Irving, a lesser-known gem in the Lone Star State, lies 10 minutes from Dallas and 30 minutes from Fort Worth. This upscale enclave boasts a vibrant food and music scene. During my travels there, I enjoyed dining at some of the best restaurants in Irving. Join me as I share my gastronomic journey, indulging in delectable dishes and providing my best dishes. Bon Appétit!
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1. Via Reál Restaurant
Six years ago, during my inaugural visit to Irving, I savored a gourmet Southwestern feast from Via Reál that left an indelible mark on my memory. Unexpectedly, I opted for a signature sea bass dish, which turned out to be a culinary masterpiece, ranking it among the year’s highlights.
Returning to Irving recently, I eagerly anticipated reliving the remarkable dish at Via Reál Restaurant. Start your experience with the divine guacamole and queso, perfectly paired with warm chips. Via Reál’s peach margaritas flawlessly complement these delectable appetizers.
For dinner, consider the 10-oz. Red Oak Smoked Tenderloin or the delectable Pecan-crusted Sea Bass mentioned above, served over cilantro mashed potatoes with a delightful pineapple sauce. Notably, the potatoes are housed within a quartered pineapple, a visual feast that amplifies the unparalleled taste. This superb concoction is the very reason for my return.
Fun Fact: Via Reál also has a Sunday brunch.
2. The Ranch at Las Colinas
The Ranch at Las Colinas is a sprawling Texas establishment that impresses both in size and quality. From succulent steaks to exquisite wines and live music on the Porch, this upscale venue welcomes hundreds of diners each night.
The Ranch at Las Colinas‘ food is nothing short of spectacular. Noteworthy appetizers included mini elk tacos, lump crab dip, and cornmeal fried Texas gulf oysters. Before digging into your main course, I also highly recommend the mesquite-grilled Caesar salad with ancho caesar vinaigrette.
Dinner suggestions are the roasted garlic stuffed filet (a genius creation!) and the grilled chipotle meatloaf paired with smoked tomato poblano salsa, which are both sinfully delicious. But save room for the Ranch’s fabulous whiskey bread pudding or the indulgent Route 66 pecan pie.
We have five awesome suggestions in this post for things to do and see in Irving.
3. Hugo’s Invitados
Indulge in picturesque and delectable appetizers paired with hand-crafted cocktails and margaritas at Hugo’s Invitados. This esteemed restaurant in Irving stands out with its sensational cocktails, tempting appetizers, and uniquely decorated mannequins.
Hugo’s Latin cuisine excels in description, presentation, and flavor. Freshness is prioritized with house-squeezed juices, all-natural and gluten-free menu options, and no fried or processed items. The Texas Red Snapper Ceviche Verde is noteworthy, featuring a perfect blend of pineapple sauce, tomatillo, jalapeño, and avocado.
For an equally good choice, try the Australian Lamb Meatballs. Add a side of elote, grilled corn smothered in creamy mayo, lime, cheese, and chili powder, to take your meal to the next level.
4. Kitchen 101
Kitchen 101 is a counter-service restaurant in Las Colinas at the Toyota Music Factory complex. It offers an array of never-frozen whole foods from a delectable menu. The restaurant is renowned for its popular dishes, including pizzas, spit-roasted meat, street tacos, and banana pudding sugar tacos.
I love Kitchen 101’s breakfast. Try the breakfast tacos – carne asada or bacon – with egg, cheese, Fresno salsa, and a fantastic avocado salsa. Alternatively, patrons can choose breakfast and grit bowls or indulge in sticky buns and orange cranberry bread.
One item on the lunch and dinner menu caught my attention – the Pimento Cheese Fritters. I asked my server if they could have them during breakfast hours. After consulting with the chef, they kindly agreed to accommodate my request. Let me tell you, these fritters were simply outstanding!
A delightful blend of gouda and cream cheese, jalapeños, and green onions, perfectly deep-fried to achieve a delectably melty texture. Fresno peppers and bacon horseradish jam accompany them. For those in a rush or desiring takeout options, Kitchen 101 offers a well-stocked display case with side items, party dips, dinners for two, and take-and-bake meals.
5. Nosh and Bottle
Irving’s beloved Nosh and Bottle is a renowned deli, coffee, and wine market. While not indulging in drinks at the restaurant, I relished a delightful box of curated treats during my canal ride. The charcuterie & cheese box featured an array of cured meats, artisan cheeses, Marcona almonds, berries, pineapple, grapes, and crackers.
Local patrons flock to Nosh and Bottle for its coffee, craft beer, wine, cheeses, and gourmet fare, including the noteworthy candied bacon.
6. Jam + Toast
Discover a delightful breakfast and lunch spot at Jam + Toast. Their menu features an array of mouthwatering dishes such as crepes, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and Benedicts.
Fascinated by their five skillet options, I selected the Irving Skillet with chicken apple sausages, roasted red peppers, fresh mushrooms, spinach, Monterey Jack cheese, and eggs prepared to your liking. Served on a bed of hash-browned potatoes, it was a perfect pairing.
A unique aspect I found at Jam + Toast was the choice between biscuits, buttermilk pancakes, or toast as a side dish. This versatility provided a wide range of options. My husband, who prefers something sweet for breakfast, enjoyed the stack of pancakes. The best part? There was no extra charge.
7. Homegrown Hounds Dog Deli and Bakery
While we are on the subject of charcuterie boards, how about a tempting dog treat-designed board (Barkuterie board) for your priceless pet? Our dog, Priscilla, was the lucky recipient of a beautiful display of goodies from Homegrown Hounds. Her favorites were the pieces called “poochcakes” and “bones filled with awesome.”
You can get their creative items at their store or order online. One hundred percent of the proceeds from sales at Homegrown Hounds go to rescuing homeless dogs, something near and dear to my heart.
8. Pacific Table
Las Colinas boasts Pacific Table as one of its most diverse dining establishments. With its renowned sushi, weekend brunch, and impressive wine offerings, Pacific Table guarantees the freshest seafood and innovative dishes.
A vegetarian dinner delighted me with exciting options, notably the mouthwatering Pecan Veggie Burger. My husband’s choice, the Trout Almondine, with a hint of brown butter, was equally exquisite. No matter your selection, the jalapeño coleslaw is a must-try.
Irresistible appetizers include Broiled Shishito Peppers and Grilled Artichokes, both beloved in Irving, Texas. Check out Pacific Table’s brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM, featuring delectable items like Avocado Toast, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, and a Fried Oyster Omelette. A second Pacific Table location can be found in Fort Worth.
9. Law Restaurant
Law is a sophisticated restaurant at The Las Colinas Resort in Dallas, renowned for offering an exceptional brunch experience. The restaurant boasts elegant decor and outstanding service. With meticulously crafted food stations, they create visually stunning dishes that are almost too beautiful to devour.
Traditional breakfast features Applewood smoked bacon, pork and chicken sausage links, turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, and buttermilk waffles. Their brunch items include:
- Roasted garden veggies.
- Salads.
- Oven-roasted chicken al pastor.
- Grilled flank steak with creamy polenta.
Guests can also indulge in a sushi bar, Açaí bowl station, poached shrimp, and a charcuterie station with choice meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated veggies. The magnificent dessert display at Law is truly a sight to behold. While it can be considered a splurge, the dining experience is undoubtedly worth every penny.
10. Two Mules Cantina
Enjoy delicious chips and the Texas Trio (queso, fresh salsa, guacamole) at Two Mules Cantina—an elegant Southwest-themed eatery at Texican Court Hotel. Dine indoors or outdoors and savor Mexican-inspired dishes, specialty margaritas, and more for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
From brisket tacos to poblano chicken enchiladas, the lunch menu offers a range of options, while dinner features loaded street corn and your choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp fajitas. Take advantage of the Skillet Chilaquiles for breakfast; they are pretty spectacular. Join the weekday happy hour at the beer garden from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
11. Po’ Melvin’s Down Home Cookin’
At Po’ Melvin’s, a table adorned with several tempting appetizers will captivate your senses. I recommend the Bayou Balls, mouthwatering Louisiana Spicy Fried Pies, and crispy Fried Shrimp (with a touch of sweet horseradish). But, the do-not-miss item is the Cajun Shrimp Fondeaux, a harmonious blend of diced Gulf shrimp, spices, and cheeses, resulting in an impressive comfort food dish.
Not a fan of Cajun or Creole New Orleans-style foods? Try the southern-style baked ham & yams, served with two vegetables.
12. Monaco
Monaco is a restaurant in Las Colinas and it’s perfect for a date night! It’s French and Italian inspired, and while it’s an upscale restaurant it also has a lively, community feel. And the food is fantastic. We got to try all kinds of dishes, but my favorite was the Petite Frites.
I’m a sucker for steak frites (and basically pretending I’m in France), and the steak here was perfectly cooked and had a bone marrow butter on top that melted down into everything. But they have all kinds of other great dishes too, including seafood, a burrata and prosciutto charcuterie board that I could not stop snacking on, and pillowy beignets for dessert.
This is the perfect spot in Irving if you want upscale dining with a European flair!
(This entry provided by Erin of Flying Off the Bookshelf. You can read more about her Irving adventure in this Things to Do in Irving post.)
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