The Most Anticipated Openings of 2021

A new year means new adventures in The Colony. There’s even more to see, eat and do in the city throughout 2021. Check out some of our top picks to discover this year.

Renowned Restaurants

Foodies rejoice! Even more one-of-a-kind culinary experiences are on the way. Multiple restaurants are set to open within Grandscape, a 400+ acre development filled with retail, attractions and entertainment. Grandscape features many restaurant concepts never seen before in the state or country.

Crossing cultures and merging cuisines is an art form at Akira Back. The Michelin Star Chef and restaurant’s namesake, Akira Back, brings together the bold flavors of Korean and Japanese flavors with a sense of whimsy and adventurous presentation. The Colony joins other international cities like Seoul, Hanoi and Dubai as a home to Chef Akira Back’s culinary creations. Enjoy upscale dining as you’ve never experienced before when Akira Back opens later this year.

Quartino Pizzeria & Wine Bar brings authentic, regional specialties and small plates to Texas. This two-story eatery, located in The Grotto inside Grandscape, will feature a wide variety of artisanal salumi, house-made cheeses, Neapolitan pizzas and hand-made pasta crafted in the restaurant’s dedicated pasta kitchen. Quartino will highlight an array of family-owned, small-production Italian wineries with an extensive wine list available by the quartino (quarter-liter), half-liter, carafe and bottle. Skip the trip to Italy and sample the authentic dishes that uphold the traditions of Italian culture named in the “70 Best Restaurants with A Pizzeria” by Ristorazione Italiana Magazine.

A couple of local favorites are expanding with secondary locations in North Texas. The genuinely-Texan burger and live music joint, LSA Burger, brings a Lone Star Attitude to the city’s food scene. Get ready to dive into their life-changing brisket queso, garlic parmesan fries and eclectic mix of burgers. Sister restaurant Barley & Board brings creativity and sophistication to the gastropub game. The influence of seasonal and high-quality ingredients can be seen throughout the menu. Barely and Board will pay tribute to their original location by adopting select menu items at their new location in The Colony. Get ready to enjoy a night out with friends or family at either one of these North Texas classics.

Perfect for happy hour, a night out with friends or a refined date night; The Thirsty Lion offers a relaxed atmosphere coupled with from-scratch cooking. The modern gastropub and grill sources local and seasonal ingredients to fill their New American menu. Take your taste buds on an adventure with the bold flavors of the BBQ white cheddar burger and IPA beer-battered fish and chips or explore the seasonal menu for limited-time, crave-able dishes. At the bar, sample a range of craft beers from across the Lone Star State or sip on signature cocktails crafted with fresh fruit and mixed with premium liquors.

Incredible meals and authentic cuisines can be found throughout The Colony. Located adjacent to the Cascades Conference CenterThe Oasis offers convenient dining options to event attendees, hotel guests and locals; with direct access from State Highway 121. Goodfella’s Pizza (now open) will be the latest restaurant to open in 2021. The family-owned pizzeria specializes in wood-fired pies, fresh antipasti and Italian-American comfort foods. Enjoy the flavors of New York’s Little Italy without leaving The Colony. Every trip to Goodfella’s is a treat with dough tossing, pizza demonstrations and regular live music performances.

Is reading about all the food making you hungry – check out our Eat Page for restaurants now open in The Colony.


Boutique Shopping

Elevate your shopping experience and refresh your closet with the on-trend apparel at Willow House. The latest local retailer offers fresh, southern-inspired clothing and accessories for women, men and even babies. Shop the store’s curated collection which includes independent labels mixed with beloved brands like Z Supply and Free People. Willow House’s exclusive Littles collection features printed onesies, stylish bows and soon-to-be favorite stuffed animals. Shop for your family or pick up the perfect gifts for a new mom when the store opens later this year inside Grandscape.


 Vivid Nightlife

When the sun goes down, there’s even more to see and do in The Colony. The city’s rich nightlife scene will expand in 2021 to include some one-of-a-kind concepts. Straight from Bangalore, India’s nightlife capital, Windmills Craftworks (now open) brings a fresh take to the gastropub game. The microbrewery offers an intellectual feel with library walls surrounding the Jazz Theatre stage. Experience live music up-close and personal with phenomenal sound quality at this intimate and refined venue. Windmills will bring their brewing knowledge to the city, serving stouts, IPAs and light ales exclusively made in-house. Learn more about The Colony’s nightlife scene.

 New Home Away from Home

During your next trip to The Colony, stay nearby in one of 11 modern hotels. Whether you’re in town for a family vacation, business meeting or sports tournament, there’s a perfect hotel for you. Keep an eye out for another hotel opening soon. The city will welcome Homewood Suites (now open), adding more options for extended-stay travelers beginning February 5, 2021. Check out our Hotels Page to book your stay in The Colony.

Discover your next adventure. Visit our Anticipate Page for a full list of restaurants, attractions, hotels and retailers opening soon in The Colony.