The 50 Best Restaurants in Fort Worth Right Now
UPDATED: January, 2026
Our list of Fort Worth’s 50 Best Restaurants celebrates the places that define this city’s flavor and character. From smoke-driven barbecue, to refined French fare, and everything in between, these restaurants represent the best of Fort Worth hospitality: authentic, inventive, and proudly local. Each pick reflects the spirit of a city that values craft over flash and substance over trends.
Every restaurant here earned its spot because it says something true about Fort Worth. The food is dialed in. The welcome and hospitality is real. The rooms hum with the kind of energy you get when locals and visitors share a table. Around here we prefer craft over flash and substance over trends, and this list reflects that.
A note from the editor: These restaurants are in no specific order. Unlike other top 50 lists, we do not assign a specific value to the order they are put in. We aim to highlight the best in town for you to explore.
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This list is shaped by years of firsthand experience in Fort Worth’s restaurant community and a deep understanding of the people behind it.
Each selection is guided by six core values: Taste, Consistency, Creativity, Hospitality, Atmosphere and Environment, and Fort Worth Character.
The rankings are subjective, intentional, and deliberate. They are built on thoughtful evaluation and a genuine belief that the best restaurants are more than places to eat. They are where Fort Worth’s story is told.
A few additional notes:
We list restaurants that have been open for at least 4-6 months to better measure consistency and long term outlook.
No restaurant can pay their way on this list and none were consulted before being added.
We avoid chains and focus on local businesses.
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We live and eat in Fort Worth, and we cover this scene year round and we care about the restaurants in our community and the impact they have on our city.
Every selection is thoughtfully curated and weighed against the values you care about: Taste, Hospitality, Creativity, Atmosphere and Environment, and Fort Worth Character.
We pay our own tabs when we dine at restaurants, we do our own research and homework on each spot, and no one can buy a place on this list. If a restaurant is here, it earned it the long way.
This list is subjective and not meant to be the ultimate, but it's carefully curated and thoughtfully picked with all of the above in mind.
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All images are sourced directly from the restaurants themselves unless otherwise noted. Some images have been cropped for better viewing.
Check out our directory and full map version of this list on the Fort Worth Guide: 50 BEST RESTAURANTS DIRECTORY GUIDE VIEW
The Chumley House
The Chumley House
$$$$ | British · Globally Inspired · Fine Dining
An elegant house-restaurant built for special gatherings where the pacing feels unhurried and celebratory. White tablecloths, warm lighting, and attentive service set the tone for anniversaries, promotions, and milestone toasts. The room feel intimate without being small, so conversation flows and courses land at just the right beat. It reads like a private club without the stiffness, and that makes big moments feel a little bigger.
Why is it on this list?
The Chumley House team pays attention to every detail from service, atmosphere, and starting bites to a night cap espresso, and they never miss a beat.
Panther City BBQ
Panther City BBQ
$$ | Barbecue · Texas BBQ · Smoked Meats
Panther City BBQ is craft Texas barbecue with Fort Worth and Tex-Mex flare on a patio that feels like your buddy’s backyard. The brisket wears a peppery bark, the ribs land juicy, and sides taste like they actually matter. Lines move, sellouts happen, and the vibe stays friendly the whole time. Grab a tray, share across the table, and accept that someone will go back for one more rib. Michelin recognized Panther City as one of the best around and we do too.
Why is it on this list?
Panther City BBQ defines Fort Worth barbecue right now with peppery brisket, juicy ribs, and backyard vibes.
Le Margot
Le Margot
$$$$ | Modern French · Brasserie
A bright, stylish brasserie that turns ordinary Tuesdays into mini celebrations. The room pops with Paris energy, the wine list leans fun as much as serious, and desserts arrive with just enough flair. Long lunches drift into golden hour and late date nights feel effortless. Bring friends who appreciate a good martini and French dishes (with approachable dishes for your non-adventurous friends).
Why is it on this list?
Le Margot brings modern French sparkle that turns ordinary evenings into wonderful occasions.
Joe T. Garcia’s
Joe T. Garcia’s
$$$ | Mexican · Tex-Mex · Family Style
Fort Worth’s forever patio party and a rite of passage for visitors. The garden buzzes, pitchers of margaritas flow, and platters arrive at the table family-style. You come for the energy as much as the enchiladas, and somehow the evening always runs long. Arrive early and let the patio work its magic.
Why is it on this list?
Joe T. Garcia’s is a patio legend and its big platters and overall energy defines Fort Worth.
61 Osteria
61 Osteria
$$$ | Italian · Pasta · Wine
Gorgeous downtown Italian that balances polish with welcome. 61 Osteria focuses on handmade pastas and a thoughtful wine list that anchors long dinners, while the room glows in a way that makes every table feel like the best seat. It is built for proposals and promotions but works just as well for a lingering weekday lunch.
Why is it on this list?
61 Osteria brings handmade pasta, polished service, and a gorgeous room that feels effortlessly elegant.
Yoichi Omakase & Handroll (Image Source: Thanin Viriyaki for Fort Worth Magazine’s Best New Fort Worth Restaurants 2025)
Yoichi Omakase & Handroll
$$$$ | Japanese · Sushi · Omakase
Yoichi is a “newcomer” to the Fort Worth scene and pairs a serene, minimalist room with a chef-led omakase that spotlights fresh, seasonal fish—thoughtful nigiri progression, precise rice, and quiet attention to detail. Seats at the counter are the move for interaction and pacing, while a concise hand-roll menu offers a more casual entry point to the same commitment to quality. Sake selections are curated, service is soft-spoken and attentive, and the experience feels tailored without being stuffy.
Why is it on this list?
For sushi lovers, Yoichi is a destination: disciplined technique, excellent product, and a calm, special-occasion rhythm that rewards focus.
Don Artemio
Don Artemio
$$$$ | Modern Mexican · Fine Dining
Don Artemio is an architectural stunner with plated artistry to match. The design is striking without stealing focus from the food, which layers northern Mexican traditions with modern technique. Service is precise and warm, pacing is dialed, and cocktails feel tailored to the room. A statement dinner when you want Fort Worth to feel like a capital city.
Why is it on this list?
Don Artemio puts Fort Worth on the national map with award-winning modern Mexican and striking design.
Tokyo Cafe
Tokyo Cafe
$$ | Japanese · Sushi · Tempura
The definition of cozy done right. Sushi stays fresh, tempura lands crisp, and the overall pacing and neighborhood feel lets you settle in. Families lean in on weekends, couples tuck into corners, and weeknights feel like your neighborhood routine. Simple pleasures, well executed, always win.
Why is it on this list?
Tokyo Cafe is the buzzy neighborhood sushi standby Fort Worth trusts for fresh, comforting plates.
Reata
Reata
$$$ | Texas · Steak · Southwestern
Reata is a love letter to Texas. Plates are familiar and recognizable, service is reliable, and the whole thing feels like downtown’s living room. It is the move for celebrations and pre-show dinners.
Why is it on this list?
Reata is a Texas love letter and a long-time Fort Worth staple that highlights our state cuisine.
Wishbone & Flynt
Wishbone & Flynt
$$$ | New American · Cocktails · Brunch
A chef-driven hangout with real bar chops and a room that hums. Brunch is a showstopper and local favorite, dinner turns the lights down just enough for a romantic evening, and the patio keeps it easy and approachable. The menu invites sharing, the cocktails reward curiosity, and the team can read the table. It is a date-night ace that still works for groups.
Why is it on this list?
Wishbone & Flynt keeps Near Southside date nights exciting with chef-driven plates.
Salsa Limón
Salsa Limón
$ | Mexican · Tacos · Fast-casual
Fort Worth’s go-to taco fix from breakfast to late night. Housemade salsas, quick service, and prices that let you build a second round without thinking twice. Salsa is known for having some of the best burritos, tacos, and Mexican dishes around and their consistency is matched at all of their locations.
Why is it on this list?
Salsa Limón has several locations, each keeping the neighborhoods full of quality Mexican bites with bright, quick, and affordable all day tacos, burritos, and more.
Waters
Waters Restaurant
$$$ | Seafood · Steak · Oysters
Seafood with downtown sparkle and service that understands a curtain time. Gulf comfort meets polished technique, and the oyster happy hour is the smart play. The dining room feels celebratory without being stiff. Walk to Sundance Square before or after.
Why is it on this list?
Waters proves downtown can do Gulf-fresh seafood with sparkle, perfect for business and celebration.
Duchess at the Nobleman
Duchess at the Nobleman
$$$ | Contemporary American · Cocktail Bar · Small Plates
Duchess at the Nobleman is a polished lounge built for golden-hour martinis and lingering nightcaps. The room leans moody and elegant—velvet seating, low lighting, a soundtrack that hums rather than shouts—while the menu focuses on chef-driven small plates, shareable snacks, and a sharp raw-meets-roasted sensibility. Expect classics done right (great martinis, whiskey drinks, etc) alongside seasonal cocktails with finesse. It’s equally suited to first dates, curious menu-driven nights out, or a dressed-up evening with friends.
Why is it on this list?
A fresh take on thoughtful food, Duchess delivers chic vibes without the attitude. Fort Worth polish with a refreshing atmosphere..
Lonesome Dove
Lonesome Dove
$$$$ | Western Fine Dining · Steak · Game
Lonesome Dove is has long been considered among Fort Worth icon status - and that hasn’t slowed after they recently celebrated their 25th anniversary. Cowboy luxe in the historic Stockyards with a menu that rides big flavors. Game leads, wood-fired steaks follow, and the pacing keeps the night moving. The bar makes a proper martini and the room hums with that only-in-Fort-Worth confidence. Bring clients or friends who asked for the full Stockyards experience.
Why is it on this list?
Lonesome Dove delivers a Texas, game-forward cowboy luxe that captures the Stockyards at its most delicious.
Righteous Foods
Righteous Foods
$$ | Healthy · Organic · Juice Bar
Sunny, feel-good plates that still taste like a treat. The coffee is dialed, the juices are fresh, and the dining room keeps a friendly rhythm. It is the move when you want to eat well without overthinking it. Brunch is lively in the best way.
Why is it on this list?
Righteous Foods proves healthy can be craveable, bright, and full of flavor from breakfast to dinner.
Paris 7th
Paris 7th
$$$$ | French · Fine Dining
Classic French in an intimate room that hums with old-world charm. Sauces are timeless, the wine list is quietly confident, and the service team knows how to pace a long conversation. It is a romantic throwback in all the right ways. Plan a museum stroll before dinner.
Why is it on this list?
Paris 7th remains classic French done with intimacy and grace, a timeless counterpoint to trends.
Winslow’s Wine Cafe
Winslow’s Wine Cafe
$$ | American · Wine Bar · Pizza
Candlelight inside and a cozy patio outside set the pace for a relaxed night. The wine list reads like a conversation and the wood-fired pies hit the comfort spot. It is where westside regulars drift in for a glass and stay for another. Bring someone you like and no plan at all. Brunch is a must-have and dinners are easy and always enjoyable.
Why is it on this list?
Winslow’s Wine Cafe is a good glass and a wood-fired pie on a candlelit patio.
97 West Kitchen & Bar
97 West Kitchen & Bar
$$$ | Texas · Steak · Seafood
Hotel Drover’s signature restaurant feels like a modern ranch supper. Leather and lanterns set the scene without turning stiff, and the menu is broad enough to please everyone from grandparents to picky teens. Mule Alley is your post-dinner stroll. It is crowd-pleasing in the best way.
Why is it on this list?
97 West Kitchen & Bar is ranch-modern style with crowd-pleasing menus inside the Stockyards’ favorite hotel.
Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez
Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez
$ | Mexican · Birria · Tacos
Counter-service birria that is unapologetically rich and full of flavor. Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez is one of the few spots in town that has received Michelin recommendation, and rightfully so. Order your broth for dunking and settle into a booth with extra napkins. It is fast, affordable, and exactly what the craving demands. A true locals’ go-to.
Why is it on this list?
Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez wins hearts fast with drippy, rich birrieria and honest counter service.
Clay Pigeon
Clay Pigeon
$$$ | New American · Seasonal · Wood-fired
Seasonal Fort Worth cooking with a wood-fired heartbeat and a dining room that hums. Plates are generous without being heavy, and desserts are worth saving room for. Hospitality is steady and sincere. It is dinner that feels like an occasion without the fuss. This should be an early contender for Michelin recognition in 2026 with the attention to detail the From Scratch team pays to every aspect of service.
Why is it on this list?
Clay Pigeon pairs seasonal, wood-fired plates with sincere service that makes dinner feel personal.
Gusto’s (burger bar + more)
Gusto’s (burger bar + more)
$ | Burgers · Bar
A fun, casual stop for smash-style burgers and late-night hangs. The vibe is unfussy and the playlist leans throwback, which suits a cold beer and smash burger. Perfect when you want simple done right. Bring friends and an appetite.
Why is it on this list?
Gusto’s stays casual and fun, serving a late-night smash-burger fix.
Bricks and Horses
Bricks and Horses
$$$$ | Texas · Steakhouse · Hotel Restaurant
Bricks and Horses represents high-end Western polish at Bowie House with a service team that makes the room glide. The menu nods to Texas and locally sourced steaks, but keeps things refined, and the cocktail program is worth arriving early for. It is a natural fit for special-occasion nights. Linger in the lobby bar afterwards to take in the buzz of one of Fort Worth’s most popular hang outs.
Why is it on this list?
Bricks and Horses brings luxury Western dining to Bowie House with service worth slowing down for.
Paris Coffee Shop
Paris Coffee Shop
$ | Diner · Breakfast · Pie
A Fort Worth institution since the 1920s, Paris Coffee Shop is the city’s classic counter-and-booth diner—bottomless coffee, griddle-hot pancakes, biscuits with cream gravy, and chicken-fried everything served by the plate. The recent remodel kept the soul: a long counter, pie cases stacked with coconut cream and chocolate meringue, and a morning rush that feels like half the neighborhood. It’s quick, friendly, and comforting, with generous portions and prices that still make weekday breakfasts and casual lunches an easy habit.
Why is it on this list?
Every great food city needs a beloved diner, and Paris Coffee Shop is Fort Worth’s—unfussy, warm, and reliably delicious from first coffee to last slice of pie.
Quince
Quince
$$$ | Globally Inspired · Cocktails · Sushi
Quince is the go-to riverside patio for a trendy and buzzy night out with friends. The menu is globe-trotting and features dishes from all over with an emphasis on sushi, but travel from ceviche to steaks without losing the thread, The patio is a crowd pleaser that never disappoints.
Why is it on this list?
Quince delivers river views and globe-trotting menus that power the city’s most festive patio scene.
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse
Cattlemen’s Steak House
$$$ | Steakhouse · Texas
Old-school Stockyards steakhouse with history in the walls. Plates are hearty and the room is unfussy in a way that feels honest. Servers have stories if you ask. Sometimes simple is exactly right. Cattlemen’s has recently received plenty of attention after being featured on Taylor Sheridan’s Landman and after his investment that helped fuel a multi-million dollar renovation that elevated the space and kept this steakhouse at the top of the Stockyards to-visit list.
Why is it on this list?
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse serves Stockyards history hot on a plate, simple and satisfying.
Maria’s Mexican Kitchen
Maria’s Mexican Kitchen
$$ | Mexican · Tex-Mex · Family-friendly
A bright and colorful neighborhood spot where classic and elevated Tex-Mex plates and margaritas do the heavy lifting. Brunch brings families, weeknights bring friend catch-ups, and the room stays lively either way. Service is quick with a smile. Easy to like and easier to repeat. Enjoy the patio on a lovely weather day.
Why is it on this list?
Maria’s Mexican Kitchen makes neighborhood celebrations easy with comfort plates, strong margaritas, and lively spaces.
Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar
Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar
$$ | Sushi · Handrolls · Japanese
A snug counter where hand rolls are built to order and served within seconds. Seaweed snaps, rice is warm, fish is cool, and you eat with the rhythm of the chefs. It is simple, focused, and low-key thrilling. Go early to avoid a wait.
Why is it on this list?
Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar serves rolls seconds from assembly for pure, focused sushi joy. Arguably the best long-standing sushi spot in all of Fort Worth
Piattello Italian Kitchen
Piattello Italian Kitchen
$$ | Italian · Pasta · Pizza
House-made pastas, crisp pizzas, and a neighborhood buzz that keeps tables full. Families love it, date nights work, and the bar turns out great spritzes. It is reliable in the best way, which is why locals keep it in the rotation. Start with focaccia and do not overthink it.
Why is it on this list?
Piattello Italian Kitchen keeps Fort Worth families and date nights equally happy with house-made pasta and pizza.
Ko Thai
Ko Thai
$$ | Thai · Asian Dishes · Noodles
Ko Thai brings a bright, modern take on Thai comfort food—think fragrant curries, wok-tossed noodles, and chili-laced stir-fries balanced with fresh herbs and lime. Portions are generous, spice is customizable, and the menu moves from crunchy starters (spring rolls, satay) to slurpable bowls and shareable plates that land fast enough for a weekday dinner but feel special enough for date night. A tight drink list (Thai tea, beer, refreshing cocktails) rounds things out, and service is warm and quick. It’s the kind of spot you’ll use on rotation—for takeout, casual hangs, or a big table of friends passing plates.
Why is it on this list?
Ko Thai nails the sweet-salty-spicy balance with dial-up heat, fair prices, and the kind of weeknight reliability every neighborhood needs.
The Blue Room at Emilia’s
The Blue Room at Emilia’s
$$$$ | Italian · Tasting Menu · Fine Dining
An intimate tasting menu tucked inside Emilia’s with courses that tell a story. Service is choreographed without feeling stiff, and the room’s glow makes every plate pop. It is special-occasion dining for people who love the craft.
Why is it on this list?
The Blue Room at Emilia’s invites locals into an intimate experience with a focused tasting menu.
Walloon’s
Walloon’s
$$ | Gulf Coast · Seafood · Raw Bar
Coastal-Southern charm on Magnolia with a raw bar that anchors the room. The dining room stays lively without getting loud, and the patio is an easy yes on breezy evenings. Cocktails lean bright and beachy, which plays well with hushpuppy cravings. Weekend brunch pulls a loyal crowd.
Why is it on this list?
Walloon’s gives Magnolia coastal-Southern charm, a strong raw bar, and an easygoing vibe.
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Ellerbe Fine Foods
$$$ | Southern · Farm-to-table · New American
Seasonal Fort Worth cooking with a Magnolia soul. The menu leans seasonal and market-driven with Gulf accents, and the room feels like a gracious bungalow dinner party. Service is attentive without being fussy, so date nights stay relaxed and celebratory. Patio weather turns this place into a dream.
Why is it on this list?
Ellerbe Fine Foods is Magnolia’s benchmark for seasonal, Gulf-driven cooking with gracious hospitality.
Teddy Wongs
Teddy Wongs
$$ | Chinese · Dumplings · Wine
A modern Chinese restaurant with a buzzy dining room and a dumpling obsession. The space is cozy, the flavors pop, and sharing is half the fun. Order wide and let the table do the talking. It is lively without losing focus on the food. Oh, and they also have a very well curated wine list to pair with your new favorite dishes.
Why is it on this list?
Teddy Wongs makes sharing the fun part with unbelievable dumplings, crisp vegetables, and a savvy wine list.
Pacific Table
Pacific Table
$$ | Pacific Northwest · Seafood · Sushi
Clean and modern dining room with a buzzy atmosphere and a menu that keeps things fresh. Sushi and seafood headline, but there is plenty for the not-fish crew too. Service is smooth and unhurried, which makes it ideal for a long lunch or weeknight date night. Weekend brunch is a sleeper hit.
Why is it on this list?
Pacific Table is where clean Pacific Northwest flavors and sushi work for every mix of diners.
Carshon’s Delicatessen
Carshon’s Delicatessen
$ | Deli · Kosher-style · Sandwiches
A Fort Worth deli classic where regulars know the counter team by name. Piled-high sandwiches, crisp pickles, and straight-shooting sides keep the line moving. It is lunch as comfort ritual. Get there early and bring cash for the tip jar.
Why is it on this list?
Carshon’s Delicatessen carries a century-old deli tradition with towering sandwiches and loyal regulars.
Caterina’s
Caterina’s
$$$$ | Italian · Fine Dining
An intimate Italian room that feels like a secret. Low lights, no phones, and attentive service create a rare, lingering kind of evening. Courses arrive with intention and the soundtrack matches the mood. Dress up a touch and enjoy the pocket of quiet. This should be your go-to spot for an elevate and fun evening or date night.
Why is it on this list?
Caterina’s creates a rare, lingering evening with intimate, no-phones Italian.
GRACE
GRACE
$$$$ | Steakhouse · New American · Seafood
Downtown polish with a generous Fort Worth heart. The wine list runs deep, the steaks are dialed, and service anticipates what you need without hovering. It feels celebratory without turning stiff, and the terrace is magic at golden hour. Dress sharp and enjoy the sparkle.
Why is it on this list?
GRACE is where fine-dining polish meets Texas warmth, turning milestones into easy, memorable nights.
Goldee’s Barbecue
Goldee’s Barbecue
$$ | Barbecue · Texas BBQ · Smoked Meats
Another Michelin recognized spot in Fort Worth. Goldee’s is a destination BBQ pit that still feels humble and approachable. The crew cooks with precision and with amazing attention to detail, which is why sellouts are part of the ritual. Arrive early, bring a friend (and a lawn chair and some breakfast beers), and split the tray so you can taste a bit of everything.
Why is it on this list?
Goldee’s Barbecue turns patience into perfection with minimalist pit mastery that reset the Texas barbecue bar.
Ichiro Izakaya
Ichiro Izakaya
$$ | Japanese · Izakaya · Late Night
Ichiro Izakaya channels Tokyo’s back-alley pub spirit with charcoal-cooked skewers, shareable small plates, and cold beer poured fast. The menu swings from karaage and gyoza to yakitori, grilled veggies, and a few noodle and rice comforts, all designed for grazing while the conversation runs. Sake and Japanese whisky get their due, and the staff is quick to steer you to pairings and favorites. Lights are low, seats are close, and the pace encourages one more round—ideal for casual dates, industry hangs, or after-show bites.
Why is it on this list?
It’s the city’s go-to for izakaya energy—unfussy, flavorful, and fun—where a table of small plates adds up to a great night.
Bocca Osteria Romana
Bocca Osteria Romana
$$ | Italian · Roman · Pasta
Soulful Roman pastas in a cozy South Main room. The space is intimate, the service is neighborly, and the food warms you from the first forkful. Carb cravings are welcome here, and the candlelit tables do right by date night. All pastas are made by hand and you can taste the difference.
Why is it on this list?
Bocca Osteria Romana makes South Main feel like a Roman holiday with flavorful pastas and cozy tables. A fast favorite for locals.
Fixe Southern House
Fixe Southern House
$$$ | Southern · Seafood · Cocktails
Southern comfort with a polished touch and a lively room. Biscuits that draw raves, cocktails with a little swagger, and a brunch that turns into a social hour. It is celebratory without feeling dressed up. Bring friends and share.
Why is it on this list?
Fixe Southern House makes celebrations feel easy with polished Southern cooking and warm hospitality.
Margie’s Italian Gardens
Margie’s Italian Gardens
$$ | Italian · Classic
A westside stalwart for red-sauce cravings and big family tables. Portions are generous, the room is casual, and the vibe is neighborly. It hits the spot when you want comfort over novelty. Easy parking, easier leftovers.
Why is it on this list?
Margie’s Italian Gardens serves red-sauce comfort and neighborhood familiarity Fort Worth loves.
Local Foods Kitchen
Local Foods Kitchen
$ | American · Bakery · Market
Neighborhood staple with fresh lunch dishes and a dessert case that tests your willpower. Salads, mains, and sides taste scratch-made because they are, and the daily board keeps regulars curious. It is a clutch stop for park picnics, weeknight takeout, or a simple lunch that still feels special. Save room for pie.
Why is it on this list?
Local Foods Kitchen is scratch comfort and a standout bakery case that fuel picnics, parties, and busy weeknights.
The Mont
The Mont
$$$ New American · seafood
A polished, mid-century–leaning dining room sets the tone at The Mont, where classic technique meets modern Texas polish. Expect pristine seafood, thoughtful crudos, and steakhouse standouts—think perfectly seared cuts, rich sauces, and seasonal sides—balanced by a tight list of martinis and vintage-minded cocktails. Service is attentive without being stuffy, the wine list favors food-friendly bottles, and the pacing works for lingering, celebratory meals or buttoned-up business dinners. It’s the kind of special-occasion spot that still feels welcoming on a weeknight.
Why is it on this list?
The Mont delivers a refined, fine-dining experience—serious cooking, sharp cocktails, and gracious service—without losing that Fort Worth ease.
Woodshed
Woodshed
$$ | Barbecue · Live-Fire
Chef Tim Love’s Trinity River hangout celebrates smoke in all forms—brisket, ribs, sausage, and whole-animal specials bathed in a rotation of mesquite, oak, and hickory. The menu wanders beyond classic Texas BBQ with tacos, hearty sides, and veg-forward dishes that still flirt with the fire. A deep beer list, easy cocktails, and weekend brunch make it flexible, but the sprawling, dog-friendly patio is the star—long tables, string lights, and river-trail views built for lazy afternoons and big group hangs.
Why is it on this list?
Woodshed is iconic Fort Worth. It captures the Trinity River views, has a great outdoor vibe, and feels like Fort Worth from the drinks and beers offered to the barbecue-led menu.
Saint-Emilion
Saint-Emilion
$$$ | French · Classic
A cozy bungalow that whispers Paris. Service is attentive, the room is romantic, and the menu leans timeless. Sauces and traditions shine, and dessert invites lingering. Dress up a bit and enjoy the ritual.
Why is it on this list?
Saint-Emilion is old-world romance in a cozy bungalow with heartfelt, timeless cooking.
Press Cafe
Press Cafe
$$ | American · Brunch · Coffee and Cocktails
Sunny plates and river views at the Trailhead. It is a crowd pleaser for brunches, casual dates, and post-ride fuel. Order coffee or a cocktail and let the day unfold on the patio. When the weather is right, there may be no better table in Clearfork.
Why is it on this list?
Press Cafe is the Clearfork hangout where Trailhead views and an all-day menu anchor the surrounding neighborhoods.
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine
$$$$ | Texas · Wild Game · Fine Dining
A Fort Worth original built for special nights. Texas-driven plates meet gracious, old-school service, and the room stays warm and celebratory without tipping into formal. Holidays, milestones, and big family dinners all work here. It feels like the kind of place the city was built on.
Why is it on this list?
Bonnell’s delivers refined Texas cooking and wild game with gracious, old-school hospitality.
Tinie’s Mexican Cuisine
Tinie’s Mexican Cuisine
$$ | Mexican · Cocktails · Rooftop
South Main’s charmer with a rooftop made for sunsets. Cocktails lean playful with a killer margarita selection. The playlist is right, vibes are cozy, and the food is an adventure. Grab friends, order a spread, and make a night of it. The upstairs view seals the deal.
Why is it on this list?
Tinie’s is all South Main sunsets, festive cocktails, and soulful Mexican plates that turn any night into a party.
Taste Community Restaurant
Taste Community Restaurant
$ (pay-what-you-can) | American · Community Kitchen
A mission-driven kitchen where paying what you can supports neighbors. The food is thoughtful, the welcome is sincere, and your meal does real good. It is the rare place where comfort and community arrive on the same plate. You walk out feeling full in more ways than one.
Why is it on this list?
Taste Community Restaurant feeds the city well with a pay-what-you-can model and a big heart.
Top 50 Restaurants in Fort Worth FAQ
What are the best patios in Fort Worth right now?
Press Cafe, Woodshed, Joe T. Garcia’s, Quince, Winslow’s Wine Cafe, Walloon’s, and 97 West Kitchen & Bar are our go-tos when the weather cooperates. For additional options, check out our full list of Fort Worth’s best patios here.
Which restaurants on this list are in the Stockyards?
Lonesome Dove, Caterina’s, 97 West Kitchen & Bar, and Cattlemen’s Steakhouse are your top picks inside the Stockyards.
Best downtown restaurants near Bass Hall for a pre-show dinner?
GRACE, Waters, and Reata are downtown favorites that handle timing well if you mention curtain time.
Where should I go for a romantic date night?
Le Margot, Saint-Emilion, Caterina’s, 61 Osteria, The Blue Room at Emilia’s, GRACE, Don Artemio, and Clay Pigeon all bring the lighting, service, and food to match the moment.
Who has the best steak on this list?
GRACE, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Lonesome Dove, Bricks and Horses, and 97 West Kitchen & Bar.
Where can I get great seafood and oysters?
Waters is the seafood specialist. Pacific Table and Walloon’s also do excellent seafood, and GRACE runs a strong raw bar program when available.
Best sushi in Fort Worth from this list?
Tokyo Cafe for cozy classics, Hatsuyuki Handroll Bar for made-to-order hand rolls and Yoichi offers top-tier omakase offerings while Pacific Table is an approachable sushi spot with a broader menu, and Quince for a river-view vibe with sushi options.
Top barbecue picks right now?
Panther City BBQ and Goldee’s Barbecue lead the pack. Woodshed is a strong live-fire hang on the river.
Where should I book for a special occasion or private event feel?
The Chumley House, GRACE, Bricks and Horses, 61 Osteria, and Don Artemio are reliable for milestones. For private room details, check each venue’s site as info can change.
Kid-friendly spots on the list?
Joe T. Garcia’s, Press Cafe, Righteous Foods, Piattello Italian Kitchen, Local Foods Kitchen, and Maria’s Mexican Kitchen handle families well.
Best brunches from this list?
Press Cafe, Righteous Foods, Wishbone & Flynt, Fixe Southern House, Walloon’s, Winslow’s Wine Cafe, and Quince.
Where should I take out-of-town guests to feel “only in Fort Worth”?
Joe T. Garcia’s for the patio legend, Panther City BBQ for modern Texas BBQ, Lonesome Dove for Stockyards, and Reata a classic downtown option with Texas plates.
Great places for business dinners?
GRACE, Waters, Le Margot, 61 Osteria, and Bricks and Horses offer polished rooms, strong service, and menus that suit a range of tastes. Check out our list of Fort Worth’s best private dining rooms for additional options.
Healthier or vegetarian-friendly options?
Righteous Foods is the easiest yes. Local Foods Kitchen, Press Cafe, and Taste Community Restaurant also have approachable options. Ask your server for modifications.
Best wine lists and wine-friendly dining?
GRACE, 61 Osteria, Le Margot, Winslow’s Wine Cafe, and Don Artemio are all strong for wine lovers.
Late-night bites or drinks from this list?
Tinie’s and Gusto’s (burger bar + more) are good bets. Hours can vary by season, so check the restaurant’s site before you go.
Where can I eat by the river or with water views?
Press Cafe, Quince, and Woodshed along the Trinity all bring that river-adjacent feel.
Best casual, affordable eats from the list?
Salsa Limón, Carhson’s Deli, Gusto’s (burger bar + more), Local Foods Kitchen, and Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez.
Which Near Southside and Magnolia spots do locals love?
Tinie’s, Walloon’s, Bocca Osteria Romana, Wishbone & Flynt, and Ellerbe Fine Foods keep that neighborhood energy strong.
Newest or most watch-listed pick here?
The Mont, Yoichi, Ko Thai, Ichiro Izakaya, Duchess, and Margie’s Italian are the most sought after newcomers on the list.