I’m in love with Texas. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit several cities, and one of my all-time favorites is Grapevine. Grapevine is the perfect, wholesome family community with excellent restaurants offering hospitable service and tempting, trendy dishes. After visiting the city a few times, I have eaten through the adorable and historic town. Here is a 7-restaurant guide to Grapevine, Texas, that I fully endorse.
Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House
Experience the ultimate dining experience at Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House. Their Antipasto Bar is a true spectacle, where the servers will create a stunning platter of your favorite antipasto specialties, all for around $10-$15 per person.
Break away from the ordinary Italian restaurants you’re used to. The Secchi family has crafted a dining spot offering a unique upscale experience. Sink your teeth into the perfectly cooked gnocchi with the right texture and creaminess. The Cioppino is a feast for the senses, with succulent seafood.
And for pasta lovers, Ferrari’s Pollo Finanziera will thrill your taste buds. This tasty dish pairs Homemade fettuccine with tender chicken, savory ham, mushrooms, English peas, and a creamy sauce.
The table-side Bananas Francesco or Tiramisu are the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
JudyPie
JudyPie is Grapevine’s ultimate destination for indulging your sweet tooth. Immerse yourself in a world of decadent desserts, homemade cookies, and freshly baked-from-scratch pastries that will leave you craving more.
Pie flavors change daily—my faves are pecan and cherry. The more popular irresistible pie choices include Coconut Cream, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan, and Lemon Meringue. Judy’s apple pie will melt in your mouth; it is best enjoyed à la mode (with a scoop of creamy ice cream).
Take home a box of cinnamon rolls or hand pies for the entire family. Perhaps Judy herself (pictured below) will even be there to serve you!
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Big Fish Seafood Grill & Bar
Located on the historic Main Street in downtown Grapevine, Big Fish is a vibrant and delightful eatery offering an array of delectable seafood and Cajun dishes, a lovely surprise in this part of the country. From calamari and mini-crab cakes to fried crawfish tail and seafood quesadillas, the appetizers at Big Fish cover a wide range of flavors.
For our accompanying cocktails, my husband and I opted for something small. He savored a cup of the Louisiana-style gumbo while I had the jalapeño cream soup. Both were delicious. Big Fish Seafood Grill & Bar hosts live music performances on Wednesday and Sunday nights to enhance your dining experience.
Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor
During your visit to Texas, trying Texas Chili, a meaty dish called Chili Con Carne, traditionally served without beans or a Bowl of Red, is highly recommended. The perfect place to do that is at Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor, where you can feast on a flavorful bowl of chili the authentic Texas way, with cheese and onions.
At Tolbert’s, you definitely should order the Cow Tails. These mouthwatering nibbles consist of flour tortillas wrapped around beef franks, all deep-fried to perfection. They are served with a zesty mustard for dipping. Tolbert’s also boasts a delectable selection of juicy burgers, salads, and various Southwestern favorites.
As a renowned establishment in historic downtown Grapevine, Tolbert’s has satisfied hungry patrons for 30+ years.
Riverwalk Cantina
Brunch rules at this festive Mexican restaurant inside the mammoth Gaylord Texas Resort. Alongside the replicated San Antonio River Walk, the Riverwalk Cantina has many delicious food stations to please the palate. The open-air café serves make-your-own burritos, breakfast meats, fresh fruits, waffles, and pancakes. Stations are also available with cold and hot cereals, pastries, and yogurt.
The Riverwalk Cantina’s Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine is a breath of fresh air from typical breakfast items. Do not miss the Huevos Rancheros! Make the Riverwalk Cantina your spot for cocktails and appetizers, as well. The spicy Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips is sheer perfection.
Main Street Bistro & Bakery
Every town has a local hotspot. Chez Fabian’s Main Street Bistro & Bakery, serving foods with a French flair for 20+ years, is Grapevines. One side of the restaurant has grab-and-go bakery options (don’t skip the scones!), while the other has a lovely sit-down area.
Main Street Bistro & Bakery makes amazing hand-crafted bread and pastries, so you will want your order to include something bread-related, such as a sandwich or soup in a bread bowl. The Quiche Lorraine is light and full of flavors complemented by its rich, buttery crust.
In addition to quiche, Main Street Bistro has many other European favorites, like the famous Croque Madame. For healthier choices, the fresh salad options are off the hook.
Winewood Grill
Grapevine’s Winewood Grill is an elegant American restaurant renowned for its superb wine selections and contemporary culinary offerings. A brilliant dish is the Tenderloin Bruschetta, featuring succulent beef that melts in your mouth, perfectly complemented by crispy flatbread. It is perfect for sharing.
An all-time favorite is the Winewood Mac & Cheese, expertly crafted with smoked bacon and creamy Gouda; it often becomes the star of the show, earning its place as an entree rather than a mere side item.
Notable main dishes include the delectable Chilean Sea Bass, Red Snapper, and Ruby Red Trout. The Ruby Red Trout boasts a delicate combination of Pecorino cheese and pecans, pan-seared to perfection and drizzled with a citrus cream sauce. The result is divine! Try Winewood Grill’s Sunday Jazz Brunch and take advantage of the half-price wine bottle specials of the evening.
An Absolutely Delicious Texas Town
I think I did a fair job eating my way through delicious Grapevine, Texas. What restaurants would you recommend for next time?
Thanks to the Grapevine CVB for hosting one of my visits. As with all of our articles, opinions and reviews are 100% mine and unbiased.
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Andy McCall
Tuesday 28th of August 2018
I LOVE this!! Grapevine is my hometown! I grew up there from K-12th grade and during college breaks! My parents still live there so we go back once or twice a yearish. Thank you for taking me on a trip back home! :)
MelodyPittman
Wednesday 29th of August 2018
That is so awesome! I wouldn't mind moving to Texas at some point and Grapevine is one of those special places I keep kicking around in the back of my head! You had a lucky childhood. ;) Thanks so much for reading.
Lara Dunning
Friday 11th of August 2017
All of your posts about Texas have convinced me I need to go. Such a great food and small town scene.
MelodyPittman
Wednesday 16th of August 2017
Oh girl, you know Texas is my happy place. ;) I still have a plethora of places to visit but Grapevine is extra special. Just ask anyone. ;)
Cindy Ladage
Tuesday 8th of August 2017
What phone you had me a quiche Lorraine . What an awesome combination of choices .
MelodyPittman
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Yes! Quiche and Eggs Benedict are my favorite foods. I am always up for trying them everywhere I go. :)
Tam Warner Minton
Tuesday 8th of August 2017
I live right next door, in Dallas! I have to get over there!
MelodyPittman
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Definitely! You should try to visit at Christmas! It may be my favorite Texas town and you know how much I love your state!
Tami
Tuesday 8th of August 2017
It looks like it was just as much fun meeting Judy as eating her pies! Love that there's that personal touch. And those donkey tails sure look interesting... Fun romp through Grapevine, for sure!
MelodyPittman
Wednesday 9th of August 2017
Tami, I am such a sucker for Texas and Grapevine is the quintessential town. ;) Yes, Judy was adorable and her pies were so delightful. I think you would really like it there.