Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in McAllen

OpenTable

Updated 05 March 2025

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

SALT

4.9

4.9 (1387)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

McAllen

About the restaurant

SALT-New American Table, brought to you by the owners of McAllen’s house.wine & bistro. and Salomé on Main, Chef Larry Delgado and his lovely wife Jessica Delgado. The chef driven menu features local, organic and sustainable products, and a full service bar that boast beautiful, boutique wines, craft beers, and high end spirits!

Top review

Adriana

Dined 5 days ago

Great place, amazing food and service. Everything we had was incredible, our server was super nice and helpful.

The Republic of the Rio Grande

4.8

4.8 (163)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

A sumptuous, indoor-outdoor bar & grill serving Southwest menu, including steaks & pizza.

At the Republic of the Rio Grande, our attention to detail and the way we present a platter tells you that dining here is going to be special, no matter the occasion. We strive to create a sumptuous and exciting dining experience for all of our guests

Disclaimer: For Friday and Saturday reservations please call the restaurant directly. We recommend giving us up to a 24 hour notice if you would like to book with us due to possible low availability.

Top review

BrianVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Lenny, my waiter, was fantastic. Made some awesome suggestions and made the experience of dining alone that much better. Food was great, try the tuna ceviche!

La Doble M Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (40)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

McAllen

About the restaurant

Un restaurante de alta cocina en la cual nuestro menú, inspirado en la exquisita gastronomía del norte de México, conjunto a un servicio excepcional distinguen este concepto.
Esta propuesta culinaria combina nuestra cocina de brasa, los cuales ingredientes y texturas dan una experiencia memorable al paladar, con un fondo donde la música y decoración se entrelazan para crear el mejor ambiente al cliente.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Incredible food and excellent service. Our waitress Alexandra went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience.

Ambra

4.6

4.6 (315)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

AMBRA combines a globally inspired steakhouse and a chic lounge creating one electrifying dining experience. Inside AMBRA, every foot of space is filled with eye-catching visuals, varied lighting, contrasting materials and textures, lush plants, and a layout of space perfect for mingling, date night, and dining. Take a seat in one of our stylish dining rooms or enjoy al fresco seating in our outdoor patio while sipping mezcal cocktails until closing time, when you dine with us every experience will be one to remember.

Top review

Jose

Dined 7 days ago

This is my first time here and I love it!! I have heard a lot of good things about this place but I can say the service is amazing as soon as you walk in the hostess are very kind and I definitely recommend the grilled lamb lollipops. My server was very knowledgeable and polite!! Definitely coming back and recommending it to all of my friends!!

Mikhuna Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine

4.7

4.7 (298)

$30 and under

Japanese

McAllen

About the restaurant

Our aim is to bring the flavors of Peru and nikkei to the Rio Grande Valley, while providing a culinary experience that can't be found anywhere else. When you dine at MIKHUNA, you can expect Peruvian flavors that are exotic yet balanced. On our menu, you'll find indigenous Peruvian recipes, Japanese-influenced nikkei plates, and modern flavors you might encounter today in the streets of Lima.

Top review

MatthewVIP

Dined on 8 Feb 2025

The food was truly amassing and the service was outstanding

house. wine. & bistro.

4.6

4.6 (508)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

McAllen

About the restaurant

house. wine. & bistro. offers a boutique wine bar & New American Bistro dining experience featuring over 100 wines, craft beers and a diverse menu of locally sourced ingredients.

Top review

Allen

Dined 5 days ago

You won't be disappointed with great selection of food and drinks!

Santa Fe Steakhouse and Cantina

4.7

4.7 (615)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

McAllen

About the restaurant

Santa Fe's Steakhouse & Cantina is famous for it's award winning steaks, fine wine & handcrafted cocktails. Don't miss out on the Orange Roughy, a favorite. High-end destination serving steaks & seafood backed by a massive wine list, plus live music nights.

Top review

Armando

Dined 1 day ago

My wife and I have always enjoyed the food the service and the relaxing atmosphere.

Il Forno a Legna

4.6

4.6 (436)

$30 and under

Italian

McAllen

About the restaurant

Since 2016, our chefs have used the finest ingredients available to recreate heirloom Italian recipes. We're inspired by the Italian way of life and the importance of sharing meals with loved ones. Il Forno a Legna is our love letter to Italian tradition, and our gift to the Rio Grande Valley. Bring a few friends and remember, a tavola non si invecchia.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

The meat lasagna was best my husband had ever eaten. Mozzerella friti appetizer really crispy and yummy. My tiramisu was also flavorful but not heavy. Really relaxing evening celebrating my 75th. My next door neighbor was at the next table. Great neighborhood dining experience.

BOND Cocktail Lounge

4.5

4.5 (27)

$31 to $50

Lounge

McAllen

About the restaurant

At Bond Cocktail Lounge, our focus is on delivering an elevated experience where every detail matters. From our expertly crafted cocktails to our thoughtfully curated dishes, we aim to blend innovation with timeless elegance. Our menu highlights fresh, premium ingredients and global influences, while our bar program is designed to push the boundaries of mixology. Whether you’re joining us for a refined evening or a social gathering, Bond is dedicated to creating a space where exceptional flavors and impeccable service come together.

Top review

Rae

Dined on 23 Feb 2025

Tara is on point in setting up a great experience for date night. She’s an excellent GM. Maria is fantastic and did an excellent job taking care of us. Thank you.

Discover more

Experience

Wine & Dine Wednesdays at Bond Cocktail Lounge

Experience

Tequila & Taco Tuesday at Bond Cocktail Lounge

Felice

4.5

4.5 (26)

$30 and under

Italian

Weslaco

About the restaurant

Felice is the newest concept from the Garcia Brothers in the heart of Downtown Weslaco. From the family that brought you Teddy’s Barbecue. Traditional handmade pastas, creative pizzas, and delectable desserts make up our menu.

Top review

Michael

Dined 6 days ago

Great new place. The flavors were awesome. Just recommend cooking the gnocchi a bit longer.

Explore Diners' Choice best of McAllen

Explore more Diners' Choice lists