Favorite Restaurants in Dallas
I get asked all the time about my favorite restaurants in Dallas, so I decided to list them all out in one post! Sorry for the long post, but there are just so many great restaurants in Dallas (and the list is constantly growing). I know I am missing some great places, so comment Dallas restaurants I might have missed! xoxo
Beverly’s – Great spot for brunch or date night. Their cold bar and pickled vegetables are my favorite appetizers and I highly recommend the spring pasta when in season. Parking is not easy, so plan to valet.
Bistro 31– This is a great spot for date night, or a happy hour if you go to the upstairs area. We loved the Salmon, Risotto (they change this seasonally), Tagliolini, Crab Cakes, Margarita, and Blueberry Moscow Mule (also seasonal). If the weather is nice, the patio is the perfect spot for people-watching.
City Hall Bistro– We went for a bunch and loved the Avocado Toast and Breakfast Sandwich. We are planning to go back and try the lunch or dinner menu as well. It is a smaller restaurant tucked away in the Adolphus hotel, but it is perfect for a group of 4-8 friends.
DL Mack’s – The best McCarthy salad! Honestly, everything we have tried on their menu is delicious including cocktails. Parking is not always easy and because the dining room is small I recommend having reservations.
Doc B’s– Great spot in uptown, surrounded by windows to watch the busy streets outside. We like the Grilled California Artichokes, Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad, and The Number Six Sandwich.
Dolce Riviera – We discovered this spot during Dallas Restaurant Week, which is a great way to try new places. We enjoyed the Melanzane Alla Parmigiana, Burrata Arrosto, Risotta Funghi, Asiago & Tartufo, Linguine Mare & Monti and Spaghetti Integrali Verdue. This is a great spot for date night or GNO, everything on the menu is amazing and they have a large wine selection. Ask to sit on the patio if the weather is nice.
Drake’s – This is a great spot to grab a drink with friends or all crowd in a circle booth and share pizza. I recommend reservations and if you are ever free on Sunday night they have live jazz music.
Hudson House– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but I prefer the Lovers Lane location. The decor gives off an east coast vibe and during the holidays they really deck the halls! All the seafood is fresh and delicious, some favorites are Oysters, the cheeseburger and Tuna Tower.
il Bracco – This is probably my favorite date spot in Dallas. It is hard to decide between the pasta dishes because they are all fantastic, but be sure to ask about the specials and do not turn down the scallops if they have them.
Javier’s – An upscale Tex Mex spot with a cigar lounge (there is no smoke in the dining section) that is perfect for a date or celebration. We like the Ceviche, Mole Poblano, Shrimp Brochette Cozumel and Carne Asada A La Tampiqueña. It is a Dallas classic!
Mi Cocina– There are multiple locations in Dallas, but my favorites are Highland Park Village and West Village. The Highland Park Village location has a neat little space upstairs perfect for happy hour. My favorite dishes are Mama’s Tacos, and Tortilla Soup and nothing beats their Mambo Taxis.
Mesero– The Prestonwood location has the best patio overlooking a golf course that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. I love the Shrimp Ceviche (which can be a full meal), Queso Mesero, Sopa de Fideo, Salmon a la Plancha (there is a lunch portion), and Cinco Leches Cake.
Montlake Cut – If il Bracco is my favorite date spot, then this is a very close second. The fresh fish rotates daily and is always paired perfectly with the accompanying sauce. If you order a side the shells and cheese are a must and the bartender knows how to make a great vodka martini.
Neighborhood Services– There are a few locations, but I prefer the Preston/Royal location. Everything on their menu is great, I love the Sea Scallops, Waldorf Now, and Crispy Asparagus. The Lovers Lane location is also great and they have a different menu.
Ocean Prime – Formal restaurant with a dress code and is a great spot for celebrations. I really like the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs, Oysters on the Half Shell, Sea Scallops, and Baked Alaska for dessert.
Partanope – We love this downtown gem primarily for the delicious authentic Italian dishes. The prosciutto is made in house and sliced when ordered, so naturally I always order a dish that has prosciutto.
Pecan Lodge – Plan to get here early and wait in line (not worth waiting more than an hour). We went before opening on a Saturday, but a weekday would be much easier. All of the meat is delicious, but we really enjoyed the burnt ends and of course fried okra.
Rise – Who doesn’t love a souffle? Always start with the marshmallow soup and always end with the off menu reese’s souffle.
Saint Ann – Great spot in Hardwood (walking distance to American Airlines Center) with the cutest patio. We really like the Ceviche, Charcuterie Board, Pesto Flatbread, Seared Scallops, and Grilled Salmon.
Sixty Vines– We started going to the Plano location a few years ago, but since they have opened another location at the Crescent Court. If you are willing to drive up the toll road a bit, the Plano location is a lot less crowded and parking is not an issue. We love Brussels, Meatballs, Toasts, Rigatoni, and Fig & Prosciutto Pizza. They offer wine on tap and our favorite is the Matchbook Tempranillo.
The Mansion Restaurant – Tucked away inside the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, is this elegant dining room. Everything on the menu is delicious, but favorites are diver scallops, butternut squash agnolotti, and lemon oyster mushrooms.
The Zodiac Room– A Dallas classic on the sixth floor of the Neiman Marcus flagship downtown. Every meal starts with Popovers with strawberry butter and a small cup of Broth. I usually order the Avocado Toast, Shaved Salad, or Roasted Salmon. My grandmother always orders the Orange Soufflé and every meal should end with Neiman Marcus Cookies for dessert.
Toulouse – We usually go to the Knox location, but they recently opened one in Plano at Legacy West too. We like the Knox location because of the great patio right off Katy Trail. For brunch, we like the Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, any of their Salads, and the Belgian Waffle.
Up On Knox– Great spot for happy hour or dinner with friends. When the weather is nice, it opens up to a beautiful patio bringing even more natural light into the dining room. Favorites are Avocado Toast, Lobster Club Sandwich, Grilled Salmon Leeks, Grilled Artichokes, and Veal Piccata Marsala.
Image via Alex Phillips.
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