Upscale and elegant, this much-loved restaurant is known for its great service and personal touch. The staff intuitively remember diners and show their appreciation to returning guests. The cuisine includes all sorts of possibilities, from sea bass in lemon-caper sauce to tender lamb chops. You'll also find risottos, beef tenderloin, seafood-studded pastas and a wonderful array of soups, salads and appetizers. While taking in the fantastic mix of flavors and textures the main meal delivers, save a bit of room for dessert. Tiramisu is a sinful treat, but other options are just as impressive.

Forced to vacate its original home after a tornado struck the city, Reata operated a catering business for two years before settling into its dramatic new location. Now operating on three floors (one of which is a rooftop garden) of a venue in Sundance Square, Reata is reclaiming its status as one of FW's best restaurants. The cuisine still honors West Texas's cowboy heritage, just as the name pays tribute to the ranch in the movie "Giant." Culinary innovation remains strong as well, as does the characteristic Texas hospitality. Popular for business lunches. Attire is casual to semi-dressy. Texas and California vintages are available.

This Fort Worth landmark, located just a few minutes west of Downtown, cooks up a mean brisket and is also known for its pork ribs and chicken with all the trimmings. The rustic atmosphere comes complete with mounted hunting trophies and dark wood paneling, and you can feel comfortable sporting casual duds. Cold beer is served in frosty mugs – the perfect accompaniment to smoky BBQ. Stop by the ATM before you go because no credit cards are accepted; it's cash only.

Folks in Fort Worth wouldn't know what to do without Joe T's. For more than 60 years, this family-owned mainstay has been serving up great Mexican fare to people from all around. Dinner entrees are basically limited to enchiladas and fajitas, but they're done so well and come in such substantial portions that no one seems to mind. Guacamole, chips and salsa, and side dishes round out the offerings. Several bars take care of the margarita need, and expansive outdoor gardens and patios house thousands of patrons regularly. In fact, the enclosed greenspace, with its plants and fountains, attracts so many that lines often circle the restaurant.

Every city has to have a signature deli, and Carshon's is Fort Worth's gem. The unassuming place serves tasty, well-filled sandwiches that are just what you have in mind. Try corned beef on rye or opt for something more exotic, like herring. If you want chicken soup, that's here too, along with bagels and a smear of cream cheese. Great desserts are always on hand, and beer and wine are available for those who want to take the edge off. Affordable and delicious.

Simple decor, enlivened by brightly painted ladderback chairs, characterizes this casual place, which offers fantastic Mexican food. The authentic restaurant, family-owned and located in the hospital district, also puts forth a hearty weekend breakfast. Some dishes you might encounter include chiles rellenos, Yucatan tamales, and stewed chicken with adobo sauce. In keeping with tradition, no chips and salsa are served – just as if you were in Mexico. The full bar makes available tasty margaritas, daiquiris, and a few other potent poisons.

Chef-owner Michael Thomson has made his mark on FW's culinary landscape with this trendy restaurant and bar. Specializing in "contemporary ranch cuisine," the menu capitalizes on local ingredients and traditions. Resulting dishes include pecan-crusted, goat cheese-stuffed chicken breast, pan-seared sea bass, and ranch baked crab cakes. The signature dish, pan-seared pepper-crusted tenderloin with ancho-bourbon sauce, is a classic. The Ancho Bar offers a comfortable spot in which to enjoy cordials, wines and a menu of upscale bar food, along with many of the restaurant's dishes.

This family owned and operated coffee shop offers homestyle cooking, along with friendly, courteous service that's earned it many loyal customers. Open since 1926, the restaurant is one of the two oldest in Fort Worth. Owner and pie baker Mike Smith greets everyone by name, and waitresses flash ready smiles. Breakfast is quite an experience, complete with terrific biscuits and standards like eggs, bacon, sausage, and light, syrup-topped pancakes. At lunch, the eatery is known for its chicken fried steak, meatloaf, chili, and daily plate specials. It also serves up some of the best fruit pies this side of the Mississippi.

This funky, contemporary-styled diner is located southwest of downtown, near Hulen Mall. The bright, casual place sells yummy bagels of all kinds, and the peanut butter ones are especially good. In the mornings, the full-service grill is fired up for great omelets, pancakes, and migas. Accompany them with a cup of strong, flavorful coffee, and you'll start your day off right. Later on, sandwiches and grilled lunch items are available, along with a selection of deli foods. Affordable and busy.

Esperanza grew as an adjunct to Joe T. Garcia's restaurant and serves a flavorful array of Mexican breakfasts,lunches and dinners. A full bakery counter offers delicious goods for those who want something quick and filling. At breakfast, that can mean eggs with either bacon or pork chops, huevos rancheros, or eggs scrambled with tortilla strips and chicken (known as migas). Lunch features tamales, gorditas, flautas, grilled beef liver, or slow-cooked baby goat.