clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Smoke's Plano outpost is just as good as the original.
Smoke's Plano outpost is just as good as the original.
Smoke/Facebook

Dining In The ‘Burbs: Where To Eat Sushi, BBQ & More In Plano

This northern suburb boasts one hell of a dining scene

View as Map
Smoke's Plano outpost is just as good as the original.
| Smoke/Facebook

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.

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Bavarian Grill

Copy Link
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.
Bavarian Grill/Facebook

Da Won

Copy Link
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.
Da Won/Facebook

Densetsu Japanese Restaurant

Copy Link
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.
Densetsu/Facebook

Jasper's

Copy Link
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.

Jörg's Cafe Vienna

Copy Link
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.
Jorg's Cafe Vienna/Facebook

Lockhart Smokehouse

Copy Link
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.

Mexican Sugar

Copy Link
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.

Mi Dia From Scratch

Copy Link
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.

Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill

Copy Link
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.
Sea Breeze/Facebook

Sip & Savor

Copy Link
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.
Sip & Savor/Facebook

Smoke Plano

Copy Link
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.

Tasty Tails

Copy Link
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.

Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza & Beer

Copy Link
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.
Garrett Hall/EDFW

Texas Kabob House

Copy Link
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.
Yelp/Trey D.

The Latin Pig

Copy Link
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.
The Latin Pig/Facebook

The Royale Magnificent Burgers

Copy Link
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.

Uni Sushi

Copy Link
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.
Jennifer B./Yelp

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

Copy Link
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.

Yama Izakaya & Sushi

Copy Link
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.
Yama Sushi/Facebook

Bavarian Grill

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.
Bavarian Grill/Facebook

Da Won

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.
Da Won/Facebook

Densetsu Japanese Restaurant

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.
Densetsu/Facebook

Jasper's

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.

Jörg's Cafe Vienna

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.
Jorg's Cafe Vienna/Facebook

Lockhart Smokehouse

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.

Mexican Sugar

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.

Mi Dia From Scratch

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.

Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill

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.
Sea Breeze/Facebook

Sip & Savor

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.
Sip & Savor/Facebook

Smoke Plano

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.

Tasty Tails

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.

Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza & Beer

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.
Garrett Hall/EDFW

Texas Kabob House

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.
Yelp/Trey D.

The Latin Pig

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.
The Latin Pig/Facebook

Related Maps

The Royale Magnificent Burgers

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.

Uni Sushi

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.
Jennifer B./Yelp

Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar

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.

Yama Izakaya & Sushi

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.
Yama Sushi/Facebook

Related Maps