As one of Dallas’s largest suburbs, Plano offers fantastic dining options to satisfy any craving. From sleek restaurants dishing up creative cuisine to neighborhood eateries serving comfort foods, Plano has something for all tastes.
| # | Restaurant Name | Speciality | Ambiance/Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urban Crust | Artisanal wood-fired pizza | Upscale industrial |
| 2 | Kuom | Vietnamese cuisine | Stylish, modern |
| 3 | Magnolias Sous Le Pont | French-inspired dishes | Historic cedar and stone cottage |
| 4 | Mexican Bar Company | Mexican fare | Vibrant, electric |
| 5 | Plano Tavern | Elevated comfort food | Warm, inviting gastropub |
| 6 | Proof + Pantry | American classics with global influences | Contemporary, swanky |
| 7 | Lockhart Smokehouse | Texas barbecue | Rustic, laid-back |
| 8 | Twenty Eighty Fine Mediterranean Cuisine | Mediterranean shared plates | Chic, upscale rustic |
| 9 | Coit Pour House | Tavern fare, whiskey collection | Prohibition era style |
| 10 | Filament | American cuisine with global accents | Sleek, modern at Cambria hotel |
| 11 | Pecan Lodge | Barbecue | Casual, cafeteria-style |
| 12 | Seasons 52 | Fresh, seasonal American cuisine | Upscale ambiance |
Here are 12 of the top restaurants in Plano that visitors must try for a stellar culinary experience.
Urban Crust
Name and Location: Urban Crust, 1006 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Romantic Italian bistro opened in 2007, known for wood-fired pizza and handmade pastas.
What to Expect: Enjoy an intimate meal of gourmet pizza or pasta dishes by candlelight. Extensive wine list available.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner. Reservations recommended. Valet parking available.
For artisanal wood-fired pizza in upscale industrial surroundings, Urban Crust hits the spot. This downtown Plano restaurant crafts each pizza using homemade dough, farm-fresh ingredients and skillful preparation in their 600-degree stone oven.
Creative pies like the Urban Fig with prosciutto and blue cheese share the menu with classics like pepperoni and margherita. Chopped salads, calzones, pastas like decadent lobster mac and cheese, and tiramisu provide delicious complements. The chic but laid-back setting makes Urban Crust perfect for both date nights and casual family dinners.
Kuom
Name and Location: Kuom, 186 Edison Pl, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Chic pan-Asian restaurant and lounge opened in 2020. Blends Thai, Japanese and Korean flavors.
What to Expect: Trendy spot for creative sushi rolls, noodles, dumplings and cocktails. Vibrant bar scene at night.
Visitor Information: Open daily, hours vary by day. Reservations recommended for dining room.
Kuom offers a contemporary twist on Vietnamese dishes in a stylish atmosphere. This modern eatery crafts small plates with flair, like shrimp spring rolls with mango chili sauce, five spiced duck wings, and wok-seared mussels in coconut lemongrass broth.
Hearty mains range from short rib pho to shaking beef tenderloin to claypot catfish. For a sweet finale, chilled Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk hits the spot. Kuom takes Vietnamese cuisine to new culinary heights – an exciting option for adventurous diners.
Magnolias Sous Le Pont
Name and Location: Magnolias Sous Le Pont, 49-53 Branford Pl, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Charming French cafe housed in a historic mill building since 2009. Known for Belgian waffles and crepes.
What to Expect: Parisian-style bistro fare like crepes, sandwiches, salads and baked goods in a cozy setting.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Street parking available.
For a romantic special occasion destination, Magnolias Sous Le Pont transports diners to France. This upscale restaurant occupying a historic cedar and stone cottage dazzles with its presentation and flavors.
Rose petal chipotle duck breast, escargot-stuffed mushroom caps, steak au poivre and champagne-poached lobster tail represent some of the French-inspired dishes. Extensive wine pairings compliment the courses. With ornate floral tablescapes, dim lighting and live piano, Magnolias Sous Le Pont offers an exquisite evening out.
Mexican Bar Company
Name and Location: Mexican Bar Company, 73 Elm Row, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Lively Mexican restaurant and tequila bar opened in 2021. Features traditional, authentic cuisine.
What to Expect: Tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and more classic Mexican dishes made from scratch. Huge selection of tequila. Festive vibe.
Visitor Information: Open daily for dinner. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Mexican Bar Company brings vibrant, innovative Mexican fare and an electric ambiance downtown. Creative tacos like the Korean beef with kimchi and Baja shrimp tempt tastebuds. The expansive tequila and mezcal list provides perfect pairings, as do margaritas like the smoky Mezcal Negroni marg. Beyond tacos, menu highlights include Mexican street corn, queso fundido dip, ceviche and enchiladas.
Late nights, dance to live bands and DJs while enjoying drink specials. For festive Mexican cuisine and energetic vibes, Mexican Bar Company delivers big flavors and fun.
Plano Tavern
Name and Location: Plano Tavern, 1004 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Cozy neighborhood tavern opened in 2021, owned by two brothers. Offers craft beers and elevated pub grub.
What to Expect: Relaxed spot for beers, burgers, flatbreads and bar snacks like pretzels and wings. Friendly vibe.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. Kitchen open until midnight. Extensive craft beer selection.
This warm, inviting gastropub excels at elevated comfort food in generous portions. Dive into juicy burgers stacked with unique toppings and accompanied by hand-cut fries or tater tots. The chicken and dumplings and shepherd’s pie also hit the spot.
Plano Tavern’s weekend brunch features breakfast tacos, stuffed French toast, biscuits and gravy, perfect pre-gaming fare before watching sports. With 24 rotating taps of local craft beers, extensive whiskey options, and homey Yet polished surroundings, Plano Tavern offers a welcoming neighborhood experience.
Proof + Pantry
Name and Location: Proof + Pantry, 980 Raymond Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Sleek artisanal bakery and cafe opened in 2021 inside a former bank. Bakes breads, pastries and more.
What to Expect: Freshly baked breads, croissants, cookies, soups, sandwiches and coffee in an airy, modern space.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for breakfast and lunch. Counter service.
One of Plano’s best date night destinations, Proof + Pantry wows with its contemporary cuisine and swanky vibe. The menu emphasizes American classics with global influences – think Korean fried chicken, elevated meatloaf and wood-fired duck breast with cherries.
Don’t miss their standout cocktails, like the cucumber gimlet and hibiscus margarita, expertly crafted and presented tableside from a rolling cart. The sultry low lighting, live music and top-notch service make Proof + Pantry ideal for special occasions.
Lockhart Smokehouse
Name and Location: Lockhart Smokehouse, 89 E Peddie St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Authentic Texas-style BBQ joint opened in 2021 by pitmaster Travis Lockhart. Smokes meats over oak.
What to Expect: Mouthwatering brisket, ribs, sausage and more served cafeteria-style. BYOB policy. Outdoor patio seating.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Cash only. Takeout available.
For quintessential Texas barbecue done right, Lockhart Smokehouse delivers. This beloved local spot offers premium meats smoked to perfection for up to 18 hours over Texas post oak. Tender brisket, smoky sausage, fall-off-the-bone ribs and pulled pork all star.
Sides like collard greens, coleslaw and mac and cheese pair nicely. The rustic, laid-back setting provides a comfortable spot to eat messy, mouthwatering barbecue, Texas-style. Don’t forget to try the banana pudding, pecan pie or their pig sundae for dessert!
Twenty Eighty Fine Mediterranean Cuisine
Name and Location: Twenty Eighty Fine Mediterranean Cuisine, 1020 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Elegant Mediterranean restaurant opened in 2007 by chef Victor Oquendo. Features fresh seafood and meats.
What to Expect: Refined dishes mixing Spanish, Moroccan and Greek influences. Extensive wine list and upscale ambiance.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended, valet parking available.
This chic Mediterranean restaurant in The Shops at Legacy shines with its upscale yet rustic dining room and phenomenal shared plates. Twenty Eighty fills tables with spreads of hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, lemony tabbouleh, kebabs and more.
Inventive cocktails utilize Mediterranean fruits, herbs and spices. The dazzling atmosphere with romantic archways and posh patio make Twenty Eighty ideal for special celebrations. Share the flavors of the Mediterranean through excellent cuisine, drinks and top-notch service.
Coit Pour House
Name and Location: Coit Pour House, 1004 McCarter Hwy, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Lively sports bar opened in 2021, known for its extensive beer selection and game room.
What to Expect: Catch the game on TVs indoors and outdoors. Pub grub, craft beers, cocktails and a recreational games room onsite.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Kitchen open until 2am. 21+ only after 8pm.
The prohibition era comes to life at Coit Pour House through its extensive whiskey collection, craft cocktails, and elevated tavern fare. Steaks, burgers, fish and chips, and flatbreads pair perfectly with classic and creative drinks.
Cozy up in a leather booth under the warm glow of Edison bulbs, and be transported back in time thanks to the vintage décor. Knowledgeable bartenders whip up the perfect concoctions while the kitchen prepares craveable comfort food done to perfection. For food, drinks and ambiance, Coit Pour House charms.
Filament
Name and Location: Filament, 59 Park Pl, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Stylish cocktail bar and lounge housed in a former lightbulb factory, opened in 2019.
What to Expect: Creative craft cocktails in a chic, industrial setting. Light fare like flatbreads, oysters and charcuterie available.
Visitor Information: Open Thursday-Saturday 5pm-2am. Cocktail-focused late night menu.
Located at the Cambria hotel, Filament impresses with its sleek atmosphere and stellar American cuisine with global accents. Dine on dishes like Szechuan duck, Korean steak tacos, chicken tagine and Nashville hot chicken while enjoying craft cocktails in the chic, modern dining room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow views of the outdoor pool deck. Whether enjoying a business lunch, pre-theater dinner or just a night out, Filament’s vibrant menu and setting entice. It’s one of Plano’s contemporary culinary gems.
Pecan Lodge
Name and Location: Pecan Lodge, 465 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
History and Significance: Authentic Texas BBQ joint opened in 2020 by renowned pitmaster Justin Fourton.
What to Expect: Brisket, ribs, pulled pork and signature sides like mac and cheese. Outdoor picnic tables available.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday for lunch and dinner. Cash only. Takeout available.
No list of Plano’s best restaurants is complete without barbecue beloved Pecan Lodge. This nationally recognized Dallas legend expanded to Plano in 2018 to the delight of BBQ fans. The line moves quickly for a chance to bite into Pecan Lodge’s perfectly smoked brisket, beef ribs, sausage and more.
Sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw and baked beans balance the savory, tender meats. Nestle into the casual, cafeteria-style setting and get ready for an outstanding barbecue feast.
Seasons 52
Name and Location: Seasons 52, 578 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102
History and Significance: Health-focused chain restaurant opened in 2009, known for seasonal dishes and wine.
What to Expect: Creative flatbreads, entrees, cocktails and desserts made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Extensive wine cellar.
Visitor Information: Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for dining room.
For fresh, seasonal American cuisine in an upscale ambiance, Seasons 52 hits all the right notes. Their dishes utilize ingredients at their peak of flavor to craft creative starters, entrées and desserts.
Grilled pineapple salsa flatbread, grilled tenderloin steak with blue cheese butter, and Bananas Foster mini indulgence cake represent a sample of menu options. Extensive wine and cocktail offerings pair well. Seasons 52 provides the ideal experience for health-conscious diners who want flavor, ambiance and quality.
Conclusion
From downhome barbecue joints to posh establishments, Plano’s dining scene has something delectable for every taste. Wood-fired pizza and pasta, tacos bursting with flavor, Mediterranean small plates perfect for sharing and expertly mixed cocktails all await.
Foodies will appreciate the city’s devotion to both nourishing classics and cutting-edge cuisine made from seasonal, high-quality ingredients. With its impressive range of eateries for all budgets and occasions, Plano stands out as a premier dining destination in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.