Brian Luscher, co-owner of the beloved Lower Greenville neighborhood restaurant The Grape, opened this spot in the summer of 2021. It serves Baja-style plates, from the currently highly relevant Flamin’ Hot Cheetos elote to green curry red snapper and short rib quesabirria. 

Mexican food with a touch of worldly inspiration is the order of the day at Mexican Sugar — the original location is in Plano. It’s got tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas, of course, but also a bone-in pork chop, mesquite-grilled salmon, and seafood paella. And at some point, trying one of its agave flights is highly recommended.

Lebanese street food is the specialty of this locally beloved spot. Gyros and falafel wraps are on offer, as are chicken shawarma, beef kafta, baba ghanoush, and fattoush. This place makes a strong argument for leaving fast food in the rearview. 

If you’re hoping to find a good lobster roll in Plano, this is your first stop — it serves New England- and Connecticut-style rolls. The menu is heavy with lobster, from lobster grilled cheese to a whole lobster. It also has a seasonal selection of fresh fish, and the chef’s specials are a wealth of delightful ideas. 

With a mesquite wood grill and a kitchen full of fresh farm food with sources noted on the menu, Whiskey Cake (which started in Plano) is a solid choice. The rotisserie farm bird is a signature item, as is the whiskey cake for which it is named. 

Of course, Plano needs a good steakhouse, and chef John Tesar obliged. His spot in The Shops at Willow Bend has all the trappings of the Dallas location: the new and old-school steak cuts, including his signature dry-aged steaks. And it’s got an exotic steaks section to be shared between the two. It also has a hefty list of seafood options and a cauliflower steak for vegetarians.

Brothers Adam and Jalal Chanaa created Terra, which is among the best places for Mediterranean food in Plano. Hit the lunch buffet, or head there for dinner and enjoy plates of kabobs, lamb chops, oven-roasted trout, and moussaka. 

The folks at this Plano spot take Mexican traditions and remix them with French and Mediterranean culinary methods. The seafood-heavy appetizer menu features a ceviche tasting menu and lobster tostadas, while the dinner options are loaded with Tex-Mex favorites and street tacos. This is also a great spot for brunch. 

It’s got pizza, and it’s got great views: that’s a duo that’s worth heading to Downtown Plano to experience. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, and it’s got pasta and cocktails worth sampling. 

This place is a must-stop for pizza lovers if only to try the wide variety of pies. It serves New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philly tavern, and Dallas-style pizzas — along with a vast menu of pasta, burgers, and steaks. Talk about more is more.

Get great seafood in Plano at this spot from chef Kevin Ashade. Don’t miss the crab stuffed shrimp, Texas redfish, and blackened catfish, and the five cheese mac and cheese is a must, as are the Not Your Mama’s Greens.