We annually ask our readers for their thoughts on the food scene in and around Fort Worth. It's kind of like homework, because the categories are many and varied. But they are up to it. Or at least 406 of our readers were in this last round.
Once we have those votes, the meetings in the office begin. In most cases, the vote totals are clear. The restaurant with the most votes gets first position in the listings and a small write-up. Nos. 2 and 3 are simply listed.
But in instances where there is no clear consensus, the editors of the magazine make a decision based on personal experience, the opinions of other staff members and trusted foodies outside the magazine. It becomes a judgment call.
We modified the rules for inclusion this year, opening the results to allow national businesses without a specific Texas or local connection to be on the final list. Previously, businesses not founded locally were excluded from consideration based on the number of locations in Texas or nationally.
Zambrano Wine Cellar
Zambrano's wine list has more than 325 wines from around the world, and 50 are available by the glass. It's open for lunch and dinner with an upscale, bistro-style menu.
910 Houston St., Ste. 110
817.850.9463
zambranowines.com
Ferre Ristorante and Bar
215 E. 4th St.
817.332.0033
ferrerestaurant.com
Piranha Killer Sushi
335 W. 3rd St.
817.348.0200
piranhakillersushi.com
Fire Oak Grill
Just a few of the reasons for this award: Seared Diver Scallops with Lump Crab Gratin and Beurre Blanc; Beef Tenderloin Tacos with Jalapeño Cream and Fresh Pico de Gallo; and House Smoked Molasses Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños with Chipotle Cream Cheese & Shrimp.
114 Austin Ave.
Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar
3413 W. 7th St.
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
Grace
Home of 2012 Fort Worth, Texas magazine's Top Chef Blaine Staniford, Grace offers an elegant setting that is fitting for a city with the energy and drive of Fort Worth.
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Buttons
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Yogi's Bagel Café
Yogi's serves bagels along with a variety of other menu options. But it's also a meeting place. The conversation that led to Purple Fridays took place here between then-Mayor Mike Moncrief and TCU Coach Gary Patterson.
2710 S. Hulen St.
817.921.4500
yogisdeli.com
Central Market
4651 W. Freeway
817.989.4700
centralmarket.com
Boopa's Bagel Deli
6513 N. Beach St.
817.232.4771
boopasbageldeli.com
Blue Bonnet Bakery
Locals favor Blue Bonnet for its pies -pecan pies and fruit pies - and for its cakes - Texas fudge, carrot , Italian cream and more.
4705 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.4233
bluebonnetbakery.com
Swiss Pastry Shop
3936 W. Vickery Blvd.
817.732.5661
swisspastryonline.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park Blvd.
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
MICHAELS CUISINE Restaurant and Bar
Even the names make your mouth water: Ranch Oysters Rockefeller, for example. The descriptions even more so: Ancho Bar Poker Chips - Crisp Tortilla Chips Topped With Chile Con Queso, Fried Tobacco Onions & Jalapeños, Pico De Gallo, Sour Cream & Ranch Guacamole. And that's just two of an extensive list.
3413 W. 7th St.
817.877.3413
michaelscuisine.com
Blue Mesa Grill
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Winslow's Wine Café
4101 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.546.6843
winslowswinecafe.com
Railhead Smokehouse
Railhead became known for its barbecue, of course, and for the T-shirt that says, "Life's Too Short To Live In Dallas." But it also has become a major after-work gathering place.
2900 Montgomery St.
817.738.9808
railheadonline.com
120 S. Ranch House Road
817.441.2525
railheadbbq.net
Angelo's
2533 White Settlement Road
817.332.0357
angelosbbq.com
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
301 Stockyards Blvd.
817.626.6464
coopersbbqfortworth.com
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
The possible selections of beer at this popular Sundance Square joint are dizzying. Throw in the outdoor venue, the menu and live music, and it's no surprise it is one of the hottest gathering places in town.
111 E. 3rd St.
817.336.7470
beerknurd.com
Gingerman
3716 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.886.2327
ftworth.gingermanpub.com
The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipscomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Buttons
Why Buttons? Consider just one dish - Chicken & Waffles. Here's what the menu says about it: "Chef's special hand battered fried chicken & homemade Belgium waffles. Served with warm blueberry infused butter, fresh berry compote, sweet potato pomme frites and collard greens." Any questions?
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Central Market
Central Market easily has the widest selection of fresh-baked bread in the area. And there's the added benefit that you get to sample a number of them before making a decision on what to buy.
4651 W. Freeway
817.989.4700
1425 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
817.310.5600
centralmarket.com
Artisan Baking Co.
4900 White Settlement Road
817.821.3124
artisan-baking-company.com
La Madeleine
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.654.0471
4201 S. Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington
817.417.5100
lamadeleine.com
Ol" South Pancake House
This Fort Worth tradition has been family operated since 1962. This standby operates 24/7, much to the delight of TCU students cramming for an exam and hungry night owls. Of special note are the German pancakes.
1509 S. University Drive
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Esperanza's
1601 Park Place Ave.
817.923.1992
2122 N. Main St.
817.626.5770
joets.com
101 W. Church St., Weatherford
1.817.594.8717
weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Blue Mesa Grill
Here's a small sample: Chicken & Mushroom Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce; Blue Corn Cheese Enchiladas with Three Chile Red Sauce; Grilled Chicken & Steak Fajitas; Roast Brisket; Omelet Bar; Chocolate Chip-Pecan Cookies; Classic Flan; Fresh Fruit; champagne, Mimosas, coffee, tea or soft drinks. We're out of space.
1600 S. University Drive
817.332.6372
bluemesagrill.com
Lucile's Stateside Bistro
4700 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.738.4761
lucilesstatesidebistro.com
Cast Iron Restaurant
1300 Houston St., Omni Fort Worth Hotel
817.535.6664
omnihotels.com
Kincaid's Hamburgers
The burgers are legendary and are the worship object of a very dedicated cult in Fort Worth and the area.
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
M&O Station Grill
817.882.8020
tinyurl.com/M-O-Station
Tommy's Hamburger Grill
5228 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.569.1111
tommyshamburgergrill.com
Patrizio
The price is right and the offerings are plentiful. Interesting offerings include Crispy Goat Cheese, Patrizio's Pepperoni Bread, Eggplant Parmesan, Angel Hair and Artichokes and Italian Cream Cake.
2932 Crockett St.
817.698.0003
patrizios.net
Fortuna Italian Restaurant
5837 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.737.4471
Mama's Pizza
1813 W. Berry St.
817.923.3541
Seven Locations
mamaspizzas.net
Bistro Louise Catering
Owner Louise Lamensdorf's American cuisine has been highly influenced by her cooking studies in France, Italy and Spain. She not only caters; she teaches cooking classes as well.
817.291.2734
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
TCB Catering
2117 Western Ave.
817.437.1055
tcbcatering.com
Chicken Fried Steak
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Babe's is, of course, known for chicken. It says so right there in the name. But what Babe's does to steak must be tasted to be believed. Plus, all the restaurants are family-friendly places and just a lot of fun.
Multiple locations
babeschicken.com
The Wild Mushroom Steak House and Lounge
917 Martin Drive, Weatherford
1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
The Lunch Box
The Lunch Box was originally opened in 1974 under a different name and was widely known in Fort Worth for its famous chicken salad. It still is.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
1116 Pennsylvania Ave.
817.348.9000
zscafe.com
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
P.F. Chang's China Bistro
This popular downtown place is a far cry from the legion of the Chinese restaurants - generally buffets - that are seemingly everywhere, all with the same menu. P.F. Chang's is an elegant setting, and if you are a first timer, you might want to consider the four-course meal for two for $39.95. Lots of choices there.
400 Throckmorton
817.840.2450
Szechuan
4750 Bryant Irvin Road
817.346.6111
China Jade
5274 S. Hulen St.
817.292.1611
chinajadefw.com
Uncle Julio's
Worth the trip alone, although the rest of the menu is extensive. The chips and salsa make a nice companion to The Swirl, a frozen drink of layered margarita and homemade sangria.
5301 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.377.2777
unclejulios.com
Gloria's
2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 175
817.332.8800
gloriasrestaurants.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Mutiple locations
riomambo.com
Ultimate Cupcake
If you are new to this now legendary place, try the assortment. It is two each of these delights: Dark Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Red Velvet, Pumpkin and Lemon Poppy Seed. Your office mates will love you unless you eat them all on the way in.
3316 Fort Worth Highway
Hudson Oaks
817.596.9090
ultimatecupcake.com
Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave.
817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
The Original Cupcakery
132 E. 4th St., Sundance Square
817. 332.2727
originalcupcakery.com
Carshon's Deli
This is THE Jewish kosher-style deli in Fort Worth. It's been around since 1928, and if you didn't know better, you'd think you were in New York or Chicago. Save room for dessert.
3133 Cleburne Road
817.923.1907
carshonsdeli.com
Roy Pope Grocery
2300 Merrick St.
817.732.2863
roypopegrocery.com
Oliver's Fine Foods
415 Throckmorton St.
817.744.7980
oliversfinefoods.com
and Lounge
Co-owner Jerrett Joslin knows a thing or two about cheesecake from his days as owner of Randall's Gourmet Cheesecake, so that's one option to try. But also on the menu are Chocolate Cake, Lemon Citrus Coconut Cake and Crème Brûlée. The desserts are house-made.
917 Martin Drive, Weatherford, 1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Truluck's Seafood, Steak, &
Crab HouseRestaurant
1420 Plaza Place, Southlake
817.912.0500
trulucks.com
Paris Coffee Shop
A perennial favorite of our readers is this power-breakfast spot. But beyond breakfast, the menu is extensive with both small and large combo plates and the pies.
704 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.335.2041
pariscoffeeshop.net
Montgomery Street Café
2000 Montgomery St.
817.731.8033
Weatherford Downtown Café
101 W. Church St., Weatherford
1.817.594.8717
weatherforddowntowncafe.com
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
What's more family than a fried chicken dinner? Lot's of activity at all locations, and you'll see lots of kids there. In Burleson, Babe's describes the décor as Storybook Style.
Multiple locations.
babeschicken.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Dixie House Café
6200 E. Lancaster Ave.
817.451.6180
5401 S. Hulen St.
817.361.8500
dixiehousecafe.com
The Classic Café
Maybe this should be café to fork. The Chefs Pantry is a garden at the café itself where Chef Charles Youts, a finalist in the Fort Worth, Texas magazine 2012 Top Chef competition, creates specials based on what's fresh and ripe.
504 N. Oak St.
Roanoke
817.430.8185
theclassiccafe.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Ellerbe Fine Foods
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Geppetto's Pizza
Order off the menu and choose among Veggie Lovers, Margherita, Meaty Lovers, Buffalo Chicken, Carbonara (with chicken, prosciutto, bacon and tomato), Popeye (spinach, chicken, capers and feta cheese), Smoked Brisket or Smoked Salmon. Or build your own.
817.680.0277
gepettopizzatruck.com
Lee's Grilled Cheese Truck
1.979.218.7858
leesgrilledcheese.com
Fred's Texas Café
915 Currie St.
817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Tillman's Roadhouse
Here's why: Parmesan black pepper Kennebec, chile purple Peruvian, smoked salt sweet potato fries, homemade ketchup and horseradish pickled mayo.
2933 Crockett St.
817.850.9255
tillmansroadhouse.com
Fred's Texas Café
915 Currie St.
817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Wingstop
Multiple locations
wingstop.com
Cacharel
The food is the reason to visit here, but the spectacular views from the dining room are a plus.
2221 E. Lamar Blvd.
9th Floor, Arlington
817.640.9981
cacharel.net
Saint-Emilion
3617 W. 7th St.
817.737.2781
saint-emilionrestaurant.com
La Madeleine
6140 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.654.0471
4201 South Cooper St., Ste. 731, Arlington
817.417.5100
lamadeleine.com
Frozen Drinks
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Bring a designated driver if you are going to go for the grande sizes. Many choices - all worthy of a taste.
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Eskimo Hut
5518 W. Vickery St.
817.737.8773
eskimohut.com
Yogurtland
The motto is "You Rule." How much and what's included is up to you. Pick it, weigh it, pay for it, eat it.
2600 W. 7th St., Montgomery Plaza
817.870.4689
yogurt-land.com
Menchie's
1620 S. University Drive, Ste. A200
817.332.9866
menchies.com
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
6076 Azle Ave., Lake Worth
817.238.7334
orangeleafyogurt.com
Fred's Texas Café
If you are an old hand, you know what to order. First timers should go with the Diablo burger and hand-cut fries.
915 Currie St.
817.332.0083
fredstexascafe.com
Old Neighborhood Grill
1633 Park Place Ave.
817.923.2282
JR's Grill
5220 Highway 121, Colleyville
817.571.1414
jrsgrill.net
Sweet Sammie's
This place wins over and over for one simple reason - its signature offering Sweet Sammie. Pick any two cookies from the extensive selection and the ice cream flavor of your choice for an instant ice cream sandwich.
825 Currie St.
817.332.0022
sweetsammies.com
Kountry Donuts
4524 Golden Triangle Blvd.
817.337.7105
The Cupcake Cottage
5015 El Campo Ave.
817.732.5670
thecupcakecottage.com
Olenjack's Grille
Chicken Fried Steak, aged 21 days, hand-breaded with black pepper cream gravy. If that's not enough of a reason, consider the Kitchen Sink Burger or Olenjack's One Pounder burger. Plus, there's a cocktail called The Spanish Fly. Go figure.
770 Road To Six Flags E., Ste. 100
Arlington
817.226.2600
olenjacksgrille.com
Pop's Safari Cigars, Wine and Bistro
2929 Morton St.
817.334.0559
popssafari.com
Fire Oak Grill
114 Austin Ave., Weatherford
1.817.598.0400
fireoakgrill.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
An elegant setting near to downtown and $2 off the drinks. Nightly 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and all night Sunday and Monday. On the appetizer menu: $1 Texas Gulf Oysters, Crispy Cashew Calamari, Maine Lobster and Shrimp Bisque and more. Plus, great people watching.
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Margie's Original Italian Kitchen
Margie's is one of Fort Worth's oldest Italian restaurants and was established in 1953. The food is made from scratch daily, and the portions are enough to share or take home.
9805 Camp Bowie W.
817.244.4301
margiesitaliankitchen.com
Paco & John
1116 8th Ave.
817.810.0032
pacoandjohn.com
Nonna Tata
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Bob's Steak and Chop House,Omni Fort Worth
The cuts of meat are prime, the service is excellent, the atmosphere is great and the drinks are generous. That's not to mention the extensive wine list.
1300 Houston St.
817.350.4100, bobs-steakandchop.com
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Gaylord Texan
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
817.778.1000
gaylordhotels.com
610 Grille, Ashton Hotel
610 Main St.
817.332.0100
theashtonhotel.com/dining/
Bombay Grill Indian Restaurant & Bar
Don't let the strip mall location fool you. This place has been serving classic Indian dishes for years, flying some select herbs and spices in from India to guarantee authenticity. And there are no pre-mixed curry pastes involved.
4625 Donnelly Ave.
817.377.9395
bombaygrillindian.com
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
532 Fielder N. Plaza, Arlington
817.261.6604
tandoorrestaurant.net
Maharaja Indian Restaurant and Bar
6308 Hulen Bend Blvd.
817.263.7156
maharajadfw.com
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
This is a great restaurant halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it the ideal business luncheon location for people in both cities. But it is much more than that. It's also a nice setting for that romantic dinner date.
829 Lamar Blvd. E.
Arlington
817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Patrizio
2932 Crockett St.
817.698.0003
patrizios.net
Nonna Tata
1400 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.332.0250
Tokyo Café
This is a consistent favorite with readers in our annual poll for many reasons - one of them a little surprising. That's the Tok Fries - fresh cut potato fries seasoned with Japanese spices and chili mayo dipping.
5121 Pershing Ave.
817.737.8568
thetokyocafe.com
Sushi Axiom
Multiple locations
sushiaxiom.net
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
The Lunch Box
Eat lunch here - we suggest the chicken salad - and see the power women of Fort Worth. It's the place to be.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ste. 115
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
Café Modern
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St.
817.840.2157
themodern.org/cafe
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
We were a little suspicious at first about fish tacos, but Fuzzy's has plenty of the more traditional kind as well. The salads are large and interesting, and the garlic buttermilk dressing is to die for. So is the Butt Burning Sauce if you dare.
Multiple Locations
fuzzystacoshop.com
Ol" South Pancake House
1509 S. University Drive
817.336.0311
olsouthpancakehouse.com
Taco Heads
2700 W. 7th St.
facebook.com/Tacoheads
Ellerbe Fine Foods
Chef Molly McCook was among the early leaders in farm-to-fork dining in Fort Worth. There are light choices so long as you don't spend too much time reading the dessert list.
1501 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.926.3663
ellerbefinefoods.com
Zodiac Room
Level Two, Neiman Marcus
2100 Green Oaks Blvd.
817.989.4650
tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw
Rose Garden Tea Room
7200 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.7673
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington
817.795.3093
shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com
Mac & Cheese
The Wild Mushroom Steak Houseand Lounge
This is a consistent winner with Mac and Cheese made with jalapeños and Alderwood smoked bacon.
917 Martin Drive
Weatherford
1.817.599.4935
thewildmushroomrestaurant.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Monty's Corner
2600 W. 7th St., Ste. 153
817.877.0087
montyscornerfortworth.com
Before the 2010 tornado and its aftermath forced Reata from its perch atop what was then the Bank One Tower, every window had a great view of the city. That's recreated in a basement room at this location. But it wins because of its rooftop area, which overlooks downtown Fort Worth.
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Dr.
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge
1311 Lipsomb St.
817.926.0968
theliveoak.com
Mediterranean
Chadra Mezza and Grill
From family-style feasts served in the customary Lebanese tradition to weekday lunch buffets and Friday and Saturday evening buffets, there's something here for everyone. Be sure the sample the garlic knots and the shank of lamb.
1622 Park Place Ave.
817.926.3992
chadramezza.com
Terra Mediterranean Grill
2973 Crockett St.
817.744.7485
terramedgrill.com
Byblos Lebanese Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
1406 N. Main St.
817.625.9667
byblostx.com
This family business has a Five Star Ranking with Zagat, and Texas Monthly listed it in Best of the Best. Our readers agree. Many of the recipes used and entrees served have been in the Cavazos family for generations. It was hot before West 7th Street was hot.
841 Foch St.
817.870.2002
lafamilia-fw.com
Rio Mambo Tex Mex y Mas
Multiple locations
riomambo.com
Salsa Fuego
3520 Alta Mere
817.560.7888
salsafuegofw.net
Ruth's Chris Steak House
For just the two of you on a date or celebrating an anniversary, the ambiance at this restaurant guarantees an intimate evening of focused attention and conversation. And the steaks are excellent, too.
813 Main St.
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Lanny's Alta Cocina
3405 W. 7th St.
817.850.9996
lannyskitchen.com
Woodshed Smokehouse
This 14,000-square-foot restaurant is on the banks of the Trinity River and specializes in all things smoked. Rotating selections of beef, chicken, pork, wild game, fish and vegetables are cooked over a variety of woods and fire sources.
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
The Capital Grille
800 Main St.
817.348.9200
thecapitalgrille.com
The Blu Crab Seafood House & Bar
6115 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.763.8585
theblucrab.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
Started by its namesake in 1935, generations of Fort Worth residents and tourists alike have made this one of the most successful restaurants anywhere. From its original seating capacity of 16, the restaurant and grounds can now handle more than 1,000 people.
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Kincaid's Hamburgers
4901 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.732.2881
Multiple locations
kincaidshamburgers.com
Cattlemen's Steak House
2458 N. Main St.
817.624.3945
cattlemenssteakhouse.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
People can argue about many categories in these Culinary Awards, but there can be no argument here. The gardens at Joe T's are simply awesome.
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
Reata Restaurant
310 Houston St.
817.336.1009
reata.net
Fort Worth Food Park
2509 Weisenberger St.
817.862.7289
fwfoodpark.com
Mama's Pizza
If a Fort Worth resident asks you out to pizza without naming a specific restaurant, he or she means Mama's Pizza. It's been around since 1968 and has been a consistent favorite through that time.
1813 W. Berry St.
817.923.3541
Seven Locations
Fireside Pies
2949 Crockett St.
817.769.3590
firesidepies.com
Mellow Mushroom
Multiple locations
mellowmushroom.com
Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
If you have friends in town and want to take them to a restaurant they can drop into conversation back home with a good chance that someone in the group will have eaten there, this has to be your choice.
2201 N. Commerce St.
817.626.4356
joets.com
The Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
2406 N. Main St.
817.740.8810
lonesomedovebistro.com
Woodshed Smokehouse
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
You are likely to see just about anybody in town here on any given day. The food is creative, the atmosphere lovely and the service excellent. Now, let's close that deal.
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
3131 W. 7th St.
817.332.2583
bluesushisakegrill.com
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 Lamar Blvd. E., Arlington
817.265.9174
piccolomondo.com
Ray's Steak and Seafood
This restaurant filled a red meat gap in the West Side dining scene and has become a popular gathering place for lunch and dinner since opening. Some people about town are there almost nightly.
3206 Winthrop Ave.
817.732.1614
H3 Ranch
105 E. Exchange Ave.
817.624.1246
h3ranch.com
Mercury Chop House
301 S. Main St.
817.365.4129
fortworthchophouse.com
Woodshed Smokehouse
Grab something to eat, get a brew and enjoy the ongoing live music series with bands and performances selected by Tim Love himself. There are complimentary performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
3201 Riverfront Drive
817.877.4545
woodshedsmokehouse.com
Buttons
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Ray's Steak and Seafood
3206 Winthrop Ave.
817.732.1614
Texas de Brazil Restaurant
Simply the most amazing salad bar around with 50 items including just about everything you can imagine. It can be a meal alone, but you are also planning to take advantage of the signature meats, be careful with the salad choices so you don't have to be wheeled out of the place.
101 N. Houston St.
817.882.9500
texasdebrazil.com
McKinley's Fine Bakery and Café
1616 S. University Drive, Ste. 301
817.332.3242
mckinleysbakery.com
Silver Fox Steakhouse
1651 S. University Drive
817.332.9060
silverfoxcafe.com
The Lunch Box
Sandwiches come with chips and a pickle on white, wheat, light or dark rye bread. There's chicken, tuna and egg salad, pimiento cheese, ham and avocado, club and Reuben. The highest price is $7.50.
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd.,
Ste. 115
817.738.2181
eatthelunchbox.com
3204 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.877.4400
greatoutdoorsubs.com
The Black Rooster Bakery
2430 Forest Park Blvd.
817.924.1600
blackroosterbakery.com
Piranha Killer Sushi
The Fort Worth Downtown location is popular at all hours and open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, filling a much needed void for late night places for an after-theatre meal or drink. The food is outstanding. Martinis aren't bad either.
Multiple locations
piranhakillersushi.com
Sushi Axiom
Multiple locations
sushiaxiom.net
Shinjuku Station
711 W. Magnolia Ave.
817.923.2695
shinjuku-station.com
Truluck's Seafood, Steak, & Crab House Restaurant
Truluck's says it is so committed to fresh food that it owns its own fisheries for fresh Florida Stone Crab in season. They are on the table less than 24 hours after they are trapped. That's just one example.
1420 Plaza Place, Southlake
817.912.0500
trulucks.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Daddy Jack's New England Lobster and Chowder House
353 Throckmorton St.
817.332.2477
daddyjacks.org
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Many - maybe even most - Fort Worth restaurants offer excellent service. But Del Frisco's is No. 1 among them.
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Bonnell's Fine Texas Cuisine
4259 Bryant Irvin Road
817.738.5489
bonnellstexas.com
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
3100 W. 7th St.
817.336.8000
eddiev.com
Brownstone Kitchen+Bar
Lots of variety here with a shrimp and crawfish po boy, a chicken fried beef tenderloin, fried chicken and grits and more elaborate offerings.
840 Currie St.
817.332.1555
brownstonefw.com
Drew's Place
5701 Curzon Ave.
817.735.4408
drewssoulfood.com
Buttons Restaurant
4701 W. Freeway
817.735.4900
buttonsrestaurant.com
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
Order whatever you want. When it arrives at your table, it will be hot and tender. Your server will cut into it for your approval. If you disagree, they'll do it over.
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Ruth's Chris Steak House
813 Main St.
817.348.0080
ruthschris.com/Steak-House/20773/Fort-Worth
J.R.'s Steakhouse
5400 Highway 121, Colleyville
817.355.1414
jrsteaks.com
Rose Garden Tea Room
This is a gracious lunch spot in interesting locations - inside the Historic Camp Bowie Mercantile in Fort Worth and in the Decorator's Showcase in Arlington. The menu is light and innovative. We recommend the sampler for first timers. And then you shop.
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway
7200 Camp Bowie Blvd.
817.731.7673
3708 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington
817.795.3093
shadyoaksstudio1.vpweb.com
Secret Garden Tea Room
2601 Montgomery St.
817.763.9787
Zodiac Room
Level Two, Neiman Marcus
2100 Green Oaks Blvd.
817.989.4650
tinyurl.com/zodiac-fw
Thai Tina's
The menu is extensive and authentic. The beef salad is the best around these parts.
600 Commerce St.
817.332.0088
Taste of Thai
2535 E. Arkansas Lane, Arlington
817.543.0110
tasteofthaiarlington.com
Thailicious
4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 206
817.737.8111
lovethailicious.com
Pho Little Saigon
This small place is a consistent reader favorite in the crowded field of Vietnamese restaurants in Fort Worth and the surrounding area.
6942 Green Oaks Road
817.738.0040
My Lan
4015 E. Belknap St., Haltom City
817.222.1471
mylanrestaurant.net
Pho Noodle & Grill
4601 W. Freeway, Ste. 214
817.737.3111
phonoodleandgrill.com
J.R.'s Steakhouse
Who has the best wine list is a subject of much debate and some controversy. The PDF of J.R.'s wine list is 10 pages with prices ranging to more than $400 per bottle. But there's a nice selection of more inexpensive wines. And there are many by-the-glass offerings for the light drinkers in the crowd.
5400 Highway 121
Colleyville
817.355.1414
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
812 Main St.
817.877.3999
delfriscos.com
Grace
777 Main St.
817.877.3388
gracefortworth.com