10 Great Restaurants to Satisfy Your Appetite in Celina
Celina is a northern Texas community that embodies everything that’s great about the region. The town is nestled in a landscape of rolling hills and farm country and is arguably one of the greatest treasures in northern Texas. While there’s plenty to do and see in Celina, one of its many shining spots is its diverse culinary culture.
When you choose Taylor Morrison’s Sweetwater at Light Farms community as your new home, you’ll have plenty of amazing dining options.
To help you get better acquainted with Celina, we’ve composed a list of what we feel are the best restaurants in the area. Here are the dining experiences in Celina that you don’t want to miss.
1) Lucy’s On the Square
The Celina experience isn’t complete without a visit to Lucy’s on the Square. It is THE place for quintessential Texas comfort food. Start out with a plate of fried green tomatoes, lightly breaded in their special cornmeal mixture, and then move on to Punk Carter’s Meatloaf for a taste of how they really do things in Texas.
Truth be told, while the menu at Lucy’s On the Square is packed with cherished comfort food favorites, what really steals the show are their homemade pies. Make sure you save room for a giant slice of classic pecan, chocolate cream or their World’s 2nd Best Coconut Cream sensation.
2) Celina Star Café
Start your day off right with a trip to the Celina Star Café. Open from 7am-3pm, seven days a week, this is where you want to be when the mood for a true down-home, diner-style breakfast strikes. Check out their signature corn beef hash or Laredo Skillet for a meal that will leave you completely satisfied. Or, if you have a bit of sweet tooth, you’re going to love their Oreo pancakes and stuffed crepes.
Even if breakfast isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of other great options on their menu. The Celina Café is the perfect spot to enjoy an early or mid-day meal in a relaxed, low key atmosphere.
3) Tender Smokehouse
The Tender Smokehouse is a family owned pit-style BBQ restaurant where they’re as committed to providing an amazing experience as they are piling your plate with arguably some of the best BBQ in the area. The quaint, comfortable atmosphere completely relaxes you as you enjoy their signature items- like their perfectly smoked brisket and delicious sides. Every person that walks through their door leaves with a smile and a full belly.
4) Hairy Gorilla Snowballs
A list of the best restaurants in Celina wouldn’t be complete without mention of the town’s favorite sweet spot – Hairy Gorilla Snowballs. Head over when you need a treat that will take the edge off of the Texas heat. The extensive list of snowball flavors at this Celina tradition will appeal to kids of all ages.
Sneak in one of their specialty treats like “stuffed” snowballs or get adventurous and try one of their exclusive flavors – like Pickle Juice, My Little Pony or the Frog Blender.
5) Mogio’s Gourmet Pizza
Texas might not be as famous for their pizza as other regions of the country, but you wouldn’t know it by the gourmet pizza you’ll find at Mogio’s. Their creations are made from scratch using freshly made dough and a tomato sauce with just the right amount of tanginess.
You can order a Mogio’s pizza for take-out, but then you would miss out on the experience of enjoying one of their creations in their beautiful, upscale dining room. Enjoy a classic margarita style pizza or try something entirely new, like their cashew chicken vegetable or the chicken caper.
6) Southern Kitchen
The Southern Kitchen is one of the under-discovered treasures of Celina. With nothing too pretentious or upscale about this place, you’ll find that everything on their menu will exceed your expectations. This is the spot to go when you want casual food that satisfies on every level.
If you’re looking for traditional Texas soul food, you’ll be pleased with the selection of fried pickles and okra, breaded and fried without a hint of heavy greasiness. Make sure you grab a piece of their peach pie before you leave – we promise you’ll be in heaven.
7) Celina Asian Bistro
How many times have you hosted a guest and had them ask if there was any great Asian food in the area?
Word of mouth is everything, and the Celina Asian Bistro comes with high accolades. With an unassuming storefront, the Celina Asian Bistro won’t leave you disappointed once you step inside. Among the local’s favorites are their walnut shrimp, jalapeno beef and exceptionally fresh sushi.
8) Papa Gallo’s Mexican Grill
Papa Gallo’s has a reputation for being the best Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant in the Celina-Prosper-Gunter area. Regulars love house favorites like the flaming cheese and their blue margaritas. But, while customers rave about the food, they’re equally impressed with the atmosphere and ever-friendly and helpful staff.
When you’re craving the flavor of TexMex and want to be treated like royalty, head to Papa Gallo’s Mexican Grill.
9) Cotton Gin Café
The Cotton Gin Café isn’t technically in Celina, but in neighboring Prosper. However, the trip to the next town doesn’t keep Celina locals away from one of their favorite eating spots. The atmosphere is cozy, rustic and filled with Texas charm.
While the Cotton Gin Café is open until 8pm on the weekend, they close at 3pm the rest of the week, so make sure you get there early to try one of their signature omelets or sandwiches.
10) Randy’s Steakhouse
Another establishment just on the outskirts of Celina rounds out our list. Randy’s Steakhouse, located a short drive away in Frisco, is the type of upscale steakhouse that’s worthy of your special nights out. Your mouth will be watering as you look over the diverse menu, contemplating your options. Try starting with an appetizer of their Mud Bugs – spicy crawfish tails served with a special sauce or go for their panko crusted brie instead.
Entrees include decadent selections like their blackberry filet, lamb chops, and Alaskan king crab legs. Make your reservations at Randy’s Steakhouse for fine dining in the historic district and enjoy a meal that you’ll never forget.
Getting to Know Celina
At Taylor Morrison, we’re devoted to building luxury homes in communities that residents love. Our Sweetwater properties at Light Farms are no exception. You’ll enjoy a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere with the type of community amenities that homeowners today appreciate.
Contact Taylor Morrison today and let us introduce you to Sweetwater where the homes feature spacious single level floorplans, world-class concierge service and everything you could ever want in the community you call home.
