18 Best Restaurants in Mission, TX

Let me guide you through the best restaurants in Mission, Texas, and trust me, you'll soon be begging for more!
So, let's dive right in, shall we?
While this list showcases some remarkable restaurants, it's important to note there are many other exceptional dining establishments in Mission that are not featured here. Our aim is not just to guide you to popular eateries but to encourage you to venture out and experience the city's diverse culinary landscape for yourself.
La Cruda
One of my favorite spots for a seafood feast in the city has to be La Cruda.
I remember the first time I went there; it was a Friday during Lent, and I was craving some fresh seafood.
The ceviche options were fantastic, and the aguachiles were to die for.
But the star of the show was their shrimp cocktail - it's the best I've ever had, with huge, succulent shrimp and a flavorful sauce.
The entire experience was delightful, and I always make sure to bring my friends and family here whenever we're in the mood for some amazing seafood.
La Cruda's commitment to customer service and the delectable, fresh seafood they offer make it a must-visit whenever you're in the 956 area.
Han's Katsuya
Recently, I came across Han's Katsuya, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations!
During my first visit, I couldn't help but notice how clean and cozy the place was.
I ordered their Gyoza as an appetizer, and it was fried to perfection.
The accompanying sauce was absolutely delightful too!
I then tried their Curry Ramen, which was bursting with flavor, yet it didn't overpower the taste of the other ingredients like chicken, noodles, and vegetables.
My daughter tried their Korean fried chicken with sweet chili sauce, and the flavor was spot-on.
The sauce was generously applied to the chicken without drowning it, so it maintained its crispy texture.
What I loved the most about our dining experience was that all of the dishes were served to us at the perfect temperature, ensuring that we would enjoy every bite.
I have been back to Han's Katsuya multiple times since then and even tried their shrimp tempura and katsu chicken and pork plates.
Everything, from the soup and salad to the steamed rice, has been delicious.
Southern Fried
I must admit, when I first heard about Southern Fried, I wasn't sure what to expect.
The prices seemed a bit steep at first glance, but after my first visit, I can confidently say that it's worth every penny.
Not only are the portions generous, but the food is also absolutely delicious.
My favorite dish at Southern Fried has to be Buddy’s Plate, which comes with fish, shrimp, and two sides.
The fish fillet and shrimp are lightly breaded and deep-fried, yet they still manage to be light, moist, and flavorful.
The homemade french fries are some of the best I've had, and I love that the tomatoes served with the dish are sliced in half.
On my first visit, I turned up just ten minutes before closing, but they hadn't turned off the stove yet and were happy to serve me.
They're always attentive and make sure you have a pleasant dining experience.
Cristobal's Cantina y Cocina
The other day, I decided to finally try out Cristobal's Cantina y Cocina, a place I've heard so much about from my friends.
I was not disappointed!
Upon entering, I immediately noticed how well-put-together the interior was, and I appreciated the option of indoor and outdoor seating.
I ordered the meat and cheese tray, and I was impressed by the presentation.
The brisket tacos were delicious, and the michelada had just the right amount of spice, hitting the spot.
There was also live music playing, which added to the overall atmosphere of the place.
Located in the heart of Mission on Conway and 6th, parking was conveniently available at the back or on the side of Conway.
The Drunken Chicken
I absolutely love going to The Drunken Chicken!
As someone who frequently eats out in Mission, I can confidently say that this place is one of my go-to spots.
My usual order is the two-meat plate - I can't get enough of their brisket and chicken combo.
And I must say, their green beans with corn and mac and cheese are the perfect sides to accompany the delicious meats.
One of the things that keep me coming back is the fantastic customer service.
Not to mention, the prices are quite affordable, which is a big plus for someone like me who loves eating here multiple times a week.
Their rice and bean mix is consistently amazing, and the brisket sandwich is moist, smoky, and incredibly satisfying.
Las Doñas Restaurant
Whenever I'm in the mood for some fantastic home cooking, I head over to Las Doñas Restaurant.
This family-owned and operated gem in our community always leaves me satisfied and eager to come back for more.
I've visited with large groups of friends from Enchanted Valley Ranch for breakfast and lunch, and we've always been impressed by how well the service is.
The food is absolutely delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family.
You can't go wrong with their breakfast selection, and their lunch offerings are equally awesome.
One of my favorite things about Las Doñas is their Fish Fry Friday.
It's the best in town, and I never spend more than $20 for both my partner and me.
It's a great value for such an amazing dining experience.
Salad Delights and More
One of my favorite places to grab a healthy lunch in the city is Salad Delights and More.
My go-to meal is the Southwestern salad, which is not only delicious but also filling.
On colder days, I like to add a bowl of broccoli cheese or fideo soup.
They are both incredibly flavorful and comforting.
What sets Salad Delights and More apart from other dining options in the area is their cucumber lemonade.
This refreshing beverage is perfect for quenching your thirst on hot summer days.
I can't get enough of it!
Tacos De Vapor O Canasta Monterrey
I can confidently say that Tacos De Vapor O Canasta Monterrey is one of the best places in the Valley to satisfy your Mexican food cravings.
It's definitely worth the drive, even if you live 25 minutes away like me.
The food is homemade and absolutely delicious.
The variety of salsas they offer is impressive, and the tortillas are as authentic as it gets - not from a plastic bag but made fresh for each dish.
One of my favorite things to order from Tacos De Vapor O Canasta Monterrey are the tacos de vapor, the rolled ones, and the barbacoa de borrego.
I can't help but order them almost every day!
The taste is just amazing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates good food.
Another dish I absolutely love from this humble mom-and-pop establishment is the gorditas de chicharron en salsa verde.
The flavors are exquisite, and it's a must-try when you visit Tacos De Vapor O Canasta Monterrey.
Downtown Cafe
I must admit that Downtown Cafe has become a regular spot for me and my friends after church.
The first time my partner and I visited, we were immediately drawn to the cozy and inviting atmosphere.
The eclectic decor gives the place a unique charm, making it a hidden gem in the RGV.
The menu offers a decent variety of breakfast and lunch options that cater to different tastes.
I usually go for their pancakes, which are consistently delicious, while my partner loves their bacon and eggs.
Poke Art
One of my favorite spots in the city is a delightful restaurant called Poke Art.
I can't get enough of their fresh and delicious meals!
They have this incredible house sauce with a hint of hot sauce, cilantro, lemon, and eel sauce that just hits the spot every time.
I must have been there so many times already, but I can't help going back for more.
Service is always friendly and welcoming, making sure to cater to my taste preferences, whether I want fresh or grilled protein.
The setting is clean and comfortable, located in a great part of town.
The Griffin Grill
I can't believe it took me so long to discover The Griffin Grill.
It has now become my go-to spot for weekend brunches with friends and family.
The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm and cozy atmosphere, with the beautifully decorated interior making you feel right at home.
The food here is consistently fantastic, and the prices are quite reasonable.
I've tried a variety of dishes and have never been disappointed.
Their biscuits and gravy are particularly comforting, loaded with chunks of sausage that remind me of the flavors from East Texas.
The coffee is always delicious, setting the tone for an amazing meal.
Beyond the great food and ambiance, the service is another reason I keep coming back.
There's no rushing, even after you've finished your meal – it's the perfect place to relax and catch up with loved ones.
I've also heard great things about their lunch and dinner offerings, so I'm looking forward to trying those out in the near future.
Tacos El Muertero
One of the things I enjoy most about living in my city is the variety of food joints, and one of my absolute favorites is Tacos El Muertero.
Whenever I crave authentic Mexican tacos, this is the place I go to.
The family atmosphere is warm and inviting, making every visit a delightful experience.
What sets Tacos El Muertero apart is their dedication to making the best tacos in town.
In fact, tacos are the only thing they serve, and they do it incredibly well.
Each taco is packed with flavor, and their spicy salsa elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Mariscos El 7 Mares #2
As a resident in the area, I can confidently say that Mariscos El 7 Mares #2 is truly a hidden gem for seafood lovers in the Rio Grande Valley.
I remember my first visit there with my partner - we had a good laugh as they played country music for a while.
The atmosphere is quite charming, with Tex-Mex music playing in the background, making you feel like you're in a real Pescadería at Reynosa.
One of the things I love about this place is the warm welcome you receive upon arrival.
You are greeted with a smile, a basket of chips, and a tray of salsas that are simply to die for.
The service is always fast and courteous, and the food is consistently hot and delicious.
My personal favorite is the tacos - they are a must-try!
They also make a mean salsa, which is perfect for those who like a little kick.
The Vuelve a la vida cocktail is incredibly fresh, and the Indio beer serves as the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Luau Drive Inn
One of my favorite places to grab a quick bite in the area is Luau Drive Inn.
The homemade burgers here are simply amazing, and the fish burger, monster burger, and nachos always hit the spot.
The cheese is always perfect, and the fish is crispy and delicious.
I can't wait to try the chicken sandwich next time!
The double cheeseburger is a must-try, and I've been coming here for years.
On my last visit, I tried the Monster Burger Combo, which is a double meat and cheese giant served with lettuce, tomato, onions, mustard, and mayo.
It comes with fries and a can of soda.
The burger patties were tender, and the bun was just right - not chewy like some other places.
The Pizzeria
I have tried most of the local pizza joints, but one place that has always stood out to me is The Pizzeria.
The environment is clean, and the ambiance is just right for a calm, relaxing night out with friends or family.
I've been there twice now, and both times the service was impeccable.
On my most recent visit, my friends and I ordered a large pepperoni pizza and a large meat lovers pizza.
Both were delicious, with the pepperoni getting a 7.4 out of 10 and the meat lovers a 7.1 out of 10 in my book.
That's not all they have to offer, though.
During my first visit, I tried their spinach, bacon, and chicken calzone, and I must say it quickly became my favorite.
Their Caesar salad is also worth mentioning, as it was fresh and flavorful.
Yum Yum
I was excited to revisit Yum Yum Snackbar after not having been there in a while.
I remember enjoying their burgers and fries back in my high school days.
So, I decided to give it another try and see if it still holds up to my memories.
Before heading out, I checked their Facebook page just to make sure they were still operational.
Upon arriving, I was hit with nostalgia, and my cravings for their Yum Yum burgers were at an all-time high.
I'm happy to report that the burger was just as delicious as I remembered!
The French fries were also on point, crispy, and well-seasoned.
Greens and Lemons
One afternoon, my friends and I decided to try out a new spot for lunch, and we ended up at Greens and Lemons.
I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious poke bowls and pasta plates, even though the price was a bit steep.
We ended up spending around $23 per person, excluding gratuity and drinks.
However, their cucumber lemonade was truly memorable and worth every penny.
The place had an amazing atmosphere, and the service was top-notch.
It felt like we were transported to a serene and beautiful place with a menu full of refreshing and healthy options.
Their vegan offerings were also quite extensive, catering to different dietary needs.
The combination of fresh greens and zesty lemon drinks definitely satisfied our taste buds.
Whistling Duck Mission
One of my favorite spots to unwind after a long day is Whistling Duck Mission.
I recently visited the place after a long time away due to the pandemic, and I was pleasantly surprised to find live music on a Tuesday night.
The guitarist was incredibly talented and provided the perfect ambiance for the small crowd.
The atmosphere was casual and inviting, making it a perfect spot to catch up with friends.
As for the food, the fried mushrooms are out of this world - huge, crispy, and delicious.
I also tried the bacon cheeseburger with fries, which was flame-grilled to perfection and served on a toasted buttery brioche bun.
Final Thoughts
Mission, Texas, has an incredible variety of restaurants and flavors that cater to every craving and dietary preference.
From the mouth-watering Tacos De Vapor O Canasta Monterrey to the deliciously healthy options at Salad Delights and more, there's always something to satisfy your hunger.
So, the next time you find yourself in Mission, be sure to indulge in the diverse cuisine that our city has to offer.