15 Best Restaurants in Rowlett, TX
This article was written by local contributor Scarlett Foster & edited by the Travel Lens team.
As someone who's had the pleasure of living in Rowlett, Texas, for quite some time now, I've had the opportunity to explore and savor the diverse culinary scene this city has to offer.
From mouthwatering barbecue joints to cozy cafes and everything in between, Rowlett's restaurant scene has something for everyone.
Join me as I take you through some of the best spots in town to grab a bite to eat – these are the places I often find myself returning to time and time again.
So, let's dive in and discover the amazing flavors that await you in the best restaurants in Rowlett, Texas!
Rumdoul
I have to admit, I was quite hesitant when my friend first suggested we try Cambodian food at Rumdoul.
I had never eaten Cambodian food before, and I had no idea what to expect.
But after my first visit, I was absolutely hooked!
My all-time favorite dish there is the Spicy Basil Beef.
The tender beef, fresh vegetables, spicy chilis, steamed rice, and fried egg on top create a perfect harmony of flavors.
The service at Rumdoul is always excellent, and the prices are quite reasonable.
It's no wonder Rumdoul has received a Top 100 Texas restaurant award!
Not only is the food delicious, but they also serve this incredible kettle tea that you definitely shouldn't miss out on.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Just the other day, I decided to give Hawaiian Bros Island Grill a try, and I must say, it was one of the best decisions I've made recently.
I had heard great things about the place from friends and family, so I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
The food did not disappoint.
The macaroni salad was divine, and the teriyaki chicken was mouth-watering.
I went for the classic size, which was just the right amount to satisfy my hunger.
What really stood out to me was the white rice – it was so well-cooked and delicious on its own, but when combined with the teriyaki chicken or pulled pork, it was simply amazing!
To top it all off, I had to try their Dole soft serve, which I couldn't help but call "Dole Whip" in my mind, thanks to its Disney association.
It was the perfect, refreshing end to a fantastic meal.
Ephesus Bistro & Grill
My friends and I decided to try a new spot for dinner, and we stumbled upon Ephesus Bistro & Grill.
I'm a huge fan of Mediterranean cuisine, so I was excited to give it a try.
We started our meal with hummus and feta rolls, which were simply divine.
The hummus was so flavorful, and the feta rolls had the perfect balance of crispy exterior and smooth, cheesy interior.
For our main courses, I went with the lamb and eggplant dish (I can't recall the exact name), while others at my table ordered the steak kababs and the sea bass.
The lamb and eggplant dish was absolutely delicious – hearty and full of flavor.
My friends raved about their dishes as well, so I knew we made the right choice.
I was stuffed by the end of the meal, but I couldn't resist trying the baklava, which turned out to be a fantastic decision.
It was so good, I could have eaten an entire tray by myself!
Zuko Pizza Pasta
One night, my family and I decided to order from Zuko Pizza Pasta, a family-owned local pie parlor and Italian restaurant located in a strip mall near our neighborhood.
We were amazed by the perfectly cooked crust and the customized dough they made for us, just as we like it.
Their calzone was also delicious, and the whole experience left us very satisfied.
I must say, Zuko's serves some of the best pizzas in the area with a really tasty crust.
Their customer service was excellent when placing the order.
Believe me, it's well worth the wait, and I even recommend getting a larger size so you can have leftovers.
Zuko's Pizza is a great neighborhood pizza place as it's conveniently located in a strip mall surrounded by track homes.
There isn't much seating available, with only three places to sit and eat, and the kitchen is right next to you.
But that doesn't matter when their pizzas are so delicious, with a "New York" style thin crust that can be folded in half to eat.
They even toss the pizza dough in front of you, which is a rare sight these days.
The Stromboli was good, with typical meats and cheeses, but the Caesar salad was a bit lacking.
It's a busy and noisy spot, with quick service and lots of pick-ups.
The prices are reasonable, and while I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, it's a great option if you live nearby or are looking for a tasty pizza to take home.
Cheesesteak House
I've been to Cheesesteak House a couple of times now, and I must say it's becoming one of my favorite spots in town.
The food is simply outstanding, and the service is top-notch.
What I love the most about this place is how it makes me feel like a part of the family.
On my last visit, I ordered the Cheesy Cheesesteak, and it did not disappoint.
I skipped the combo meal, but for an additional $3.69, you can get fries and a drink along with your delicious sandwich.
Panda Phở & Boba House
Just the other day, I had a serious craving for some delicious Phở, and I knew just the place to go: Panda Phở & Boba House.
This has become my go-to spot whenever I want to indulge in some authentic Vietnamese comfort food.
Here's the link if you want to check it out.
I can't get enough of their Bun Bo Hue, minus the pig's feet, of course.
It's not for everyone, but I just love the explosive flavors and tenderness of the meat.
My partner, on the other hand, swears by their rare steak pho.
The broth is rich and flavorful.
The spring rolls and crispy wontons are always a must-have as appetizers, and they've never disappointed us.
And let's not forget about their boba drinks!
I'm telling you, there's nothing better than sipping on one of their specialty boba drinks after slurping down a big bowl of Phở.
Kaizen Sushi Bar | Asian Kitchen
I've been visiting Kaizen Sushi Bar | Asian Kitchen for quite some time now, and it has become one of my favorite spots for sushi in town.
I enjoy the modern and clean atmosphere, which makes for a delightful dining experience.
I've had the chance to try a variety of sushi rolls and other dishes, and I must say, the food is fantastic and reasonably priced.
The G rolls are my personal favorites, and I usually end up ordering at least two every time I visit.
For those who don't care for sushi, they have ample non-sushi options as well.
On top of that, they have some great happy hour deals that make dining here even more appealing.
Lico's Bar-B-Que Smokehouse
I recently decided to try out Lico's Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, and I must say, I'm glad I did!
As I walked in, I immediately noticed the delightful aroma of BBQ in the air.
There were already quite a few customers inside, and the place had a spacious layout which made it quite comfortable.
I ordered the stuffed baked potato with brisket and toast on the side.
To my pleasant surprise, the portions were quite generous, and the brisket and add-ons tasted incredible.
My only issue was that the brisket was a little cooler than I'd preferred, but it wasn't a deal-breaker.
In addition to the delicious food, I found the service to be quite friendly and efficient.
Valentinos Ristorante Italiano
Let me tell you about my favorite Italian restaurant in town, Valentinos Ristorante Italiano.
Every time I visit, I am greeted with warmth and friendliness, making me feel right at home.
The food is absolutely mouth-watering – from their pizza and pasta to their classic meat dishes, it's hard to choose just one favorite.
Portion sizes are generous, so it's perfect for sharing with friends or family.
In fact, the atmosphere encourages that good old Italian family-style dining experience.
One of their most memorable dishes for me is their fondue, which I highly recommend trying!
The menu offers plenty of options, and they are open to making small changes to the dishes to suit your preferences.
For instance, I usually order a dish with white sauce but have had it with red sauce on multiple occasions without any fuss.
And don't even get me started on their fresh bread rolls – they're the perfect appetizer to start off your meal.
Bankhead Brewing - Rowlett
I absolutely love spending evenings at Bankhead Brewing in Rowlett.
This rustic-style eatery has become my go-to place for its original tap brews and delicious food.
The outdoor patio is such a great spot to unwind and catch up with friends while enjoying the ambiance.
One of the things I appreciate most about Bankhead Brewing is the option to request a taste of their brews before committing to a full pint.
This way, I can always try something new and find the perfect beer to accompany my meal.
Speaking of meals, their menu has something for everyone, from pizzas to fish and chips.
I've traveled quite a lot and tasted fish and chips in many places, but I must say that Bankhead Brewing's version always hits the spot for me.
Apart from the food and drinks, the atmosphere and service at Bankhead Brewing are top-notch.
The location is also great, with ample street parking available in a charming neighborhood.
Arboledas Mexican Grill
Let me tell you about one of my favorite spots in town, Arboledas Mexican Grill.
I discovered this charming little restaurant quite by accident, and I've been coming back ever since.
The two salsas that they serve with their warm chips are both amazing - one is warm, and the other is cold, but both pack quite a punch.
One of my go-to dishes here is the fajitas, and I also love the cilantro enchiladas.
However, the real star of the show is an off-menu item - a whole avocado stuffed with chicken fajitas and topped with Queso.
It's simply divine!
Dalrock Diner
One of my favorite spots in town is the Dalrock Diner, a casual diner with a throwback checkerboard decoration.
This place has become my go-to for breakfast-to-dinner American staples.
Every time I walk in, I feel like I'm stepping back in time with its 50s-inspired music and cozy atmosphere.
The food here is always exceptional.
I remember trying their gyro omelet and being blown away by the perfect combination of mildly seasoned gyro meat, fluffy eggs, and flavorful feta cheese.
The waffles are light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet.
The coffee is also top-notch - not too bitter and just the right strength.
One of my most memorable experiences at Dalrock Diner was when I tried their fried corn on the cob for the first time.
It was such a unique and delicious dish that I knew I had to come back for more.
Besides their breakfast options, I've also enjoyed their fried seafood combo and the tender, flavorful Mediterranean haddock.
The service at Dalrock Diner is always top-notch.
Even though the place is small, it has never been a problem finding a seat or feeling comfortable while dining here.
Tokyo Hana
My first time visiting Tokyo Hana was a delightful experience.
This hidden gem quickly became my go-to for Japanese cuisine in the area.
The ambiance inside and out immediately made me feel good, and I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portions of delicious food.
One of my favorite dishes is the Chateaubriand steak, which I ordered a medium and found the chunks to be huge and very appetizing.
The sushi is always fresh, and the menu offers a robust selection of appetizers and other dishes.
I frequent Japanese steakhouses, so discovering Tokyo Hana was truly refreshing.
Everyone was friendly and accommodating.
Track Grill & Bar
Track Grill & Bar has always been my go-to spot for a casual night out.
My friends and I love to come here on karaoke nights to enjoy the lively atmosphere, sing our hearts out, and have a great time.
One of the best things about this low-key bar is their drink prices – they don't break the bank, making it an ideal spot for a night out.
But the real magic of this place lies in the food.
The Boneless Breaded Wings are simply divine; crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Apart from karaoke nights, they also have a great happy hour and a fantastic whisky selection.
The location is perfect, too, as it's just a short walk away from the retro arcade, making it a fun evening out with friends.
Burger Island
I have always been on the lookout for great burger joints in the area, and I must say, Burger Island in Rowlett has never disappointed me.
I've been visiting Burger Island for quite a while now, and I just love the generous servings of their burgers, specialty sandwiches, and those mouth-watering fried sides & appetizers.
The ambiance is a bit dimly lit, but the overall experience is always fantastic.
Another thing I always look forward to during warmer weather is their outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying a delicious meal in the open air.
When it comes to their food, the burgers are large and extremely satisfying.
The kids' burgers are well-sized too, and their fries serving is just as generous as the adult portions.
My personal favorites are the chili cheese fries and the fried mushrooms - they are to die for!
The service is also consistently solid, making it an enjoyable dining experience every time.
Final Thoughts
I couldn't be more grateful to call Rowlett my home, considering the incredible variety and quality of restaurants we have in our city.
From satisfying those late-night pizza cravings at Zuko Pizza Pasta to enjoying a peaceful evening at Kaizen Sushi Bar, the diverse options available cater to every taste bud.
I highly recommend exploring these eateries not only for the excellent food but also for the warm and welcoming atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of our community.
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