Dallas, Texas is known for its rich culture, from iconic historical sites to world class museums. And of course, we can’t forget about its spectacular food scene, which goes well beyond the barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. So how exactly did we choose the top restaurants in Dallas? We spent time combing through the internet to find award-winning spots, secret hidden gems, and local favorites from across the city. Then we narrowed it down and compiled our list of the 10 best restaurants in Dallas, Texas, so you don’t have to!
10 Best Restaurants in Dallas
Have an upcoming trip and looking for the best affordable restaurants in Dallas or seeking restaurant lunch specials nearby? Our list of the top 10 restaurants in Dallas has a mix of cuisines and venues types, with options for everyone. And without further ado, let’s unveil some of the best places to eat in Dallas!
1. Crumbzz
Looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than a delicious crumb cake from Crumbzz. According to Dallas Morning News, Crumbzz is known for its crumb cakes made using its Austrian family recipe, which dates back 400 years ago. Crumb cakes aren’t the only baked goods you’ll find on the menu, as this bistro also serves Gaufre Liege waffles, mushroom spinach quiche, Gamberaia blueberry ricotta pancakes, as well as various lunch specials.
This beloved bistro has over a 4.4 star rating on Yelp and rave reviews declaring it the spot to dive into European culture. Be sure to snag a spot at Crumbzz – one of the best casual restaurants in Dallas – and enjoy some of its delicious bites!
2. Mot Hai Ba
Dallas, Texas may be known for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, but we couldn’t leave out Một Hai Ba out of our top restaurants in Dallas, Texas, with its hundreds of rave reviews across Google and Yelp. Chef Krstic, owner of Một Hai Ba, recently celebrated a decade of being in business, serving traditional and unique dishes that combine Vietnamese and French cuisine.
Paper City Magazine highlights some of the top must-order dishes to try at Mot Hai Ba, including the banh bao steamed buns and garlic noodles. Krstic also has a secret ingredient that he uses in absolutely everything, which you can try guessing if you visit.
3. Hello Dumpling
Are you a fan of dumplings? Then don’t sleep on Hello Dumpling – one of the best casual restaurants in Dallas for your dumpling cravings. You don’t have to just take our word for it, as both of Hello Dumpling’s locations have a 4.5 star Google rating, with hundreds of glowing reviews. On top of this, Hello Dumpling has also been “featured in Dallas Advocate Magazine’s ‘Best Of’ list every year,” according to its website.
From handmade pork with napa cabbage dumplings to vegetarian ones, there is a wide selection to choose from. And if you’re not a fan of dumplings, Hello Dumpling also has an array of other hand made menu items, including its braised beef soup noodles or chicken baozi. With every menu item, under $15 USD, Hello Dumpling is one of the best affordable restaurants in Dallas.
4. Ocean Prime
Seeking a more classic Texas meal filled with seafood and steak? Lucky for you, one of the best places to eat in Dallas is Ocean Prime, a locally loved steakhouse and seafood destination.
According to Ocean Prime’s website, the restaurant delivers a chef-curated menu, handcrafted cocktails, and pairs all that with an exceptional ambience. From sushi to prime steaks, Ocean Prime offers a variety of exquisite seafood and meat dishes. Throughout the week, the restaurant offers rotating specials and hosts regular events. For instance, on Wednesday, you can enjoy a half price bottle of wine from its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list if it’s priced at $150 and less – a steal for a steakhouse of this caliber.
With all that said, it’s no surprise Ocean Prime has over a four star rating on Google based on over 1,800 reviews, making it a clear favorite and worthy of being named one of the best places to eat in Dallas in our books.
5. El Carlos Elegante
Awarded Eater’s Restaurant of the Year for 2023, El Carlos Elegante, located in the city’s Design District, comes in strong as one of the best new restaurants in Dallas.
Opened in 2022, El Carlos Elegante offers authentic Mexican and South American dishes. The restaurant’s chef offers several recommendations, including the wagyu NY strip, okra and shishitos, and Mexican chocolate. PaperCity Magazine even called out El Carlos Elegante’s pork al pastor dish as one of eight stand out dishes from new Dallas restaurants in 2022.
6. Fearing’s Restaurant
Fearing’s Restaurant was created by award-winning chef Dean Fearing, who was the last Dallas chef to win a James Beard award and took the title home of Best Chef in 1994, making Fearing’s one of the top 10 restaurants in Dallas. Fearing has been called the “father of southwestern cuisine” and rightfully so. According to the restaurant’s website, Dean Fearing opened the restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton over 15 years ago and the site has since become a beloved spot for tourists and Dallas locals alike.
Guests have the opportunity to experience an exceptional menu with food made with the finest ingredients at the Fearing’s chef’s table, Live Oak Patio, and other intimate areas of the venue. There are plenty of southwestern dishes to choose from, including Dean’s tortilla soup. Eater Dallas describes what makes this dish different, which is the crunch of the vegetables and calls the broth with sour cream “heavenly.”
7. The Mexican
The Mexican offers an exquisite dining experience, where guests can dine at this stunning $11.5 million constructed and designed restaurant. The restaurant was awarded the Most Beautiful Restaurant in North America, according to the international architectural awards by Prix Versailles in November 2023. With that acclamation alone, it’s no wonder, The Mexican has crawled its way as one of the best new restaurants in Dallas, Texas.
The Mexican serves elevated Mexican food and drinks. From lobster elote to filet and bone marrow tacos, you’re sure to find something new. And if you’re really looking to splurge and immerse yourself in this Dallas restaurant dining experience, there’s a $250 margarita with your name on it!
8. Uchi Dallas
James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole founded Uchi, one of the most popular Japanese restaurants in Dallas. Chef Cole opened his first location out of a refurbished home in Austin over 20 years ago, and built it up to become one of the top 10 restaurants in Austin. More recently, Uchi made its Dallas debut in 2015, serving up cravable dishes like madai crudo and wagyu tataki, as well as the popular chef’s omakase tasting. And if you’re looking to experience a delectable sushi experience at home, Uchi offers its takeout sushi boxes for you to enjoy.
While Chef Cole has expanded into many markets across the country, what makes the Dallas location so unique is the izakaya style concept restaurant located right above called Uchibā. This venue serves exclusive Japanese whiskies, along with some menu items from Uchi.
9. Nick & Sam’s
Nick and Sam’s is without a doubt one of the most talked about restaurants in Dallas. According to the restaurant’s website, “Nick & Sam’s has been featured in The Dallas Morning News, Forbes, New York Times, D Magazine, and earned a best in Dallas title from Southern Living, Forbes, USA Today, and Tasting Table.”
This fine-dining restaurant has everything a great steakhouse should offer, including steak and chops with a signature steak sauce, high-quality seafood, along with various sides and appetizers. To emphasize how good the overall experience is, this 25-plus-year-old steakhouse has hosted esteemed celebrities, like George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Julia Child, just to name a few. See for yourself why celebrities choose Nick & Sam’s to dine at.
10. Pecan Lodge
We couldn’t complete the top 10 best restaurants in Dallas without including at least one barbecue spot. Pecan Lodge is a highly recommended restaurant in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, with a 4.5 Google star rating and over 7,600 reviews where customers rave about how it’s “one of the best BBQ places.” This beloved barbecue spot has also been featured on Food Network’s hit show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Pecan Lodge is a barbecue lover’s dream, with offerings ranging from delicious hand-made sausages to beef brisket, home-made peach cobbler, and so much more. According to the Dallas Observer, “the best meats here include fatty, fork-tender brisket and burner crisp burnt ends.”
According to the latest Dallas restaurant trends, 96% of the city’s operators reported using at least one online ordering platform, and Pecan Lodge is no exception to this current restaurant trends for 2024 by offering country-wide off-premise ordering, so customers across the U.S. can still indulge in what this Dallas barbecue spot has to offer.
Which Dallas spot caught your eye? Let us know or shoot us a message if you think your Dallas restaurant should be featured.
Megan is the Content Marketing Specialist at TouchBistro, where she uses her passion for food to write about the restaurant industry. She’s a big “foodie” at heart, and you can always find her enjoying a delicious meal at a restaurant with friends and family, or cooking one up at home. She also loves relaxing with a good book and making progress at the gym.
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