When it comes to dining, Texas is home to a long list of beautiful restaurants. No matter if it’s a first date or an anniversary celebration, these establishments are so stunning that they will make your dinner absolutely unforgettable. From high-rise, downtown restaurants to waterside eateries, enjoy a view, classy and curated decor, and tasty menus at these breathtaking restaurants in the Lone Star State.
The Oasis on Lake Travis, Austin
The Oasis on Lake Travis is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the United States. It sits on a cliff 450 feet above the water and includes multiple dining decks with views of the lake and spectacular sunsets, with some calling it the best sunset view in the state. The menu is focused on Tex-Mex fare, with everything from salads and quesadillas to fried shrimp and burgers, all of which can be enjoyed with live music on two stages. Plan to arrive just before dusk and don’t forget your camera.
The County Line on the Lake, Austin
Good food with a scenic atmosphere is what draws locals and tourists alike to County Line on the Lake, a barbecue joint located on Bull Creek in Austin. You’ll want to grab a patio table at this casual eatery. Enjoy live music and peaceful water views as you dine in on smoked meats and classic southern sides along the creek bank. Sausages, pork ribs, beef ribs, brisket, turkey breast, and chicken are all served here along with potato salad, beans, and coleslaw. The outdoor patio is truly the best way to soak up a nice spring day in Austin. Complete your experience here with a local brew and the restaurant’s house-made peach cobbler.
The Spot, Galveston
Indulge in local seafood grub at this beachside restaurant in Galveston. The Spot’s outdoor patio overlooks the sandy shore, making it a perfect place to grab a meal before heading to the beach. The multi-story restaurant offers a casual, tropical vibe, complete with a thatch roof and vibrant decor in hues of bright orange, ocean blue, and sunny yellow. When you aren’t filling up on po’boys, oysters, and burgers, explore The Spot’s other venues. This restaurant is actually five venues at one “spot.” The Spot is the main eatery, while the other venues are a tiki bar, rumshack, margarita bar, and an indoor/outdoor sports-focused hangout.
Republic of Texas Bar and Grill, Corpus Christi
After a long day out on the beach, unwind with a great steak or seafood dish from the Republic of Texas Bar and Grill. This high-rise restaurant is located on the 20th floor of the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, which offers great views of Corpus Christi Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. Don’t forget to walk out on the restaurant’s balcony after enjoying a great glass of wine and a well-prepared entree at this beautiful Texas restaurant.
Sassetta, Dallas
Sassetta is an upscale Italian restaurant that is located in one of Dallas’ top hotels, The Joule. Seasonal pasta and regional wines are served on white linen tables; however, it isn’t the tables that draw guests’ attention. The main dining area at this modern trattoria has a large, custom wall mural that is an abstract expression of Italy’s rolling hills. Unlike other upscale restaurants, Sassetta strives to be comfortable and lively instead of stuffy and strict. Elevated dishes range from lobster spaghetti and duck bolognese to more classic Italian staples like pepperoni pizza and an olive oil lemon cake. No matter if you’re looking for a unique twist on Italian food or a classic staple of Italy, Sassetta will have something on the menu.
Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, Austin
A popular Austin eatery to make this list is Lutie’s Garden Restaurant. This restaurant’s interior features Art Deco details, from the rich velvet bar stools to the black-and-white checkered floor tiles. However, Lutie’s truly leans into the “garden” aspect of the restaurant’s brand, as guests dine underneath a plethora of lush, hanging ferns. Eclectic serving dishes, crystal “leaf-like” chandeliers, and floating ball planters give Lutie’s a swanky yet inviting place to dine. When it comes to the menu, Lutie’s Garden Restaurant features farm-to-table recipes on a rotating menu. Dishes vary but expect fresh produce in every menu item, like the red shrimp with daikon or the beef tartare with dandelion and romaine.
Reata Restaurant, Fort Worth
There’s no better way to enjoy a meal than with a great view, and Reata Restaurant boasts incredible views of downtown Fort Worth. Reata Restaurant’s rooftop patio is the spot to sit here. Enjoy a menu that has both Southwest-inspired cuisine along with American fare. Specializing in cowboy cooking, Reata’s most popular items include Tenderloin Tamales, Blackened Buffalo Ribeye, Chicken Fried Steak, Stacked Chicken Enchiladas and the all-time favorite Pan Seared Pepper Crusted Tenderloin. If you’re thirsty, the wine menu features offerings from California and around the world, while popular cocktails include the Clear Fork Cherry Vodka Limeade and the Habanero Lime Margarita.
The Guenther House, San Antonio
The Guenther House, home to a restaurant on the lower floor, was built between 1915 and 1918. The restaurant’s Art Nouveau decor, complete with stained glass windows, redwood wall panels, and ballroom-style seating, boasts a lively atmosphere. The entire property is extremely picturesque and seen as an ideal spot for events and weddings.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, New Braunfels
Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is a popular hill country restaurant found in Gruene, near New Braunfels. The view from the Gristmill River Restaurant is absolutely stunning since this establishment overlooks the Guadalupe River. Outdoor seating is magical here, as the restaurant is found under the shade of large oak trees. Find some great Southern food on the menu at Gristmill River, such as chicken fried steak, catfish, and pecan pie.
Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant, Big Bend National Park
Exploring the Chisos Mountains in West Texas can build up an appetite, and the trip to this Texas restaurant will be well worth the long drive. After a day hiking in Big Bend National Park, dine in at the park’s onsite restaurant, Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant. This restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining, which both offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Boasting incredible sights of the park’s most iconic vista, named “the Window,” dining at Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant is a great way to soak in the beauty of West Texas without the need to lace up your hiking boots. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner here, with menu items ranging from southern classics to southwestern eats. If you’re planning to take on a long hike, make sure to fill up at this joint’s breakfast buffet before you leave for the trailhead.
Backstreet Cafe, Houston
Backstreet Cafe is a New American restaurant run out of a renovated 1930s home in Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood. Enjoy a nice day on the backyard patio or find an intimate setting at one of the cafe’s interior dining areas, which span two levels. The southern-style decor is homey yet minimalist, with dark-colored carpets and wood and white wicker chairs. The outdoor backyard is where you can really experience Backstreet Cafe’s charm. This New Orleans-style patio area is full of flowering plants, a stone water feature, and plenty of shade under the massive umbrellas. One of the best times to visit this Houston eatery is for Sunday brunch, where guests can enjoy live Jazz music.
Villa Capri, Seabrook
Villa Capri is a gorgeous restaurant that is situated right on Clear Lake. Guests enjoy a lovely view of the water while eating incredible Italian food made with seafood straight from the Texas gulf. You can enjoy a Sunday buffet brunch from 11am-3pm, or pick from regular menu items like Big Blue Crab Claws, Bouillabaisse Capri-Style soup, and a long list of seafood entrees like Paccheri all Scoglio with shrimp, scallops, clams, calamari, mussels, cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauceVilla Capri is a beautiful spot for a first date, anniversary dinner, or even a wedding.
