Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Central Texas

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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 (3256)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

College Station

About the restaurant

Set in a 115 year old Texas Ranch House, just 2 miles from Kyle Field, Christopher’s World Grille is the most nationally and locally awarded restaurant in Central Texas including Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the USA, AAA Four Diamond Award, and Open Table Diner’s Choice Awards. In an elegant New Orleans atmosphere, Certified Executive Chef, Christopher Lampo offers a menu of prime steaks, fresh seafoods and pastas. His signature dish is the House Filet with creamed spinach, fried potatoes, béarnaise sauce, crawfish tails, and Port Wine Sauce. Elegant outdoor dining with a wrap-around porch and covered Terrace with cozy fire pits. Highlights include Fresh Seafood, Great Steaks, Charcuterie Boards, Blackened Shrimp Fondue, Almond Crusted Brie, Spicy Shrimp Bisque, French, Italian, Louisiana and Latin American-inspired menu, Craft Cocktails and a Distinctive Wine List. Private Rooms Available.

Top review

denise

Dined 3 days ago

It was a wonderful experience. We were celebrating some special events & they made the evening great!

Discover more

Primrose Path Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (697)

$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

ChipVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Always, always a great experience. Staff is exceptionally well trained and considerate. Have become a regular each time we come to town. At least once a month

La Riv - Temple

4.8

4.8 (337)

$30 and under

Steak

Temple

About the restaurant

We offer a seasonal menu to ensure you receive only the freshest ingredients year round.

Our pizza oven was imported from Italy and is a true “wood only” burning pizza oven using oak to provide you an authentic Italian pizza experience.

All pasta is freshly handmade daily for a truly amazing taste and texture profile.

Do not forget to explore the high end; climate controlled wine cellar to find the perfect wine. The onsite wine director and owner, Vira will be more than happy to help you pick the perfect vino to enhance your elegant meal.

Top review

Mary

Dined on May 31, 2025

Everything was fabulous. We had a wonderful meal with fabulous service.

One Thirty Five Prime

4.8

4.8 (728)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waco

About the restaurant

For over a decade One Thirty Five Prime has been a place for fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Our commitment is to serve the finest beef, seafood, and farm-to-table produce.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Excellent venue for a team dinner. We had a great time. Table was perfect, food was excellent t.

Discover more

Popular dish

Pecan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

4.8

4.8 (653)

$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

ShonaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Was a lovely dinner and the staff and food were excellent

Discover more

8oz Prime Filet Mignon

Elia Cafe Tapas Bar

4.8

4.8 (169)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Bryan

About the restaurant

Join us for a culinary journey through Spain at Elia Cafe Tapas Bar. Our delectable tapas, paella, sangria, and mouthwatering dishes will transport you to the heart of Spain. Enjoy a glass of wine from our distinctive wine selection to bring out the flavors in every bite. Located in the beautiful Old Bryan Marketplace, Downtown Bryan's historic building dating back to 1910, the warm ambiance and relaxed elegance of our restaurant will have you feeling right at home. And, to make your experience even more special, we offer live music every weekend. Come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with unforgettable memories.

Top review

SueVIP

Dined 3 days ago

McKinley our server was fantastic as well as everything else! Now our favorite restaurant too as this was our first time there!!

Porters Dining + Bar

4.7

4.7 (1301)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

College Station

About the restaurant

Porters Dining & Butcher features a wood-fired grill and premium cuts of meat, along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu. Enjoy a drink at the bar or on the patio. Porters is open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Private Dining available contact: portersdiningbutcher@gmail.com

Top review

Meghan

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great food, poor service. Despite the poor service, I would still go back.

De Baca Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (32)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

College Station

About the restaurant

De Baca Steakhouse is now open in South College Station, offering an upscale dining experience with a beautiful view and welcoming atmosphere. Known for its evolving culinary and bar programs, De Baca blends classic steakhouse favorites with creative seasonal dishes and innovative cocktails. Every detail—from the menu to the ambiance—is designed to provide a refined yet approachable experience. We’re committed to exceptional, service-oriented hospitality, where every guest feels valued. Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, De Baca delivers comfort, care, and quality.

More than just a restaurant, De Baca Steakhouse is a place to gather with friends and family, celebrate special occasions, and create lasting memories. Experience fine dining with a touch of adventure at De Baca Steakhouse.

Top review

Mike

Dined 7 days ago

We had the filet and the sea bass and both were outstanding. Claire, our waiter, was excellent and the support staff assisting her always spot on. The chocolate cake dessert was as good of a desert we have ever had at a restaurant. The entire experience was wonderful. Highly recommend!

The Dean

4.3

4.3 (38)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bryan

About the restaurant

Located in the newly renovated Hilton College Station, The Dean is a modern Southern cuisine concept. The menu, crafted by award-winning Chef Dustin Lee, pays homage to classic Texas beef and the gems of the Texas Gulf Coast. Be sure to discover The Chancellor, our stylish, secret speakeasy, where discerning guests can enjoy unique craft cocktails away from the contemporary elegance of the main dining room. Join us for date nights, business dinners, celebrations, after-dinner cocktails, or simply a great meal.

Top review

Pat

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

We had a very relaxing and fun time. All the staff was friendly and helpful.

Brazos-Proper Texas Kitchen

4.2

4.2 (262)

$30 and under

Southern

College Station

About the restaurant

Traditional local cooking techniques and flavors are elevated with a modern twist at our property's farmer's table restaurant, Brazos - Proper Texas Kitchen - serving breakfast Saturday and Sunday along with special holiday events. Down-home Texan cooking is on the menu along with comfort food favorites, taking time-honored dishes to new heights. Local foods, wines, beers and spirits are showcased in an atmosphere of gracious Southern hospitality and Texas traditions interpreted in a fashion that fuses past and present.

Top review

Maurice

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Brazos-Texas local kitchen is a true Texas experience. Locatel next to Kyla field, in a hotel, one can breathe Aggie Spirit in a peaceful, sophisticated dining room. Staff very profesional and friendly. The menú offers a basic selection of beef, fish, chicken and vegetarían plates at a Texas sized price. The huge salad was fresh but mundane. The steak was prepared to perfection. For those looking for a special occasion restaurant, this one will impress.

Explore Diners' Choice best of Central Texas

Explore more Diners' Choice lists