Tyler's dining scene has transformed into a sleek playground of contemporary flavors and Instagram-worthy interiors. From minimalist poke counters to industrial-chic breweries, these modern spots prove East Texas can compete with any major city.
We scoured Tyler's evolving restaurant landscape to find spaces where cutting-edge design meets exceptional food. These picks represent the new wave of dining that's reshaping how locals think about going out to eat.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Go Fish modern japanese kitchen — Fresh Poke Perfection
- Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails — Elevated Comfort Food
- Prime 102 — Prime Steakhouse Sophistication
- Mikoto Ramen Bar and Sushi — Modern Ramen Excellence
- Ohayo Sushi Tyler — Contemporary Sushi Style
- Piada Italian Street Food — Italian Street Vibes
- ETX Brewing — Craft Beer Innovation
- True Vine Brewing Company — Brewpub Modern Elegance
- Wasabi Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro — Sleek Sushi Sophistication
- Kawas Hibachi Grill & Lounge — Hibachi Entertainment Hub
1. Go Fish modern japanese kitchen
✨ Best for: Fresh Poke Perfection
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.6 · 305 reviews · $$
Go Fish transforms the poke bowl concept into an art form within their clean, contemporary space featuring natural wood accents and industrial lighting. The Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl lets you customize every element over perfectly seasoned sushi rice, while their Spicy Tuna Roll delivers just enough heat without overwhelming the fish's natural flavor. Young professionals pack this place during lunch, drawn by the fresh daily deliveries and Instagram-worthy presentations that make healthy eating feel indulgent.
Must-Order:
Build-Your-Own Poke BowlSpicy Tuna RollSalmon Sashimi
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for the best selection of fresh fish, as the kitchen receives daily deliveries in the morning.
View Go Fish modern japanese kitchen →
2. Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails
✨ Best for: Elevated Comfort Food
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.9 · 229 reviews · $$
Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails occupies a stunning modern space with exposed brick, Edison bulb fixtures, and an open kitchen that creates theater around every meal. Their Chicken and Waffles elevate comfort food with house-made Belgian waffles and perfectly fried chicken, while the Pan-Seared Salmon showcases technical skill with its crispy skin and herb butter. The cocktail program rivals anything you'll find in Dallas, making this Tyler's go-to spot for celebrating life's bigger moments.
Must-Order:
Chicken and WafflesPan-Seared SalmonCraft Burger
Insider Tip: Arrive early for weekend brunch service, as the popular dishes tend to sell out by mid-afternoon.
View Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails →
3. Prime 102
✨ Best for: Prime Steakhouse Sophistication
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.6 · 85 reviews
Prime 102 epitomizes modern steakhouse luxury with its dramatic lighting, leather banquettes, and temperature-controlled dry-aging room visible through glass walls. The Dry-Aged Ribeye represents weeks of careful aging that concentrates flavor into every bite, while their Pan-Seared Filet Mignon melts like butter with minimal seasoning needed. This is where Tyler's power brokers close deals and families mark milestone celebrations in an atmosphere that screams special occasion.
Must-Order:
Dry-Aged RibeyePan-Seared Filet MignonLobster Tail
Insider Tip: Make reservations well in advance for weekend evenings, as this popular spot fills up quickly during peak dining times.
4. Mikoto Ramen Bar and Sushi
✨ Best for: Modern Ramen Excellence
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.9 · 187 reviews · $$
Mikoto Ramen Bar brings contemporary Japanese design to Tyler with its minimalist counter seating, blonde wood details, and open kitchen where chefs craft each bowl to order. Their Tonkotsu Ramen features a rich, creamy broth that's been simmered for hours, topped with perfectly soft-boiled eggs and tender chashu pork. The Spicy Tuna Roll balances heat with the fish's natural sweetness, while adventurous diners gravitate toward the crispy Chicken Karaage for its addictive crunch.
Must-Order:
Tonkotsu RamenSpicy Tuna RollChicken Karaage
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours for shorter wait times and the same quality food at a more relaxed pace.
View Mikoto Ramen Bar and Sushi →
5. Ohayo Sushi Tyler
✨ Best for: Contemporary Sushi Style
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.3 · 104 reviews · $$
Ohayo Sushi Tyler's sleek interior features clean lines, ambient lighting, and a sushi bar where skilled chefs slice fish with precision that borders on performance art. The Dragon Roll showcases their creativity with tempura shrimp, avocado, and eel sauce drizzled in artistic patterns, while the Salmon Teriyaki delivers perfectly glazed fish with a caramelized exterior. Date night couples fill the intimate booths, drawn by the fresh fish flown in regularly and specialty rolls that push creative boundaries.
Must-Order:
Dragon RollSalmon TeriyakiChirashi Bowl
Insider Tip: Visit during lunch hours for the best value on combination plates that include miso soup and salad.
6. Piada Italian Street Food
✨ Best for: Italian Street Vibes
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.2 · 114 reviews · $$
Piada Italian Street Food channels Milan's modern cafes with its subway tile, industrial fixtures, and fast-casual concept that doesn't sacrifice quality for speed. The Diavolo Chicken Piada wraps tender grilled chicken in house-made flatbread with spicy diavolo sauce that builds heat gradually, while their Basil Pesto Pasta Bowl features vibrant green pesto that tastes like summer in every forkful. Busy professionals love the customizable build-your-own format that accommodates every dietary preference without lengthy wait times.
Must-Order:
Diavolo Chicken PiadaBasil Pesto Pasta BowlItalian Chopped Salad
Insider Tip: Visit during off-peak hours between 2-4 PM for the shortest wait times and freshest ingredients.
View Piada Italian Street Food →
7. ETX Brewing
✨ Best for: Craft Beer Innovation
Tripadvisor📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.5 · 80 reviews · $$
ETX Brewing showcases industrial chic design with exposed ductwork, polished concrete floors, and gleaming steel brewing tanks that double as décor. Their Craft Beer Cheese Burger pairs house-made beer cheese with perfectly grilled patties, while the Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza emerges from their custom oven with leopard-spotted crusts and fresh basil that wilts from residual heat. The rotating tap selection keeps beer enthusiasts coming back to sample seasonal brews that showcase the brewmaster's creativity.
Must-Order:
Craft Beer Cheese BurgerWood-Fired Margherita PizzaBeer-Battered Fish and Chips
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday happy hours to sample flight options and discover your favorite house brew before committing to a full pint.
8. True Vine Brewing Company
✨ Best for: Brewpub Modern Elegance
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 4.3 · 89 reviews · $$
True Vine Brewing Company creates a sophisticated brewpub atmosphere with reclaimed wood accents, modern light fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The Craft Beer Flight allows exploration of their seasonal offerings, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts, while their Brewpub Burger features locally sourced beef topped with beer-braised onions. The Wood-Fired Pizza emerges with perfectly charred crusts that provide textural contrast to creamy mozzarella and house-made sausage.
Must-Order:
Craft Beer FlightBrewpub BurgerWood-Fired Pizza
Insider Tip: Visit during weekday happy hours to sample the seasonal brews before they sell out on busy weekends.
View True Vine Brewing Company →
9. Wasabi Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro
✨ Best for: Sleek Sushi Sophistication
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.7 · 184 reviews · $$
Wasabi Sushi Bar maintains a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with dark wood surfaces, soft lighting, and a prominent sushi bar where chefs work with theatrical precision. The Rainbow Roll displays their artistic skills with colorful fish arranged like a painter's palette, while the Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box offers traditional flavors in modern presentation with compartmentalized portions. Long-time regulars appreciate the consistent quality and the staff's ability to remember favorite orders in this neighborhood favorite.
Must-Order:
Rainbow RollChicken Teriyaki Bento BoxSpicy Tuna Roll
Insider Tip: Arrive before 7 PM on weekends to avoid the dinner rush and ensure the freshest fish selections.
View Wasabi Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro →
10. Kawas Hibachi Grill & Lounge
✨ Best for: Hibachi Entertainment Hub
📍 Tyler · ⭐ 3.4 · 283 reviews · $$
Kawas Hibachi Grill creates dinner theater with its modern teppanyaki grills surrounded by contemporary seating and mood lighting that transforms cooking into entertainment. The Hibachi Steak and Shrimp showcase the chef's knife skills and showmanship, with perfectly seared proteins enhanced by signature yum yum sauce that guests crave long after leaving. Families pack the communal tables for birthday celebrations, drawn by the interactive cooking show and generous portions of fried rice prepared with theatrical flair.
Must-Order:
Hibachi Steak and ShrimpDragon RollChicken Teriyaki
Insider Tip: Make reservations for hibachi tables during peak dinner hours, as the teppanyaki grills fill up quickly on weekends.
View Kawas Hibachi Grill & Lounge →
Tips for Finding Great Modern Dining in Tyler
Peak Hour Strategy: Tyler's modern restaurants fill up fast during weekend prime time. Book ahead or arrive during off-peak hours for better service and fresher ingredients.
Happy Hour Exploration: Many breweries and upscale spots offer discounted tastings during weekday happy hours. It's the perfect time to sample without committing to full portions.
Fresh Fish Timing: Sushi restaurants typically receive their fish deliveries in the morning. Lunch service often features the day's freshest selections before evening crowds arrive.
Customization Options: Several modern spots offer build-your-own concepts. Don't hesitate to customize orders to accommodate dietary preferences or flavor adventurousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We evaluated Tyler's modern restaurants based on design aesthetics, food innovation, and consistent quality reflected in customer ratings and local word-of-mouth recommendations. These selections represent venues that successfully blend contemporary atmospheres with exceptional culinary execution.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, reviews, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
