Restaurants In Celina, Texas: Top 10 List

Want to know the best places to grab a bite to eat, knock back a cold one, or enjoy a cup of coffee? I’ve got something for everyone in my top 10 list of restaurants in Celina, Texas.

Best Restaurants in Celina, Texas for Breakfast
Breakfast plates filled with hash browns, biscuits and gravy, french toast, grits, and a breakfast quesadilla on a table in a diner called Celina Star Cafe in Celina, Texas

Celina Star Cafe: 709 E Pecan St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

If you are craving a true country diner experience look no further than Celina Star Cafe. This place reminded me of the diners that my parents and grandparents took me to as a kid, and in a good way. You can expect casual dining with fast and friendly service. Open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. What to order: Breakfast Quesadilla, Biscuits and Gravy, Cinnamon French Toast (about $25)

Front exterior of Tender Smokehouse, one of the best restaurants in Celina TX

Tender Smokehouse: 224 W Pecan St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

Tender Smokehouse is a family owned Texas barbecue restaurant that is a local favorite, and definitely deserving of a spot on your “must visit” list. Their food is incredibly good, and the service fast and friendly. What to order: Toaster Sandwich and Breakfast Tacos (about $11)

Overhead shot of three breakfast items from The Nook CKMC in Celina, TX including: Cronuts, Chicken and Waffle, and the Breakfast Flatbread.

The Nook CKMC: 1230 Homestead, Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

The Nook has a little bit of everything from pasta, to burgers, to tacos and more. We like their breakfast options best, so I’m including it here in the breakfast category, but they do serve lunch, dinner and drinks as well. What to order: Cronuts, Chicken N’ Waffle, Breakfast Flatbread (about $22)

Best Place to Get Coffee in Celina, Texas
Front brick exterior of Summer Moon, a coffee shop in Celina, Texas.
Interior shot of Summer Moon, a coffee shop in Celina, Texas.
Interior shot of the Summer Moon logo in black on white painted brick, at the Celina, Texas location.

Summer Moon Coffee: 306 W Walnut St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

A family run coffee shop that got it’s start in the Texas Hill Country, where they use a wood-fired roasting process for all their beans. Moon Milk is their signature sweet cream, a unique blend of seven secret ingredients, that can be added to your latte in varying amounts for just the right amount of creamy sweetness. What to order: Cinnamoon Latte (about $5.25)

Exterior shot of the seating area behind Summer Moon, a coffee shop in Celina, Texas, featuring a colorful mural painted on the brick wall along one side.
Best Restaurants in Celina, Texas for Lunch or Dinner

Lucy’s on the Square: 127 N. Ohio St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

For a casual Texas themed dining experience be sure to stop by Lucy’s on the Square. Their down home comfort food and homemade pies are sure to satisfy. What to order: Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Catfish, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Okra (about $30) + whatever pie/s they have available (they are all good!)

Roast Ham Bahn Mi from Tam's Cafe in Celina, Texas

Tam’s Cafe: 2750 South Preston Rd. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

This little hole in the wall shop has a large menu ranging from Vietnamese food to coffee to smoothies. My advice is to stick to the food, which is really tasty! When we visited there was just one person working the counter and making the food, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. This is not the place to go if you are in a hurry. What to order: Roast Ham Bahn Mi and Eggrolls (about $8.50)

Tender Smokehouse: 224 W Pecan St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

Yes, they made the list twice! You really can’t go wrong here. What to order: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Mac n’ Cheese, Banana Pudding (about $17)

Overhead shot of food from Toasted Walnut Table and Market in Celina, TX including: Brisket Tacos, Chicken Salad Sandwich with potato chips, and a Hamburger with fries.

Toasted Walnut Table and Market: 304 W Walnut St. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

Toasted Walnut is an upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant on the historic downtown square, that also has a small boutique up front where you can shop for unique gifts and decor. What to order: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Brisket Tacos (about $24)

Best Places to Enjoy a Drink in Celina, Texas
Outdoor miniature golf located at Little Wooden Penguin in Celina, Texas
Pints of cider and beer at Little Wooden Penguin in Celina, Texas
Interior shot of Little Wooden Penguin in Celina, Texas

Little Wooden Penguin: 212 N Oklahoma Dr. Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

While technically not a restaurant, this place is so fun I just had to include it in my list of the best restaurants in Celina, Texas! Little Wooden Penguin calls themselves an “experience space” and I would have to agree that is a pretty accurate description. They offer rotating beers and wines on tap, a succulent bar, shopping, mini golf, indoor and outdoor tvs, live music, events and classes, and rotating food trucks. Really, they have pretty much covered all the bases when it comes to a good time! Little Wooden Penguin is family friendly and pet friendly. Be sure to check their Facebook page for all the latest info on upcoming food trucks, events, and classes. Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. What to order: Perry Cider (about $8)

An iced Moscow Mule in a copper mug, garnished with a lime slice, sitting on a table at Rollertown Beerworks in Celina, Texas.

Rollertown Beerworks: 412 N Oklahoma Dr #106, Celina, TX 75009 ($$)

A kid friendly, dog friendly brewery that offers indoor and outdoor seating. There are occasionally rotating food trucks onsite, as well as live music and events, so be sure and check their Instagram page to see what’s on. Please drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. What to order: Moscow Mule, Cherry Mojito Sour

Best Place for a Cold Summer Treat in Celina, Texas

Hairy Gorilla Snowballs: 102 S Louisiana St. Celina, TX 75009 ($)

While technically a snow cone stand rather than a restaurant, I couldn’t leave this place off my list of the best restaurants in Celina, Texas. There is nothing quite like a good snow cone on a hot summer day! This snow cone stand is only open during the warmer months, with varying hours, so it is best to check their Facebook page for updates before heading there. What to order: The New Orleans (about $4 for a small)

Insider Tip: Local favorite Burger Fixin’s closed it’s doors for good in December 2021. In January 2022 a group of local business owners bought the place with the intent to rebuild and bring it back bigger and better. Hopefully with the same great food that it has been known and loved for. You can check their Facebook page for the latest updates. I can’t wait to try it when it reopens, we loved the original!

Want to know what else Celina has to offer? Head here for my recommendations on the best things to do in Celina, Texas.

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