You might not think of Irving, Texas, and Las Colinas as a food destination right off the bat, especially with Dallas next door soaking up all the attention but trust me, this city knows how to eat. Irving’s got serious flavor game, from globally inspired barbecue to elegant Indian cuisine and some of the best empanadas I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot of empanadas). It’s the kind of place that surprises you, in the best way possible.
I planned my visit around the RARE Steak Championship, which made it stop in Irving. It’s a nationwide touring food festival where steakhouses throw down with creative, steak-forward bites in a walk-around tasting event. It’s basically a playground for carnivores, and worth the trip on its own. But that was just the appetizer for a weekend of indulgence in to Irving’s restaurant scene. What followed was a full-blown weekend food tour I didn’t know I needed. Let’s just say my appetite didn’t leave disappointed.
Here’s how to eat your way through a weekend in Irving one plate at a time.
Morning Kickoff

Cafe Hana
Start your day at Cafe Hana, a sleek Japanese-inspired coffee bar that partners with Coffee Ogawa in Kyoto. This isn’t your average morning brew, to locals its more of a daily ritual. The minimalist vibe and precise pour-over execution set the tone for a focused, flavor-packed day.
1030 W John Carpenter Fwy Unit 150, Irving, TX 75039

Haraz Coffee House
Fuel back up at Haraz Coffee House, a Yemeni coffee shop known for its cardamom-spiced lattes and dreamy milk cakes. Try the pistachio or saffron version and pair it with a slice of Turkish mosaic cake. This is the kind of hidden gem where flavor meets storytelling. If I lived in Irving, I could see myself stopping in almost every day.
10009 N. MacArthur Blvd, Suite 101, Irving, TX 75063
Lunch Time Vibes

Empa Mundo
Just a few minutes away is Empa Mundo, a small counter spot serving up some of the best empanadas in the country. Yes, in the entire country, because this spot made Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US. Order the Chilipanzinga (chicken, jalapeño, cheese) or the Texas Brisket empanada and you’ll get why locals guard this place like a secret.
3977 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75038

Kafi BBQ
At Kafi BBQ, “Texas Meats Wagyu” and traditional Central Texas-style BBQ gets a bold remix with delicious offerings of Halal Wagyu brisket, tender beef ribs, and exotic cuts slow-smoked with certified halal meats from a local producer. The vibe is casual, but the BBQ execution is next level. Expect juicy, pepper-crusted meats with hints of spice that reflect pitmaster’s Salahodeen Abdul-Kafi global culinary influences. The meats were fantastic but I’d honestly go back every day for the three-day French fries cooked in beef tallow, and the cardamom banana pudding for dessert. Absolutely worth the extra calories!
8140 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75063
Po’ Melvin’s
If you’re up for a BIG lunch, squeeze in a visit to Po’ Melvin’s, a true throwback that’s been dishing out Southern-style Cajun for over 35 years. Grab a po’ boy and a side of black-eyed peas, or dive into the fried catfish and fried shrimp with a frozen “Yo Mama’s” cocktail. Also, don’t you dare sleep on the bread pudding and ice cream with rum sauce. It’s comfort food that hits like a hug, and it’s absolutely worth the calories.
4070 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75038
Happy Hour & Dinner

LRH Restaurant & Bar
If you’re staying at the Omni Hotel Las Colinas, make time for a stop at LRH Restaurant & Bar on the first floor. The name pays tribute to the neighborhood’s roots, “Little Ranch of the Hills” and the menu leans into that Texas spirit with modern flair. Enjoy solid craft cocktails, local brews on tap, and Texas-inspired dishes. It’s the perfect spot for happy hour before hitting Water Street, or winding down with a cocktail in a laid-back and refined setting.

Pacific Table
As the sun sets over Lake Carolyn, head to Pacific Table for light bites and cocktails. The oysters are fresh, the sushi rolls are clean, the lobster roll is spectacular, and the atmosphere is upscale without trying too hard. The cheeseburger is undoubtedly the sleeper hit if you’re in the mood for one. Make sure you reserve a table with a lakeside view during sunset hour.
5238 N O’Connor Blvd, Irving, TX 75039

Sanjh Restaurant
Elevate your dinner experience with a full-on flavor showcase at Sanjh. This modern Indian restaurant blends bold traditional dishes with artistic plating and fine-dining elegance. From tandoori lamb chops to saffron-laced biryani, everything here feels elevated but still soulful.
5250 N O’Connor Blvd Suite 146, Irving, TX 75039
Knife Italian Steakhouse
If you’re looking to level things up, Knife Italian Steakhouse located inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Las Colinas, offers one of the most elevated dinner experiences in Irving. Created by Chef John Tesar, this spot combines premium dry-aged steaks with classic Italian technique. Think house-made pastas, rich sauces, and a wine list built to impress. It’s perfect for date night, client dinners, or anyone who believes steak should be an event.
400 W Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, TX 75039

Toyota Music Factory: Food, Music, and Good Times
Looking for a place to cap off your Irving food tour? Toyota Music Factory brings it all together with live music, great food, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Anchored by The Pavilion, a flexible concert venue that hosts top national acts, the Music Factory also features an outdoor plaza with live shows and events happening regularly. Whether you’re here on a concert night or just passing through, there’s always something going on.
Food-wise, you’ve got choices. Thirsty Lion Gastropub delivers Texas comfort food and craft cocktails with solid patio vibes. Yard House keeps things casual with burgers, beer, and classic rock energy. And just like here in Austin, the local Alamo Drafthouse Cinema serves up deliicous food, cocktails, craft beer, and movies for all to enjoy.
With over 15 restaurants and bars, happy hours, and plenty of energy, Toyota Music Factory is the perfect place to eat, drink, and hang out—whether you’re catching a show or just looking for one more bite before calling it a night.
Daycation at Omni Las Colinas Hotel
If you’re craving a little escape without hopping on a plane, Omni Las Colinas Hotel delivers the kind of weekend getaway that feels like a real reset. Right on the edge of Lake Carolyn, this spot makes it ridiculously easy to chill in style.
The Lakehouse Waterfront Lounge is where the vibes kick in with their luxurious resort-style pool, shady daybeds, bar seating with TVs, and sweeping views of gondolas floating across the water. There’s even a DJ on Saturdays, along with yard games if you’re feeling playful. When you’re ready to grab a bite, Water Street’s diverse line-up of restaurants is just steps away and stacked with dining options to wrap the day up right.

A Weekend Escape in Irving
Irving isn’t trying to be a tourist trap, and that’s part of the charm. The city’s business-class polish (thanks to all those banking HQs) blends with laid-back lakeside energy. You’ve got modern apartments, stylish hotels, museums like the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, and public parks that hug the man-made Lake Carolyn.
If you’re coming from Austin and looking to avoid the busy clutter of Dallas, Irving is an easy spot to reset with global eats, small-town hospitality, and just enough buzz to keep it interesting. Whether you visit for the food or just tag along for the ride, this little detour is worth the trip.