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 (3250)

$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

Brenda

Dined 3 days ago

A fantastic experience, as always! Truly love this special place for a fantastic evening.

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The Republic Steakhouse

4.9

4.9 (2524)

$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

Tashauna

Dined 2 days ago

Always a pleasant experience dining here! Wade is the absolute best!

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Popular dish

Creole Shrimp & Grits

Popular dish

Chicken Fried Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Texas Fried Shrimp

Primrose Path Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (692)

$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 on Jun 9, 2025

Always a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Tapas selection is excellent.

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 (726)

$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

Paul

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

All good all around. We enjoyed our dining experience.

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Popular dish

Pecan Crusted Chilean Sea Bass

Popular dish

Key Lime Pie

Casa Mangiare

4.8

4.8 (647)

$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

Joe

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Lorenzo was so warm and friendly. Cameron was very accommodating in seating us in a welcoming spot. The short ribs were a favorite along with the Tiramisu and fresh strawberries. We will be back!!

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8oz Prime Filet Mignon

De Baca Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (27)

$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

Frank

Dined 4 days ago

Great food accompanied with great service. It will result in our dining there again in the future.

Casa Do Brasil- Waco

4.5

4.5 (64)

$31 to $50

Brazilian Steakhouse

Waco

About the restaurant

Casa do Brasil is an upscale Brazilian Steakhouse in Waco, TX serving fire-roasted cuts of USDA Prime Aged Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, and Shrimp served tableside by our Gaucho Chefs. Our Salad Bar features over 50 seasonal dishes including fresh vegetables, homemade salads, cured meats, imported cheeses, seafood, soup, and more!

Visit our Bar & Patio for Happy Hour specials and a la carte entrée dining. And every weekend we offer an unlimited brunch that is family-friendly!

We offer private dining space, catering, and butcher cuts to go through our online ordering system.

Top review

CYNTHIA

Dined 2 days ago

I love this restaurant, I'm always pleased every time I go there which has been 3 times within the last month. The managers and staff are excellent professionals and very attentive to your needs and preference.

The Dean

4.3

4.3 (35)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bryan

About the restaurant

Our journey began with a vision to blend traditional pan European continental cuisine with innovative techniques, resulting in dishes that delight the senses and ignite the palate.

Top review

Dale

Dined on May 28, 2025

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at the Dean and our hostess Sarah made our visit very memorable.

Brazos-Proper Texas Kitchen

4.2

4.2 (260)

$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

JeromeVIP

Dined on May 10, 2025

Very nice dining experience, helpful staff, good selection of food on the buffet

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