Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Dallas
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about eating out in Dallas? If you guessed Tex-Mex and barbecue, you would be right. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with them, the Dallas restaurant scene offers so much more.
Whether you’re looking to chow down on a thick, succulent, medium-rare ribeye in your local diner or craving the best cut of Wagyu beef in a fine dining establishment, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of top 10 must try restaurants in Dallas.
What Food Is Dallas Known For
Barbecues and burgers – these are the two dishes at the heart of Dallas’ culinary identity. That said, there are several upcoming restaurants that have set up shop in this bustling metropolis. The city has embraced new cuisines, with everything from Mediterranean dishes, Asian delicacies, and mouth-watering Middle Eastern food.
There’s no denying that Dallas will deliver the best-smoked steak you’ve ever had in your life; if you’re willing to step out of what you’re used to, and try some of the other creative menus the city has to offer, let’s just say you’re in for quite a ride.
Where to Eat in Dallas
Let’s get into it, shall we? Below are the top restaurants in Dallas that are guaranteed to deliver a dining experience and flavor extravaganza like no other.
1. Nusr-Et
Top on our list is Nusret Gökçe’s new dining establishment in Dallas. That’s right. “Salt Bae” is in town. The Instagram sensation has joined our list of top downtown Dallas restaurants that you just have to try.
For the non-Instagrammers in the house, Nusret is a flamboyant Turkish restaurateur, famous for his somewhat maniacal style of slicing steak and the deft sprinkling of salt flakes that cascade down his forearm raining on the steaming platter below.
As far as the menu goes, the prices are outrageous, but so are the meals – in a good way. After all, when was the last time you had a good old gold-crusted burger or gold-crusted short ribs?
When you do go to eat there, we recommend ordering the 24-karat Istanbul steak. It’s worth it.
2. Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse
Nick & Sam’s Steakhouse has to be one of the best uptown Dallas restaurants for fine-dining lovers. Everything from the infinite list of meticulously prepared steaks and chops to the caviar starter and Chef Joe Xie’s signature sushi platter – the dining experience is unlike anything else you’ve had.
One of the things that stood out to us was just how visually stunning all the dishes were. The Alaskan king crab, for instance, was a whole production. You would have to see it in person to believe it.
3. Shoyo
You’ve not had Japanese cuisine until you’ve been to Shoyo. Located on Greenville Ave. Dallas, this eatery is not your typical glitzy exotic restaurant. Chef Jimmy Park, the owner, took a minimalist approach to deliver a unique and intimate dining experience like no other.
The establishment only has 12 seats. The standard $175 cover charge gets you 20 courses, all prepared with amazing precision right in front of you.
4. Monarch
If you’re craving fresh seafood, juicy steaks, handmade pasta, and other delicious cuisines, Monarch restaurant will deliver a memorable culinary experience. Perched on the 49th floor of the newly renovated Thompson Hotel, this wood-fired Italian restaurant adds a modern twist to old classics.
The Black Truffle Risotto, the Whole Maine Lobster Spaghetti, and the Comte Crusted Filet Mignon were out of this world. If you have a special occasion coming up, this would be the best place to host it.
5. Al Markaz
No one does Indian and Pakistani cuisine quite like Al Markaz. This restaurant has been around for 20+ years. Their most popular dishes are, no doubt, the chicken tikka boti, butter chicken, and naan. The prices are low, and the portions – extremely generous. It’s definitely a must-try.
6. Mot Hai Ba
Tucked away in Lakewood is this charming little Vietnamese restaurant. Each dish that leaves Chef Peja Krstic’s kitchen is nothing short of perfection. Everything from the ambiance to the tantalizing Asian cuisine delivers a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression for months to come. The salmon jerky salad and the sakura pork short ribs are an all-time favorite.
7. The French Room
From the moment you step into The French Room restaurant at the Adolphus Hotel, you instantly feel like you’ve been teleported to an elegant 5-star restaurant in the heart of Paris. The timeless European architecture and the elegant en pointe decor are simply stunning. The classic French menu is designed to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
The afternoon tea service, in particular, is something you need to experience at least once. It is decadent and indulgent in every way imaginable.
8. Petra and the Beast
Be warned. This isn’t your conventional dine-in restaurant. Petra and the Beast restaurant is made for the adventurous eater willing to step out of their comfort zone and venture into the unknown.
Located in a former gas station, this restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Misti Norris, whose bold experimental menu has received countrywide acclaim. Make no mistake about it, though. Everything that leaves the kitchen is a culinary masterpiece.
9. The Commons Club
Nothing about the Common Club is common. Located in the Virgin Hotels, this restaurant is undoubtedly one of the hottest spots in uptown Dallas. In true Richard Branson style, the menu is delightful (and surprisingly affordable), and the ambiance – fun and festive.
If you want an intimate space to host a small group for a private gathering, the restaurant’s Shag Room is perfectly suited for it. Be sure to check their events calendar to keep up with upcoming shindigs.
10. Fearing’s
Last, but certainly not least, is Fearing’s restaurant. If you’re looking for authentic American cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you will like what Chef Dean Fearing brings to the table.
His signature barbecue shrimp tacos and the sizzling Texas ribeye steak that’s slow-grilled over live mesquite are guaranteed to set your taste buds ablaze. The menu is simple but remarkably delicious.
Next time you’re on I-45, check out these top 7 must-visit pit stops you need to experience at least once.