South Denton County has serious food almost nobody knows about — five worth the drive.
South Denton County gets written off as chain country, and that’s a mistake. The real cooking down here is family-run and tucked into corners you’d drive past without a tip-off. Consider this the tip-off. Save it before they fill up.
The shortlist
Ethel Janes BENDT Whiskey Kitchen. A craft-distillery restaurant in Old Town Lewisville — spirits made on-site and a kitchen that takes the food just as seriously. Go for the full sit-down, not just the pour.
Code 58 Venezuelan. Family-run, authentic arepas and cachapas in Highland Village. There’s nothing else like it nearby, which is the whole reason to go.
Sip + Savor. Voted Best New Restaurant in all of Denton County, and it’s parked right in Highland Village. Get in before the wait times catch up to the reputation.
Istanbul Cuisine Mediterranean Grill. A Turkish grill tucked into Flower Mound doing legit doner and kebabs. The kind of spot you become a regular at without meaning to.
Rustico Wood Fired Grill. Wood-fired steaks and seafood built on organic, Texas-ranched meats. The fire does the talking here.
None of these are on any tourist list. That’s kind of the point.