15 Best Restaurants in Denton, TX

I've been living in Denton for quite some time now, and I can confidently say that it's a wonderful place to call home.

As the administrative center for Texas' Denton County, our city boasts the impressive Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, which offers an informative glimpse into the region's past.

One of the things I love most about Denton is its warm and friendly community spirit, which is typical of a small town.

Another great aspect of living here is the wide variety of restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world.

In this article, I'll be sharing my personal list of the 15 best restaurants in Denton, Texas. Stay tuned to discover some amazing dining options in our lovely city!

Cartwright's Ranch House

Cartwright's Ranch House is a casual loft restaurant serving breakfast, chicken-fried steak, and burgers since 2011.

All of their dishes are made fresh to order with high-quality ingredients.

I always feel welcomed by the staff's warm hospitality, treating their clients like family.

The friendly vibe here is perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.

One of my favorite dishes to order is their massive plate of famous Chicken Fried Steak.

Other delicious options on the menu include the Alamo omelet, the Bonanza breakfast combo plate, and the upside-down pineapple pancakes.

Large serving sizes ensure that I never leave hungry.

Cartwright's Ranch House is well-known for its delicious pancakes, biscuits, and waffles.

I recently visited for brunch and was delighted to find cheap mimosas for $4.

The restaurant has a unique layout with a main front room and a wide corridor of tables leading to the back of the restaurant where the kitchen and restrooms are located.

I ordered the "Wyatt Earp" and it came out quickly. Everything was good, especially their sausage patties with a nice peppery flavor.

The only downside was that the potatoes were deep-fried, while the menu mentioned skillet potatoes, so I was expecting potatoes cooked on a griddle or skillet with onions and peppers.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my visit and will definitely be back.

If you're craving great American comfort food, head over to Cartwright's Ranch House at N Elm St, Denton, Texas.

GreenHouse Restaurant

The GreenHouse Restaurant and Bar is my go-to spot for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent Tex-Mex, American, and mesquite-grilled dishes.

Located at 600 North Locust Street, this locally owned and operated eatery is renowned for its warm atmosphere and beautiful meals.

Kenneth Currin, the proprietor, transformed his greenhouse into a dining establishment in 1998.

After over 25 years in business, this eatery has become famous for its extensive menu, which features everything from wood-fired grilled meats to fresh seafood to salads and vegan alternatives.

Their ability to cook meat, poultry, and shellfish over an open fire is a major selling point.

I always make sure to order the Brave burger, street tacos, and black bean tamales when I visit.

The Smothered Chicken and Honey Chipotle Salmon are also some of my favorites.

After finishing my meal, I like to wash it down with some of their tasty ginger tea, draft beer, wine, or martinis.

What makes the GreenHouse Restaurant and Bar truly special is the genuine connection you can find with the staff members and the owner.

I often end up spending double or even triple the time I thought I would spend here, just enjoying the company and the atmosphere.

Whether I'm looking for a quick bite of food or a quiet drink with friends or family on special occasions, the GreenHouse offers all the necessary elements for a celebration of small to medium-sized groups.

I always make sure to reserve a table, especially during peak hours.

Hoochies

Hoochies is a laid-back eatery that offers fish fry, po'boys, and oysters in a laid-back setting with outdoor seating.

As a local, I can vouch for the authenticity of their Creole and Cajun food.

This cozy seafood spot with a brick facade is well-liked by us locals and visitors alike for its tasty seafood and lovely patio.

The spacious interior is decorated with a lively New Orleans flair, and there's plenty of room for everyone.

I've been here a few times, and the chefs at Hoochies are always committed to making sure your fried oysters, gumbo, and seafood gumbo are cooked to perfection.

I've tried their ceviche, Mexican shrimp cocktail, and fish tacos, and I was not disappointed by the quality of the ingredients and flavor.

Of course, the meal wouldn't be complete without a glass of wine, beer, or one of their delicious draft options.

I've had the pleasure of enjoying their oysters, jambalaya, crab cakes, and Dixie beer to wash it all down with.

One thing I appreciate about Hoochies is how family-friendly they are, but they also offer a cool little spot for a date night or big group.

My 16-year-old nephew loves their seafood, and that says a lot.

We especially enjoy their crab boil paired with a cold beer.

This place is a great downtown Denton Cajun restaurant on Industrial street, right across from the iconic Dan's Silverleaf live music venue.

Komodo Loco

Komodo Loco offers a unique spin on classic Japanese fare, with meals that combine Asian and Latin influences.

It was founded in 2017 by three local boys from Denton who shared a love of cooking.

I recently visited Komodo Loco, a trendy bar and restaurant serving Asian fusion tapas and unique cocktails in a non-traditional Japanese atmosphere.

The casual, hip atmosphere with outside seating was perfect for a night out with friends or a date.

The music was a great mix of indie rock and pop hits, which added to the overall experience.

The menu at Komodo Loco features sushi, ramen, and upscale Asian cuisine.

I tried the delicious miso soup, dragon rolls, southern smoke ramen, shrimp tempura, and tuna poke.

The sushi was out of this world, with fresh and expertly prepared rolls that satisfied my sushi cravings.

I also enjoyed more creative options like the "Volcano" roll.

For dessert, I couldn't resist trying the macaroon ice cream and cheesecake, which were both to die for.

To round out my incredible dinner, I ordered a whiskey, but they also offer a nice selection of draft beers and martinis.

Located at Oakland Street, Denton, Komodo Loco is hands down the best sushi spot in town.

Ambro's Tacos y Más

I've been to Ambro's a few times, and it's a small restaurant with big flavors.

Their carnes are delicious, tender, and filling. I love their salsas too.

One time, I tried their taco plate special for lunch, and it was amazing!

The staff is always friendly, and the food comes out quick and hot.

The right blend of flavors, grease, and fresh garnish makes my tacos satisfying every time I visit.

The indoor and outdoor dining options, along with the walk-up window, make it a convenient and enjoyable spot for a quick meal.

Thai Square

Thai Square is a hidden gem in Denton, Texas, serving authentic Thai cuisines such as curry, noodles, and other traditional dishes in a comfortable and contemporary setting.

It's my go-to place whenever I crave Thai food in Denton.

Their Tom Kha soup has just the right amount of kick from the chili, coconut, and lemon.

I can't get enough of their shrimp fried rice, pad Thai, and Tom Yum soup with glass noodles.

If you want something different, I highly recommend their delicious duck and lychee curry.

They also provide a variety of delicious vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian dishes.

I've tried their Crispy Spring Rolls, Crispy Wontons, Fried Calamari, Pad See Ew, Roasted Duck Curry, and Crispy Squid with Basil, and everything was packed with flavor.

I can't wait to go back and try more dishes.

I remember dining in on a busy Saturday night, and even though the restaurant was pretty full, the wait wasn't long at all.

They were able to seat us after just a 5-minute wait.

A couple of dishes that stood out to me that night were the Crispy Squid with Basil and Som Tum (papaya salad).

The squid was very crispy and had a nice kick to it.

The papaya salad was made with fermented blue crab, which might not be for everyone, but I loved the combination of salty, spicy, and sour flavors.

Queenie's Steakhouse

Queenie's Steakhouse offers a modern twist on the traditional American steakhouse.

This trendy spot opened its doors in 2013 and has since become known for its impeccable service and delicious food.

Queenies is the affectionate name given to the restaurant by its owner and head chef, Tim Love, to honor his mother.

The restaurant's menu contains creative takes on classic steakhouse dishes and meat sourced in Texas.

I can personally vouch for their beef tenderloin, pork chops, and ribeye, which were all delicious and expertly cooked.

I especially enjoyed every bite of their 32-ounce Wagyu Tomahawk served with a side of orzo flavored with truffle mushrooms and topped with grilled king prawns and asparagus.

I remember my first visit to Queenie's about 10 years ago during their opening weekend, and I was impressed even back then.

I don't pass through Denton very often, but I recently made a reservation in the morning and was able to get one for 5:30, which fit my plans perfectly.

During my latest visit, I tried the elk fois gras sliders, which were light and delicious.

The Buffalo cauliflower was spicy and salty, and I found myself fighting over the last piece. The garlic stuffed tenderloin was juicy and flavorful, while the chili relleno was full of flavor and quite hearty for a veggie meal.

The NY strip was cooked perfectly, tender and delicious, and the crispy potatoes were outstanding as well.

Queenie's Steakhouse is also a great place to bring your vegetarian friends, as everyone can have a lovely meal.

And the best part? I didn't gain 3 pounds like I usually do when dining out.

Before leaving, I made sure to try some of their delicious desserts, such as ricotta doughnut holes, butterscotch budino, and ancho chile chocolate cake.

I also visited on Mother's Day once and enjoyed their set menu at $75 per person. The first course included toast with blueberry jam and crab spread, which was a delightful start to the meal.

Hanabi Ramen

Hanabi Ramen is a well-known Japanese restaurant in Denton famous for its tasty ramen specialties, classy wooden interior, and good customer service.

The menu includes various ramen options and other Japanese specialties such as gyoza, takoyaki, Kari Kari chicken, korokke, and edamame.

They offer a wide selection of foods, so there's something for everyone.

Their shoyu ramen is a must-have.

It's a tonkatsu soup made with a soy blend, and it features cha shu pork, ajitama, bamboo shoots, seaweed, bok choy, green onions, fried garlic, and onion flakes.

I've tried their tonkotsu ramen, pork chasu fried rice, and chicken karaage donburi, and I have not been disappointed once.

The dishes are all flavorful.

Their vegetable seafood ramen is an excellent option if you're in the mood for something light.

It's a seafood and vegetable soup featuring shrimp, squid, octopus, clams, oyster bean sprouts, bokchoy, mushrooms, carrots, and green onions.

The tsukemen is also worth trying for its excellent broth.

Enjoyed adding the spicy chili oil in; it reminded me of a Cantonese XO sauce.

The prices are very affordable given their portion size and prime location.

The staff is very friendly, and the food comes out quickly.

The only downside is that it's a small restaurant with limited seating, which means you might have to wait around dinner hours.

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant first opened in the middle of Denton in 1996.

It's known for its superb service, delectable Italian cuisine, and warm, inviting atmosphere.

Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant is housed in a gorgeous and historic Victorian home, which adds to its allure.

I've been to Giuseppe's a couple of times, and I must say, their food is always delicious.

On my last visit, I started with some bruschetta as an appetizer.

It was comprised of garlic bread drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, basil, and olives.

For my main course, I had the salmon arragosta, which was grilled salmon in lobster sauce with prawns, diced tomatoes, and capers served over pesto pasta.

It was absolutely divine!

The service at Giuseppe's is always great, and the ambiance is very laidback.

Giuseppe's remains one of my favorite places for a nice, romantic Italian dinner inside the Denton loop.

Keiichi

In the heart of Denton, Texas lies a culinary gem by the name of Keiichi, an exceptional sushi establishment by renowned Chef Keiichi Nagano.

This sophisticated eatery strikes an intricate balance between Japanese precision and Italian gusto, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

Booking a table here requires some foresight, as reservations can be made months in advance.

However, your patience will be rewarded tenfold.

The tantalizing appetizers transport your palate to new realms of flavor, setting the stage for what’s to come.

From the succulent marinated tuna sashimi to the hearty beef ragu pasta, each dish is crafted with finesse, demonstrating the seamless blend of these two diverse cuisines.

For the sushi enthusiasts, the platters here are nothing short of outstanding.

I highly recommend the cheese rolls and spicy tuna rolls.

Their marinated tuna and beef tataki should not be missed as well.

Each morsel bursts with freshness and flavor, echoing the chef’s meticulous attention to detail.

But, Keiichi is not just about its food.

The warm ambiance and attentive service transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Tortilleria La Sabrocita

Whenever I crave outstanding Mexican cuisine in Denton, I always head to Tortilleria La Sabrocita.

Despite its unassuming exterior, the fresh and flavorful fare served inside more than makes up for its lack of visual appeal.

The restaurant has some of the tastiest tortillas, tamales, tacos, and Mexican food in the Denton area.

The first restaurant opened in the Carrollton area in 2006, but its popularity and success led to its expansion to other nearby cities, including Denton.

I absolutely love their carnitas, pastor, chicharrón, and fish tacos. Their flavored drinks and warm tortillas are also amazing.

I always indulge in the many meat dishes and other treats they've prepared.

One thing that stands out to me is their nachos. The meat, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, beans, and jalapenos on their nachos are to die for.

I've also had the pleasure of ordering from them through Uber Eats, and the delivery experience has always been great.

My go-to order is a pound of meat with a pound of tortillas, which comes with salsas, cilantro, onions, and limes.

The food is always amazing, and the portions are just right.

El Matador Restaurant

We chose El Matador Restaurant for a recent date night with my boyfriend, and we were so happy with our choice!

From start to finish, everything was delicious.

The complimentary chips and salsa were amazing – the salsa wasn't spicy, but it had excellent flavor. I wanted to dip everything in it!

We ordered Arepitas y Chorizo as an appetizer, which was chorizo with onions served with a cornmeal flatbread.

The flavor was outstanding! I also found out they had chicken tortilla soup as their soup of the day, which I had been craving for weeks.

I had to get it, but they accidentally served me the wrong soup at first – shrimp bisque.

Our server fixed it right away and apologized, and the chicken tortilla soup was absolutely delicious!

For my entree, I had Camarones Relleno, which consisted of shrimp with a crab meat and shrimp stuffing in a creamy lobster bisque sauce.

I was also able to pick two sides, so I went with black beans and mixed veggies. Everything on my plate had amazing flavor.

The atmosphere, service, and food were all top-notch, and I can't wait to go back!

Rooster's Roadhouse

Rooster's Roadhouse serves some of the best barbecues in Denton, Texas.

The BBQ restaurant is notable for its quick service, helpful staff, tasty fare, and fun ambiance.

Their specialty is pit BBQ baskets, although they also serve burgers and beer.

The interiors are decorated with beer keg decor, neon lighting, and other exciting decorations. You can select between indoor and outdoor dining.

The outdoor eating area, which overlooks the Denton Firefighters Museum, provided me with a memorable dining experience.

I tried some perfectly cooked brisket sandwiches, redneck sushi, rooster tails, a king brisket burger, barbecue sandwiches, a smoked turkey sandwich, and nacho chips.

The pulled pork nachos were the best! Rooster's Roadhouse uses an ice-covered beer draft system to chill the brew to 29 degrees.

In addition to the usual alcoholic beverages, they also stock a few wines.

I've visited Rooster's Roadhouse twice now, and I really like this place!

It does get pretty busy during lunch hour, so I recommend arriving early.

The food is good and the prices are very fair for this area.

The atmosphere has character - it's a divey place adorned with some really cool TX-themed signage and taxidermy.

It's clean too. Though I haven't been out back, I do believe there's an outdoor patio area but no one is crazy enough to sit back there in this summer TX heat.

It's not pretentious at all. All types of Denton-ites are here from all walks of life. I like it!

So far, I've stuck with their burgers, which are more akin to smash burgers without the onions.

Andaman Thai Restaurant

Andaman Thai Restaurant is my go-to spot for authentic Thai cuisines like curries and pad Thai in Denton, Texas.

The restaurant's name is inspired by the Andaman Sea, a body of water off the coast of Thailand famous for its beautiful beaches, serene islands, and mouthwatering local cuisine.

The menu at Andaman Thai Restaurant takes cues from many Thai culinary traditions while incorporating distinctly American touches.

I particularly enjoyed the Northern Thai curry with beef cooked with coconut milk, green beans, carrots, butternut squash, and bell peppers.

And of course, I can't miss their delicious Pad Thai.

The atmosphere at Andaman Thai is relaxing, and the seating is comfortable.

I've ordered from them many times during the pandemic, and the food has always been great.

On my last visit, I tried the chicken basil and fried rice, along with a crispy roll with chicken and shrimp.

It was served fast, hot, and so delicious that I left with a doggie bag.

The wait staff at Andaman Thai is always friendly and attentive.

They seated me right away with options for indoor or outdoor dining.

During my meal, they checked in a couple of times, offering extra sauce, more water, and making me feel welcomed.

Other Restaurants Nearby

Hard Eight BBQ

My family and I absolutely love going to Hard Eight BBQ, founded by the late Phillip Nivens and his wife Vicki.

The Nivens family still runs the place, and it's a fantastic spot to enjoy some good ol' southern hospitality and delicious food.

At Hard Eight, you can expect to be served "Texas Style," or traditionally, by a Pit Master, who cooks your meal right there in front of you.

The barbecue is prepared and paid for in a cafeteria-like fashion, with many selections available.

While steak is cooked to order, the rest of the main course meats are prepared in advance and served a la carte, with prices determined by weight.

Their meats, especially the brisket, pork ribs, sirloin, pulled pork, and ribeye, are juicy and flavorful.

You can find Hard Eight BBQ at S Oak St, Roanoke, Texas, just 23 minutes from Denton.

I have to say, Hard Eight BBQ is hands down the best BBQ restaurant I've ever tried.

I've compared it to all the BBQ I've tasted throughout the country, especially in the BBQ meccas.

At Hard Eight, I ordered brisket, ribs, sausage, prime rib, macaroni-n-cheese, cream corn, and onion rings.

Honestly, everything I ordered was remarkable.

There were zero leftovers from my feast because everything was just so good!

The brisket, ribs, and banana pudding were all fantastic, and the friendly service made the experience even better.

Final Thoughts

Living in Denton has been such a wonderful experience, and I'm proud to call this city my home.

It's truly one of the finest in the Lone Star State.

There's never a dull moment here, with so many exciting attractions to explore, from museums to restaurants.

And speaking of restaurants, I've had the pleasure of dining at some of the best in Denton, Texas.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed!