, there’s a culinary experience waiting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What food is Texas most famous for?
Texas is best known for barbecue, Tex-Mex, and steaks.
2. Which Texas city has the best restaurants?
Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio all have top-rated food scenes.
3. Do I need reservations at these restaurants?
Upscale spots like Uchi, Knife, and Fearing’s require reservations, while BBQ joints are usually walk-in.
4. Are these restaurants family-friendly?
Yes! Places like Mi Tierra, Pappadeaux, and The Salt Lick are great for families.
5. What is the most famous BBQ spot in Texas?
Franklin Barbecue in Austin is often considered the most iconic.
