Connections transform culinary experiences. Talking to the pros behind the bar, meeting the owner as she greets tables or recognizing the head chef bustle around an open-concept kitchen — all those little moments lure guests in and help them feel the heart of a restaurant. Colleyville is filled with independent eateries, each with owners who want to know their diners. So whether you meet Charlotte at The Londoner while grabbing a pint or Dorothy at DessertRX when you’re craving a sweet, here are just a few of the stops known to wow thanks to their personalized take on dining.
The Londoner
Filled with dark wood seating arrangements and ornate accents, it’s hard not to feel the part as soon as you enter through The Londoner’s doors. After taking in the scene, make your way to the bar to look over its extensive drinks list, filled with beloved pints that will quench any thirst. Complete the experience by pairing your cold one with a hot starter, like its Guinness cheese steak mini sliders — a beer-braised ribeye served with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized peppers, onions and Swiss cheese — or its Chips & Curry — house-cut fries dusted with a curry seasoning blend and served with aioli and hot pineapple sauce. After spending some time at the bar top, you’ll get to know the story behind The Londoner’s team; it’s owned and operated by a dad-and-daughter duo, Barry and Charlotte Tate. So you can feel good about splurging when dining at this family-owned operation. TheLondonerPub.com
Next Bistro
After enjoying a drink, or two, Tom and chef Ying Aikens are ready to welcome diners at Next Bistro. Its expansive menu covers a wide range of cuisines, but each dish comes out treated with care. It doesn’t matter if you order a delicate entree, like its seafood trio, complete with Chilean sea bass, a George Bank scallop and a tiger prawn, or a hearty slow-braised lamb osso buco, diners can expect precision and flavor with each bite. Plus with an award-winning wine program and plenty of scrumptious starters and sides, it’s not hard to order with your heart once looking over the menu. Thankfully, Next’s staff stands ready with recommendations for how to map out your dining experience, as well as provide more options with new seasonal and limited-time specials. NextBistroTX.com
DessertsRX
It’s a family affair over at DessertsRX, an organic cafe known for its delicious treats. Owner Dorothy Warda was inspired to open the eatery after her daughter started experiencing health concerns. After changing her, and her entire family’s, diets, their lives were forever changed. Now the Wardas are sharing their hand-crafted creations with the local community. First-time diners won’t believe its noCheesecake products are dairy-, gluten- and refined sugar-free and made with superfood ingredients. But those added benefits only enhance the desserts’ flavors. Whether you split a tangy lemon rose, which also includes a hint of turmeric, or a blue matcha slice, complete with wild hibiscus and medicine flower, these are treats you can feel good about eating. DessertsRX.com