Delicious: The best Tex-Mex place you probably don't know about

Rib-eye fajitas at Gabriela and Sofia’s: Photo by Kathy Tran

The dining scene taking shape at Walnut Hill and Central has hogged much of our neighborhood’s attention lately. The redevelopment of that corner has welcomed Trader Joe’s, Tupinamba and at least three new-to-Dallas concepts. But just one street north, another neighborhood restaurant has become a quiet success. Gabriela & Sofia’s Tex-Mex opened about three months ago tucked away in the shopping center at the northwest corner of Meadow and Central. Lake Highlands has plenty of Tex-Mex options, but this one holds its own. Although the name is sure to attract traditionalists, manager Gabriel Pompa says guests are surprised to find much more than cheese enchiladas on the menu. “They say it’s better than Tex-Mex,” Pompa says. “We do everything fresh. I think that’s what people like.” Particularly, the camarones brochette, which features six bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp stuffed with Monterey Jack cheese and poblano peppers. Other standout dishes include the rib-eye fajitas and the brisket tacos. Servers prepare the guacamole tableside in the volcanic rock bowl known as a molcajete. Pompa says he plans to test new menu items periodically, so diners can expect to see something different.