Franklin Barbecue, Austin

Aaron Franklin’s stupendously popular 2009 venture helped turn Texas barbecue into a national phenomenon.
900 E. 11th, Austin; 512-653-1187 

Fearing’s, Dallas

“Texas cuisine” is not an oxymoron at the posh dining rooms overseen by boot-wearing chef Dean Fearing.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, 2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas; 214-922-4848

L&J Cafe, El Paso

El Paso–style Mexican food has made “the old place by the graveyard” a local landmark since 1927.
3622 E. Missouri Ave.,El Paso; 915-566-8418

Underbelly, Houston

Three-year-old Underbelly understands that Houston is a city of immigrants and celebrates its vast culinary diversity.
1100 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 713-528-9800

El Pato, Rio Grande Valley

This Mexican-food empire serves tacos (known as patos) to hopelessly addicted residents in ten Valley cities.

Mi Tierra, San Antonio

It’s Christmas and Cinco de Mayo 24/7 at the gaudiest Mexican restaurant and bakery in the state.
218 Produce Row, San Antonio; 210-225-1262

This piece is just one bit of wisdom offered in our April 2015 cover story, “Welcome to Texas!” a friendly user’s guide for our state’s most recent transplants. To read more advice, go here.