The Texas Hill Country is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences that cater to every palate. From farm-to-table eateries to fine dining establishments, the region is renowned for its commitment to fresh, local ingredients and innovative flavors. Whether you’re looking to indulge in exquisite Hill Country-inspired dishes or savor classic Texas cuisine with a sophisticated twist, the best restaurants in the Texas Hill Country are sure to leave you wanting more. Imagine enjoying tender, smoked meats paired with locally crafted wines, or relishing a farm-fresh salad while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
So pack your bags, book one of our Texas Hill Country vacation rentals, and embark on a culinary adventure to explore the top dining spots in Wimberley, Dripping Springs, and Canyon Lake.
Restaurants in Wimberley, TX
The Leaning Pear
At The Leaning Pear, guests are welcome to enjoy not just a meal but an experience at the table. This restaurant in Wimberley, TX, prides itself on connecting with diners and creating memorable moments through its delicious food and warm hospitality. For a delightful start to your dining experience, try their fried Brussels sprouts, featuring a captivating combination of Thai chili-lime vinaigrette, red cabbage, and sesame seeds. For the main course, indulge in the chicken and grits, showcasing a perfectly roasted greener pasture airliner breast paired with flavorful green chile-bacon grits. The Leaning Pear’s commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients shines through in every dish, making it a standout dining destination in Wimberley, TX.
Creekhouse
Beneath the trees and overlooking Cypress Creek, Creekhouse in Wimberley offers classic Texas fare with a modern twist. Guests can choose from a wide selection of Texas-brewed beers, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the robust flavors of the menu. Start your meal with their Wimbo Nachos, featuring crispy chips, creamy green chile queso, charro-style black beans, and fresh pico de gallo. For the main course, don’t miss their grilled pork chop, a delectable dish made with a brined and grilled bone-in pork chop served with garlic mashed potatoes, braised collared greens, and topped with house-made bacon jam, and old-fashioned sauce.
Hays City Store
Hays City Store offers a unique dining experience in a former gas station, where guests can enjoy scratch-made Texas comfort food and craft cocktails. Known for its live music, friendly atmosphere, and delicious bites, Hays City Store has quickly become a beloved spot. Begin your meal with their crispy and battered onion rings, a perfect appetizer to share with friends or family. For the main course, indulge in their fish tacos, made with corn tortillas, blackened fresh fish, cilantro aioli, pickled carrots, cabbage, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Hildees On The Square
From high-quality ingredients to house-made everything, Hildee’s On The Square goes all-in when it comes to crafting exceptional dishes. With premium suppliers like Neiman Ranch, every plate sets a new standard for culinary excellence. Start your meal with their steak tartare, featuring Brazilian parmesan bread, egg yolk, caper berry, and puffed quinoa for a burst of flavors and textures. For the main course, excite your taste buds with the scallops and polenta, consisting of goat cheese, tomatillo relish, and cornbread crumble.
Long Leaf
Located in Wimberley Square, Long Leaf is a farm-to-table restaurant that takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and Gulf Coast fishermen. Their commitment to utilizing seasonal and native foods results in exceptional dishes that showcase the best of what Texas has to offer. Start your meal with their fried olives, which consist of anchovy-stuffed Spanish olives and are served with flavorful garlic aioli. For the main course, savor the Texas Hill Country quail, prepared with mushroom and apple stuffing, maple-bourbon Brussels sprouts, and aged balsamic vinegar. Long Leaf’s dedication to creating approachable yet elevated dishes makes it a standout restaurant in Wimberley, TX.
Canyon Lake Restaurants
The Wildflower Artisan Bakery
The Wildflower Artisan Bakery in Canyon Lake specializes in serving fresh, hand-made dishes developed over many years by a group of very talented individuals. Start off with their bacon-wrapped quail poppers, made with four quail breasts stuffed with fresh jalapeno and wrapped in bacon, topped with a blood orange demi-glace, and served with chipotle ranch. For the entree, indulge in their Wildflower smoked chicken, made with in-house smoked half chicken finished on the grill with house-made BBQ sauce, served with mashed potatoes.
Gennaro’s Trattoria
Gennaro’s Trattoria is a family-owned and operated Canyon Lake restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine that originated from Naples, Italy. They strive to achieve the best food quality and service to suit the needs of all guests. To start the night off right, indulge in their caprese, made with fresh tomato topped with mozzarella, homemade pesto, and basil, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. For the entree, try the shrimp scampi ravioli, which consists of tossed and sauteed shrimp in light lemon cream sauce.
Elio’s Pizza
Elio’s Pizza in Canyon Lake offers a variety of small plates, pizza styles, and craft cocktails for everyone to enjoy. Guests can stop by, relax, and indulge in authentic Italian comfort food and drinks. Start off with their Bison Bites, topped with balsamic caramelized mushrooms and onions on a bed of spinach. For the entree, savor the Shrimp Risotto Calabrese, made with grilled shrimp, spicy Calabrian chili paste, and Calabrian salami. Elio’s Pizza’s dedication to offering a diverse menu of Italian-inspired dishes and beverages makes it a top choice for those exploring the culinary scene in Canyon Lake.
Dripping Springs Restaurants
Tillie’s
Located on family property and known to be one of the best Dipping Springs restaurants, Tillie’s culinary menu merges what’s familiar with an array of innovative international flavors, creating a new set of rules for cuisine in Central Texas. The dining room table offers a modern interpretation of classic gourmet dishes combined with a celebration of what lies ahead. The smoked beets and burrata serves as a delicious appetizer made with smoked beets, pickled onion, pistachio, and garden herbs. For the main course, try their beef shortrib made with BBQ glaze, smoked marble potatoes, carrots, and pickled cipollini to satisfy your taste buds.
Long Leaf
Located in Dripping Springs, Long Leaf is a farm-to-table restaurant that takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and Gulf Coast fishermen. Their commitment to utilizing seasonal and native foods results in exceptional dishes that showcase the best of what Texas has to offer. Start your meal with their fried olives, which consist of anchovy-stuffed Spanish olives and are served with flavorful garlic aioli. For the main course, savor the Texas Hill Country quail, prepared with mushroom and apple stuffing, maple-bourbon Brussels sprouts, and aged balsamic vinegar. Long Leaf’s dedication to creating approachable yet elevated dishes makes it a standout restaurant in Dripping Springs, TX.
Plan Your Visit
Explore our exceptional vacation rentals in the Texas Hill Country and find your ideal escape. Book with Hill Country Premier Lodging today for a memorable retreat surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Rolling in Thyme & Dough
Rolling in Thyme & Dough is a world-class, family-owned, and operated Bakery, Cafe & Bistro adored by locals and foodies. The indoor/outdoor patio seating, kitchen garden, and fresh food every day attract visitors from far and wide. The green salad is perfect if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, which is made with mixed greens topped with tomato, apple, pecans, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette. For something more filling, try the TX-Two Step sandwich, made with quarter-pound hormone-free grilled chicken breast, grilled onions, spicy chipotle sauce, sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, and Havarti cheese.
Homespun Kitchen & Bar
Located in the heart of Dripping Springs, Homespun Kitchen and Bar offers farm-to-table style cuisine with both European and American influences. Looking for a delicious appetizer? Look no further than the grilled shrimp tostadas made with six mini tostadas, layered with refried black beans, jack cheddar cheese, avocado, and grilled shrimp, garnished with pico de gallo and chipotle mayo. For the main course, try the fried chicken made with an eight-ounce free-range organic chicken breast, hand-breaded with buttermilk, and fried golden brown. The dish is served with garlic mashed potatoes, veggies of the day, and cream gravy to satisfy your cravings.
Pieous
Pieous is a unique cafe in Dripping Springs that offers fresh baked goods and sandwiches with a unique atmosphere of chalkboard walls. The Pieous Turkey Hero, made with turkey breast, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, and pesto mayo, pays homage to a great sandwich from our childhood. If you’re in the mood for pizza, try their House on Fire, made with tomato sauce made with Calabrian peppers, mozzarella, salami calabrese, spicy sautéed onions, and chili flakes. To finish off the meal, indulge in their brownie affagato, soft-serve vanilla bean gelato topped with a shot of espresso, chunks of brownie, and house-made chocolate ganache.
Book Your Texas Hill Country Vacation Rental with Hill Country Premier Lodging
Hill Country Premier Lodging offers rental homes with pools and luxury vacation rentals in the Texas Hill Country. The rental homes come fully equipped with modern kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and enough sleeping capacity to accommodate families, groups of friends, or multiple couples traveling together. Long days of exploring the Texas Hill Country attractions or indulging in all the Texas Hill Country restaurants will have you relaxing and rejuvenating in no time. Hill Country Premier Lodging is locally owned and operated and offers personalized customer service. Our staff knows the area well and is committed to ensuring you have a memorable stay. With comfortable amenities and prime locations, Hill Country Premier Lodging is the perfect option for a comfortable and relaxed foodie Texas Hill Country vacation.
