Fort Worth’s growth extends to its culinary scene spearheaded by classic Texan cuisine (Goldee’s Barbecue was a 2023 James Beard semifinalist) and Mexican-inspired meals; Don Artemio also received a nomination for Best New Restaurant in the same year. Old favorites like Joe T. Garcia’s, which has been feeding guests since 1935, and Lonesome Dove are joined by newer destinations like Mule Alley’s Second Rodeo Brewing and Provender Hall. Brunch at Reata and rooftop drinks at Ático should also be added to the itinerary.

At lunchtime, I pulled up a seat at Don Artemio, a James Beard Award semifinalist, for enchiladas stuffed with queso fresco and drizzled with tamarind mole.

Just as Fort Worth has numerous Mexican restaurants that are easy on your bank account, there are some that cater to big spenders, such as newly opened Don Artemio**, one of the city’s best new restaurants. This stylish, upscale restaurant in the Museum District is more Mex Mex than Tex Mex; its menu is heavily inspired by food from the northeast Mexico region of Saltillo, where the original location of Don Artemio is located. The must-have appetizer is the build-your-own cactus tacos, served with warm, housemade corn tortillas.

Don Artemio, founded by Chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas, creates an elegant ambiance inspired by the traditional clay-brick houses of Saltillo, Mexico. The culinary space here expertly recreates the flavors of Northeast Mexico's cuisine, blending them with contemporary elements to the point that it was included among the 2023 James Beard nominees for the best new restaurant. Highlights on the menu include 'Nopalitos Fritos'—delicate fried cactus tacos with a hint of bacon, served alongside heirloom maiz nixtamal tortillas.

The first restaurant is located in Saltillo, Mexico ― the vision of chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas Cantú, who will bring his famous roast cabrito (goat), fresh tortillas, steaks and smashing cocktails to Fort Worth this year. A modern space in Museum Place, (formerly a Gatti’s Pizza) in Fort Worth’s cultural district, is being transformed with traditional clay brick and Mexican pottery. Mexican architect Luis González Díaz de Leon has been in town to oversee the construction and design of the space.

The end result of a longtime friendship between general manager Adrian Burciaga, the former general manager of Café Modern, and award-winning chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas, Don Artemio challenges our notions of Mexican food. This is a good thing. You can call it “upscale Mexican food” if you’d like, but it’s more accurate to say the recipes — in both taste and presentation — are a reflection of the northeast Mexico region of Saltillo, where the original Don Artemio resides.

Don Artemio redefines what “to-the-book” upscale Mexican food can be, blending bold regional flavors with fine dining finesse in a stunning setting, warm lighting, and handcrafted details, creating an ambiance that makes every bite feel special. Their Nopalitos Fritos are a must-try; crispy cactus with a hint of bacon, wrapped in fresh blue corn tortillas. The guacamole (yes, with grasshoppers!) and Tacos de Lengua are full of bold, layered flavors.

With its second location opening in Museum Place early this year, Don Artemio is an authentic Mexican restaurant with an upscale feel. At it's original location in Saltillo, Mexico, Chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas is known for his specialty tortillas, roasted goat, and homemade mole. To reflect its cultural district location, the interior will be designed with a Northeastern Mexican style, including pottery and clay to celebrate its Mexican Heritage.

An upscale, absolute love letter to Mexican heritage cuisine. In every sense Don Artemio is an homage to Northeastern region of Mexico: from the plant pots outside to the 20,387 bricks in the wall to the art hanging on it, everything you see in the restaurant came from Saltillo, Mexico. Plenty of wines and tequilas come from the region too, along with many ingredients that are mixed in with local Fort Worth foods.

Don Artemio is one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Fort Worth, TX. Although it is not an exclusive gluten-free restaurant, it does offer many options in its lunch and dinner menus, which are marked as gluten-free. So, if you like enchiladas, tacos and all food that represents the Mexican heritage, this is your ideal place to share these delicious dishes in a safe way.

Similarly, two years ago, the chefs behind modern Mexican restaurant Don Artemio dished out samples of cabrito al pastor at the FWFWF about a week after they opened on West 7th Street. Anybody who hadn’t been to Don Artemio yet still got a taste of what would eventually become one of Fort Worth’s most influential present-day restaurants.

For those of you looking for a more formal and upscale experience this Cinco De Mayo, you MUST experience Don Aretmio!. As a Finalist for the James Beard Award listing as a Best New Restaurant 2023, Don Aretmio is getting a lot of local atttention. The elegant vibe and top notch service make this place a favorite of locals.

Don Artemio Restaurant is the best if you want a quick lunch bite and are craving some delicious Mexican food. Enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine with a cultural spin at this hot spot. The restaurant's culinary team explores different techniques and new ingredients to prepare contemporary dishes that delight the palate.

But Don Artemio is proving we love Saltillo-style Mexican food, as well. Longtime friends Adrián Burciaga, former manager of Café Modern, and Chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas brought their love of their native cuisine, as well as Cárdenas’ family restaurant (also called Don Artemio) to Fort Worth, and we are here for it.

But now, the possibilities also include B&B Butchers, Bricks & Horses, Clay Pigeon, Don Artemio, Le Margot or 61 Osteria, plus old-time favorite Saint-Émilion. For somewhere different, I like Istanbul Grill, Quince and Teddy Wong’s. Your mileage may vary.

This Mexican eatery won a Best New Restaurant nomination from the James Beard Foundation within only a few months of opening. Expect traditional Mexican food, wines and authentic delicacies at Don Artemio that you won’t find anywhere else.

| Enjoy Mexican heritage-style dishes + fresh options like açaí bowls then wash it all down with a cocktail from the Hangover Bar.