With September here, it's time for the latest edition if Where to Eat, CultureMap's monthly column offering tips on new or buzzy restaurants that absolutely must be checked out.

This list is the opposite of ordinary, boasting an international flair: from Mediterranean to Chinese, from tacos to dumplings, to a sports bar that encompasses all those cuisines and more.

Here are five restaurants around Fort Worth to try in September.

Frezko Taco Spot
Acclaimed family-owned chain founded by Elizar Salinas likes to say (with a little tongue in cheek) that they do "true Chicano cuisine" — however you describe it, they're doing it right, using family recipes from the Nuevo Leon province with authenticity and fresh ingredients. Fan favorites include Baja fish tacos, birria ramen, stellar nachos, and "Chicano fries" — like a French fry version of nachos topped with white queso and choice of carne asada, pollo asada, barbacoa, or carnitas. Portions are generous and at a sweet price. There are currently three locations — Medical District, North Tarrant Parkway, and Bedford — but they're days away from opening a fourth in White Settlement at 110 Jim Wright Fwy. #C, on the west side of Fort Worth.

Gyrova Mediterranean Grill
Fast-casual Mediterranean mini-chain is a small, locally owned Chipotle knockoff featuring make-your-own bowls, pita sandwiches, and wraps made with a special unleavened flatbread called a saj. Owner Bǎker Jaber, who previously helped expand the Stop N Go Gyros chain, has opened two locations in rapid succession, at 8561 N. Beach St., and at 301 Clifford Center Dr. west of White Settlement. True to Chipotle form, there's a buffet-style line from which you choose options such as chicken or beef shawarma, kafta, falafel, beef or lamb gyro meat, plus dips and spreads such as hummus, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, garlic whip, or harissa.

Hong Jie Special Noodles And Dumplings
Ultra-authentic Chinese restaurant in Hurst is a hidden find that's aptly named. They do alllll the dumplings: steamed, pan-fried, potstickers, and xiao long bao, AKA soup dumplings, so-called because they have lots of liquid inside the dumpling, giving them the "juicy" quality fans crave. Dumplings come in typical savory options such as pork or shrimp, but also a sweet dessert version filled with sweet red bean paste and a molten chocolate center that turns liquid when heated. And there are oodles of noodles, as well: stir-fried, noodle soups, or noodles mixed with kung pao chicken or mapo tofu. Plus stir-fry veggie dishes, fried rice, chow mein, spring rolls, kinds of Chinese comfort food, not to mention the sweet owners, charming service, and reasonable prices.

Kitchen Master
Oddly named Asian restaurant is now open in Southlake — a spinoff of the original which opened in Frisco in 2020. Their specialty is xiao long bao AKA soup dumplings, plus noodle dishes and stir-fries. The Southlake restaurant has a bigger menu with dishes such as pork wontons, lamb chops with chimichurri, hamachi crudo, and sushi including a nigiri tasting sampler, described as a mini omakase experience featuring chef-selected fish and toppings. But they also cover all the familiar Chinese-American staples that DFW diners love: orange chicken, kung pao chicken, broccoli beef, offered at dinner or in $15 lunch specials with choice of hot & sour or egg drop soup.

Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill
Canadian-born chain owned by Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi has opened a location in Northlake, inside the Children's Health StarCenter Multisport complex, to serve the families, athletes, coaches, and sports fans visiting the Dallas Stars-affiliated sports center. The place has tons of TVs, an outdoor patio overlooking the pickleball courts, and an appealing menu with global touches, from tacos to butter chicken to Thai chili chicken bowl. There are burgers, salads, Detroit-style pizza, steak frites, Frito pie, and fried cheese curds, a Canadian trademark. Plus a separate brunch menu and a full bar. Northlake is the second U.S. location, following a Plano outpost that opened in 2019.