If you are looking for the best restaurants in Waco, you have come to the right place! Waco is home to quite a variety of delicious dining options. While you can find traditional Southern cuisine in Waco, you can also find food from all over the world!
While you can definitely find Texas staples such as delicious Chicken Fried Steak, savory burgers, and flavorful tacos, your tastebuds can also explore dishes such as Cambodian Jakak, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, and Cajun Catfish Atchafalaya! You will never feel your meal options are limited when exploring the unique dining landscape of Waco!
Not only does Waco have delicious lunch and dinner options, but a comforting homestyle breakfast can be found in this Texas town as well. And don’t forget dessert! These restaurants in Waco serve up some indulgent desserts and sweet baked goods! Whatever your tastes may be, Waco has something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.
So jump in the car or hop on a plane and come discover the delicious food at these awesome restaurants in Waco! And if you happen to be staying in Waco for a day or two check out our suggestions for things to do in Waco and other awesome day trips nearby!
15 Best Restaurants In Waco You Shouldn’t Miss
Baris
If you are looking for some comforting and delicious Italian food, look no further than Baris! Found by Mary Imeri in 1996, this family-owned Italian eatery has continuously been rated the best pasta by locals since 2012. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious dishes, it is one of the best places to eat in Waco!
Baris’s menu features traditional Italian dishes such as chicken marsala, lasagna, and baked ziti. They also serve up a variety of pizzas which can be ordered as a whole pie or by the slice. Baris serves both lunch and dinner making it an excellent place to dine. If you aren’t full after your meal, visitors can indulge in one of Baris’s delicious desserts. With desserts like decadent tiramisu and scrumptious cannolis, you won’t be disappointed!
The delicious, traditional Italian food and welcoming family atmosphere of Baris make it one of the most enjoyable restaurants in Waco!
Happy Wok
Sometimes Chinese take-out is exactly what’s needed to hit the spot! If you are looking for traditional Chinese take-out like chop suey and General Tso’s Chicken, then Happy Wok is one of the best places to eat in Waco!
Providing regular counter service, Happy Wok is one of the best-rated Chinese take-out restaurants in Waco. They offer a variety of dishes such as Moo Shu Pork, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and General Tso’s Tofu. They also have a special lunch menu which is served Monday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM!
La Fiesta
La Fiesta is a true Tex-Mex restaurant and one of the best places to eat in Waco! Serving family recipes of enchiladas, chile relleno, and carne guisada, La Fiesta is one of the best restaurants in Waco!
Founded in 1963 by the Castillo Family, La Fiesta is well known for its menu filled with historic family recipes which are made from scratch daily. If you happen to be dining in on a Friday or Saturday, La Fiesta also has live music to be enjoyed as well! Visitors can enjoy both a Tex-Mex lunch and dinner at La Fiesta.
If you are looking for a quick bite or just a drink, La Fiesta has a special bar menu featuring snacks like Frito Pie and loaded fiesta fries. Or you can try one of the many varieties of Margarita they serve! La Fiesta offers some of the best dining in Waco!
Magnolia Table
A trip to Waco wouldn’t be complete without dining at Magnolia Table! With its focus on old-fashioned cooking and fresh ingredients, it is one of the coolest restaurants in Waco.
Owned by the famous Chip and Joanna Gaines, of Fixer Upper fame, Magnolia Table is an experience in and of itself. Breakfast at Magnolia Table features Southern favorites like buttermilk biscuits with strawberry butter or sausage gravy (yum!), garlic cheese grits, and Alabama Sweet Tea! With choices like these, you are guaranteed to have a satisfied stomach and a satisfied soul after enjoying what some may call the best breakfast in Waco!
Magnolia Table also serves lunch featuring fresh salads, unique burgers, and a delectable chicken salad croissant sandwich. This restaurant is very popular, but it is well worth the wait!
Clay Pot Restaurant
Vietnamese food may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of Waco, Texas, but Clay Pot Restaurant will change your mind. With cuisine coming from both North and South Vietnam, Clay Pot Restaurant is definitely one of the most unique restaurants in Waco!
With a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options, Clay Pot Restaurant has something special for everyone. Their menu also details how spicy certain dishes are so that diners who prefer more conservative dishes can enjoy their meals too! From pho to wok shaken beef to their Clay Pot Original dishes, everyone will enjoy a meal at Clay Pot restaurant.
They also feature Vietnamese drinks such as bubble tea, iced Vietnamese coffee, and several Vietnamese beers and wines. Eating at Clay Pot Restaurant is like taking a trip to Vietnam without leaving Texas, making Clay Pot Restaurant one of the best restaurants in Waco!
Tru Jamaica
Jamaican food may not be what comes to mind when you think of Waco, Texas, but Tru Jamaica provides a special culinary experience making it one of the most unique restaurants in Waco!
Visitors can’t go wrong with the Jamaican standards offered such as Jerk Chicken with a side of sweet fried plantains. However, Tru Jamaica also offers dishes such as spicy goat curry and a savory oxtail dish. Tru Jamaica also has gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options making it one of the places to eat in Waco!
They also offer a variety of Jamaican sodas and desserts such as rum raisin bread pudding. You won’t want to miss out on some of the best food in Waco at Tru Jamaica!
Wacool Tacos & Tamales
Serving up a variety of delicious tacos and tamales, Wacool serves up some great Mexican food in Waco!
Diners can enjoy not only pork or chicken tamales, but vegetarian visitors can savor the black bean & cheese tamales as well! Wacool Tacos & Tamales also has a menu of tacos that would make anyone excited! From the Big Tex Taco featuring Southern Fried Chicken to a Korean BBQ Taco, Wacool has several inventive tacos to choose from!
Wacool Tacos & Tamales also offers more traditional tacos such as the Wacool Taco which has carne asada or the Fajita Taco. These delicious offerings make Wacool Tacos & Tamales one of the best restaurants in Waco!
The Blasian Asian
The Blasian Asian is a special food truck that serves delicious Cambodian cuisine! Its unique menu makes it one of the best restaurants in Waco!
Diners can enjoy traditional Cambodian dishes such as Jakak, a type of meat skewer with either chicken, pork, or beef. The Blasian Asian also serves delightful lemongrass chicken, stir fry, and garlic fried rice. Most dishes offer a choice of beef, pork, chicken, or tofu making a great choice for those wanting a meatless option.
Those looking for a special meal while in Waco shouldn’t miss The Blasian Asian, one of the most unique restaurants in Waco!
Collin Street Bakery & Cafe
If you are looking for the best lunch in Waco, look no further than Collin Street Bakery & Cafe! Founded in 1896, Collin Street Bakery is a true Waco experience.
The cafe features some southern classics like chicken salad, Texas chili, and a loaded baked potato. They also have a variety of salads and sandwiches for those looking for lighter fare. What makes Collin Street Bakery & Cafe special is the baked goods offered. With scrumptious lemon bars, sweet cinnamon bread, and indulgent pecan pie, your sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied!
The delicious, no-nonsense lunch menu paired with the irresistible baked goods offered makes Collin Street Bakery & Cafe one of the most delicious restaurants in Waco!
Jasper’s BBQ
As the oldest operating BBQ restaurant in Waco, Jasper’s BBQ is definitely one of the most historic restaurants in Waco! What started as a fruit stand in 1915 became the home to delicious BBQ still being served today.
Jasper’s menu features barbequed brisket, pork spare ribs, smoked sausage and more! Diners can enjoy the meat on its own or savor it in a BBQ sandwich. And what would great BBQ be without some mouth-watering sides! Jasper’s offers coleslaw, pinto beans, and potato salad to accompany your delicious BBQ!
This one-of-a-kind restaurant only serves lunch, so make sure to plan to stop at Jasper’s BBQ for the best lunch in Waco!
135 Prime
If you are looking for a fancy night out, look no further than 135 Prime. 135 Prime is Waco’s fine-dining destination, making it one of the best places to eat in Waco.
135 Prime’s menu focuses on superb steak and seafood. Visitors can relish in a cooked-to-perfection filet paired with a specialty cocktail such as their Vesper Martini or the Bogart’s Bourbon. If steak isn’t your style, you can enjoy many other dishes which feature lamb, seafood, and poultry as well!
With a casual, laid-back atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious options, 135 prime is definitely one of the best restaurants in Waco!
George’s Restaurant & Bar
George’s Restaurant & Bar is home to a menu that features a little bit of everything! If you aren’t sure what might hit the spot and want an excellent meal you should head to George’s Restaurant & Bar, one of the best Waco restaurants!
From wings to tacos to burgers and even a Seafood Feast, George’s has it all. They also have daily specials that showcase some southern classics like fried chicken, fried catfish, black-eyed peas, and baked potato casserole.
Everyone is sure to find a scrumptious meal at George’s Restaurant & Bar, one of the great restaurants in Waco!
Ninfas
Ninfas Mexican Restaurant is home to some of the best Mexican food in Waco! With both traditional Mexican fare and some Ninfas Originals, you wont want to miss one of the best places to eat in Waco!
The menu features cheesy enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and crispy quesadillas. Diners can also choose from several seafood dishes such asfish tacos or shrimp tampico. Ninfas original dishes include the Don Quixote, which is two stuffed poblano peppers topped with jack cheese and ranchero sauce, yum!
Ninfas offers a gluten free menu and a healthy options menu as well! And what would a Mexican dinner be without a delightful Margarita, which Ninfas offers several too choose from. Be sure to check out Ninfas, one of the most wonderful restaurants in Waco!
Cupp’s Drive-in
Cupp’s Drive-in is a Waco classic! If you are looking for simple, but satisfying meal, Cupp’s Drive-in is one of the best places to eat in Waco!
Their burgers are made fresh daily. Visitors can enjoy a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, but can also savour a chili cheeseburger. Cupp’s Drive-in also offers classics like chicken fried steak, BLTs, and chili dogs. Breakfast can also be found at Cupp’s, with a breakfast menu including pillowy pancakes, eggs and crispy hashbrowns!
Make sure to stop by Cupp’s Drive-in for some of the best food in Waco!
Cajun Craft
Cajun Craft is home to some awesome Cajun food. Its one-of-a-kind menu features authentic Cajun cuisine making Cajun Craft on of the best restaurants in Waco!
Visitors can order fried catfish, gumbo and even fried alligator to ticket their tastebuds. Cajun Craft’s menu is rounded out with Cajun mainstays such as jambalaya, catfish atchafalaya, red beans & rice, and hush puppies! And if dinner isn’t enough, Cajun Craft serves delectable desserts such as beignets and bread pudding.
You won’t want to miss out on the unique and delicious Cajun dishes served here. Cajun Craft is one of the most distinctive restaurants in Waco!
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Missed on of the very best! Stone Hearth has AMAZING Indian food. They will fix the dish to your level of spiciness so no need to worry. I spent 6 weeks in India and this transported me back!
Thank you for sharing! We loved our travels to India too!
Definitely VITEK’S BBQ. SO GOOD! WE EAT THE A LOT! LOVE THE SERVERS!!! GREAT FAMILY ENVIRONMENT! 👪
Yes
You missed another of the very best! Brown House Cafe in Woodway! Their home cooking’ style meals are sooooo good!! The French toast platter with thick ham is eye rolling delicious. You can tell the chefs really put their hearts into the food! And the wait staff serve with a kind heart! You always feel welcomed!