Must-see restaurants in Dallas

  • Fuel City

    Dallas

    A short drive from downtown, Fuel City serves up some of Dallas' best tacos in one of its most idiosyncratic locations (it's also a gas station and car…

  • Javier's

    Dallas

    This deeply cultured restaurant takes the gentrified cuisine of old Mexico City to new levels; forget whatever ideas you may have previously held about…

  • Gabriela & Sofia’s Tex-Mex

    Dallas

    The interior here is just acceptable: dark and roomy. But that's good as it doesn't get in the way of the beauty you'll find on your plate. Regional…

  • Meddlesome Moth

    Dallas

    Small groups of friends flock to this buzzing Design District gastropub, 2 miles northwest of downtown, to linger over Belgian-style mussels, shrimp and…

  • Zodiac

    Dallas

    This classic downtown lunch spot, which has been tucked into Neiman Marcus for more than 50 years, evokes old-school Dallas. Attentive waiters bustle…

  • AllGood Café

    Dallas

    Self-styled as a 'Bohemian Bistro,' this funky street-corner Deep Ellum diner is a true home from home. Families and rocker types alike chow down on Tex…

  • Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse

    Dallas

    Dallas’ favorite barbecue joint also has a handy downtown location, but for the full authentic experience you can’t beat a visit to the place it all began…

  • Rodeo Goat

    Dallas

    Rodeo Goat is located on an unpromising stretch of roadway on the outskirts of the Design District and, from the outside, looks like a low-key strip club…

  • Abacus

    Dallas

    For meat eaters wanting something more than a chain steakhouse, or anyone with a taste for inventive contemporary cuisine, Abacus, 3 miles north of…

  • Ellen's Southern Kitchen

    Dallas

    In the center of historic West End, Ellen's serves up American comfort fare in a slightly upscale diner setting (think wild wallpaper, elegant light…

  • French Room

    Dallas

    With glittering chandeliers and drop-dead opulence, this is one of the top-rated hotel restaurants in the country. Gilt-tinged arches, marble columns and…

  • Pecan Lodge

    Dallas

    An icon in Deep Ellum, Pecan Lodge fires up tender brisket, ribs and pulled pork. Add the requisite sides (mac 'n cheese, collard greens, plus peach…

  • Tillman's Roadhouse

    Dallas

    A mod hunting lodge for stylish cowboys features shotguns for door handles, faux stag heads, antler chandeliers and a gorgeous log bar. With all this…

  • Kalachandji's

    Dallas

    A lavishly decorated Hare Krishna temple, 3 miles east of downtown, holds a fine counterpoint to Texas' many meaty temptations. The small but varying…

  • Keller’s Drive-In

    Dallas

    You supply the dining room – your car – at this classic vintage drive-in, 7 miles north of downtown. The waitresses (yes, all women) may have seen it all,…

  • Sammy's BBQ

    Dallas

    The line of regular lunch-goers, most clad in business casual, shuffles along quickly for plate-swamping portions of smoked brisket and other meats at…

  • Velvet Taco

    Dallas

    An immensely popular hipster taqueria with globally accented tacos, including wagyu brisket and tikka chicken. Despite its freeway-side location, the…

  • Smoke

    Dallas

    A barbecue joint that grows its own veggies and smokes its own meats gets enough street cred to claim the motto 'Raisin' Hell from Scratch.' The style of…

  • S&D Oyster Company

    Dallas

    An uptown staple for years (complete with red-and-white checked tablecloths and old-time jazz playing overhead), S&D has earned many fans for its fresh…

  • Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse

    Dallas

    Sonny Bryan's barbecue has been around in one form or another since 1910. Although the main location is obscurely located, this branch holds up the…

  • Mansion Restaurant

    Dallas

    In the exquisite Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel, this beautiful restaurant has high-end, complex food. The dishes are crafted with color and flair…

  • Relish

    Dallas

    Excellent burgers, hot dogs and several varieties of french fries are served up from the counter window at this kiosk in the Arts District's hugely…

  • Bubba’s Cooks Country

    Dallas

    Great American breakfasts and true Texas fare make this a must-stop for anyone who wants to have the full local culinary experience. Portions are big and…

  • Society Bakery

    Dallas

    This top Dallas bakery has three locations. It features from-scratch, all-butter cupcakes in banana chocolate chip, Italian cream and red velvet, among…

  • Café Madrid

    Dallas

    The rustic Spanish decor – wine barrels, warm saffron walls – comes to life with live flamenco guitar music. Tasty tapas at decent prices. Also serves…

  • Hopdoddy Burger Bar

    Dallas

    Defining Dallas: fabulous burgers, excellent microbrews and tables outside in the balmy air. Hopdoddy hits the troika.

  • Mi Lindo Oaxaca

    Dallas

    This former take-out has graduated into stand-alone premises, but still serves authentic Oaxacan food at a handful of tables, and only accepts cash. Its…

  • Bread Winners

    Dallas

    If sipping a mimosa in a lush courtyard atrium is the reward for the agony of choosing what to order for brunch, then bring on the pain. Lunch and dinner…

  • Stampede 66

    Dallas

    Famed chef Stephan Pyles is behind this popular Uptown eatery. Enjoy imaginative takes on Texas classics from fried oyster tacos to duck and shrimp…

  • Hunky's

    Dallas

    Reclaim your innocence (or at least get a damn good malt) in this throwback chain of diners that's a far cry from those themed places where waitresses…

  • HG Sply Co

    Dallas

    This lively local stalwart, in the appealing Lower Greenville neighborhood 3 miles northeast of downtown, does a good job of pleasing all palates…

  • Fearing's

    Dallas

    Press accolades keep pouring in for chef Dean Fearing's four-star, four-dining room restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton. No need to dress up to enjoy the…

  • Hattie's

    Dallas

    Upscale Southern comfort food with a modern twist keeps this Bishop Arts District fave packed with locals. Dig into fried green tomatoes, low-country…

  • Cosmic Café

    Dallas

    Spectacularly colourful both inside and out, and bedecked with ornate carvings, Cosmic Café serves delicious vegetarian food. While predominantly Indian,…

  • Atrium Cafe

    Dallas

    Great and creative cafe fare in the museum. The burgers, chicken sandwiches, soups and more are made with flair. Look for seasonal specials and a kids'…

  • Dream Cafe

    Dallas

    Start your day early with a fabulous breakfast (get anything with Benedict in the name), or relax on the vine-covered patio at lunchtime with some healthy…

  • Toulouse

    Dallas

    This charming, angular cafe and bar transports diners from Highland Park to France. Sit on the Euro-style patio and gloat over your bouillabaisse and…

  • Ascension

    Dallas

    Upscale and hip with the kind of casual sophistication you might expect in a Design District spot. Equally popular for morning meetings and its obsessive…

  • Serious Pizza

    Dallas

    Despite the name, the Deep Ellum stand-by pizza was so good we were forced to smile. Pizza slices are huge but for real pleasure, eat-in and customize…

  • Café Brazil

    Dallas

    This is the definitive 24-hour dining destination, whether you're recovering from the late shift at the ER, a night of clubbing or a broken heart…

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