Fort Worth's most beloved neighborhood restaurants are close and convenient and offer a feeling of home that keeps regulars coming back over and over again.

Everyone has a favorite, but just one can take home the trophy at the 2024 CultureMap Fort Worth Tastemaker Awards. Taking place May 2 at The 4 Eleven (411 S. Main St.), our signature tasting event and awards ceremony, hosted by chef Jon Bonnell, will shine a light on top local restaurant and bar talent.

You can see all of the Tastemaker Award nominees here and learn more about them in our special editorial series leading up to the big event.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are on sale now at discounted rates of $60 for general admission and $99 for VIP (includes early access to the event, valet, and a dedicated bar). Prices will increase March 31. Grab your tickets now, because this party will sell out — just like it does every year.

While we wait for the big party, let's get to know the 10 nominees for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year, in alphabetical order:

Bella Italia
From the outside, with its red, green, and white-striped awning, Bella Italia (5139 Camp Bowie Blvd.) looks like a mom-and-pop Italian dive. But regulars know the longtime restaurant is one of the most high-toned dining establishments in town. Bella Italia is known for its dimly lit, intimate interior and a lengthy menu of exotic wild game dishes, including antelope, ostrich with green peppercorns, elk with wild mushroom sauce, and even caribou. Owner and Sienna, Italy native Carlo Croci specializes in Tuscan cooking, with entrees ranging from veal with marsala wine and mushroom sauce to chicken cacciatore. The restaurant has been open at its present location since 1988, and - fun fact - Bella Italia also has a location in Buenos Aires, Argentina that's frequented by Fort Worthians who travel to South America.

La Rueda
First-timers can look for the signature wagon wheels that adorn this Meadowbrook Tex-Mex restaurant, which sits in a nearly century-old house at 2317 Oakland Blvd. Open only for breakfast and lunch, La Rueda, which means "wheel" in Spanish, dazzles diners with breakfast favorites like huevos rancheros, chicken fried steak and eggs, omelets, migas, and pancake dishes. Lunchtime entrees include Tex-Mex staples like enchiladas, flautas, and chiles rellenos along with American favorites like Philly cheesesteak, brisket sandwiches, and burgers. Ample portions and wallet-friendly prices add to the draw, as do the chips and salsa made in-house.

Los Asaderos
Ask a local where they like to get Tex-Mex food in Fort Worth, and Los Asaderos (1535 N. Main St.) will likely top the list. The longtime North Side restaurant, located steps from the Fort Worth Stockyards, has been serving folks from all walks of life for more than 30 years - from out-of-town tourists and downtown executives. They go for the Villarreal family's hot salsa, green chile chicken enchiladas, carne guisada, and cold bottleneck beer. Regulars appreciate that, while the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, it serves an entire menu of breakfast dishes all day.

Lucile's
Dating back to 1927, the building that houses Lucile's Stateside Bistro ("on the bricks" at 4700 Camp Bowie Blvd.) offers nearly a century of memories for many Fort Worthians. The space originated as Steve's Cafe during the Great Depression before giving way to Finley's Cafeteria, a fan-favorite destination in the late 1940s for around 30 years. Lucile's opened in 1993 and is named for owner Bob McLean's mother. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week along with breakfast and brunch on Saturday and Sunday, focusing on American classics with daily blackboard specials. Time-honored traditions here include the annual Lobsterama fest featuring specials on live Maine lobster and succulent lobster rolls, weekend bananas Foster flambeed table-side, and ice-cold dirty martinis shaken at the historic dark wood bar.

Madea's Down Home Cookin'
Where to find soul food favorites like oxtails, neck bones, black eyed peas, collard greens, and hot water cornbread: Madea's Down Home Cookin' (1019 W. Enon Ave.) near Everman. Fans know the drill upon arrival - pick up a lunchroom tray and visit the counter to have your plate filled with favorites like fried catfish, fried chicken, and chicken fried steak. They also know the line to get in often stretches outside and around the building, so prepare to wait. Madea's is also popular for its catering business and regularly provides food for large events and celebrations.

Nish! Mediterranean Grill
The saying, "if you know, you know" applies to this popular River Oaks eatery (4913 Ohio Garden Rd.) for Mediterranean cuisine. It is frequented not only by neighborhood residents but by diners from around town who make it a destination for fresh-made dishes like lemony hummus and spiced falafel along with lamb shank stew, kabob plates, and grilled pompano fish. Inside, patrons will find simple surroundings with booth and table seating. Nish! is also a BYOB restaurant, which can be hard to find in the Fort Worth area.

Sikhay Thai Lao Cuisine
In an area of Fort Worth known for its authentic Asian cuisine gems, Sikhay Thai Lao Cuisine stands out for its friendly vibes, consistent, quick service, and long list of offerings. Located at 3301 NE 28th St., the no-frills restaurant hides in a dilapidated strip center surrounded by small auto dealers. This doesn't deter locals from several surrounding neighborhoods - including Oakhurst, Riverside, and Haltom City - from visiting regularly, whether dining in or picking up to-go. The menu runs deep, from familiar favorites like pho and pad Thai to authentic Laotian beef larb and and crispy fried "bird's nest." There's also an entire menu of boba teas, popular for their sweet flavors and chewy gelatin jelly balls.

The Colossal Sandwich Shop
The simple name says it all when describing this Bedford eatery (1220 Airport Fwy.), which specializes in mammoth sandwiches well-suited for either sharing or satisfying major hunger pangs. Opened by Jonathan Merrill in 2019, the restaurant gained a fast following for its two-fisted club, Cuban, Reuben, and muffuletta sandwiches, along with specials like the bacon-tomato grilled cheese and the Mid-Cities steak and cheese - the latter often offered as a discounted special on Mondays. While the restaurant launched a GoFundMe page in January asking patrons for financial assistance to stay open, things seem to be looking up with recent launch of meal delivery and pick-up service.

Winslow's Wine Café
Within walking distance of the Crestline neighborhood, at 4101 Camp Bowie Blvd., this beloved wine bar and restaurant is frequented by regulars for its wood-fired pizzas, tempting wine selection, and cozy be-seen bar. Winslow’s was opened by Joe Berry in 2008 and named for his pet blue heeler, who passed away at age 14 in 2015. His legacy lives on through the many pet-friendly events Berry hosts. As for the menu, Berry caters to what his clientele craves – like risotto and scallops, short rib quesadillas, and fig and prosciutto pizza. Winslow’s is also popular for Sunday brunch and sunset toasts on the patio.

Zeke's Fish & Chips
This seafood institution opened in 1971 at 5920 Curzon Ave., and despite recent new owners, little has changed in the menu or atmosphere. The entry where folks line up to order at the counter is still tight, most of the menu is still fried, and the drive-through is still busy for to-go orders, especially on Fridays during Lent. A visit is like a trip back in time, just like the regulars like it. Most go for the iconic Icelandic cod filets that are served fried-to-order and piping hot, alongside fried okra, eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms served with a scratch-made dill sauce. After ordering, grab a seat in the checkered-floor dining room or at a picnic table out back. Don't forget a pitcher of the cheap, ice cold beer to wash it all down.