The places in Fort Worth the guidebooks miss. locals-only counters, after-hours rooms and the spots tourists walk past.

Off the beaten plate

Nonna Tata ★ 4.7

$$ Italian

Nonna Tata on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a cash-only Italian dinner spot seating around 25 people with no reservations and a short Northern Italian menu.

OrderHandmade pasta with butter and sage; tiramisu made fresh that afternoon.

TipCash or check only and BYOB; the queue forms outside before 17:30 on Fridays.

Ellerbe Fine Foods ★ 4.6

$$$ Southern

Ellerbe Fine Foods on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a Southern-American restaurant in a converted 1920s filling station with a rotating seasonal menu.

OrderFarm-sourced pork chop with seasonal vegetable; scratch-made biscuit with honey butter.

TipThe menu changes weekly based on farm sourcing; ask the server what arrived that day.

Clay Pigeon Food and Drink ★ 4.5

$$$ New American Small Plates

Clay Pigeon Food and Drink on White Settlement Rd in Fort Worth is a New American restaurant known for seasonal small plates and a curated wine list.

OrderDuck confit with sweet potato and pickled cherry; Texas beef tartare with quail egg.

TipThe bar programme is as strong as the kitchen; ask the bartender for the seasonal craft cocktail.

Righteous Foods ★ 4.3

$$ American Bistro

Righteous Foods on W 7th St in Fort Worth is an organic cafe serving hemp burgers, plant-forward bowls, and weekend brunch plates near the Cultural District.

OrderHemp burger with avocado and sprouts; yucca fries with pistachio guacamole.

TipThe Paleontology Brunch Bowl is a weekend signature; the organic coffee is sourced from a local roaster.

Brewed ★ 4.3

$$ American

Brewed on W Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth is a coffee and pub cafe with an outdoor fire pit patio, locally sourced organic menu, and craft beer on tap.

OrderAvocado toast on house sourdough with poached egg; cold brew with oat milk.

TipThe outdoor fire pit area is a prime morning spot; craft beer service starts at 11:00.

La Cabrona ★ 4.4

$$ Modern Mexican

La Cabrona on Crockett St in Fort Worth brings Monterrey-inspired modern Mexican food and murals to the West 7th corridor with handmade tortillas.

OrderHandmade tortilla tacos with guisado de puerco; creamy elote topped with cotija.

TipThe Sunday brunch menu closes at 15:30; the handmade tortillas are pressed and cooked to order.

Thai Select ★ 4.2

$$ Thai

Thai Select on SW Loop 820 in Fort Worth is a family-run Thai restaurant serving aromatic curries and noodle dishes that have built a loyal following.

OrderMassaman curry with tender beef and roasted peanuts; pad kra prow with crispy basil.

TipThe Massaman curry deepens in flavour as it slow-cooks; the lunch specials are the best value.

Japanese Palace ★ 4.1

$$$ Japanese

Japanese Palace on Camp Bowie W Blvd in Fort Worth is a teppanyaki restaurant where chefs cook beef, shrimp, and chicken on open hibachi grills.

OrderHibachi steak and shrimp combo cooked tableside with fried rice and vegetables.

TipShare a hibachi table with others at the communal grill for the full teppanyaki experience.

Taqueria Ruby ★ 4.3

$ Taqueria

Taqueria Ruby on Terminal Rd in Fort Worth is a hole-in-the-wall taco counter with a loyal following for its trompo pastor and carnitas enchiladas.

OrderCarnitas enchiladas with green tomatillo; trompo pastor taco off the spit.

TipThe trompo spit runs all day; the green tomatillo adds good heat and is made fresh daily.

Belenty's Love Mexican Vegan Restaurant ★ 4.4

$$ Vegan

Belenty's Love on Blue Bonnet Cir in Fort Worth is a 100-percent plant-based Mexican restaurant crafting vegan birria and enchiladas without compromise.

OrderVegan birria tacos with plant-based consomme; vegan enchiladas with cashew mole.

TipThe Sunday closure surprises visitors; plan for Saturday if visiting on a weekend.

Panther City BBQ ★ 4.6

$$ American Barbecue

Panther City BBQ on E Hattie St in Fort Worth is a Michelin-recommended smokehouse known for brisket mac and cheese and jalapeño honey spareribs.

OrderBrisket mac and cheese; jalapeño honey spareribs with pickles and white bread.

TipThe bar stays open until midnight Wednesday through Sunday; meats sell out before 15:00 on weekends.

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