Gone are the days when suburbanites had to trek out to the city for good food. Take Richardson, for example. The city’s diverse demographics bring a wealth of delicious cuisines worldwide.
Use this map as a guide to excellent Chinese, Indian, and Ethiopian options, white tablecloth spots, and some of the most beloved hot chicken around — all in this suburb.
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Those looking for a steakhouse or wine dinner need not look any further. But it’s not just fancy fare here — there’s also a menu of “backyard fare” that embraces hamburgers, ribs, and various grilled meats. It’s got a private dining room and happy hour offerings, fully embracing the high/low mix of a classic American grill.
This rustic spot offers Tex-Mex and Mexican fare: burritos, tamales, tortas, mole, and tacos await, alongside specialties including Mexican lasagna, a Tex-Mex fettuccini, brisket enchiladas, and a pollo gordo with spinach and chipotle sauce. There are also a wealth of mains for vegetarians and pescatarians.
For a solid neighborhood restaurant in Richardson, try the Fifth. Its gorgeous enclosed patio with a roaring fireplace is a cozy spot to spend some time, as is its interiors with exposed brick walls. The menu of bistro fare made from scratch includes excellent chicken fried chicken, and a Rosewood Farms Wagyu short rib that is not to be missed.
For those who haven’t had Japanese meat sliced, deep fried, and coated with eggs, flour, and Panko, it’s time to pop into this spot. The katsu here is made with the diner’s choice of chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and Chinese pork in a bento box with a selection of traditional sides. It also offers a selection of udon (noodle soup) and a katsu sandwich.
Grab the city’s best pho and a smattering of other Vietnamese dishes at this strip mall location. It is best known for its bun bo hue, a noodle soup with beef slices that are spicy and savory. It’s not fancy, but it’s family-owned and affordable.
This is easily the dominant barbecue stop in Richardson. The menu is slim, and the dishes are straightforward — meats are priced by the half pound, and all the usual Texas barbecue favorites are on it, with the expected sides. For sandwiches, opt for brisket or pulled pork. And the banana pudding earns raves.
The traditional Mexican food at this place is delicious and, frankly, not highly Instagrammable — other than the birria stacked enchiladas. The cocktails steal the social media show and are likely the most beautiful and innovative that can be ordered in the city.
If there is a sushi you desire, Masami probably serves it. This chaotic but homey little spot is great for smaller groups. Nigiri is the go-to sushi style here, and it serves an array of Japanese entrees, including grilled salmon, shrimp tempura, and a lot of soba and udon soups. The appetizer menu rolls just as deep as the sushi options.
Enjoy a thoughtful and beautiful dining experience at this Thai restaurant — or stop by for its Thai tea service on Saturday afternoons. It has an extensive menu of curries and fried rice alongside the Thai staples of stir fry and spicy eggplant, Thai black pepper beef, and spicy string beans. The stars are in the chef’s specials, from volcano chicken and shrimp to goong op woon sen.
Rolls of injera accompany plates of kitfo (spiced steak tartare), tibs (marinated meat cubes), and yebeg wot (lamb marinated in berbere sauce) at this no-frills spot. The well-loved Ethiopian dish doro wot (chicken simmered in berbere sauce) is a menu highlight, and for those new to the cuisine, a Taste of Ethiopia platter is available.
Identifiable by the iconic metal trays this tiny restaurant uses to serve thali, this place specializes in Gujarat and Rajasthan cuisine with some dishes more well-known in the West, like chaat, puris, and samosas. As the name indicates, it is vegetarian. There is limited seating, so expect to wait during its busiest hours.
Want Nashville hot chicken and need it to be halal meat? Ricky’s is the place. The heat rating goes from “no heat” (which is actually just a tiny hint of heat) to Xhot with ghost and scorpion peppers and A-bomb with reaper peppers. Choose wisely.
Looking for the city’s best dim sum service? This is it. Eyeball the carts filled with baskets upon baskets of dumplings, rolls, buns, balls, and cakes, which are available all day. Or order full dishes from the menu of Chinese options and clay pot entrees.
This Richardson favorite is an excellent place to find kebabs, hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel, especially during Afrah’s weekday all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Be sure to finish the meal with baklava, kanafeh (sweet cheese pastry), or other freshly baked sweets.
Some of the best Neapolitan pie is now available in Richardson, as the owners of this Downtown spot open a second location in the city. It also serves fantastic pasta dishes, including a signanture lasagna Napoletana with smoked mozzarella, meatballs, ricotta, and meat sauce.
Those looking for a steakhouse or wine dinner need not look any further. But it’s not just fancy fare here — there’s also a menu of “backyard fare” that embraces hamburgers, ribs, and various grilled meats. It’s got a private dining room and happy hour offerings, fully embracing the high/low mix of a classic American grill.
This rustic spot offers Tex-Mex and Mexican fare: burritos, tamales, tortas, mole, and tacos await, alongside specialties including Mexican lasagna, a Tex-Mex fettuccini, brisket enchiladas, and a pollo gordo with spinach and chipotle sauce. There are also a wealth of mains for vegetarians and pescatarians.
For a solid neighborhood restaurant in Richardson, try the Fifth. Its gorgeous enclosed patio with a roaring fireplace is a cozy spot to spend some time, as is its interiors with exposed brick walls. The menu of bistro fare made from scratch includes excellent chicken fried chicken, and a Rosewood Farms Wagyu short rib that is not to be missed.
For those who haven’t had Japanese meat sliced, deep fried, and coated with eggs, flour, and Panko, it’s time to pop into this spot. The katsu here is made with the diner’s choice of chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and Chinese pork in a bento box with a selection of traditional sides. It also offers a selection of udon (noodle soup) and a katsu sandwich.
Grab the city’s best pho and a smattering of other Vietnamese dishes at this strip mall location. It is best known for its bun bo hue, a noodle soup with beef slices that are spicy and savory. It’s not fancy, but it’s family-owned and affordable.
This is easily the dominant barbecue stop in Richardson. The menu is slim, and the dishes are straightforward — meats are priced by the half pound, and all the usual Texas barbecue favorites are on it, with the expected sides. For sandwiches, opt for brisket or pulled pork. And the banana pudding earns raves.
The traditional Mexican food at this place is delicious and, frankly, not highly Instagrammable — other than the birria stacked enchiladas. The cocktails steal the social media show and are likely the most beautiful and innovative that can be ordered in the city.
If there is a sushi you desire, Masami probably serves it. This chaotic but homey little spot is great for smaller groups. Nigiri is the go-to sushi style here, and it serves an array of Japanese entrees, including grilled salmon, shrimp tempura, and a lot of soba and udon soups. The appetizer menu rolls just as deep as the sushi options.
Enjoy a thoughtful and beautiful dining experience at this Thai restaurant — or stop by for its Thai tea service on Saturday afternoons. It has an extensive menu of curries and fried rice alongside the Thai staples of stir fry and spicy eggplant, Thai black pepper beef, and spicy string beans. The stars are in the chef’s specials, from volcano chicken and shrimp to goong op woon sen.
Rolls of injera accompany plates of kitfo (spiced steak tartare), tibs (marinated meat cubes), and yebeg wot (lamb marinated in berbere sauce) at this no-frills spot. The well-loved Ethiopian dish doro wot (chicken simmered in berbere sauce) is a menu highlight, and for those new to the cuisine, a Taste of Ethiopia platter is available.
Identifiable by the iconic metal trays this tiny restaurant uses to serve thali, this place specializes in Gujarat and Rajasthan cuisine with some dishes more well-known in the West, like chaat, puris, and samosas. As the name indicates, it is vegetarian. There is limited seating, so expect to wait during its busiest hours.
Want Nashville hot chicken and need it to be halal meat? Ricky’s is the place. The heat rating goes from “no heat” (which is actually just a tiny hint of heat) to Xhot with ghost and scorpion peppers and A-bomb with reaper peppers. Choose wisely.
Looking for the city’s best dim sum service? This is it. Eyeball the carts filled with baskets upon baskets of dumplings, rolls, buns, balls, and cakes, which are available all day. Or order full dishes from the menu of Chinese options and clay pot entrees.
This Richardson favorite is an excellent place to find kebabs, hummus, tabbouleh, and falafel, especially during Afrah’s weekday all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. Be sure to finish the meal with baklava, kanafeh (sweet cheese pastry), or other freshly baked sweets.
Some of the best Neapolitan pie is now available in Richardson, as the owners of this Downtown spot open a second location in the city. It also serves fantastic pasta dishes, including a signanture lasagna Napoletana with smoked mozzarella, meatballs, ricotta, and meat sauce.
817-380-9208
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