Best Restaurants in Arlington, Texas: 12 Highly Rated Local Favorites Worth Trying

When people think about Arlington, Texas, they usually think about the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Six Flags, and all the entertainment that brings people here from across the country.

But can we talk about the food for a minute?

Because Arlington has some seriously good restaurants, and I'm not just talking about the big chains you'll find near the stadiums.

I'm talking about restaurants that have built strong reputations for their food, consistently earn positive customer reviews, and offer dining experiences that keep people coming back.

Now, if you're looking for great Texas barbecue, we actually just published an entire article about that! Check out our “Where to Find the Best BBQ in Arlington, Mansfield, and Burleson” guide for some of the best smoked meats around South DFW.

For this article, we're skipping the barbecue and exploring everything else Arlington's restaurant scene has to offer.

I'm Stephanie Deeds, Broker/Owner of Point Realty, and having grown up in Arlington, I love seeing how much the city's dining scene has evolved over the years.

Whether you're planning a date night, looking for a great family dinner spot, or considering moving to Arlington, here are 12 restaurants worth putting on your list.

1. Prince Lebanese Grill — A Family-Owned Arlington Favorite

One thing I love about Arlington is how many different cultures are represented in its restaurants.

Prince Lebanese Grill is a perfect example.

This family-owned restaurant has earned a strong reputation for its Lebanese and Mediterranean food.

You'll find dishes like chicken shawarma, hummus, kebabs, and other traditional favorites.

And what makes this restaurant stand out is how often customers praise the flavorful food, generous portions, and friendly service.

It's the kind of place where you can enjoy something completely different from your usual burger or Tex-Mex dinner.

And it's a great reminder that Arlington's restaurant scene goes well beyond traditional Texas food.

Best for: Mediterranean food, casual lunches, and trying something new.

Location: Near Randol Mill Road in Arlington

2. Restaurant506 — A Beautiful Spot for Date Night or Brunch

Sometimes you're looking for more than a quick dinner.

Maybe it's an anniversary, birthday, date night, or just an excuse to dress up and go somewhere nice.

That's where Restaurant506 comes in.

Located inside The Sanford House Inn & Spa in Downtown Arlington, Restaurant506 offers a refined dining experience with contemporary American cuisine.

The restaurant is known for its elegant atmosphere, seasonal menu, and brunch.

Guests frequently highlight the food presentation, attentive service, and intimate setting.

And here's something I really like about this location.

It feels tucked away from the busier parts of Arlington, making it a nice place to slow down and enjoy a meal.

Best for: Date nights, anniversaries, special occasions, and brunch.

Location: 506 N. Center Street, Arlington

3. Piccolo Mondo — Classic Italian Dining

If you're looking for a traditional Italian restaurant with a little old-school charm, Piccolo Mondo is worth knowing about.

This Arlington restaurant has been serving Italian cuisine since the 1980s.

You'll find classic pasta dishes, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

Piccolo Mondo has built a loyal following among diners who appreciate its traditional Italian menu and sit-down dining experience.

But one thing that makes it especially memorable is its piano bar.

It's a nice change of pace from the louder, more casual restaurants around town.

And for people who appreciate a traditional dinner with great food and a relaxed atmosphere, it's a wonderful option.

Best for: Italian food, romantic dinners, and celebrations.

Location: 829 E. Lamar Boulevard, Arlington

4. Mariano's Hacienda — Tex-Mex With a Little History

Now, you really can't write about Arlington restaurants without talking about Tex-Mex.

And Mariano's Hacienda has a particularly interesting connection to Texas dining history.

Mariano Martinez is credited with inventing the frozen margarita machine in 1971.

Yes, that frozen margarita machine!

But beyond the history, Mariano's is known for its sizzling fajitas, Tex-Mex favorites, and lively atmosphere.

It's a fun option for dinner with friends or family, especially if you have visitors who want the full Texas Tex-Mex experience.

And when you're craving classic Tex-Mex, sometimes that's exactly what you want.

Best for: Tex-Mex, fajitas, family dinners, and group celebrations.

Location: East Arlington

5. Babe's Chicken Dinner House — Southern Comfort Food

If you're craving fried chicken and all the traditional sides, Babe's Chicken Dinner House is a fun place to visit.

Located in Downtown Arlington, Babe's is known for its homestyle cooking and family-style side dishes.

Think fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and the kind of meal that leaves you wondering whether you should have skipped lunch.

Customers frequently mention the generous portions, comfort food, and family-friendly atmosphere.

It's also a great option when you have family visiting and want somewhere that feels distinctly Texas.

And because it's downtown, you can pair dinner with a stroll through the surrounding area or a show at Arlington Music Hall.

Best for: Families, comfort food, and visitors looking for a Texas-style dining experience.

Location: 230 N. Center Street, Arlington

6. The Tipsy Oak — Patio Dining in Downtown Arlington

If you're looking for a casual place to meet friends, grab dinner, and enjoy the atmosphere, The Tipsy Oak is worth checking out.

Located in Downtown Arlington's Urban Union area, this restaurant is especially known for its large outdoor patio.

The menu features burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and elevated comfort food.

Diners often highlight the food, drinks, and relaxed atmosphere, especially when the weather is nice enough to enjoy the patio.

It's the kind of place that works for a casual date night or an afternoon catching up with friends.

And when the Texas weather cooperates, that patio is a big part of the appeal.

Best for: Patio dining, casual dinners, and meeting friends.

Location: 301 E. Front Street, Arlington

7. J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill — Famous for Its Irish Nachos

Some restaurants become known for one particular dish.

And J. Gilligan's is definitely one of those places.

This longtime Downtown Arlington restaurant is famous for its Irish Nachos.

If you've never had them, imagine seasoned potato slices topped with cheese and all the things you'd expect on loaded nachos.

It's a casual, lively spot that's especially popular with people looking for comfort food and a relaxed place to meet friends.

And because of its location, it's also a familiar stop for people heading to sporting events and other entertainment around town.

If you're someone who loves discovering signature dishes that locals talk about, the Irish Nachos are worth trying.

Best for: Casual dining, game days, and Irish Nachos.

Location: Downtown Arlington

8. Mercury Chophouse — Steak Dinner With a View

If you're looking for a more upscale night out, Mercury Chophouse offers something a little different.

Located on the ninth floor of an office tower near Arlington's Entertainment District, the restaurant offers elevated views of the surrounding city.

The menu focuses on steaks, seafood, and classic steakhouse favorites.

Guests often highlight the steaks, service, and atmosphere, making it a popular option for special occasions.

It's a great choice for anniversaries, celebrations, business dinners, or just an evening when you want something a little more upscale.

And if you're trying to find a restaurant that feels more formal than the usual neighborhood spot, this is one to consider.

Best for: Steaks, date nights, and special occasions.

Location: 2221 E. Lamar Boulevard, Arlington

9. Soy Cowboy — Modern Pan-Asian Dining Near the Stadiums

Arlington's Entertainment District continues to evolve, and Soy Cowboy is one example of the area's newer dining options.

Located at the Loews Arlington Hotel, Soy Cowboy offers a Pan-Asian menu with sushi, shareable dishes, and other Asian-inspired specialties.

The atmosphere is modern and upscale, making it a fun choice for a night out.

The restaurant is especially appealing if you enjoy creative dishes, stylish presentation, and a more contemporary dining experience.

And because of its location near Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, it's convenient if you're planning dinner around a concert, game, or other event.

Best for: Modern Asian cuisine, date nights, and special occasions.

Location: 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway, Arlington

10. Istanbul Grill — Authentic Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine

If you're looking for a restaurant that consistently earns excellent reviews for its food, Istanbul Grill deserves a spot on your list.

Located on South Cooper Street, this Arlington favorite serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, including flavorful kebabs, grilled meats, hummus, fresh salads, and traditional specialties.

And this isn't just a restaurant with a handful of good reviews.

Istanbul Grill has earned a 4.7-star rating on Tripadvisor from more than 370 reviewers, which is impressive.

It's a great option when you want something a little different from the usual Tex-Mex or American restaurant, whether you're planning a casual lunch or dinner with friends.

Best for: Turkish cuisine, Mediterranean food, flavorful grilled meats, and date nights.

Location: 6204 S. Cooper Street, Arlington

11. Moni's Pasta & Pizza — A Neighborhood Italian Favorite

Sometimes the best restaurants are the ones that feel comfortable and familiar.

Moni's Pasta & Pizza is one of those places.

Known for its Italian-American favorites, Moni's offers pizza, pasta, and classic dishes that make it an easy choice for a casual family dinner.

The restaurant has developed a loyal following among Arlington diners who appreciate its generous portions and traditional Italian-American menu.

It's not trying to be a trendy, upscale restaurant.

And that's part of the appeal.

Sometimes you just want a good plate of pasta, a pizza to share, and somewhere you can relax.

Best for: Pizza, pasta, and casual family dinners.

Location: Arlington, TX

12. Al's Hamburgers — A Classic Arlington Burger Spot

And finally, let's talk about burgers.

Because sometimes nothing sounds better than a good old-fashioned hamburger.

Al's Hamburgers is one of Arlington's longtime local favorites, known for classic burgers, fries, and a casual atmosphere.

The appeal is simple: traditional burgers, familiar comfort food, and a restaurant that doesn't need an elaborate menu to attract customers.

It's the kind of place that reminds you why simple food done well never goes out of style.

And if you're someone who enjoys discovering restaurants that have built a following around a signature menu item, this is another Arlington spot worth knowing about.

Best for: Burgers, casual lunches, and classic American comfort food.

Location: Arlington, TX

Arlington's Restaurant Scene Has Something for Everyone

One of the things that makes Arlington interesting is the variety of food you can find throughout the city.

You can enjoy Lebanese cuisine, traditional Italian food, Tex-Mex, Southern comfort food, Turkish specialties, and upscale Asian-inspired dishes without leaving Arlington.

And while some of the most popular restaurants are concentrated around Downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District, there are excellent options throughout the city.

Sometimes the restaurant you end up loving most isn't the fanciest or the most expensive.

It's the one where the food is consistently good and you find yourself wanting to go back.

Where Should You Eat in Arlington, TX?

It really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.

If you're in the mood for Italian food, Piccolo Mondo and Moni's Pasta & Pizza offer two very different dining experiences.

If you're planning a special date night, Restaurant506, Mercury Chophouse, or Soy Cowboy might be more your style.

If you have family visiting, Babe's Chicken Dinner House or Mariano's Hacienda can give them a taste of Texas.

And if you want to try something different, Prince Lebanese Grill and Istanbul Grill are both worth exploring.

Looking for barbecue instead? Don't forget to check out our separate guide to the best BBQ in Arlington, Mansfield, and Burleson.

One tip: If you're dining near the Entertainment District on a Cowboys game day, Rangers game day, or concert night, plan ahead. Restaurants and surrounding roads can be much busier than usual.

Also, check restaurant hours and reservation policies before heading out, since those can change.

Great Restaurants Are Part of What Makes Arlington a Great Place to Live

One thing I always tell people considering a move to Arlington is that there's much more to the city than its major attractions.

Yes, having professional sports, concerts, and entertainment nearby is a huge benefit.

But everyday life is really about the smaller things.

Finding your favorite neighborhood restaurant.

Having a place to meet friends for lunch.

Knowing where to take family when they visit.

Or having a special restaurant you return to every year for your anniversary.

Those are the things that help a city feel like home.

And because I grew up in Arlington, it's been fun watching the restaurant scene evolve while still seeing some longtime favorites stick around.

Whether you're considering North Arlington, South Arlington, West Arlington, or one of the established neighborhoods near Downtown, there's a lot to explore.

Thinking About Moving to Arlington, TX?

If you're considering buying or selling a home in Arlington, John and I would love to help you explore the different neighborhoods and everything the city has to offer.

We work with buyers and sellers throughout Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, Burleson, Midlothian, and the surrounding South DFW communities.

Whether you're relocating to Texas, looking for a larger home, downsizing, or just beginning to explore your options, we're here to help.

Call or text 817-659-0980
Email: info@thedeedsgroup.com
Website: www.thedeedsgroup.com

And now I want to hear from you!

What's your favorite restaurant in Arlington, Texas?

Is it a longtime local favorite, a hidden gem, or somewhere new that more people need to know about?

Share it in the comments. I'm always looking for another great place to try!

— Stephanie Deeds
Broker/Owner, Point Realty
The Deeds Group
South of Cowtown with The Deeds

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