Like knowing the quickest route home or where to find a decent cup of coffee, you should always have a mental map of the nearest great meal. That’s why we compiled this list. Well, that and to justify eating out 19 times in as many weeks. So, we present our definitive guide to the best restaurants in Arlington. Now you can dine with confidence, knowing exactly where to go.
Thrills Turkey Legs, LLC
$$ | (682) 410-0176 | WEBSITE
This spot has found its groove in Arlington, where they’re serving a menu that elevates the humble turkey leg to new heights. The most glorious example of this transformation is the mac n cheese surf turkey leg. It’s made with a massive, slow-cooked leg—the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender, the skin is perfectly seasoned. Then it’s topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, plump shrimp, and finished with a buttery lobster sauce.
It has the soul of Southern comfort food, the indulgence of surf-and-turf, and some entirely new, irresistible creation. They smoke those juicy, flavorful legs themselves—and occasionally sell out of the best catfish. So give them a call to make sure your favorites are available.
Golden Chick
$ | (682) 252-4316 | WEBSITE
Golden Chick’s shrimp dinner gets everything right. The shrimp are crispy but not greasy. The batter is light and seasoned from edge to edge. The tea options are brewed so perfectly they’re practically addictive. But it’s the “Golden Chick service” (an efficient but very worth it experience) that bumps it into that top 1% of the city’s quick-service spots. It feels a little like the friendliness from that neighborhood joint that’s always packed on Fridays (but 700% better).
The fact that you get to enjoy it with staff like Kim, Jay, and Paulette doesn’t hurt either.
Tandoor
$ | (817) 261-6604 | WEBSITE
Indian restaurants can be hit or miss because it’s easy to overwhelm dishes with too much spice or skimp on portion sizes. They become one-note, lose their complexity, or leave you hungry an hour later. But Tandoor has a chicken tikka masala with garlic naan that’s rich and comforting without being heavy. We like ours with extra sauce so we can really savor how creamy the tomato base is. But even if you get it mild (you traditionalist), the fluffy naan soaks up all that flavorful gravy.
The saag paneer is another standout—creamy spinach hugging tender cubes of cheese in a way that makes you want to order seconds. And the veggie samosas? Crispy pastry shells giving way to spiced potatoes and peas that taste homemade. At about $12-15 per entree, you’re getting generous portions that often mean leftovers for tomorrow. The cozy dining room with warm lighting and wooden tables feels inviting, not intimidating.
Service from friendly staff like Gagan is quick—our food arrived in 15 minutes—and they’ll sometimes add an extra samosa or chutney without you asking. It’s the kind of place where the chef’s skill shows in every bite, especially in dishes like the paneer makhani with its velvety tomato sauce. For consistently delicious Indian food with big portions and great value, Tandoor gets it right.
Vietalia Kitchen
$ | (817) 460-1945 | WEBSITE
We haven’t had a conversation about Arlington’s best pho without someone mentioning Vietalia Kitchen’s homemade-style broth. And that someone is us. It’s really flavorful and has a somewhat richer depth than the other bowls on this guide. Fresh herbs and rice noodles add just enough freshness, and the addition of tender pork for an extra few dollars creates an enjoyable savory and aromatic balance. It’s a steaming, two-handed bowl for sure—but well worth borrowing your neighbor’s chopsticks for.
Marquez Bakery & Tortilla Factory
$ | (817) 265-8858 | WEBSITE
Marquez Bakery & Tortilla Factory’s tamales are representative of Marquez’s best traits: no fuss, all flavor, and always leave you comfortably satisfied. There is no fancy presentation or modern twists. They’re just a perfect masa-meat combo wrapped in corn husks—which we put right up there with the breakfast burrito in our own personal comfort food rankings.
Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF
$ | (817) 459-1122 | WEBSITE
This Arlington taqueria is named for its authentic Mexico City-style tacos. But their nopales taco is exceptional—and the only cactus taco we know of in Texas. It’s packed with tender cactus and fresh toppings, which might be a little messy if it wasn’t all wrapped in a warm, sturdy corn tortilla that holds everything together. And just like the meat tacos, the tortilla gets some beautiful char marks from the grill.
Wash it down with their horchata across the street where you finally found parking.
Egg Bar Brunch
$ | (682) 347-4048 | WEBSITE
There are some things to keep in mind if you want to enjoy Egg Bar Brunch’s delicious offerings. The chicken fried chicken plate and breakfast tacos are consistently good, and the avocado toast is quite delicious. At the time of this writing, they’re serving up excellent hashbrowns with turkey bacon and chicken sausage options for dietary needs. If those specific items change by the time you visit, don’t worry.
All versions of the food we’ve had here have been satisfying meals in a modern, homey atmosphere with beautiful decor. Servers like Audrey check in appropriately, and Noah provides excellent care with prompt orders and quick delivery. Just be aware that service can sometimes be inconsistent—you might need to request silverware or coffee refills, and larger groups might experience slower service with food arriving at different times.
But the atmosphere is aesthetically pleasing and the food generally comes out quickly, making it a convenient brunch choice.
Williams Fried Chicken
$ | (817) 861-5505 | WEBSITE
The menu at this Arlington fried chicken spot stays true to its roots, but their classic fried chicken has been the star since the beginning. If it ever disappeared, we’d be genuinely heartbroken. There isn’t a single element of this chicken we don’t adore: consistently golden, crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, with perfect seasoning that makes every bite burst with flavor. Pair it with their standout crinkle cut fries, which are crispy, well-salted, and utterly addictive.
The whole experience feels like a warm hug of comfort food, served in a laid-back, no-fuss setting where the staff are as friendly as they are efficient. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again, just to relive that first perfect bite.
Taste of Thai
$ | (817) 543-0110 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of factors that go into making great Thai food, but perhaps the biggest one is the curry. If you agree with this fairly obvious statement, then the Massaman Curry is for you. They’re known for their fresh ingredients and careful preparation, so it makes sense that their signature dish is richly aromatic and balanced to perfection.
Availability of this curry is consistent, but the restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so consider calling ahead if you’re planning to dine in during dinner time.
Hunt Brothers Pizza
$ | (870) 269-8509 | WEBSITE
Hunt Brothers Pizza was worth rediscovering after many years, and now that the restaurant has a permanent spot in Arlington, it’s worth seeking out through the suburban sprawl. This place makes pizza as simple and satisfying as your favorite comfort food after a long week. And at their unassuming storefront, the pizza has only gotten more consistent, affordable, and delicious.
The pepperoni pizza (our go-to) features their perfectly balanced sauce and cheese, which should be bottled and sold at your local grocery store.
JJ’s Corner Lounge
$ | (817) 468-8880 | WEBSITE
You go to a concert hall to appreciate live music. And you go to JJ’s Corner Lounge to appreciate a night out. They both take their respective experiences just as seriously, as evidenced by this atmosphere. It might not immediately grab your attention when you walk in, but as you settle in, you will be greeted by all the essential lounge vibes, dialed up to 11.
This is mostly thanks to the super energetic DJ—a mix of great music, attentive service, and a diverse crowd that keeps the energy flowing. The place can feel a little tight when it’s busy, but the management handles it well. While the jerk chicken was cold on my visit, the fried shrimp and money maker drink were good. Recent visitors say the wings and fries are surprisingly solid.
With VIP sections available and a cover charge around $15-20, it’s a popular spot for grown folks looking for a fun night out.
India Grill indian restaurant and bar
$ | (817) 468-9150 | WEBSITE
The butter chicken at India Grill is not only absolutely amazing, but also an appropriate dish for a restaurant where so many people are concerned with enjoying authentic flavors. It’s not overly rich or heavy, and stays flavorful to the very last bite thanks to the perfectly cooked naan bread that complements the tender chicken and creamy sauce very well. But the depth of the spices is what comes through most in this dish.
The portion sizes are also generous enough for your friends to sample as many dishes as they like.
LA HECHIZERA TORTAS COOPER ST
$$ | (682) 323-4372 | WEBSITE
Tortilla traditionalists beware, La Hechizera’s quesadilla is a gut-buster. It features a generous portion of melted cheese and seasoned meat wrapped in a perfectly grilled tortilla. A side of fresh salsa and crema comes with every order (and adds even more to the satisfaction). It tastes like something an abuela in a cozy kitchen would proudly serve for a family feast for $25. But this one’s a lot more accessible and under $15.
You can order one at their counter or sit inside at one of the simple tables. They have a couple of other tortas and a horchata drink, too. Just know the service, while professional, might take about 10 to 15 minutes longer than they estimate.
Abu Omar Halal – Arlington, TX
$ | (817) 805-4179 | WEBSITE
A halal spot is not a place we’d normally look for a gyro that changes minds. But the kitchen here has perfected a lamb gyro that people rave about. That dish alone, seasoned to perfection, makes this restaurant a destination. And now those same people keep coming back, when they crave something truly special. It’s easy to see why people have fallen for this place. The lamb, the fries, and the attentive service blend into one incredible experience.
Try the chicken shawarma too, as this has become a go-to spot for many.
Cafe Sicilia Arlington
$ | (817) 419-2800 | WEBSITE
This is a good one to seek out if you’re tired of chain Italian spots. It consists of authentic dishes like chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, and veal, which are highly recommended—but, in our opinion, the homemade fettuccine is essential. Another great thing about this restaurant: it comes with a beautiful and romantic atmosphere. There’s an option to make it a cozy family dinner, and we can’t think of a more satisfying way to spend a reasonable amount for an upscale menu.
FORTUNE COOKIE EXPRESS CHINESE RESTAURANT
$ | (817) 462-0208 | WEBSITE
Like many Chinese spots in Arlington, Fortune Cookie Express is a take-out joint. So, yes, the orange chicken is predictably delicious. But theirs is more of an old school version—they keep it generous with just crispy chicken and that tangy orange glaze. The serving is one of those heaping portions that stays hot the longer you leave it in its container. There are no fancy tricks going on with this one, but every bite is classic Chinese take-out perfection.
Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch
$$ | (817) 640-5118 | WEBSITE
Mariano’s fajitas arrive sizzling so loudly that the sound carries across the dining room like a dinner bell. The tender steak and flavorful shrimp are wrapped in warm tortillas that steam up when you fold them around the fillings. It’s classic Tex-Mex with just enough care in execution to make it feel like a special occasion. Add to that the friendly staff who treat regulars like family in this kid-friendly space, and this restaurant always leaves us feeling satisfied.
Hooligans Pub
$ | (817) 274-1232 | WEBSITE
The Hooligans team is just as savvy in the drink department as they are in the pub fare department. The standout part of their craft cocktails comes from the bartenders’ knowledge of spirits, which gives them this wonderfully balanced and creative flavor we haven’t experienced in any of the other dozens of bars in Arlington. The same care they use to select their Hazy IPAs and stout beers is also applied to the cocktails.
Crafted, yes, but with just enough approachability so every sip is still enjoyable. You can get them during Thursday’s Old Fashioned specials, but we think the regular menu makes the perfect visit.
Portillo’s
$ | (682) 318-9015 | WEBSITE
Just like Portillo’s unbelievably good Italian Beef sandwich, the sweet peppers on this creation arrive with an exquisite emphasis on the sweet. It’s topped with a huge patty of seasoned beef, tangy giardiniera, and a roasted au jus that out-flavors all “secret” sandwich sauces. Altogether, eating this is like taking a bite out of the entire Chicago region and the only thing that would make it better is if it came with an all-expense paid trip to Wrigley Field.
Just know that this sandwich only appears on Portillo’s lunch menu, which is perfect because you can celebrate with a thick, creamy milkshake.
