Even though the vast majority of the conversation surrounding Dallas' restaurant scene focuses on establishments that operate within the city limits, there are an incredible amount options for folks who don't necessarily want to drive to Dallas for a great meal.
As such, over the course of the next few months, Eater Dallas will explore some of the best restaurants in DFW’s many suburbs. This time, it's Plano, where the cuisine ranges from old-school European fare to progressive American cuisine. Not to mention killer sushi, barbecue, ramen, and Mexican food.
To put it simply, this city boasts one hell of a dining scene. Consider these 19 spots your restaurant bucket list in one of Dallas’ finest food ‘burbs.
The costumed staff may seem a little cheesy, but the fare at Bavarian Grill is certainly authentic. Massive schnitzels, spaetzle, and more classic Bavarian dishes have been incredibly popular in Plano for more than 20 years.
This nondescript Korean eatery is extremely popular with the lunch crowd. Fuel up for the rest of your day with kimchi stew, spicy tofu soup, and bibimbap served with freshly-made banchan (side dishes). As an added bonus, it’s also open late, just in case the kimchi craving strikes around 10 p.m.
Outside of the typical selection of Americanized sushi rolls, the “izakaya” plate at Densetsu is one of the best sushi deals in town. For just $20, you can score 10 pieces of chef-selected sushi. $50 scores you a full sashimi tasting, which includes tuna, yellowtail, salmon, shrimp, and octopus.
This Kent Rathbun institution is sort of what started it all for Plano’s rapidly-expanding dining scene. Jasper’s is a favorite for special occasions, but don’t sleep on this longtime fave during happy hour – a few cocktails and those bleu cheese potato chips are the perfect way to kick off your night.
Plano seems to be a hotspot for German cuisine, and Jorg’s Cafe Vienna is where to find some of the best. Here, an impressive selection of craft beers (mostly European) is paired with classic Bavarian comfort dishes like goulash soup, wienerschnitzel, and tasty meat platters.
Hill Country barbecue has finally made its way to the burbs with the second outpost of this Bishop Arts fave, and its arrival comes none too soon. The Plano location of Lockhart Smokehouse is perfect for those who need a big pile of brisket without having to drive home from Bishop Arts in a meat coma.
After an evening wandering through the Shops at Legacy, margaritas and queso at Mexican Sugar are the perfect finale. If you’re craving something heartier yet still healthy(ish), try the lump crab enchiladas or a perfectly-grilled Chilean sea bass.
This Grapevine favorite recently migrated to Plano, where it’s still serving up some of the best Mexican cuisine in the ‘burbs. The huitlacoche quesadilla, a housemade blue corn tortilla stuffed with “corn truffle” and roasted veggies makes a killer lunch that is decidedly different than typical Tex-Mex fare.
Uber-fresh fruits of the sea from the in-house fish market are on offer at this Preston Road restaurant. Try a pot of clams steamed in Old Bay-spiced white wine broth or crab cakes to start, then dig into the market’s selection of fresh fish that can be grilled, blackened, or crusted with pecans.
This fine dining hidden gem is tucked into a beautiful 1893 Victorian home on Coit Road, which makes it perfect for an upscale meal off the beaten path. Classic dishes – think shrimp Louie, surf n’ turf, and cauliflower drenched in Mornay sauce – shine without being overly fussy or expensive.
Chef Tim Byres began the modern migration to Plano with the opening of his second Smoke outpost. This upscale, innovative take on Texas BBQ has long been a Dallas fave, you just don’t have to drive south of Downtown Dallas to enjoy it.
Crawfish season is still in full-force, which means that a trip to Tasty Tails is a must. The seasoning blend here is some of the best you’ll find outside of Louisiana, and the reasonably priced mudbugs can pack a seriously spicy punch if that’s what you’re into.
Pizza and beer go together like peas and carrots, especially at Taverna Rossa. Wood-fired pies are topped with local veg and meats, ranging from simple preparations to more complicated pies like the Brussels & Ham, topped with garlic cream sauce, bacon, Benton’s country ham, and caramelized onions.
The self-described “best kabobs in Dallas,” this eatery isn’t too far off. A small selection of skewered meats – like a classic shish kabob or kobideh, an Iranian meatball of sorts – are on offer, along with killer chicken wings. Best of all, you can score lunch here for less than $10.
The menu at this Cuban eatery is divided by protein – choose from goat, pork, beef, or chicken – and features dishes like chilindron de chivo, a rich goat stew served with plantains and rice. If you’re looking for a killer Cubano sandwich, the version here is one of the best you’ll find in DFW.
Chef John Tesar has since departed his Wes Anderson-inspired burger joint, but the menu still features plenty of that Tesar touch. Try a burger topped with green chiles, a deep-fried chicken burger, and pair with one of the menu’s killer poutines – the lobster-topped version is particularly delicious.
Hyper fresh fish and delicate preparations make Uni Sushi a Plano favorite. A rotating menu of sashimi – including the restaurant’s namesake sea urchin, hamachi, and toro – definitely won’t disappoint. A menu of tasty rolls and seafood towers is also on offer.
Outside of its decadent namesake dessert, Whiskey Cake is known for its refined comfort fare that’s all made from scratch. Dishes range from comforting fried green tomatoes to a decidedly delicious take on banh mi that’s slathered with cashew spread and topped with a pile of braised pork.
Sushi might be in the name, but Yama is also known for its killer bowls of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen. If fresh fish is what you crave, though, stick with the sashimi – more than 20 options of fish, crab, and even vegetarian options will suit pretty much any diner.
The costumed staff may seem a little cheesy, but the fare at Bavarian Grill is certainly authentic. Massive schnitzels, spaetzle, and more classic Bavarian dishes have been incredibly popular in Plano for more than 20 years.
This nondescript Korean eatery is extremely popular with the lunch crowd. Fuel up for the rest of your day with kimchi stew, spicy tofu soup, and bibimbap served with freshly-made banchan (side dishes). As an added bonus, it’s also open late, just in case the kimchi craving strikes around 10 p.m.
Outside of the typical selection of Americanized sushi rolls, the “izakaya” plate at Densetsu is one of the best sushi deals in town. For just $20, you can score 10 pieces of chef-selected sushi. $50 scores you a full sashimi tasting, which includes tuna, yellowtail, salmon, shrimp, and octopus.
This Kent Rathbun institution is sort of what started it all for Plano’s rapidly-expanding dining scene. Jasper’s is a favorite for special occasions, but don’t sleep on this longtime fave during happy hour – a few cocktails and those bleu cheese potato chips are the perfect way to kick off your night.
Plano seems to be a hotspot for German cuisine, and Jorg’s Cafe Vienna is where to find some of the best. Here, an impressive selection of craft beers (mostly European) is paired with classic Bavarian comfort dishes like goulash soup, wienerschnitzel, and tasty meat platters.
Hill Country barbecue has finally made its way to the burbs with the second outpost of this Bishop Arts fave, and its arrival comes none too soon. The Plano location of Lockhart Smokehouse is perfect for those who need a big pile of brisket without having to drive home from Bishop Arts in a meat coma.
After an evening wandering through the Shops at Legacy, margaritas and queso at Mexican Sugar are the perfect finale. If you’re craving something heartier yet still healthy(ish), try the lump crab enchiladas or a perfectly-grilled Chilean sea bass.
This Grapevine favorite recently migrated to Plano, where it’s still serving up some of the best Mexican cuisine in the ‘burbs. The huitlacoche quesadilla, a housemade blue corn tortilla stuffed with “corn truffle” and roasted veggies makes a killer lunch that is decidedly different than typical Tex-Mex fare.
Uber-fresh fruits of the sea from the in-house fish market are on offer at this Preston Road restaurant. Try a pot of clams steamed in Old Bay-spiced white wine broth or crab cakes to start, then dig into the market’s selection of fresh fish that can be grilled, blackened, or crusted with pecans.
This fine dining hidden gem is tucked into a beautiful 1893 Victorian home on Coit Road, which makes it perfect for an upscale meal off the beaten path. Classic dishes – think shrimp Louie, surf n’ turf, and cauliflower drenched in Mornay sauce – shine without being overly fussy or expensive.
Chef Tim Byres began the modern migration to Plano with the opening of his second Smoke outpost. This upscale, innovative take on Texas BBQ has long been a Dallas fave, you just don’t have to drive south of Downtown Dallas to enjoy it.
Crawfish season is still in full-force, which means that a trip to Tasty Tails is a must. The seasoning blend here is some of the best you’ll find outside of Louisiana, and the reasonably priced mudbugs can pack a seriously spicy punch if that’s what you’re into.
Pizza and beer go together like peas and carrots, especially at Taverna Rossa. Wood-fired pies are topped with local veg and meats, ranging from simple preparations to more complicated pies like the Brussels & Ham, topped with garlic cream sauce, bacon, Benton’s country ham, and caramelized onions.
The self-described “best kabobs in Dallas,” this eatery isn’t too far off. A small selection of skewered meats – like a classic shish kabob or kobideh, an Iranian meatball of sorts – are on offer, along with killer chicken wings. Best of all, you can score lunch here for less than $10.
The menu at this Cuban eatery is divided by protein – choose from goat, pork, beef, or chicken – and features dishes like chilindron de chivo, a rich goat stew served with plantains and rice. If you’re looking for a killer Cubano sandwich, the version here is one of the best you’ll find in DFW.
Chef John Tesar has since departed his Wes Anderson-inspired burger joint, but the menu still features plenty of that Tesar touch. Try a burger topped with green chiles, a deep-fried chicken burger, and pair with one of the menu’s killer poutines – the lobster-topped version is particularly delicious.
Hyper fresh fish and delicate preparations make Uni Sushi a Plano favorite. A rotating menu of sashimi – including the restaurant’s namesake sea urchin, hamachi, and toro – definitely won’t disappoint. A menu of tasty rolls and seafood towers is also on offer.
Outside of its decadent namesake dessert, Whiskey Cake is known for its refined comfort fare that’s all made from scratch. Dishes range from comforting fried green tomatoes to a decidedly delicious take on banh mi that’s slathered with cashew spread and topped with a pile of braised pork.
Sushi might be in the name, but Yama is also known for its killer bowls of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen. If fresh fish is what you crave, though, stick with the sashimi – more than 20 options of fish, crab, and even vegetarian options will suit pretty much any diner.
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