Nestled in the heart of Southlake, Watermere at Southlake is much more than a beautiful residential enclave — it’s a hidden culinary gem for locals and visitors alike. While Watermere itself is a private, luxury community, the surrounding streets near Davis Blvd and Southlake Blvd come alive with flavors from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a sophisticated Italian dinner, or a sweet treat, Watermere and its neighboring hotspots deliver a taste of everything.
Italian Indulgence: Calabrese Southlake
- Location: 1281 E. State Hwy 114, just moments from the Watermere gates
- Cuisine & Vibe: Upscale Italian with Texas warmth and a romantic, old-world atmosphere
- Must-Try: The handmade pasta — their signature Lobster Ravioli and classics like Spaghetti Carbonara are crowd favorites
- Price range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: The chef’s commitment to authentic ingredients sets Calabrese apart. The heated patio is perfect for Southlake sunsets, and their wine list is curated for serious sippers.
Cozy Cafés: Roots Coffeehouse & Summer Moon Coffee
Roots Coffeehouse
- Location: 9101 Mountain View Dr. near the Davis Blvd enclave
- Cuisine & Vibe: Locally roasted coffee, creative lattes, and a friendly, neighborhood feel
- Must-Try: Honey Lavender Latte; Avocado Toast with a Texas twist
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: This is where locals gather to chat, work, or unwind. Art from local creators lines the walls, while the outdoor seating makes it a fresh-air favorite.
Summer Moon Coffee
- Location: 610 E Southlake Blvd, Suite 100
- Cuisine & Vibe: Texas-famous wood-fired coffee and “Moon Milk” lattes
- Must-Try: The sweet and creamy “Moon Latte,” hot or iced — unlike anything else in DFW
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: A family-friendly spot with airy, rustic decor and baristas who remember your name.
Steakhouse Excellence: Kirby’s Steakhouse
- Location: 3305 E. State Hwy 114, a quick drive from Watermere
- Cuisine & Vibe: Classic steakhouse glamour with celebrated Texas hospitality
- Must-Try: Prime Ribeye, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and the legendary Chocolate Whiskey Cake
- Price Range: $$$
- Why Go: Kirby’s has been a go-to for special occasions for over a decade. Its private booths and candlelit tables set the scene for memorable meals.
Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Anamia’s Tex-Mex
- Location: 2980 E Southlake Blvd
- Cuisine & Vibe: Vibrant Tex-Mex classics in a lively, family-owned setting
- Must-Try: Tableside guacamole and the sizzling Shrimp Fajitas
- Price Range: $$
- Why Go: A standby for Southlake locals, Anamia’s delivers big flavors and even bigger margaritas.
Malai Kitchen
- Location: 1161 E Southlake Blvd
- Cuisine & Vibe: Southeast Asian fusion with craft cocktails and a stylish, contemporary ambiance
- Must-Try: Vietnamese Meatballs, Coconut Soup, and Spicy Drunken Noodles
- Price Range: $$-$$$
- Why Go: Malai excels at creative, shareable plates that keep the conversation (and the happy hour specials) flowing.
Central Market Café
- Location: 1425 E Southlake Blvd (inside Central Market)
- Cuisine & Vibe: Fast-casual, market-fresh options with a gourmet twist
- Must-Try: Rotisserie Chicken Plate, chef’s daily soups, and custom-scooped gelato
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: Perfect for a quick bite or picnic fixings, plus every ingredient is super fresh.
Sweet Spots: Rise & Bake Bakery
- Location: 2707 E Southlake Blvd
- Cuisine & Vibe: Family-owned artisan bakery blending French pastry tradition with Texas flair
- Must-Try: Almond Croissants, Raspberry Danish, and decadent Chocolate Éclairs
- Price Range: $
- Why Go: The aroma hits you before you open the door, and their freshly baked bread draws a loyal morning crowd.
Watermere’s Own: Private Chef Events
Inside Watermere, residents are treated to regular chef-led dinners and brunches, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. While the wider public can’t access these private experiences, the community’s commitment to culinary excellence has a ripple effect, inspiring neighboring eateries to up their game and sparking a lively food culture across Southlake.
Food Truck Fridays at Bicentennial Park
Not far from Watermere, Bicentennial Park (450 W. Southlake Blvd) hosts frequent Food Truck Fridays during spring and fall. Here you’ll find:
- Gussie’s Fried Chicken – Crispy, spicy perfection
- Cowtown Creamery – Creative ice cream sandwiches
- Truckyard Tacos – Texas street tacos with all the fixings
It’s a casual, family-friendly scene where you can grab dinner and enjoy live music under the Texas sky.
Local Food Traditions & Bite-Sized Tips
- Southlake’s Patio Scene: Many restaurants around Watermere offer shaded patios—perfect for al fresco dining most of the year.
- Farmers Market Finds: On weekend mornings, Southlake Town Square comes alive with fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and local honey—perfect to supplement your foodie adventures.
- Insider Tip: For a romantic evening, start with cocktails at Kirby’s, wander to Calabrese for dinner, and cap things off with a pastry box from Rise & Bake to enjoy at home.
Conclusion: Savoring Southlake, One Bite at a Time
While Watermere at Southlake has a reputation for luxury and serenity, its surrounding neighborhood is undeniably a hotspot for some of the city’s best dining. Whether you’re indulging in a steakhouse classic, grabbing coffee with friends, or exploring international flavors, you’ll find a culinary community ready to welcome you. From cozy bakeries to buzzing bistros, every spot has its own flavor — making Watermere at Southlake a true food lover’s paradise.