Welcome to Fort Worth, where flavors emerge and the culinary scene recounts a story of its own. Imagine a restaurant that allows you pay what you can. That’s the core of Taste Project, where every meal fills more than just bellies—it nourishes the community. Then take a step into rise soufflé, a warm enclave where buoyant French delicacies rise to the occasion, making you part of a family tale with every mouthful.
Want a genuine Texas tale? Reata serves dishes as majestic as the Texas sky, anchored in a story that extends back to epic western tales. And for a diversion, Spiral Diner & Bakery surprises with vegan dishes so delicious, you won’t miss the meat.
Each site in Fort Worth adds its own chapter to your travel story, serving up not just meals, but memories. These locations, treasures in Texas, are just the beginning. In every corner of Fort Worth, there are stories being told on platters, in containers, and through clinking glasses. So, come on down, draw up a chair, and get set to compose your own Fort Worth culinary story.
1. The Taste Project
In the center of Fort Worth, a culinary revolution is taking place at Taste Project. This non-profit jewel nourishes not only the appetites but also the spirits of all who enter through its doors. The menu is unique because it doesn’t have pricing. Instead, attendees can pay what they can afford, pay the usual amount, or pay a little extra to aid others. This pay-what-you-can model is a first in the city, making Taste Project a standout among unique places to dine in Fort Worth.
The brainchild of Jeff Williams, Taste Project was created out of a straightforward wish: to ensure no neighbor goes famished. Remembering his own family’s struggles, Jeff wanted to establish a place that removed the burden of not being able to finance a meal.
2. Rise Soufflé
In Fort Worth, rise soufflé is where French soufflés are the headliners. This intimate bistro, inspired by the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine, invites you in with the promise of comfort and style. Hedda Gioia Dowd, a devotee of French culture, brought her fantasy to reality. She created a location that offers one of the most distinctive venues in Fort Worth to dine.
From the décor to the dishes, every detail at rise soufflé whispers of France. The soufflé, buoyant and flavorful, takes center stage. Each is constructed to perfection with a dedication to the culinary arts. Here, children delight at the whimsical painted amphibians, while adults are treated to considerate gestures like a daily quote to carry with them.
3. Reata
Reata, named after a legendary property, is a cornerstone in the Fort Worth culinary scene. Pay a visit and you’ll see how the essence of the West carries on in this restaurant. It’s a story that began with a famished rancher’s yearning for excellent cuisine, and now, decades later, it remains as one of the best places to dine in Fort Worth.
From the iconic Chicken Fried Steak to Calf Fries with Cream Gravy, the menu at Reata is a tribute to Texas heritage. Their starters, like Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and Jalapeño and Cheese Elk Sausage, begin off the meal with robust flavors. The mains are a substantial feast, with dishes like the Blackened Buffalo Rib Eye and Pan-Seared Pepper Crusted Tenderloin. Each dish is cooked to precision and promises to satisfy the largest of appetites.
4. Spiral Diner & Bakery
Spiral Diner & Bakery is all about affection! Love for sustenance, animals, and the environment. It’s an enjoyable place to dine in Fort Worth and one of the finest, particularly for those who favor plants over meat. It’s been dishing out vegan comfort cuisine since 2002. Burgers, sandwiches, and delectable delights, all plant-based, are what make Spiral a Fort Worth institution.
Their menu is filled with distinct vegan twists on Texan mainstays. Think velvety cashew-based nacho queso and Texas Red Chili without the beef, but full of flavor! Their Frito Pie, Chili Mac, and Fry of the Tiger show off entertaining takes on comfort dishes.
5. Joe T. Garcias
Joe T. Garcia’s is a testament to the finest cuisine in Fort Worth. It’s a story of family, flavor, and a patio that’s become the core of dining under the Texas skies. For almost 90 years, this site has dished out authentic Mexican delicacies, from Mamasuez’s famous enchiladas to mouth-watering margaritas.
Their menu is a portrait of tradition, kept simple and piquant. You’ll find family-style banquets with cheese nachos, enchiladas, beef tacos, and guacamole that bring everyone together. The fajitas, either beef or chicken, are a feast of tenderness and flavor. And for dessert? The flavor of pralines and the authentic touch of Mexican pastries or flan.
6. Press Café
Press Café stands on a lance that once roamed with cattle, extending back to 1846 when Lemuel J. Edwards staked his claim. Now, this location is one of the scenic places in Fort Worth to dine, coupling magnificent views with morsels that entice locals and travelers equally.
Start your day with a substantial luncheon at Press Café after a jog on the Trinity Trails. Here, banana walnut waffles and succulent bacon await to reward your morning efforts. This distinctive restaurant in Fort Worth serves unforgettable experiences, due to the breathtaking ambiance. With its modern glass architecture and one of the finest terraces around, Press Café enables you to gaze upon the river, the vegetation, and the Texan sky. It’s a place to decompress, with kids playing nearby and adults collecting warmth from the fire pit.
7. Toro Toro
Toro Toro transforms dining into a celebration. This is where entertaining restaurants in Fort Worth flourish with Latin character. Chef Richard Sandoval has created a place that’s all about shared moments and vibrant flavors. From unlimited brunches with live DJ rhythms to dinners with dishes intended for sharing, it’s a flurry of activity and taste.
At Toro Toro, the contemporary steakhouse receives a Latin twist. The menu is a feast of Central and South American delicacies that are fresh, artful, and intended to be savored together. And for tequila aficionados, there’s a unique Tequila Locker Program to savor your own personal cache.
8. Ampersand
Imagine a place in Fort Worth where the atmosphere transforms from comfortable to vibrant as the day turns to night. Ampersand is one of the distinct restaurants in Fort Worth that offers this dynamic experience. By day, it’s a sanctuary for coffee aficionados, with a menu that offers a variety of delectable beverages. The Chai Latte comes highly recommended, particularly to savor during frigid days. It’s a spot where you can decompress, catch up with friends, or dive into your studies with a toasty cup in hand.
As the sun sets, Ampersand transforms. The rear of the restaurant opens up to reveal a vibrant atmosphere that’s a dramatic contrast to the serene coffee shop front. It’s a site that encapsulates the essence of Fort Worth’s West 7th area yet stand out with its unique flare. Ampersand isn’t just a coffee shop or a bar; it’s a fusion that introduces a new concept to the city’s culinary scene. It’s a must-visit site that promises an experience you’ll want to relive.
9. Black Coffee
Black Coffee is a prominent figure in the East Side of Fort Worth. Opened in 2018, it’s an intimate location directly next to Texas Wesleyan University. It’s become a favored location for people to congregate and enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee. This location is known for its incredible beverages that blend up the usual with the unexpected. Imagine imbibing on a latte with a trace of lavender or a warm drink flavored with turmeric or sweet potato. These aren’t your everyday coffee selections!
This place isn’t just about what’s in your cup. It’s also about the atmosphere of the place. The walls inside and out are covered with vibrant murals painted by artists from around here. It makes you feel like you’re seated in the midst of an art gallery. And the light that streams in through the windows? It just makes everything livelier.