Courtesy of GEM - Facebook
Living in Dallas–Fort Worth, especially if you’re new here, comes with a lot of pleasant surprises. And one of them is how easy it is to shop your way across Europe without ever leaving North Texas. Tucked into neighborhoods across the metroplex, you can find markets that feel like time capsules from abroad. These small, locally-owned European grocers’ shelves are lined with imported chocolates, olive oils, cured meats, and pantry staples that don’t usually show up in big-box stores. (And if they do show up in big box stores, the quality usually pales by comparison.) These shops can feel like the most amazing discoveries, especially if you grew up with European foods or just love cooking.
The best thing about our local European markets is that they focus on quality over quantity. These particular stores stock carefully selected imports rather than endless aisles of junk. You’ll often find old-world breads, specialty cheeses, preserved vegetables, and regional snacks among gifts, cooking utensils, and other amazing finds. Shopping in these markets feels slower. It’s a more personal experience. Browsing is encouraged, and curiosity is rewarded.
For people new to DFW, especially those from overseas, our European markets also offer a sense of connection and, dare we say, community. They’re places where international residents may cross paths and forge connections over recipes and culture.
Whether you’re missing flavors from home or just looking to expand your palate, DFW’s European markets, especially those listed below, are worth seeking out. They add texture to the region’s food culture and show that North Texas grocery shopping can be just as global as the area itself.
Photo courtesy of Jimmy’s Food Store via Facebook.
FoodFest Market Grocery
2700 Western Center Boulevard, Suite 108, Fort Worth, TX 76131
FoodFest Market Grocery was founded in 2021 by a Fort Worth couple, Sergei and Galina Strakhov, who emigrated from Ukraine and wanted to bring a piece of their culinary traditions to the local community. The store highlights foods they grew up with while also serving broader grocery needs. Their ownership and hands-on involvement have helped shape the store’s character and build strong local support. And to further that neighborhood support, the store proudly accepts SNAP/EBT.
On the shelves at FoodFest Market Grocery, shoppers can find a wide range of well-organized products that support everyday grocery needs and highlight Eastern European culinary traditions. The store specializes in smoked and cured meats, a diverse selection of European cheeses and dairy products, freshly baked breads, and homemade salads. Shoppers can also find classic Ukrainian and Russian prepared foods, imported snacks and candies, specialty items like Ukrainian ice cream and pierogies, and a variety of beverages, including traditional drinks that are harder to find in mainstream supermarkets. While the focus is on Eastern European items, the variety of products has broadened over the last few years to include fresh produce and pantry staples, so customers can wrap up all their routine grocery shopping while exploring FoodFest’s unique foods.
FoodFest Market Grocery serves as a cultural touchpoint for people in the community who are looking for authentic Eastern European, Russian, and Ukrainian flavors. It’s also a great place for local foodies to explore new flavors. The owners often engage with customers and have even been known to listen to feedback about their products. The store’s staff offers friendly guidance on unfamiliar items and ensures an inviting, attentive experience. It’s definitely a go-to place to connect with interesting foods and folks in the neighborhood.
Jimmy’s Food Store
4901 Bryan St., Dallas, TX 75206
Jimmy’s Food Store is a family-run Italian grocer and deli located in East Dallas, Texas. Established in 1966, it has become a beloved neighborhood institution known for its authentic Italian provisions. Jimmy’s is also celebrated for its award-winning sandwiches and curated selection of wines imported from every region of Italy. Founded by the DiCarlo family, Jimmy’s has remained family-operated for over three generations. Brothers Mike and Paul DiCarlo continue the legacy begun by their father and grandfather, preserving its old-world charm while evolving with the times.
The store is both a market and deli, stocking imported Italian ingredients such as olive oils, pasta, cheeses, and sauces alongside housemade specialties such as sausages, meatballs, lasagnas, and pizzas. Its deli counter is famous for sandwiches like the Italian Stallion and Muffuletta, which have earned critical acclaim from local media. Anyone is welcome to shop at Jimmy’s, though it can sometimes feel crowded, and the store accepts SNAP/EBT for payment.
For the wine aficionados, Jimmy’s carries exclusively Italian wines and regularly hosts winemakers and vineyard owners in its Circolo del Vino, a tasting room that fosters community through food and wine pairing dinners. These events reinforce Jimmy’s reputation as a cultural hub for Italian heritage in Dallas. But, of course, all are welcome to attend.
Frequently listed among the top eateries in Dallas, Jimmy’s has received multiple Best of Dallas Observer awards—including Best Deli and Best Sandwich Shop—and holds a Travelers’ Choice distinction on TripAdvisor. Its enduring popularity stems from the store’s deep-rooted authenticity and a decades-old connection to the neighborhood it serves.
The British Emporium
140 N Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
The British Emporium is a fun, local favorite. This specialty grocery and gift store, located in Historic Downtown Grapevine, opened in 1992. It serves as a cultural hub for British expatriates and Anglophiles, offering authentic foods, teas, and merchandise imported from the United Kingdom. It has become a fixture in North Texas for traditional British foods and pop culture memorabilia.
Founded by Sheela Kadam, the store was inspired by her desire to provide a local source of familiar British products. Over three decades, it has expanded from a niche grocery to a celebrated regional attraction. In addition to its Grapevine location, a second shop opened in Richardson in 2023, due to the store’s growing popularity.
The British Emporium stocks a wide range of groceries and specialty items—such as biscuits, teas, puddings, jams, and frozen foods—along with china, teapots, books, and themed collectibles. The shop is especially known for featuring pop culture merchandise from beloved franchises like Downton Abbey and Doctor Who. Fans love the kitsch collector’s items such as tea sets and mugs, books, and stuffed animals.
The store is also active in community engagement. It has hosted British-themed gatherings, including royal celebrations, classic car shows, and Doctor Who watch parties. Anniversary events, such as its 25th and 30th milestones, have drawn local media attention and reinforced its reputation as a cultural bridge between Great Britain and Texas.
Praised for its friendly atmosphere and curated selection, The British Emporium maintains strong customer loyalty. Visitors describe it as a “taste of home” for British expatriates and an inviting discovery for locals. With its nostalgic décor and extensive range of imports, it remains one of Grapevine’s most distinctive and enduring retail landmarks
Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery
5811 Blackwell St, Dallas, TX 75231
Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery is a long-standing Dallas establishment combining a German-style delicatessen, bakery, and small market under one roof. Founded in 1991 and family-owned by the Winnubsts, it has become a community fixture. While Henk’s is not strictly a “market” in the traditional grocery store sense, it does blend a small selection of market finds with a European-style deli and bakery that serves up excellent Dutch and German breads, pastries, deli cuts, cheeses, and imported packaged items.
This store/deli/restaurant evokes the warmth of a traditional German beer hall, with wood accents, festive décor, and displays of vintage steins. Guests can enjoy sit-down meals of schnitzel, sausages, potato pancakes, and imported beer, or purchase imported European groceries and deli goods. The adjoining bakery is celebrated for its delectable cakes, including classic Black Forest cake, German chocolate cake, and several other European tortes made with fresh cream and buttercream icing.
The bakery traces its heritage back to 1961, when the original Black Forest Bakery brand began serving Dallas. Henk’s later expanded it into a full restaurant concept. Over five decades, it has earned praise from both locals and visitors for its authenticity and welcoming service. In 2023, owners Adrian and family closed their nearby Black Forest Coffee Haus café to focus on the thriving main bakery operation.
Beyond its menu, Henk’s has maintained cultural ties through Oktoberfest-style catering and live folk performances on weekends. Locals love the family-friendly atmosphere and generous portions. But Henk’s also brings a sense of continuity to a changing neighborhood. Its longevity and consistent quality have made it a Dallas institution for Dutch, German, and Central European comfort food.
Gourmet European Market
17435 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75252
Gourmet European Market is a specialty grocery store in North Dallas offering a curated selection of authentic European foods and household products. It focuses on cuisines and brands from across Eastern and Western Europe, including products from Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Italy, France, Germany, Bulgaria, and Lithuania. Shoppers can find pantry staples, deli items, cured meats, cheeses, sweets, and bakery goods from well-known regional brands. It’s the area’s newest go-to destination for Eastern European comfort foods such as pierogi, kvass, varenyky, and smoked fish.
The store also has a licensed Notary Public service that is available seven days a week. According to the store’s website, employees can help translate Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, English, and some Spanish, and specialize in helping community members with immigration forms, powers of attorney, vehicle transfers, school forms, and more. It also offers international parcel shipping through AEC Parcel Service to over 25 European and Central Asian countries.
This market is one of the newest kids on the block; it opened in August, 2025. The store was founded by Ukrainian-born Dallas resident Yana Turliun, who envisioned a store promoting European food standards with natural ingredients and non-GMO products. Her goal was to create an inclusive space that unites diverse nationalities around shared culinary traditions and healthier eating.
Unlike many small import shops, Gourmet European Market offers a clean, bright shopping environment with a layout that encourages exploration across regional sections, each representing a different country’s specialties, from Polish pastries to French cheeses.
Gourmet European Market blends European authenticity, a full grocery shopping experience for one-stop convenience, and community support efforts. Though the store is new, it’s quickly gaining popularity and is one of DFW’s must-see destinations.
