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Guide to The Colony

Authentic lunch spots

A lunch spot that serves authentic flavors without the watered-down adjustments made for the masses.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Olive Roots Mediterranean Cuisine image 1
Olive Roots Mediterranean Cuisine image 2
Olive Roots Mediterranean Cuisine image 3
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Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant with warm, welcoming atmosphere and fresh, elegant decor creates a cozy, inviting space. The vibe blends family-friendly authenticity with a well-appointed, clean setting that feels both relaxed and stylish.

Dishes capture authentic Mediterranean flavors with fresh, traditional ingredients. Side dishes stay true to Palestinian and Jordanian roots, delivering a genuine taste experience.

Lunch offers flavorful, well-cooked Mediterranean dishes with consistent quality. Food often impresses enough to return for another meal the same day.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious, especially the perfectly cooked meats."

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful, it's perfect for date spots."

"This lunch spot's food was fantastic and seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, and you need to call to make one.

2

This month, they are serving an iftar buffet at your table for a great price.

3

The portion size is huge for an affordable price.

02
The Empanada Joint image 1
Puerto Rican restaurant

Small space with outdoor seating and a pup area creates a casual, community-driven vibe. Warm atmosphere features old-school music and games like dominoes, evoking a Latin Caribbean cultural feel. Regulars gather for authentic, fresh empanadas served with care and lively island energy.

Authentic Puerto Rican flavors shine through every dish, with the owner making everything herself to ensure true taste. The arroz con gandules includes hamoncito pieces, adding a genuine touch not found elsewhere.

Lunch features empanadas, fries, and sauces served in a casual setting. The lunch bowl stands out for its balanced flavors and satisfying portions.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so flavorful and perfectly crispy."

"The food here tastes like authentic Puerto Rican flavors from home."

"This Lunch Spot's empanadas are savory with perfect seasoning."

Good to know

1

Each empanada costs around $5, with extra charges for sauces.

2

It's best to place your order ahead of time for pickup.

3

Some items may be out of stock due to high demand.

03
Shaka Hawaiian BBQ image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Hawaiian dishes with generous portions in a clean, spacious dining area. Atmosphere feels friendly and homey, though decor is minimal and island music is absent. Drive-thru adds convenience despite occasional wait times.

Food offers authentic Hawaiian taste with dishes like kalua pig made from traditional recipes. Mac salad and island flavors provide a true Hawaiian experience that stands out from typical options.

Lunch plates feature BBQ and Katsu Chicken with generous portions. The Hawaiian BBQ Mix and BBQ and Katsu Mix rank as popular choices and offer solid value compared to pricier options nearby.

People are saying

"The BBQ beef and chicken were so juicy, tender, and well seasoned."

"This lunch spot has immaculate food, especially the Kalua pig."

"I found the Hawaiian food here to be truly authentic and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for food during busy hours.

2

Drive-thru service is available but not fast food.

3

Generous portions make it easy to share or have leftovers.

04
Spice Grove Indian cuisine image 1

Open and airy space with large seating and a nice outdoor patio creates a welcoming environment. Atmosphere feels warm and festive with pleasant music and fun activities like tic tac toe. Decor is clean and modern, maintaining a lively and inviting vibe throughout.

Dishes feature authentic South Indian flavors with rich, aromatic spices. Options like Vijayawada spl Biryani, Spinach Gobi, and Vindhu Bhojanam showcase authentic Telugu meals with good portion sizes.

Lunch offers a satisfying Indian thali with plenty of items for the price. The meal ends well with a Royal Falooda dessert, making it a solid choice for a hearty and authentic midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and made with quality ingredients."

"The food here is so authentic, rich, and full of flavor."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh Indian food and great vegetarian options."

Good to know

1

On weekends, they offer unlimited breakfast with various South Indian breakfast items.

2

They started offering a breakfast buffet.

05
Emelia's Tex Mex & Taqueria image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Cozy, small space with retro decor and a welcoming atmosphere reflects strong Tex-Mex spirit. Music plays softly, enhancing the pleasant environment where flavorful street tacos stand out. The place feels like a well-loved local spot with a family-owned vibe.

Mexican dishes here offer authentic flavor with a family-run touch. The menu features delicious Tex Mex that stays true to traditional recipes.

Taco Tuesday happens every day at lunch with affordable group orders under $100. Meals come with sodas to enjoy freely and offer a variety beyond just tacos.

People are saying

"You have to try the torta; it's one of the best I've ever had."

"The brisket breakfast burrito is a crazy amount of food."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday is available every day for lunch.

2

The restaurant offers tacos by the piece, which is convenient for smaller orders.

3

Prices are very affordable compared to similar restaurants.

06
The Kebab Shop image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Concrete and airy space offers bright open dining with self-serve sauce bar and great playlists. Atmosphere feels casual and welcoming but can be very loud with active families and kids. Patio seating provides full sun exposure for relaxed meals.

Food features authentic flavors made from scratch with a combination of ingredients that feels genuine. The kofta tastes very authentic and stands out compared to similar options.

Super clean and inviting space suits a quick lunch or dinner on the go. Helpful staff add to the efficient service and pleasant experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and of great quality."

"The falafel here is fantastic, with a great flavor."

"The food here is so flavorful and tastes truly authentic."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Saturdays and Sundays with the purchase of an adult entree.

2

Everything at The Kebab Shop is halal except for the Sirloin.

3

The dining area is very clean and well-maintained.

07
Taqueria Taxco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 24/7 drive-thru and a bright, clean interior featuring comfortable seating and tasteful decorations. Atmosphere blends welcoming vibes with a casual, sometimes rushed cafeteria feel. Known for authentic, highly praised tacos and popular frozen margaritas.

Tacos here taste very close to those in Mexico with fajita beef that melts in your mouth. The menu offers a great selection of authentic Mexican food served any time of day.

Lunch offerings feature fresh, juicy dishes with a focus on quality meats. The menu includes tacos al pastor and chorizo that stand out for their flavor and preparation.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, hot, and full of flavor."

"The service here is so friendly and attentive, it feels truly authentic."

"This lunch spot's tacos are delicious and made with fresh, homemade tortillas."

Good to know

1

Taqueria Taxco is open 24/7, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The drive-through at Taqueria Taxco is also open 24 hours.

3

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.50 each.

08
Tony's Pizza & Pasta image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant with exposed brick and dimly lit interior creates a warm, homey atmosphere with authentic East Coast vibes. Quiet and low-key setting suits romantic date nights and family meals. Known for authentic pizza and pasta with made-from-scratch sauces and seafood dishes.

Pizza here captures authentic New York City flavor with dough and toppings made from scratch. Pasta dishes reflect East Coast Italian cuisine with genuine, delicious recipes.

Lunch pizza special and shrimp alfredo deliver consistent flavor and good value. Quick service lets you get in and out fast, with options like lasagna and mozzarella sticks rounding out the menu.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is fantastic."

"I found the pizza here to be authentic, just like back home."

"The staff here treats you like family and makes great recommendations."

Good to know

1

The lunch pizza special offers good value for the money.

2

Substituting veggies for noodles is available for low carb or gluten-free diners.

3

Delivery is available, but there is a $3 fee for orders within 2 miles.

09
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill - The Colony, TX image 1

Small, casual Greek restaurant with a bright, clean, and sunny interior creates a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding a pleasant touch without overwhelming the space. Decor includes cute Acropolis-themed art, making the environment simple yet welcoming.

Mediterranean dishes offer fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. The Four Dip Combo showcases a variety of tastes crafted with care, and the menu includes healthy, reasonably priced options.

Quick service stands out even during busy lunch hours. Staff like Jade provide proactive communication and attentive help. The menu offers healthy options that make it a solid choice for lunch.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always made fresh."

"This lunch spot's food is so fresh and seasoned correctly."

"The Mediterranean food here is so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Prices for meals can be higher than what is listed on the menu.

2

The gyro meal is priced at $20, which may not reflect its quality.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes compared to previous visits.

10
Xiao Lingโ€™s Noodles & Dumplings image 1

Decor features upside down umbrellas and pretty lighting with soft music creating a warm, friendly atmosphere. Tables are well spaced with booths for larger groups, avoiding cramped seating. The place feels family-run and offers a clean, updated environment without TVs on the walls.

Handmade noodles and dumplings stand out as authentic Chinese dishes alongside traditional American-Chinese options. Salads offer a refreshing complement to the menu's genuine flavors.

Late lunches feature huge portions that often last into the next day. The menu focuses on noodles and dumplings for a filling midday meal.

People are saying

"This Chinese food is a level above, truly delicious."

"I found the handmade noodles and dumplings to be truly authentic."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fantastic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to share.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $25 per person.

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The Colony, Texas

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