Top-notch sushi has arrived in Southlake, with Coffee and Mexican on the horizon. And, as Artisan Circle repositions from nightlife central to a more well-rounded mix of shops and restaurants, it welcomes two new arrivals. One has an Irish accent, and the other is positioned to become a brunch powerhouse. This is the Fort Worth food news you need to know this February.
Zumi Modern Sushi
Located next door to D’Caramel Patisserie, in the former Cool Greens space at 2211 East Southlake Boulevard, is the new Zumi Modern Sushi. It brings two talented sushi chefs to the fore. Jackie Kaewlamduan, the Thai owner of the renowned Ka Thai restaurants and former partner at Yutaka Sushi Bistro, has joined forces with Chef Pae, a former Nobu sushi chef.
Serving lunch (from 11:30 am to 2 pm) with creative bento boxes, along with sushi and sashimi sets, and dinner (from 5 pm to 10 pm) with a full menu. From the Modern Maki section, you’ll enjoy the Ginkgo Blossom with snow crab, Hamachi, cucumber, and avocado. Moriwase (chef selection) of either mixed sashimi or sushi is another star of the menu. Plus, wagyu steak is seared on a hot stone.
Mama Cuca’s Mexican Cuisine
This is the second location for Mama Cuca’s Mexican Cuisine. Its first location has been in Mansfield since 2013, and now they’ll open the second at 200 East Front Street in Arlington.
The winning formula is traditional recipes that have been handed down for generations. From redfish tacos to homemade sopes, or classic fajitas and tacos al carbon, fans flock to Mama Cuca’s for the authentic vibe. Both fried and grilled chile rellenos are a specialty as well. They are open for lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner service.
The Henry McCarty Irish Pub
Artisan Circle has two new additions. The Henry McCarty Irish Pub has taken up residence in the long-vacant Cork and Pig spot. It’s at 2869 Crockett Street.
“They will offer a full-service Irish food and beverage menu, including their award-winning fish and chips,” Artisan Circle says. “If you’re looking for an atmosphere that reflects Irish heritage, this pub is for you.”
For starters are cheese curds, Galway Bay Mussels in creamy beer broth, and traditional Scottish Eggs. The Traditional Irish Breakfast includes two eggs any style, Irish bacon, bangers, black and white puddings, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, a hash brown patty, and brown bread.
The Howth Beer-Battered Fish & Chips is one to try, and the Cornbeef and Cabbage Stack consists of corned beef, roasted cabbage, potatoes, grain mustard, and cream sauce. Of course, there is a tap wall with Guinness, and plenty of brown liquids at the bar.
Top of the Morning Brunch House
The other new entry into the rapidly repositioning Artisan Circle is Top of the Morning Brunch House. They describe it this way: “a casually sophisticated breakfast and brunch spot serving comfort classics with an elevated twist.”
To that end, you’ll be noshing on breakfast tacos, avocado toast, steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and lemon ricotta pancakes. That sounds like a reason to roll out of bed.
“From classic Eggs Benedict to Brisket on a Biscuit,” they say. “Serving fresh coffee, lattes and creative brunch cocktails, we’re all about starting your day on a high note with great food, warm service and a welcoming neighborhood vibe.”
Ascension Coffee
With three locations in Dallas, plus one each in Frisco and Addison, and another set along the Trinity Trail in Westbend, Ascension Coffee is way more than just responsibly sourced, craft-roasted coffee. It also serves breakfast and lunch. Its all-day menu ranges from Australian-style “all-day Brekky” to salads, bowls, and sammies.
Next up? Southlake will get its first taste of Ascension when it opens this spring. Look for it to take over the former Corner Bakery space at 100 State Street (which closed after a 26-year run in Southlake Town Square).
Lupe Tortilla
Also coming to Southlake is a Houston mainstay, Lupe Tortilla. According to Grapevine Edit, “Lupe Tortilla is officially heading our way and plans to take over the former Buca di Beppo space right off the highway. If everything stays on track, we could be digging into fresh-made tortillas, sizzling fajitas, and those famous margaritas by fall 2026.”
“Lupe Tortilla is known for scratch-made everything, hand-pressed tortillas, and a lively, family-friendly vibe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or patio margaritas.”
The website is literally tex-mex.com! North Texas already has a few. One in Allen, another in Addison, and Las Colinas. The first Fort Worth location is located in Alliance, and it opened in 2020.
Heim Barbecue
As the Fort Worth barbecue brand, known for its farm-to-smoker ethos, Heim has restructured a bit since its “Mom & Pop” owners, Travis and Emma Heim, stepped away from the business.
It recently opened a Wetherford location, but sadly, its flagship location on Magnolia has closed for good on February 1. That’s where the Heim’s first graduated out of a food truck into a bustling brick-and-mortar. Two other locations, one in Dallas and another in Fort Worth by the River off White Settlement Road, remain open.
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