Updated June 27, 2020.

I’m about to wow you… there’s more to food in Texas than Tex-Mex! On my recent trip to visit my friend Jill in Plano, just north of Dallas, we made sure to get the best of what Plano has to offer. So here are our recomendations, from biscuits to sushi to—you guessed it—Mexican!

Main Street Bistro and Bakery

This is the most adorable European-inspired bistro (with amazing coffee and pastries, too), and you can find it in the very walkable Legacy Town Center area. It was the perfect spot for lunch and to catch up with Jill after I arrived. It was the first time we’d seen each other in over a year!

Haywire

This is a very popular spot! The wait for dinner at 5:30 or so on a Tuesday night was a full hour, but lucky for me Jill knew we could sit in the bar immediately. They have fantastic all-American fare, Texas-style.

Biscuit Bar

Just when you thought biscuits couldn’t be better than mama’s, in comes Biscuit Bar. It’s more than just breakfast sandwiches, too. Their French Toast Biscuit is my new favorite!

Shumi Omakase

When I think “Texas,” I don’t think seafood. And I certainly don’t think raw seafood! But Shumi Omakase was truly a delight. We were practically the only people in there at lunch time, but we were so pleased with our food that I hope this sushi secret gets out soon!

Tiff’s Treats

Why go to a store and buy sub-par cookies when you could have fresh cookies delivered? There’s just no comparison! Most of my time on this trip was spent with Jill and her co-worker Jasmine at Jill’s office, and I was blogging for her give-back business, Marie Mae. You better believe warm, fresh cookies were just what we all needed for an afternoon pick-me-up!

Nest Cafe

This little cafe does delicious coffee, but also fantastic breakfast and lunches, too! We went for breakfast one morning, and as soon as I walked in, I knew it was my kind of place. People were sipping on iced coffee in Mason jars, there were beautiful pastries, and the scent of freshly brewing coffee sent it over the top. Whether you’re looking for a savory breakfast or a sweet treat, this is the place!

Freebirds

This spot is famous for their burritos, but they have lots of other options, too! You can build whatever you get just how you like it, and lucky for those of us having a working lunch, they deliver!

Mexican Sugar

I’m about to blow your mind again: I’m not Mexican food’s biggest fan! But when Jill said this was high-end Mexican, I wanted to give it a try! The restaurant is beautiful, the food was wonderful, and I can absolutely recommend it!

Mudleaf

Our last morning I was in for a treat! Mudleaf has savory Texas kolaches and sweet treats as well. They have fun spaces in the shop if you plan to stay a while, and even a private room you can rent for meetings or events. Or if you’re like us, you can get it to go!

Bellagreen

Jill and I took a break from the office on Friday and took a spin class before lunch at one of her favorite spots: Bellagreen! We definitely earned our meals. These were two of the biggest salads I’ve ever seen, and my Autumn Harvest Salad was the largest I ever ate! I had a bit of Jill’s honey-fried goat cheese, and I have to admit, as delicious as mine was, I was a little jealous of her salad!

Starbucks Reserve

I don’t normally make it a priority to go to national chain restaurants when I travel, because I love to find the unique, locally-owned, and off-the-beaten-path spots that you just can’t go to anywhere. However, there are not too many Starbucks Reserves in the world, so I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit the one in Plano! Did you know if you get a “reserve” drink that it comes in a fancy and reusable cup?!

Want more? Check out The Best Local Coffee Shops in Plano!

Want more about Texas travel? Check out my United States Page for everything you need and more!

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