Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano
|

Best Places to Eat in Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine may be famous for wineries, twinkle lights, and being the Christmas Capital of Texas, but let’s be honest: the food scene is what will have you planning your next trip before you’ve even finished your first meal. This town is packed with everything from indulgent breakfasts to upscale dinners, casual bites, and comfort food so good you’ll momentarily forget you’re supposed to be “eating light” on vacation. Whether you’re here for a girls’ getaway, a family trip, or a quick weekend escape, these are the best places to eat in Grapevine, carefully picked after spending more time than I’d like to admit thinking about where to eat next.

OldWest Café

Old West Café
OldWest Café | Photos by Meagan Wristen

If your ideal breakfast involves plates so big they barely fit on the table, OldWest Café will feel like home. This is the kind of place where the waitress calls you “hon,” the coffee flows without asking, and the pancakes are the size of steering wheels. Their menu reads like a love letter to breakfast lovers, with every combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, and biscuits you could dream of. The cinnamon roll French toast is the move if you’re ready to go all in, but the hearty skillets and omelets are just as satisfying.

Don’t be alarmed if there’s a wait; this place is wildly popular with locals and visitors. The good news is that the food comes out quickly, the portions are huge, and you’ll roll out full and extremely content. I had the huevos rancheros with a side of tomatoes, and they were fantastic.

Sauce’d Pizza & Smashburgers

Sauce’d Pizza & Smashburgers
Sauce’d Pizza & Smashburgers | Photos by Meagan Wristen

A trip to Grapevine isn’t complete without a stop at Sauce’d, according to my kids, who love it because sometimes you just need carbs and the comfort of a perfectly blistered, wood-fired pizza. Their pies strike that sweet spot between traditional and creative, with great crust, quality toppings, and zero fuss.

If you’re more in a burger mood, the smashburgers deliver crispy edges, juicy centers, and that nostalgic diner flavor that reminds you why smashburgers are superior to every other burger style. The vibe is casual, family-friendly, and easy, making it a great choice after exploring Main Street, hitting the wineries, or when you just want something reliably good without making a reservation.

Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market

Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market
Napoli’s Italian Kitchen & Market | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Napoli’s feels like walking into a cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant you wish you lived closer to. It’s warm, welcoming, and full of exactly the kind of food you crave after a busy day of shopping, wine tasting, or wrangling children through Christmas festivities.

The pasta dishes are hearty, saucy, and comforting, with favorites like chicken parm, lasagna, and fettuccine Alfredo. They also have a market with Italian staples and freshly-made goodies you’ll convince yourself you need to bring home, even though we all know it’ll never make it on the plane. Napoli’s is perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner when you want something satisfying and familiar.

Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor

Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor
Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Tolbert’s is a Grapevine institution, and if you haven’t tried their famous Bowl of Red, you haven’t fully experienced Texas. This is no-nonsense comfort food: hearty chili, chili burgers, frito pie, and everything else you’re absolutely not supposed to eat before putting on skinny jeans.

Located right on Main Street, Tolbert’s also offers live music 7 nights a week, giving it a lively, laid-back atmosphere. If you want a casual spot that feels like classic Texas, Tolbert’s delivers every time. It’s the perfect stop when you want something filling and flavorful without breaking the bank or putting on anything fancier than jeans.

Wine Fusion Winery

Wine Fusion Winery
Wine Fusion Winery | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Wine Fusion is more of a small-plates-and-wine-flights situation, which is ideal if you’re out for a girls’ weekend, date night, or just pretending you’re the kind of person who pairs wine with food on purpose. They offer flatbreads, dips, charcuterie, and light bites that are great for sharing. The bacon, jalapeno stuffed tater kegs are a must-eat.

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano
Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Esparza’s is the unofficial headquarters of Tex-Mex cravings in Grapevine. It has a cheery, bustling vibe, huge margaritas, and all the classics: fajitas, enchiladas, queso, tamales, and everything that pairs beautifully with chips and a patio. Known for their massive portions and lively dining room, Esparza’s is especially fun during the holidays or on weekend evenings when the atmosphere feels festive without being chaotic. It’s also walkable from Main Street, making it an easy choice if you’re already out exploring. If you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for families or groups, this is it.

Bonnie & Clyde’s Hideout

Bonnie & Clyde’s Hideout
Bonnie & Clyde’s Hideout | Photos by Meagan Wristen

For something with a bit more personality and storytelling, head to Bonnie & Clyde’s Hideout. The vibe is speakeasy-meets-cocktail-lounge, inspired by the infamous outlaw duo. Expect craft cocktails, elevated bar bites, moody lighting, and a setting that feels built for swapping stories. It’s the perfect pre-dinner or post-dinner spot, but also works as a light-meal option if you just want appetizers and drinks. Fyi: that baby wedge is massive!

Cafe Italia

Cafe Italia
Cafe Italia | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Cafe Italia is one of those hidden-gem Italian restaurants that locals love and visitors instantly add to their list of repeat spots. It’s intimate, the service is friendly, and the dishes taste like they were made by someone’s Italian uncle who has very strong opinions about garlic. You’ll find classics like veal Marsala, shrimp scampi, ravioli, and one of the better tiramisus in the area, so save room for dessert!

Chez Fabien

Chez Fabien
Chez Fabien | Photos by Meagan Wristen

Chez Fabien is a French-inspired bistro on Main Street with a cozy interior and one of the most versatile menus in town. You can come for brunch and enjoy crepes, croissants, and quiches. You can come for lunch and get salads, sandwiches, burgers, or steak frites. And you can come for dinner and enjoy well-executed bistro dishes like salmon, pasta, or tenderloin. It’s consistent, delicious, and works for every type of traveler—families, couples, friend groups, picky eaters, and adventurous eaters alike.

Zeppole Coastal Italian

Zeppole Gaylord Texan
Zeppole Gaylord Texan | Photo by Meagan Wristen

Located inside the Gaylord Texan, Zeppole is elevated, pretty, and ideal for travelers who want a nicer dining experience without leaving the property. Even if you’re not staying at the Gaylord, dining at Zeppole is a fun way to soak in the hotel’s over-the-top décor and resort atmosphere. The menu includes coastal-inspired Italian dishes like seafood pastas, steaks, salads, and fresh bread served warm enough to burn your fingers. It’s a polished, special-occasion option perfect for travelers looking for an upscale evening.

Son of a Butcher

Son of a Butcher
Son of a Butcher | Photo by Meagan Wristen

If you love sliders, Son of a Butcher is your new happy place. This restaurant specializes in gourmet mini-burgers with inventive flavor combinations, making it easy to try three or four without committing to one big burger. They also serve delicious fries, tots, shakes, and boozy milkshakes. Teens love it, adults love it, and it’s a great casual option that feels fun while still offering great quality. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a low-key dinner before wandering around Grapevine Mills or Main Street.

Rock & Brews

Rock and Brews
Rock & Brews | Photo by Meagan Wristen

Rock & Brews is a lively, rock-themed restaurant that works well for families, groups, or anyone who wants a low-stress dining environment with a huge menu. Think burgers, wings, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and an extensive beer selection. The rock-and-roll décor makes it fun, and the food is reliably solid. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, relax, and know everyone in your group will find something they want, including your pickiest eater. (If you were super bummed they closed their Grandscape location, you’ll be happy to know that yes, this is the same place!)

ZaTaR Mediterranean at Harvest Hall

ZaTaR Mediterranean at Harvest Hall
ZaTaR Mediterranean at Harvest Hall | Photo by Meagan Wristen

Harvest Hall is Grapevine’s stylish food hall, and ZaTaR is one of the best stops within it in my opinion. ZaTaR specializes in Mediterranean dishes like shawarma, kebabs, hummus, falafel, and salads. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful, and it’s a nice change of pace if you’ve been eating your way through Tex-Mex and Italian all weekend. The food is quick, affordable, and perfect for travelers who want something flavorful. You can order from a qr code and they will bring it into the bar to your table.

From breakfast feasts to Italian comfort food, craft cocktails, and absolutely unnecessary amounts of carbs, Grapevine delivers on every craving. Whether you’re here for a wine weekend, a girls’ getaway, or your annual Christmas pilgrimage, these restaurants are the ones worth putting on your must-eat list.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *