Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Texas Panhandle

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Texas Panhandle? 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 book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Chez Sami - Downtown

4.8

4.8 (142)

$31 to $50

French

Lubbock

About the restaurant

Escape to a world of culinary excellence at Chez Sami, a family-owned restaurant and art gallery bringing the essence of traditional French cuisine to Lubbock. Our esteemed Chef Jon crafts a multi-course menu of exquisite dishes, with our Beef Wellington and Crème brûlée hailed as must-try signature items.

Immerse yourself in our elegant and intimate dining room, which doubles as an art gallery, creating a sophisticated and immersive atmosphere perfect for a romantic evening or celebratory dinner. Our attentive staff is dedicated to providing an exceptional and memorable fine dining experience from the moment you arrive. While we have not highlighted any specific awards, our customer testimonials speak for themselves, with patrons raving about our magical evenings and exceptional food.

Join us for an unforgettable meal, or allow us to host your next private event with our bespoke catering services. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome.

Top review

Mary

Dined 2 days ago

We attended the Fall Harvest Wine Dinner at Chez Sami this week and it was over the top fabulous. Great food, attentive staff, delicious wines, lovely (and not too loud) live music. The Beef Wellington alone was worth the price of admission, but everything was excellent. We will definitely be back!

Metropolitan Steak & Seafood

4.8

4.8 (555)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Amarillo

About the restaurant

Metropolitan:
Our amazing food is a result of a menu selection of prime steaks, chops, and seafood complimented with an extensive wine list and world-class bar service.

Executive Chef: Nori Karimi
Michelin Star Recipient

Top review

Brent

Dined on 6 Oct 2026

Food was awesome and the service was outstanding.

Copper Creek Fine Texas Dining

4.7

4.7 (677)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Abilene

About the restaurant

Copper Creek Fine Texas Dining serves hand cut mesquite grilled steaks and the freshest seafood selection in Abilene. We also have an fantastic lunch menu! Guests will also enjoy a full wine list, craft cocktails and craft beers and our once a month brunch, held on the first Saturday of every month!

Top review

LeeAnn

Dined on 31 Oct 2026

Our waitress Star was amazing. She was knowledgeable and very friendly!!

Sa•Vor

4.6

4.6 (375)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Amarillo

About the restaurant

Contrary to what most think, the word tapas actually means "to cover". Rooted as a tradition in Spanish culture, socializing patrons of restaurants would cover their wine glasses with small plates to protect their beverages from insects and small pests while outdoors. At Savor, we pay homage to this ritual in our own unique way. The urban and chic atmosphere invites locals to step outside Amarillo for an evening and into another place entirely. With an urban, speakeasy vibe, Savor welcomes its patrons to sit comfortably at the bar or in a cozy booth next to the floor to ceiling windows.

Top review

Sheri

Dined 7 days ago

Such a lovely restaurant. We always enjoy ourselves there. We will be back! 💞

Cask & Cork

4.6

4.6 (516)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Amarillo

About the restaurant

Welcome to Cask & Cork, casual comfort and fine dining!

Cask & Cork is a restaurant and bar with a scenic rooftop patio. Cask & Cork strives to offer an experience that strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and fun dining. Offering an extensive menu with mouth-watering features & craft beverages.

Top review

kevinhGold

Dined on 20 Sept 2026

Merrick always takes good care of his guests and this was no exception for brunch with out of town friends. It has become our brunch go-to, just be sure and order the breakfast pot pie early or they will be gone!

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Experience

Tuesday 1/2 Price Wine night at Cask & Cork....

Experience

Wednesday Pristine Seafood / Chef's Filet Features

Experience

PRIME RIB THURSDAY'S at Cask...

Skyviews Restaurant of Texas Tech

4.5

4.5 (373)

$31 to $50

American

Lubbock

About the restaurant

While you may not realize it, you have chosen to dine in a Texas Tech University classroom! Skyviews Restaurant is a full-service, largely self-supporting restaurant designed and operated to provide a hospitality laboratory experience for up to 50 students each week. While you are enjoying an excellent meal in the lovely surroundings, students are developing skills and applying knowledge. Every day is a learning experience for our students, and we welcome comments and suggestions as we strive to improve your dining experience. We greatly appreciate your patronage.

Please note that reservations are limited due to the nature of our restaurant. Dinner reservations fill up quickly and will close 24 hours prior to dinner. If OpenTable does not allow a reservation or blocks out a timeslot, that signifies we are full for that time and/or day.

Top review

Lynn

Dined on 28 Oct 2026

We shared an appetizer, both had soup and shared the dessert and it was all really good. Love skyviews!

The Reserve Culinary Tavern

4.5

4.5 (234)

$30 and under

American

Lubbock

About the restaurant

The Reserve Culinary Tavern is situated in the heart of South Lubbock, surrounded by your favorite shops and neighborhoods. Whether you’re stopping by for happy hour with friends or a date night dinner, our menu has something for everyone. With our expansive bar menu and skilled bartenders, you can enjoy your favorite specialty cocktail with your choice of liquor, or grab craft beer from our large selection of beer on tap. Don’t miss out on Willie’s Pie of the Day, and if you want more than a slice, you can always buy a whole pie.
We aim to provide great food, cold drinks and wonderful service every time you visit us. We are locally owned and operated and our tavern reflects that: we feature local products on our food menu, local beers on draft, and you can always catch a Texas Tech game at the Reserve. If you’re looking for quality food in a beautiful atmosphere, we know The Reserve will be added to your Lubbock-night-out rotation.
Don't forget about Saturday and Sunday brunch!

Top review

Rylee

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful server, great food, great drinks, quick service!

Drunken Oyster

4.4

4.4 (817)

$31 to $50

Cajun

Amarillo

About the restaurant

The Drunken Oyster atmosphere will bring you into the Heart of the French Quarter, With the sounds you hear on the streets of French Quarter, Gas Lanterns, Heavy Drapes, aged Brick and Library laddered bar. The food is a compilation of Cajun Inspired dishes and fresh flown in daily Seafood and Oysters. The Drunken Oyster also Offers Aged Certified Angus beef Cuts. There is something for everyone, Salads, burgers, Po Boys, Gator, Crawfish,to name a few options.

Top review

Jennifer

Dined on 20 Oct 2026

We stop here every time we’re in the area for dinner. Food is always great, the service is accommodating because we need to eat on the patio as we travel with our dog. And the absinthe menu is definitely a plus! Haven’t had a bad time yet!

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Claraboya Scratch Kitchen + Bar

4.1

4.1 (437)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Lubbock

About the restaurant

Chef Antonio Pinas role in Lubbock’s Culinary Scene
Claraboya Scratch Kitchen & Bar in Lubbock, a restaurant known for its vibrant, innovative menu and quality service. His culinary style there continues to emphasize bold, creative flavor combinations featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal seafood, such as red snapper and Argentinian wild-caught shrimp paired with flavorful grits.
Claraboya has developed a reputation for standout dishes including lobster corn dogs and shrimp and grits, and it supports community events
Philosophy and Community Involvement
Pina advocates for supporting local businesses and the restaurant community, especially in difficult economic times. He encourages patrons to provide constructive feedback directly to restaurants and support local dining through social media shout-outs, reviews, and regular visits. He’s actively engaged in fundraisers and community causes, such as hosting barbecue events to support families in need

Top review

Kimberley

Dined on 30 Oct 2026

The food at Claraboya is always fantastic! Our waitress was so kind and attentive. The price for the entrees is comparable to other high end restaurants, but the appetizers were very pricey. I love the atmosphere…makes you feel like you are out of town on vacation while still being in your hometown. I highly recommend Claraboya!

Azul - Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

3.8

3.8 (186)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Eagle Pass

About the restaurant

Located in a relaxed, modern environment, Azul offers Mexican cuisine served with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality. Experience local favorites, friendly service and delicious specialty drinks from our extensive bar selection.

Top review

Norma

Dined on 21 Oct 2026

Was a great experience with staff and excellent food.

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Explore Diners' Choice best of Texas Panhandle