If you’re in town for FIFA World Cup action or you are a local looking for something new, this list is for you. Arlington might be sandwiched in between two of the largest cities in the country (Dallas at No. 9, and Fort Worth at No. 10), but its culinary scene can certainly hold its own. These are 30 of the best restaurants in Arlington.
American
Serving some of the best burgers in North Texas, Rodeo Goat is an experience. The house ground burgers are all unique and delicious, and the sweet-and-spicy goat chips are a must.
A true taste of the Gulf Coast, this seafood spot is especially known for its Louisiana Cajun-style dishes. Think roasted oysters, shrimp po-boy sandwiches, and crawfish etouffee.
Fine dining inside Live! by Loews hotel is a cut above. It serves all meals from breakfast through dinner, with wild game, great steaks, salads, and burgers.
With a seasonal menu, this is a unique chef-led restaurant with a pay-what-you-can model, so no one misses out. A wonderful lunch or brunch meal with fresh gazpacho soup and blueberry peach blintzes.
Here you’ll find a perfect burger. Try the All American with American cheese and double smoked bacon. And, and order of Disco Fries smothered in Hatch chile queso.
Fried chicken served family style is a Southern classic meal. Babe’s is notorious for generous portions and crispy fried chicken. Plus, desserts like meringue pies are worthy of a Southern grandmother.
This gastropub and ice house is casual and classic. The menu features everything from poutine to fish and chips to burgers. Plus, a nice selection of draft beers to wash it all down.
With a cozy American diner vibe, you can get your fish dish fried, grilled, or blackened. Sides include fried green tomatoes, beer batter onion rings, and their famous homemade hushpuppies.
Located inside The Sanford House bed and breakfast, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind eatery with an upscale menu. Enjoy pecan-crusted crab cakes, harissa-smoked rack of lamb, and cremini risotto.
Asian
This pan-Asian haven is staged like a Hollywood set. Start with some shareable dim sums, or choose from a vast sushi selection, with specialty dishes like Miso Black Cod and A5 Kobe beef.
With an all-you-can-eat format, choose from Japanese, Korean, and Chinese dishes. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s something the entire team can agree on.
It’s a Japanese izakaya-style eatery. Grilled yakitori skewered meats, join small plates of gyoza, Takoyaki, gyoza dumplings, and an endless array of sushi rolls.
An izakaya at heart, there are plenty of small plates to share and sushi to devour. But the specialty of the house is its stellar ramen bowls. Hearty, authentic, delicious.
Likewise, Itadaki is a go-to for its Hokkaido-style ramen noodles. It’s also a great spot for classic Chinese dishes like mapo tofu and Japanese dishes like yakisoba.
Barbecue
This barbecue palace arrived in March. You have to begin with a Texas Twinkie, then dive into a platter to sample all the goodness from sausage and turkey to ribs and brisket.
The Michelin-recommended barbecue joint serves a unique Texas/Ethiopian style of barbecue. Fresh takes on spices, rubs, and sauces make this a must-visit on your Arlington tour.
Another unique twist on Texas barbecue comes with a Mexican flavor profile. Get your fill of burnt bacon ends and tender brisket alongside Mexican street corn, and birria tacos.
European
This is the signature dining inside Loew’s Hotel. From a classic frito misto for starters to a burrata, peach, and arugula salad, there are seasonal pizzas, pastas, and more.
Arlington’s true taste of Italy since 1983, Piccolo Mondo is a romantic retreat. Where else can you find mussels and escargot? Enjoy an eggplant parmesan or a veal scallopine.
Specializing in the Swiss style feast with bubbling pots of fondue to share at the table, Melting Pot is one-of-a-kind. As much of an experience as a dinner.
Here you’ll find Jagger schnitzel, potato pancakes, goulash, and pierogies. Oh, and Ukrainian borsht and herring with onions. This is hard-core European food.
With its stylish speakeasy vibe, Hearsay is full of surprises. Wild-caught fish sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, and pasta dishes mix well with a full cocktail menu and live music.
Latin & Mexican
This is a globe-trotting experience with dishes from Argentina, Peru, Spain, and the Caribbean. Specialties include empanadas and paellas.
They call this Tex-Mex with a modern twist. Sizzling fajitas, green enchiladas, and guacamole made fresh at your table. Plus, fresh margaritas and palomas.
A rare pan-Latin menu in North Texas, with authentic Salvadoran and Tex-Mex cuisine. Think tamales wrapped in banana leaves and fried plantain and pupusa.
The new Tex-Mex by Hurtado Barbecue owners, LOMA, is a stylish stop in the heart of it all. Oysters Oaxacafellar joins snapper ceviche and spicy short rib enchiladas.
Middle Eastern
A spot for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, Istanbul has earned a reputation. Nosh on baked moussaka, beef kebabs, falafel, rolled dolma and more.
Located inside Halal Import Food Market, Cairo serves shawarma, gyro, and some simply fantastic dips and appetizer dishes too.
A Lebanese-style Medi-fantasy. Start with a meze plate to sample the appetizers and dips. Then enjoy shawarma, kebabs, and kafta.
From Greek spanakopita to Lebanese kibbe, you’ll find a taste of the Middle East at Andalous. Save room for pastries, including kenafe and pistachio baklava for dessert.