As big as Dallas is, it’s still super Southern to the core – just take a look at your favorite diner. From smoky briskets to succulent beef ribs, they know how to cook up all the beloved barbecue classics that call the South home. But the Big D’s fine dining scene doesn’t just stop at beefy burgers and crispy chicken wings (although they still tick all our boxes). In fact, there are countless restaurants in Dallas serving up finger-lickin’ good food inspired by cuisines from all over the world, from the unbeatable Tex-Mex combo to mouthwatering Italian crowd-pleasers and more.
1. Written by the Seasons, Bishop Arts
Nestled in the vibrant Bishop Arts neighborhood, Written by the Seasons is a farm-to-table restaurant serving tapas-style dishes prepared by skilled chefs. As the name implies, the menu is seasonal, but they tend to focus strongly on the goodness of fresh veg. Their bite-sized dishes celebrating flavors from Texas and around the world are perfect for sharing and cost between $10 and $20, making it a great spot for a date night with friends or that special someone.
đź“Ť380 Melba St, Dallas, TX 75208
2. Pearl Sushi, Oak Lawn
Pearl Sushi is a go-to spot for authentic Japanese cuisine in Dallas. Not only does their menu include popular sushi specials, but it also introduces diners to a whole new world of scents, textures and tastes from Tokyo and beyond. Innovative dishes like salmon belly with a palm sugar sauce tantalize taste buds while giving you the chance to get acquainted with the burst of flavors that you’d savor in Japan’s finest sushi bars.
đź“Ť4640 McKinney Ave #130, Dallas, TX 75205,
3. The Heritage Table, Frisco
The Heritage Table take using locally-sourced ingredients to create outstanding dishes super seriously. From their wagyu beef to goat’s cheese, mixed greens to coffee beans, the restaurant sources their produce from local farmers, ranchers and artisans. Quality and sustainability are their top priorities, and their menu proves just that. Take the Whole Beast for example. Noodles, beef, chicken meatballs, house kimchi and a mixture of fresh vegetables are mixed together to create a delicious broth that ensures nothing is left to waste.
đź“Ť7110 Main St, Frisco, TX 75033
4. Maison Chinoise, Oak Lawn
Step inside Maison Chinoise and you’ll be immersed in a welcoming environment adorned with stone, natural woods and warm hues. Take a look at their menu, and you’ll find delectable Chinese dishes that blend contemporary with traditional. We’re talking crispy pastrami egg rolls, Argentinian prawn toasts, wok-fried lamb shoulder and more. This place is also renowned for their impressive selection of dim sum and dumplings. They range between $13 to $19, and some of our favorites include the spicy sichuan pork wonton and baked char siu pork barbecue buns.
đź“Ť4152 Cole Ave #106, Dallas, TX 75204
5. UnaVida, West Village
UnaVida offers a warm and friendly ‘bienvenido’ to Dallasites on the lookout for tasty Mexican dishes. Yummy food often comes with some not-so-healthy ingredients, but that’s where UnaVida differs from many other Mexican eateries. They serve up good-for-you grub using fresh produce without skimping on taste or quality. Stacked enchiladas, tasty tacos and a host of dishes to share for the mesa await. And of course, there’s no shortage of tequila here.
đź“Ť3699 McKinney Ave #307, Dallas, TX 75204
6. F1 Smokehouse, Fort Worth
Fort Worth locals may already be familiar with F1 Smokehouse thanks to their famous food truck in Clearfork. At their University branch, you can get your hands on one of their giant burgers or sandwiches served with a generous side of tater tots and pickles for less than $20. But if you ask us, their beloved signature meat dishes are where it’s at. Expect barbecue favorites including pork ribs, pork chops, beef briskets and glazed chicken dished up next to celery root slaw, charred broccolini or a truffled potato salad for an additional cost.
đź“Ť517 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76107
7. Lucia, Bishop Arts
Scoring a reservation at Lucia ain’t always easy. But it’s not because its flashy or exclusive, quite the contrary. It’s homely vibe, no-frills feel and authentic Italian delights have kept diners coming back since the restaurant opened almost 15 years ago. They pride themselves on their succulent salumi which makes for the perfect antipasti to share with your fellow foodies. For mains, they do the typical (and delicious) pasta and risotto dishes, and one of their standouts is the polpettone with parmigiano polenta. Juicy meatballs served on a cheesy polenta and doused in their special tangy sauce. Simply squisito!
đź“Ť287 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
8. Rye, Old East Dallas
Rye pushes the boundaries of the average culinary experience with a little help from super creative cocktails and off-the-wall dishes (take the Icelandic hot dog and sauerkraut cake as examples). Chef Taylor Rause has curated a rotating menu packed with dishes that turn heads while keeping taste buds on their toes. The pork belly lollipops braised in burnt orange and bourbon are a favorite, and the seafood lasagna featuring octopus head and squid ink puts a unique twist on the signature Italian dish.
đź“Ť1920 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
9. Restaurant Beatrice, Kessler
Serving contemporary Cajun and Creole classics steeped in taste and tradition, Restaurant Beatrice is bringing a slice of Louisiana to Dallas. Thanks to their unbeatable seasonal menu and Southern hospitality, they’ve won multiple awards including Dallas Eater’s Restaurant of the Year and D Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in 2022. One of our favorite features about this spot is their trendy patio which transforms into an authentic Cajun seafood boiling spot. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm – 7pm, they have a happy hour deal on the patio where Andouille corn dogs, shrimp beignets and blistered okra with remoulade all cost $11.11.
đź“Ť1111 N Beckley Ave, Dallas, TX 75203
10. Billy Can Can, Victory Park
Billy Can Can is a snazzy saloon offering the ultimate Dallas dining experience. Their menu is a guaranteed hit for anyone in need of some Texan charm in the shape of a crispy skate schnitzel sandwich, fried oyster sliders or juicy ribeye steak. To wash down the Southern treasures, the restaurant’s craft cocktails are sure to do the trick. The Glass-Eyed Gringo infused with mezcal, spiced pear liqueur, Lillet Blanc, sherry and orange bitters packs the perfect punch to finish off your Billy Can Can experience in Southern style.
đź“Ť2386 Victory Park Ln, Dallas, TX 75219