Arlington's food scene has captured the attention of food lovers nationwide, with several local restaurants earning their moment in the television spotlight – proving Arlington offers more than just world-class sports and entertainment. We're home to some of the most authentic, delicious, and television-worthy cuisine in Texas.
From Mediterranean to international fusion, these restaurants have put Arlington on the culinary map through their television appearances. What makes these restaurants truly special isn't just their television fame, but their commitment to authentic cuisine, hospitality, and community connection.
Family-owned and operated since 1989, Prince Lebanese Grill thrives on their values of family, community, and hospitality. The Arlington staple serves up Mediterranean dished passed down from three generations, like their famous house made hummus, chicken shawarma, and crispy falafels.
Prince Lebanese Grill has achieved television fame through multiple appearances, most notably being featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on Food Network, and having their famous rice recipe showcased on "Guy's Big Bite." Beyond their television appearances, you can catch Prince Lebanese Grill at select Texas Rangers homestands at Arlington Eats and as the celebrity chef at Dallas Cowboys games.
Jamaica Gates brings the vibrant tastes of the Caribbean to Arlington, offering an authentic island experience featuring jerk seasonings, curry dishes, and tropical flavors that transport diners straight to the islands. Enjoy classics like jerk chicken and fried whole red snapper or try something new like their slow-cooked curry goat and oxtail.
The restaurant's appearance on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" helped showcase Arlington's incredible diversity of international cuisines. Guy loved the “delicious heat” in the curry goat. Jamaica Gates proves that you don't need to travel to the Caribbean to experience authentic island flavors—you just need to know where to look in Arlington.
Located in the heart of Downtown Arlington, this Arlington staple was founded by University of Texas at Arlington grads and is most known for their Irish Nachos – homestyle cut potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, fresh jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes.
Their television features on Food Network’s “Top 5 Restaurants” and “The Daytripper” highlighted how Arlington's proximity to major sports venues has elevated the entire dining scene. J. Gilligan's doesn't just serve game-day crowds—they've created a destination where the food is as entertaining as the games themselves.
As the only Tex-Ethiopean BBQ, it’s no wonder Smoke’N Ash is catching the attention of so many. From husband and wife duo, Patrick and Fasicka Hicks, have blended his Waco Texan roots and barbecue with Fasicka’s Ethiopean culture and spices. Experience the fusion of flavors in their Awaze Brisket and Rib Tip Tibs with sides like their Berbere Mac & Cheese and Beefy Collared Greens.
They’ve been recognized countless times on local broadcast, New York Times Top 50 Restaurants of 2022, and Yelp’s Top 100 BBQ Spots in 2024. In 2024, Smoke’N Ash BBQ entered the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Texas as a Michelin-Recommended restaurant – the first and only restaurant in Arlington, Texas recognized by Michelin.
Smoke’N Ash BBQ made their primetime debut on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” in 2025, where Guy Fieri was blown away by the blend of cuisines, featuring the Awaze Brisket, Berbere Mac & Cheese, and the Injera Nachos.
Sprouts Springroll & Pho
Sprouts Springroll & Pho specializes in fresh spring rolls and authentic pho, representing the growing influence of Vietnamese cuisine in American dining culture.
On Man vs. Food, Adam Richman took on the Super Pho challenge at Sprouts Springroll & Pho. The goal: finish off 5 pounds of pho in 30 minutes or less. No worries, the family-owned restaurant has plenty of options for regular meals, with staples like rice vermicelli and normal-sized pho. The torpedo shrimp and boba tea are a must, too.
Taste of Europe
Taste of Europe rounds out Arlington's television-famous restaurants by bringing authentic Eastern European flavors to Arlington. Specializing in continental cuisine, experience a variety of European cuisine from countries like Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Russia.
On “Diners Drive-ins, and Dives”, Guy Fieri highlighted the Kolduny – potato pancake stuffed with beef and chicken – and earned a stamp of approval from Guy. Other menu favorites include borscht, goulash, and pierogies.
