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Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Central Texas

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in Central Texas? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of The Republic Steakhouse restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2430)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
College Station
About the restaurant
The only AAA Four Diamond rated restaurant in College Station, The Republic Steakhouse is known as the best fine dining steakhouse in central Texas. The Republic specializes in steak and seafood with a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, stunning handcrafted cocktails, and one of the largest whiskey selections in Texas. Impeccable service along with timeless steakhouse decor, The Republic is a steakhouse at its finest.
Top review
JoshuaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Brandon was an amazing server and the food was delicious.
A photo of Primrose Path Wine Bar restaurant
4.9
4.9 (652)
$31 to $50
Contemporary European
College Station
About the restaurant
From the executive chef & owner of The Republic Steakhouse, Primrose Path is a Spanish & Italian style restaurant specializing in tapas, wine, & cocktails. Stunning industrial-chic decor and a lively courtyard patio scene with impeccable service is accompanied by some of the finest and most innovative food & cocktails in the region.
Top review
Cole
Dined 3 days ago
Awesome environment, very knowledgeable staff that explain the menu exceptionally well. Great drinks, food, and good times.
A photo of Luigi's Patio Ristorante restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1484)
$30 and under
Italian
College Station
About the restaurant
A family legacy brings you the most authentic Italian dining experience in the BCS. With nightly live music, a select Wine and Cocktail list, friendly yet polished service, and your favorite made-from-scratch recipes, you'll be sure to come savor the moment with us time and time again.
Top review
Nancy
Dined 3 days ago
Best service ever! Thanks Bella for making it a wonderful evening!
A photo of Magnolia Table restaurant
4.7
4.7 (4801)
$30 and under
American
Waco
About the restaurant
Magnolia Table offers seasonal, nostalgic dishes made to nourish. Our menu includes both new recipes and family favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you come to savor a meal, or shop around the Take Away + Market, remember you’re always welcome at our table.

Magnolia Table is an 8-minute drive from the Silos property.

Top review
Pam
Dined 1 day ago
Lived up to my bucket list expectations!! Worth the side trip to Waco for the whole Magnolia experience. The food, ambiance and service were all five star.
A photo of Red Board Tavern & Table restaurant
4.7
4.7 (201)
$31 to $50
American
College Station
About the restaurant
We're happy to serve the Downtown Navasota Railroad District. Red Board Tavern & Table is led by Executive Chef Craig Schmidt, a Northern Californian who went on to acquire a Culinary Arts Degree from San Joaquin Delta College. Then, Chef Craig added additional degrees in Baking and Pastry at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Chef's many years of expertise has aided in his selection of food pairings for our guests to enjoy.


Top review
KristinVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Enjoyed several times. We love this place! We like that it’s upscale, but not too fancy. We enjoy the atmosphere and the drinks are made well. The staff is friendly and eager to please. Although they are not very busy (I hate that, b/c I really want them to stay in business). It’s a laid back atmosphere, so no rushing through your meal. The menu is limited, but what they do, they do well, and served hot & fresh. The keyboardist on the weekends adds a nice touch! We will certainly be back and encourage everyone to give them a shot.
A photo of Elia Cafe Tapas Bar restaurant
4.7
4.7 (121)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Bryan
About the restaurant
Join us for a culinary journey through Spain at Elia Cafe Tapas Bar. Our delectable tapas, paella, sangria, and mouthwatering dishes will transport you to the heart of Spain. Enjoy a glass of wine from our distinctive wine selection to bring out the flavors in every bite. Located in the beautiful Old Bryan Marketplace, Downtown Bryan's historic building dating back to 1910, the warm ambiance and relaxed elegance of our restaurant will have you feeling right at home. And, to make your experience even more special, we offer live music every weekend. Come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with unforgettable memories.
Top review
KeithVIP
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Excellent service! Delicious food! Charming atmosphere!
A photo of Ronin restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1394)
$31 to $50
American
College Station
About the restaurant
Ronin features elgant farm cuisine with a constantly evolving menu. Set in the beautiful, newly-renovated historic Ice House on Main in downtown Bryan, our restaurant shares an open-air kitchen with our dining room, floor to ceiling exposed brick, and hand-built, suspension tables made from wood salvaged during renovation.

Our menu is updated daily, based on what we have harvested from our garden during that given week. Our farm is located just seven miles from our restaurant. The climate and changing seasons play a major role in what we serve. It is our intention to always provide a variety of menu options and to accommodate any dietary needs.

Top review
JamieVIP
Dined on 12 Dec 2024
We had a party of 15 there to celebrate my son’s gradu
A photo of Pivovar restaurant
4.5
4.5 (504)
$31 to $50
Brewery
Waco
About the restaurant
Pivovar features a brewery, restaurant, beer garden, hotel and beer spa. The main floor showcases a traditional Czech brewery specialized for bottom fermented Czech Pilsner lagers. Pivovar is cutting-edge facility implemented in the historical building “New Katy hotel” located in Downtown Waco, immediately next door to the famous Magnolia Silos. Our fusion of Czech and American food makes Pivovar a new cultural pillar to Waco that you are sure to enjoy. Want more Pivovar sign up today to stay in the know!

https://www.toasttab.com/pivovar-restaurant-brewery-320-s-8th-st/marketing-signup

Top review
Robert
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
Great food and great atmosphere. Adrian was excellent and we had a terrific time.
A photo of Campfire at The Stella restaurant
4.4
4.4 (335)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Bryan
About the restaurant
Embracing the best seasonal ingredients of Central Texas in a warm and inviting dining atmosphere. All paired with crafted cocktails, local brews and a thoughtful wine list. As we embrace the seasonal ingredients, our menus will change with best produce available.

Reservations are strongly recommended.

Top review
Barbara
Dined 3 days ago
The service and waitstaff at the Stella are always exceptional. The ambiance is quiet and classy, a great place to have a conversation and catch up with friends.
A photo of Brazos-Proper Texas Kitchen restaurant
3.4
3.4 (248)
$30 and under
Southern
College Station
About the restaurant
Traditional local cooking techniques and flavors are elevated with a modern twist at our property's farmer's table restaurant, Brazos - Proper Texas Kitchen - serving breakfast Saturday and Sunday along with special holiday events. Down-home Texan cooking is on the menu along with comfort food favorites, taking time-honored dishes to new heights. Local foods, wines, beers and spirits are showcased in an atmosphere of gracious Southern hospitality and Texas traditions interpreted in a fashion that fuses past and present.
Top review
YvetteVIP
Dined on 8 Dec 2024
It was a great event. We look forward to the experience next year for the hollidays.
Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Texas
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