These Are the 19 Must-Try Restaurants in Arlington, TX

While many think Dallas has the best restaurants in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, there are actually many great restaurants in Arlington, TX, worth exploring. This suburban town, situated halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, offers both traditional Southwestern dining and contemporary cuisine. 

You’ll find phenomenal American fare, gourmet Asian favorites and Italian classics, a global feast spread out among the best restaurants in Arlington, TX. It’s all part of why the Lone Star State ranks among the top 10 U.S. states with the best restaurant scenes, according to Escoffier.

But, where do you begin if you’re ready to track down the most tempting restaurants near Arlington, TX? Start by consulting our convenient guide below. 

We’ve found the finest places in town for enjoying a memorable meal, so read on to learn what the restaurants of Arlington, TX have in store.

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• How We Choose These Arlington, TX Restaurants
• The 19 Best Restaurants in Arlington, TX
• Learn To Cook Arlington Foods

How We Choose These Arlington, TX Restaurants

Arlington has a lot to offer when it comes to food. From casual local favorites to places perfect for a night out, the city’s restaurant scene is full of great options. However, with so many choices, it can be challenging to determine which spots are truly worth visiting.

At Cozymeal, we’ve spent years curating culinary experiences in over 200 cities. That gives us a good sense of what makes a restaurant stand out. For this guide, we undertook in-depth research and gathered feedback from real diners via sources like Google My Business and Yelp to find the best places to eat in Arlington, TX, including many spots which are a beloved part of the Greater Dallas food scene.

What We Considered

To make this guide to the best restaurants in Arlington, Texas, we looked for places that meet the following criteria:

• Receive great reviews and have consistently high customer satisfaction levels.
• Exude a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere, with friendly staff and impeccable service.
• Have a strong local presence or unique character.

We also ensure that a range of price points are covered, from affordable eateries to high-end spots, and include a good number of restaurants that serve dishes for various diets, such as vegan and vegetarian dishes. 

Our goal is to make it easier to find places to eat in Arlington that offer more than just a good meal. These restaurants each bring something special to the table and are well worth a spot on your must-visit list.

The 19 Best Restaurants in Arlington, TX

1. The Tipsy Oak

If you’re a fan of fun sandwiches and juicy burgers, The Tipsy Oak is a key Arlington, TX restaurant to visit. The all-outdoor, wrap-around dining area features casual picnic table seating and a bandstand for live music.

The Vibe

The atmosphere makes it feel as if you were having a backyard barbecue at a family ranch, but with better food. If you visit this restaurant in Arlington during the weekend, you can even enjoy live music in the patio area.

What to Order

With appetizer options like smoked brisket, cheese fries and roasted garlic hummus, you may not make it past the opening course! If you do, try the Tipsy Burger, featuring the restaurant's self-named secret sauce.

The Tipsy Oak | 301 E. Front St., Arlington, TX 76011 | $$

2. Bone Daddy's

Lowcountry barbecue is a way of life at Bone Daddy's, and restaurants in Arlington, TX, are all the better for it! This exciting smokehouse-slash-sports bar is infused with energy that extends beyond the amazing food.

The Vibe

There's an informal friendliness here that instantly puts guests at ease. Enjoy the colorful décor, glowing lights and TVs playing the best of Texas sports at this restaurant in Arlington.

What to Order

Catch a Flying Pig, a saucy sandwich featuring sausage, bacon and pulled pork topped with pickles and onion, or burnt ends tostadas for a BBQ-Tex-Mex mix-and-match. The beer can chicken is also a standout if you're looking for some good food in Arlington.

Bone Daddy's | 415 E. Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018 | $$

3. Pappasito's Cantina

Take your taste buds on a flavorful adventure with the Tex-Mex stylings of Pappasito's Cantina. It’s one of the sweetest restaurants in Arlington, TX, for enjoying favorites from south of the border. The name is actually a tribute to the Pappas brothers, the Greek originators of this family-owned concept eatery chain.

The Vibe

The vibrantly colorful water tower in the courtyard outside clues you in on the spirited fun waiting inside. As soon as you step inside this restaurant in Arlington, the sights, scents and sounds of an original Tex-Mex cantina surround you.

What to Order

Adventurous eaters have a treat waiting with the Sweet Chile Quail. This dish honors desert flavors in the form of ancho honey glaze, pico de gallo and guacamole.

Pappasito's Cantina | 321 W. Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76011 | $$

4. Bay 34th Street

New York-style eatery Bay 34th Street provides more than just a fabulous Arlington, TX restaurant. The owners also offer the space to help at-risk youth learn about the culinary arts, adding an element of community spirit.

The Vibe

Sleek NYC modern meets warm Texas comfort in a space that honors the character of both locales. This is a top spot for breakfast in Arlington, TX, with made-from-scratch options served daily.

What to Order

A Cajun omelette brings the spice of Andouille sausage to three fluffy eggs, flavored with distinctly Southern seasoning, while a Mamma Mia Healthy Wrap will bring you scrambled eggs, tomatoes and onions in a flour tortilla. On the indulgent side, chicken and waffles hit the spot.

Bay 34th Street | 3330 Matlock Road, Ste. 100, Arlington, TX 76015 | $$

5. Lazy Dog

The spirit of Lazy Dog is present in the name: a chilled-out contemporary restaurant in Arlington, TX, where fast casual dining offers a delicious, culturally diverse menu. In addition to dine-in specialties, you can order fun, handcrafted TV dinners to go!

The Vibe

Lazy Dog is one of the top restaurants in Arlington, TX, for enjoying a chilled outing. High-rise beamed ceilings and brick pillars lend an upscale, cabin-like coziness to the space.

What to Order

One of the most intriguing options for carnivores has to be the PB&J burger, a half-pound of grilled beef dressed with peanut butter, grape jelly and Havarti.

Lazy Dog | 241 E. Interstate 20 Highway, Arlington, TX 76018 | $$

6. Hurtado Barbecue

Acclaim on the Texas barbecue circuit led to Hurtado Barbecue's quick evolution from food truck to a stand-alone restaurant in Downtown Arlington, TX. Even pandemic challenges couldn't quash the feisty spirit, making this spot one of the Arlington, TX restaurant scene's tastiest success stories.

The Vibe

Down-to-earth simplicity makes it feel like you've been invited over to a friend's house for great food and even better company. The bold flavors, plus the casual atmosphere, make it a go-to spot for the best lunch in Arlington, TX.

What to Order

The Texas Trinity platter is a trio of spare ribs, brisket and sausage, piled high in satisfying third-pound servings. You can also build your own plate, with over nine meats to choose from and a wide selection of sides. 

Carb lovers will also adore the Big Papa. It features a baked potato stuffed to the gills with half a pound of tender brisket.

Hurtado Barbecue | 205 E. Front St., Arlington, TX 76010 | $$

7. Mariano's Hacienda Ranch

You may not have heard of Mariano's Hacienda Ranch, but this Arlington, TX restaurant is home to the world's first frozen margarita machine! This Mexican eatery is dedicated to faithful recreations of beloved Tex-Mex favorites, with a few original twists.

The Vibe

Layered skylights, brick arches and stucco walls are enough to convince diners they've stepped into the Texas of yore. The mesquite-fired grills add bold, smoky flavors that bring this restaurant in Arlington to life.

What to Order

Cocktail fans have to try a frozen margarita from the original source. Enjoy it alongside the fajita feast or a poblano al carbon, a pepper skin loaded with grilled chicken, cheese and guacamole.

Mariano's Hacienda Ranch | 2614 Majesty Drive, Arlington, TX 76011 | $$

8. Vault Seafood and Steakhouse

The flavors of the Gulf come to the table at Vault Seafood and Steakhouse, a restaurant near Arlington, TX, designed for the discerning diner. Reservations-only seating, over-18 admission and liquor lockers holding high-priced spirits are all part of the indulgence.

The Vibe

If the live piano music doesn't soothe your hunger for luxury among restaurants near Arlington, TX, the warm paneled walls and white tablecloth décor surely will. 

What to Order

The Vault's signature Chilean sea bass robed in Burgundy cream or a bison filet dressed in zesty chimichurri will make connoisseurs swoon in this top-shelf restaurant near Arlington, TX.

Vault Seafood and Steakhouse | 2300 Matlock Road, Ste. 21, Mansfield, TX 76063 | $$$

9. Piranha Killer Ramen

The delicious trend of gourmet ramen carries forward with Piranha Killer Ramen, one of the best Asian-style restaurants in Arlington, TX. In addition to ramen, you'll find sushi and other Japanese delights, as well as a considerable collection of mixed drinks to enjoy.

The Vibe

Hip sensibilities applied to traditional Japanese décor translate to a fresh, light-filled dining room. A visit here is a standout pick for romantic date ideas in Arlington, TX, especially if you’re both into Japanese fare.

What to Order

Spicy miso ramen adds a creamier dimension to the usual broth-and-noodles combination. If you’re into seafood, the salmon ceviche is a gourmet Japanese dish that looks more like art than dinner!

Piranha Killer Ramen | 309 Curtis Mathes Way, Ste. 149, Arlington, TX 76018 | $$

10. Babe's Chicken Dinner House

No proper adventure through the restaurants of Arlington, TX could omit the down-home comfort specialties of Babe's Chicken Dinner House. First opened in 2010, Babe's is neighbors with Arlington Music Hall, a live theater that's played host to country music luminaries like Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn.

The Vibe

The interiors of this restaurant in Arlington give the illusion of an outdoor patio in a Texas town that’s filled with character, right down to the neon signs and faux storefronts. 

What to Order

Whether you stick with fried chicken like the restaurant name suggests or take a chance on the battered and fried catfish, there's a country-style meal waiting to share a hearty helping of nostalgia.

Babe's Chicken Dinner House | 230 N. Center St., Arlington, TX 76011 | $$

11. Mr. Max

Small dishes and sake make Mr. Max a one-of-a-kind Japanese restaurant near Arlington, TX. Located in neighboring Irving, this low-key dining counter serves Asian bites in a traditional izakaya, a Japanese concept meaning "stay-drink-eat.”

The Vibe

You’ll find minimalist décor featuring bold Japanese art and calligraphy at this restaurant near Arlington. This sets the tone for dining moments that will make you feel like you’re in Asia, without leaving Texas.

What to Order

Yellowtail, salmon or any sashimi will make sushi fans more than happy. Pair your dishes with one of the 11 sakes available from the drink menu to complete the meal.

Mr. Max | 3028 N. Belt Line Road, Irving, TX 75062 | $$

12. Cork & Pig Tavern

With a quick 20-minute hop over to the town of Irving, you'll find Cork & Pig Tavern delivering authentic Texas gastro pub experiences. A cadre of gourmet chefs came together to add this New American eatery to the selection of restaurants in Arlington, TX.

The Vibe

With sharp edges, warm lighting and wide windows, this tavern takes on a distinctly contemporary sparkle. The mix of fun ambience with delicious flavors, cocktails and beer makes this an exciting restaurant near Arlington to relax, laugh and dine.

What to Order

Pub fare like a crispy chicken sandwich and the Carolina pork ribs will always be amazing choices. The black truffle wood-fired pizza lets you know this Arlington, TX restaurant walks on the stylish side.

Cork & Pig Tavern | 5224 N. O'Connor Blvd., Ste. 116, Irving, TX 75039 | $$

13. Smoke’N Ash BBQ

For something truly unique, plan a trip to this restaurant in Arlington, which blends Texas-style barbecue with traditional Ethiopian flavors. Smoke’N Ash BBQ has quickly become a much-loved local spot for reimagining what Southern comfort food can be.

The Vibe

A laid-back, family-friendly restaurant in Arlington where hospitality meets heart, with the kind of warmth you'd expect from a neighborhood favorite.

What to Order

Go for any of the Tex-Ethiopian platters. They come with your choice of smoked meats and traditional Ethiopian sides like injera, lentils or cabbage, a flavorful combination that sets this place apart.

Smoke’N Ash BBQ | 904 S. Cooper St., Ste. 110, Arlington, TX 76017 | $$

14. Via Reál

Santa Fe fine dining comes to restaurants in Arlington, TX, through Via Reál, an upscale eatery located in the nearby Las Colinas-Irving area. For more than 35 years, Via Reál has offered an upscale setting for desert flavors prepared with lush detail.

The Vibe

Earthy textures combine with urbane tablescapes for a luxurious setting that never feels out of touch. When you enter this restaurant near Arlington, you’ll feel like a special guest in a warm and inviting setting, highlighted by impeccable service.

What to Order

Red oak smoked tenderloin presents a 10-ounce cut surrounded by potatoes and vegetables, while vegetable fajitas turn squash, peppers and mushrooms into a sizzling celebration. Whatever you choose, make sure to end your evening with a vanilla bean flan.

Via Reál | 4020 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 100, Irving, TX 75038 | $$

15. 360 Brunch House

Dash over to Mansfield for a midday meal at 360 Brunch House, a mere 25 minutes from the Arlington, TX restaurant landscape. Find breakfast, lunch and even grab-and-go items that hit the spot no matter where you enjoy them.

The Vibe

High-hanging plants and oversized globe lights brighten up the high ceilings in this spacious locale. Both the menu and the atmosphere at this restaurant near Arlington are inspired by travel and a passion for different cultures.

What to Order

From avocado chicken cheddar sandwiches to hummus wraps, healthy eating is just a bite away. The Mexican Benedict, served with chorizo and topped with chipotle Hollandaise, is a favorite among regulars.

360 Brunch House | 3550 E. Broad St., Ste. 120, Mansfield, TX 76063 | $$

16. Good Day Café

If the name Good Day Café doesn't convince you that you're in for a happy time at this Arlington, TX restaurant, maybe the soothing Southern favorites on the menu will do the trick. At Good Day, newcomers become regulars, and regulars become family.

The Vibe

Family-friendly energy permeates the café. If you’re looking for an inviting space, you’ll see that diners are more than just guests at this restaurant in Arlington.

What to Order

From the American fare side of the menu, you'll find fantastic fundamentals like chicken fried steak and banana nut pancake stacks. For a more Tex-Mex take on early-day dining, a fajita skillet or a Tex-Mex burrito adds a splash of Southwestern magic to your morning.

Good Day Café | 6204 S. Cooper St., Ste. 132, Arlington, TX 76001 | $$

17. Saviano's Italian Kitchen

You'll find authentic Old-World favorites in the heart of Texas at Saviano's Italian Kitchen, a fast 15-minute trip from the restaurants in Arlington, TX, in the town of Euless. Since 1991, the Alfieri family has kept their traditions alive by recreating Grandma Alfieri's recipes for visitors to enjoy. 

The Vibe

With a sunny bar and live music throughout the week, happiness abounds no matter when you stop by this restaurant near Arlington. It's like a taste of Italy served with a Southern accent.

What to Order

Cajun pasta blends the best of the American South with traditional Italian flavors for a marriage made in culinary heaven. Wicky Chicken Riggy adds a jalapeño kick to grilled chicken and pink sauce tossed with rigatoni. For one of the classics, go for the penne alla vodka.

Saviano's Italian Kitchen | 300 N. Main St., Euless, TX 76039 | $$

18. Dino's Subs

Sandwiches are the heroes at Dino's Subs, with over 25 combinations that make this Arlington, TX restaurant a sure stop for sub lovers. This family-owned deli has been a Dallas-area staple for well-made sandwiches and sensational sides for more than 40 years.

The Vibe

You’ll find a classic deli setting at this restaurant in Arlington, complete with brick floors, checkered tablecloths and a marquee menu. 

What to Order

The pizza sub finds mozzarella and provolone among pepperoni slices and red sauce, all on a soft sub roll, though lasagna or spaghetti are available if you're in a pasta mood.

Dino's Subs | 2221 S. Collins St., Arlington, TX 76010 | $

19. Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery

If you’re looking for great coffee and simple dishes, Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery is the restaurant in Arlington, TX  for you. A trim menu offers breakfast and brunch options made with a French twist, the perfect pairing for the extensive list of craft coffees and teas.

The Vibe

Sunshine permeates this café, complete with Friends-style couch seating and funky acid-washed floors. It’s the perfect spot for a casual outing. 

What to Order

Sweet crêpes come filled with fresh fruit, compote or hazelnut spread for a full-fledged festival of French flavor. Waffle and croissant sandwiches can be made vegan upon request. Make sure to try the sweet croissant as well.

Savor Coffee Bar and Eatery | 1101 E. Bardin Road, Ste. 101, Arlington, TX 76018 | $

Learn To Cook Arlington Foods

With cooking classes in Arlington, you have a never-ending menu of home dining options to make in the comfort of your own kitchen. Learn professional techniques from expert chefs in the area, true culinary artists eager to share their talents. No matter what you’re hungry for, you’ll find sessions that expand your personal cookbook with easy-to-master recipes you’ll love creating.

Deciding on the most flavorful things to do in Dallas gets richer when you factor in the restaurants in Arlington, TX. You can plan brunches with friends, schedule date ideas in Dallas, or just sneak away for a morsel and some alone time, all while savoring an imaginative range of cuisines.

Anyone thinking prime restaurants in Arlington, TX, only serve the usual meat and three sides have some enticing discoveries to make. The sooner, the better! 

For even more ways to explore Arlington and Dallas, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.