With a colorful history and a prime location as a Dallas suburb, Allen, Texas, is everything you want when looking for a place to put down roots. It has a vibrant cultural scene, is full of excellent shopping, and boasts exciting entertainment options all year round. Allen is the perfect size to blend a unique combination of adventure, thrill, and small-town charm. The food scene is also diverse and delectable, so if you are looking for local favorites, this list of 18 restaurants in Allen, TX, will get you started.
1. Anasofia's Mexican Grill
Cuisine Type: Mexican
Photo Courtesy of Anasofia's Mexican Grill
Anasofia's Mexican Grill offers a fresh take on traditional Mexican dishes while still retaining an authentic Mexican flavor. From enchiladas to burritos, to chorizo con huevos, the menu is eclectic and delightful. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, with a brunch menu from Wednesday to Friday, but if you want authentic Mexican off-site, Anasofia's Catering services can provide a customized menu and multiple service options for your gathering.
2. Big Ray's BBQ
Cuisine Type: American - BBQ
Photo Courtesy of Big Ray's BBQ
As a local, family-owned restaurant, Big Ray's BBQ is committed to serving delicious smoked meats made fresh in-house. They choose the finest ingredients and use the best techniques, slow cooking their meats for tender, juicy results. The menu is full of your favorite chicken, brisket, pulled pork, and other BBQ favorites, with fried fish being a weekend special. In addition, Big Ray's offers a different daily special each day of the week, meat by the pound, combo plates, and family meals, among other menu options. The restaurant offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere, but they can also cater for your special events.
3. Black Walnut Cafe
Cuisine Type: New American
Photo Courtesy of Black Walnut Cafe
Black Walnut Cafe has a contemporary vibe and serves American fare. Featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, you'll find a variety of breakfast plates, handcrafted sandwiches, local craft brews, and more. They offer a gluten-free selection and a kid's menu as well. The family pack to-go is a great way to enjoy the cafe's favorites in the comfort of your own home.
4. DAWON Korean Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Korean
DAWON Korean Restaurant is a local favorite for Korean cuisine. From Bento Boxes to noodles, to teriyaki, and more, you will find a vast array of menu options. Many of their menu items are vegetarian-friendly. They currently offer dine-in and takeout options, so you can enjoy a lunch or dinner out with friends or take it home to relax.
5. Eggsquisite Cafe
Cuisine Type: American - Breakfast
A play on words, Eggsquisite Cafe specializes in breakfast and lunch. They are a locally owned and operated restaurant that uses fresh ingredients and aims to provide you with an excellent dining experience.
6. Ellen's
Cuisine Type: American - Southern
Photo Courtesy of Ellen's
At Ellen's, you will find homemade comfort food that is deeply inspired by traditional Southern cuisine. The founders strive to use locally sourced ingredients, so you have the fresh taste of Texas in each meal. Brunch is served all day, every day, but the menu has an expansive offering of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. From chicken-fried steak to shrimp & grits to the classic mac and cheese, Ellen's offers a delightful array of classics.
7. Kekoa's Kitchen
Cuisine Type: Hawaiian
Photo Courtesy of Kekoa's Kitchen
For authentic Hawaiian flavors, look no further than Kekoa's Kitchen. You will find family recipes that were passed down through the generations and brought to the mainland for you to enjoy. The chef aims to highlight Hawaiian comfort food from their childhood and the culture of Hawaii. They allow you to customize your plate for a true feast. You can have weddings, corporate functions, and other special events catered as well.
8. Kelly's at the Village
Cuisine Type: American - Traditional
Considered one of the most popular restaurants in Allen, Kelly's at the Village is a family-owned and operated craft beer bar. Their menu is made from scratch, and they serve an array of southern food - from barbecue to burgers. In addition to the extensive craft beers on tap, they offer a diverse wine list and specialty cocktails. Dine indoors or enjoy the covered patio.
9. La Shish
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean/Greek
Photo Courtesy of La Shish
If you are looking for Greek cuisine, La Shish has you covered. You will find all of your favorite Mediterranean dishes from falafel, to gyros, to Baba Ghannouj, to Baklava for dessert. There are vegetarian and vegan options available. La Shish now offers "BYOB," which allows you to bring your own bottle of liquor or wine to enjoy responsibly with your meal.
10. Mio Nonno Wood Fired Pizza & Grill
Cuisine Type: Italian
Photo Courtesy of Mio Nonno
Mio Nonno stands for "my grandfather" in Italian, and Mio Nonno Wood Fired Pizza & Grill captures the authenticity of Central and Southern Italian recipes. Chef Ati Mala focuses the menu on healthy, locally-sourced fresh ingredients and high-quality, imported Italian ingredients. In addition to their classic Italian dishes, they specialize in wood-fired pizza with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. After all, the rustic old-world design does feature the wood-fired oven as the centerpiece. The vibe is cozy and family-oriented.
11. Noosoo Sushi and Hibachi
Cuisine Type: Japanese
If you're in the mood for contemporary Japanese, head on over to Noosoo Sushi and Hibachi. They have a sushi bar and entertaining hibachi chefs that are excited to bring their vision to Allen. They use fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to provide you with the best quality. In addition to an excellent restaurant experience, Noosoo is available for a variety of private events, from business lunches to weddings.
12. Roman Cucina
Cuisine Type: Italian
Photo Courtesy of Roman Cucina
Roman Cucina prides itself in offering authentic Italian food. They are a family-run restaurant that has been serving the area since 2001 in a casual, festive, and family-friendly environment. They serve Italian comfort food following the traditions of old-world home-cooked food from their beloved Nonnie. Sunday through Thursday, they will take reservations for groups of six or more, but otherwise, groups are seated in order of arrival. They offer catering, and they have a banquet room that you can use for special events and private parties.
13. Silver Spoon
Cuisine Type: Indian & Pakistani
Photo Courtesy of Silver Spoon
The owner of Silver Spoon wanted to share authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes with the community, and eventually, their son continued the tradition with a restaurant in Allen. The owners refuse to compromise on quality, so your orders are made fresh by the family. In addition, they source their fresh ingredients, meat, and fish from local farmers to get the best each season.
14. Sushi Maru
Cuisine Type: Japanese
Photo Courtesy of Sushi Maru
Sushi Maru is a fresh and contemporary Japanese restaurant. They offer a robust, carefully curated menu full of quality sushi and Japanese food. Sushi Maru is full of passion for sharing excellent food and a great dining experience with their guests.
15. Sweet Rice
Cuisine Type: Lao & Thai
Photo Courtesy of Sweet Rice
Sweet Rice offers Lao and Thai family recipes in a casual dining experience. You can explore the diverse flavors and textures of popular "street foods" from Laos and Thailand at Sweet Rice. Catering is available if you want an adventurous meal for your next event.
16. Tiger Asian Bowl
Cuisine Type: Asian Fusion
Photo Courtesy of Tiger Asian Bowl
For modern Asian dishes, Tiger Asian Bowl has you covered. They offer a variety of classic dishes, as well as sushi, and Boba drinks on the menu. In addition, there are gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, and you can always inquire about modifications.
17. TwoRows Classic Grill
Cuisine Type: American - Traditional
Photo Courtesy of TwoRows Classic Grill
You will find a local favorite when you visit TwoRows Classic Grill. They have been voted Best Restaurant in Allen, as well as Best Patio Brunch in Allen. They offer a variety of traditional, made-from-scratch recipes with modern flavors, like their world-famous Honey Pepper Bacon and craft brews. TwoRows is a casual dining environment, but they strive to offer you unique and exceptional service. They serve lunch and dinner throughout the week and breakfast and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. TwoRows offers full catering services with a customized menu. The patio offers a casual outdoor dining experience, and you can also book it for private events.
18. Village Burger Bar
Cuisine Type: American - Traditional
Photo Courtesy of Village Burger Bar
Village Burger Bar is a family-owned and operated social bar that specializes in gourmet burgers and keeps local brews on tap. Many of their dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, from the brioche buns to the ice cream in the milkshakes. You can choose from dine-in, delivery, pick-up, and event catering.
If you are interested in exploring Allen real estate, contact Jane Clark Realty today. The team at Jane Clark Realty is dedicated, skilled, and ranks in the top 1% among real estate agents in the area. Whether you are looking for new homes for sale in Allen, TX, or a luxury home in an established neighborhood, they will help you find a property that is perfect for your needs.