Nobody talks about Richardson’s Chinatown the way they should. It doesn’t have the density of Houston’s or the fame of San Francisco’s, but what it has is its own story — and that story happens to be one of the more quietly remarkable things that happened to North Texas in the last 40 years.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Richardson’s North Greenville Avenue corridor has been quietly building one of the most interesting concentrations of Middle Eastern food in North Texas for years. Most people driving through haven’t noticed. Salam Grill at 329 N. Greenville Avenue is a good reason to start paying attention.
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There is a pizzeria in Richardson that most people drive right past. No sign on the building, no marquee, no indication from the street that anything remarkable is happening inside. Just a small space at 514 Lockwood Drive, next door to Lockwood Distilling, where Maen Azzam and Sonia Khan are making some of the most serious Neapolitan pizza in North Texas.
The place is called Farina in Grani. It opened in November 2024 and came out of the pandemic the way a lot of the best food businesses do — from boredom and obsession. Khan started baking during lockdown, moved on to pizza, made it for family and friends, then catered events with a portable oven, then decided to do it for real. The name means “flour in grains” and refers to the whole-grain wheat flour they use in the dough — germ, bran, and endosperm together — which gives the crust its signature golden color and a depth of flavor you don’t get from refined flour.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
Royal Roastery in Richardson is a combination coffee shop, dessert spot, and nut roastery. The space is straightforward, bright, and open, with displays of roasted nuts, Middle Eastern sweets like baklava and Turkish delight, and made-to-order items including crepes, pancakes, and gelato.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
In Richardson, Texas, Sweet Firefly offers a refreshingly creative take on the classic American ice cream shop. Located at 2701 Custer Parkway, this cozy, inviting parlor has become a favorite among locals for its bright, family-friendly atmosphere and a commitment to quality that’s evident in every scoop. With soft lighting, cheerful colors, and a no-frills approach to service, the shop strikes that perfect balance between fun and relaxed. It’s a place where kids feel at home picking out sprinkles, and adults linger just a little longer than expected, savoring every bite.
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Spring in North Texas brings a full slate of outdoor gatherings, and in Richardson, one event has become a seasonal mainstay: the annual Crawfish & Music Festival hosted by The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.
Now in its 14th year, the festival returns April 18 with a day centered on the convivial tradition of the crawfish boil. What began as a parish gathering has grown into a community-wide event, drawing families, food enthusiasts, and first-time visitors.
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It’s freezing outside, the kind of cold that seeps through coats and makes you crave something more than just warmth—you need sustenance that hugs you from the inside out. In Richardson, King’s Noodles is the perfect refuge. Tiny, unassuming, and often crowded, this little shop serves up bowls of comfort that make the cold melt away.
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Kirin Court, the beloved Richardson restaurant known for its classic Cantonese cooking and dim sum service, is expanding to Plano. Set for a soft opening on November 25, 2025, the new location brings one of North Texas’ most cherished dim sum experiences closer to home.
The restaurant will open at 1301 Custer Road, in a shopping center that has seen its share of culinary tenants over the years. Most recently, the space was home to China Pearl Restaurant, which served lobster noodle dishes and traditional Chinese fare earlier this year. Kirin Court’s arrival feels like a new chapter for the space, bringing renewed energy and a restaurant with an established reputation for quality and consistency.
Continue readingFiled under Steven Doyle
