Roanoke is literally the Unique Dining Capital of Texas — and it earned the title. Five to start with.
Roanoke didn’t hand itself the title “Unique Dining Capital of Texas” — it earned it, and the stretch through Old Town and over to Keller backs it up. This is dense, walkable, chef-driven eating most people outside the area still haven’t found. Save this one. You’ll want it.
The shortlist
The Classic Cafe at Roanoke. The blue house on Oak that started it all back in 1993. If you only have one meal here, this is the origin story worth tasting.
Inzo Italian Kitchen. Native-Italian chef-owner Daniele Puelo on Old Town’s Oak Street, named for the Sicilian grape. The pizza is the headliner, but it’s all dialed in.
Oak and Main. Wood-fired American grill on Oak Street, run by the couple behind the old Wildwood Grill. Prime rib and wood-grilled salmon, done without fuss.
Acquario Italian Restaurant. The chef ran a restaurant in Venice called Aquarium; this is its namesake, doing coastal Italian in Keller. Order the seafood — that’s where it shows.
HERE Asian Sushi & Bar. Sushi, ramen, and Asian fusion out on 114. They close weekday afternoons and reopen at 4:15 — show up at 4:16 and the room is yours.
None of these are on any tourist list. That’s kind of the point.