Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Central Texas

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

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

Christopher's World Grille

4.9

4.9 (3121)

$31 to $50

Continental

College Station

About the restaurant

Christopher's World Grille, in the historic and restored Andrews House, features an innovative, eclectic menu that reflects the world travels of Certified Executive Chef, Christopher Lampo. Our Banquet rooms makes Christopher's the ideal facility for family gatherings, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and wedding receptions lavishly decorated in a rich, New Orleans style with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, elaborate chandeliers and decor, private guest entry, fireplace, and wrap-around porch.
Not only has Christopher's been voted 1st Place for Best Fine Dining four years in a row by the Best of the Brazos Valley, and won several awards for Best Fine Dining and Most Romantic by the Eagle's Reader's Poll, Christopher's has recently been featured in Texas Monthly magazine.
Reservations are recommend but Christopher's also welcomes walk-ins.

Top review

Robvip

Dined 3 days ago

Christopher’s did not disappoint at all! Busy night in College Station after a football game, and we were seated as a party of 8 immediately. Michael was our waiter and he was excellent. He covered all the bases and was very attentive without being excessive. The food was outstanding with large portions and excellent presentations. The bill was very reasonable for the quality provided and as we exited virtually every Christopher’s employee we passed had an appreciative comment for us. Try Christopher’s, you will NOT be disappointed!!

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Primrose Path Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (621)

$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

Dougvip

Dined 3 days ago

It is a fun place to go with a group. The waiter knows the perfect recommendations

Casa Mangiare

4.8

4.8 (436)

$31 to $50

Italian

College Station

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves on our commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. Our team brings together the freshest and finest ingredients to craft a menu showcasing Italy's rich and diverse flavors. From handmade pasta dishes to succulent seafood and mouthwatering grilled meats, each plate is a masterpiece that tantalizes the senses and satisfies even the most discerning palate.

Our extensive wine list features a carefully curated selection of Italian wines, ranging from well-known classics to hidden gems from small, family-owned vineyards. Our sommeliers are on hand to guide you through the choices, ensuring a perfect pairing that enhances your dining experience.

Top review

Courtney

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

Good and service is great. In my opinion, they always have music too loud. Makes it difficult to converse.

The Republic Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (2329)

$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

Tommy

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and service. Best run restaurant in B/CS.

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Popular dish

Creole Shrimp & Grits

Popular dish

Chicken Fried Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Texas Fried Shrimp

Gate 12 Bar & Grill

4.7

4.7 (1131)

$31 to $50

American

College Station

About the restaurant

Gate 12 Bar & Grill is the sister restaurant to J. Cody’s Steaks and BBQ. It is a full service steakhouse with a few pasta dishes, seafood plates and chicken offerings and a full bar to round out the menu. There is a private dining room for events of approximately 50 or less.

Top review

Dougvip

Dined 3 days ago

Fantastic. Very accommodating! Perfect for sunset dinner.

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Popular dish

Cobb Salad

Magnolia Table

4.7

4.7 (4169)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Waco

About the restaurant

Magnolia Table is a breakfast and lunch restaurant that specializes in fresh ingredients and features both new recipes and family favorites. Whether you come to dine in or swing by to pick up something to-go, we hope to meet you at the Table soon.

Top review

Christopher

Dined 4 days ago

Delicious food - get the butter flight and pecan coffee!

Ronin

4.6

4.6 (1378)

$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

Kate

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

Dinner was great. Staff was super friendly. Always a great experience.

Luigi's Patio Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (1441)

$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

Ricardovip

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent food and better service at a very convenient location without parking issues. The music is an added bonus. Can’t go wrong with the suppli starter appetizer followed by the chicken Parmesan with the pesto angel pasta

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Popular dish

Calamari

Messina Hof Estate Winery

4.6

4.6 (988)

$31 to $50

American

Bryan

About the restaurant

Dine by the vines!

Located on the Messina Hof Winery Estate, The Vintage House offers dining with particular attention to fresh Vineyard Cuisine. Each and every dish incorporates one of our award-winning wines. Linger over quiet conversation in the romantic Barrel Room or looking out upon our vineyards. Savor a wide variety of appetizers, salads, and entrees, all designed with wine in mind.

Located Lakeside on the Messina Hof Estate, our Tasting Room and Wine Bar offers an array of light bites, wine tastings, Tour experiences, and more! Soak in the sunshine on our Lakeside deck or catch up with friends over wine slushies in our Tasting Room.

Recognized by Sante" Magazine for our high standards of quality in Fine Dining and Wine Hospitality and rated one of the Most Romantic Restaurants in America by Open Table.

Vintage House Restaurant - *For parties of 6 or more an automatic gratuity will be added*
Tasting Room Reservations taken

Top review

Megan

Dined 2 days ago

I’ve been here many times and they never disappoint. Polite staff and great food! I try to recommend to those looking for a unique and sophisticated experience in Bryan!

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4.8

4.8 (470)

$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

Judy

Dined 3 days ago

Restaurant was clean and nice. Casual dining - like a sports bar normally is. Service was excellent - waiter was friendly, attentive, efficient (timing was very good), and accurate. Food quantity was ok, but not quite what was expected, and a bit more expensive than it should have been. Fish & Chips were not crispy, and Chicken Paprikas was not "authentic" as mom used to make. Beer was great. Overall, food was just "OK". Otherwise, the experience was quite good.

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