A guide to the best food and drinks in Dallas

Dallas has undergone incredible changes since it was portrayed in the infamous 1980s soap opera of the same name. Home to Neiman Marcus, the legendary State Fair of Texas, and America's Team, the Big D also boasts a thriving and diverse culinary scene, sometimes under the radar nationally. Dallas has always been a niche city, and if you want to fit in, you have to find yours. While some parts of the city may not have the vibe for you, there are also spots with history and charm that transcend conflict. This guide will help you get to the heart of Dallas' unique culinary identity.

Where to start with Eater Dallas' best maps

Compiled by Eater Dallas comprehensive guide Enjoy some of the best food and drink in the city, including fried chicken, cocktails, burgers, brunch, and more. If you're starving but overwhelmed by all these options, here are some top picks that are sure to be your pick every time.

Kathy Tran

Most popular restaurant

Dallas loves the hardest places to get into. For now, it's Via Toriozzi in Lower Greenville. There's a good reason for that. In the pasta window facing the street, pasta is prepared fresh and made in-house daily. The menu is full of classic dishes inspired by the owner's Sicilian family and her visits to Tuscany. There is also a wine list, consisting mainly of natural selections from small family-run vineyards in Italy.

essential restaurant

Located in the former location of the Highland Park Soda Fountain, Mr. Charles has quickly become a popular spot in a city filled with steak lovers. For dinner, there's a wide range of expensive options, including finely cut steaks and whole Dover soles. Alternatively, you can choose a more budget-friendly option by sharing plates from the pasta and appetizer portions of the menu. A highlight on the dessert menu is the Baked Alaskan Banana Pudding, a flambéed fusion of two great dishes.

barbecue

In 2021, texas monthly Fort Worth's Goldie's Bar-B-Q has been named the best place to eat in the state. This mention was life-changing for the owner of this spot. This location has gone from being off the beaten path to a place that has daily lines and sells out before the afternoon. Who could argue with delicious brisket, charred ends, and free drinks while you wait in line? If you're looking for another off-the-beaten-path favorite, stop by Garland's Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery and ask for help creating a custom he-made pairing of succulent meat and house-made beer.

Kathy Tran

branch

Dallas is a city of power brunchers, so don't go to an old store on the weekend and expect to get a seat. Knox Bistro offers a great French bistro experience of classic brunch dishes, along with a bakery stocked with pastries you won't want to miss. If you're feeling a little too fancy, head to Starship Bagels in downtown Dallas for a quality bagel and iced latte. There are long lines and little protection from the sun, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a small hat.

hamburger

When it's time to return to Earth, Dallas eats (and loves) more burgers than any other city. The current frontrunner for favorites is Burger He Shmulger, a pop-up location inside High Five that serves up addictive smashburgers. Liberty He Burger is a beloved local favorite that has made many improvements to the basic burger, including options to use lamb, chicken, yellowfin tuna, or ground turkey instead of beef. Don't miss out on the shakes, where you can drink alcohol (adults can't drink alcohol).

Mexican

Grab a frozen margarita from the birthplace of Mariano's Hacienda. While you're there, you might want to order a plate of enchiladas or fajitas. This Tex-Mex joint slaps. For authentic Mexican food, visit Fort Worth's Don Artemio and order a plate of shredded cactus cooked in bacon fat.

Kathy Tran

steak

The Crown Block is located atop Reunion Tower this year, making it the perfect spot for diners who want to literally see the sights of Dallas. This is Dallas' signature steakhouse, with a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and ranches. That means you can eat a variety of North Texas cuisine there. We also have a great seafood bar for sushi lovers and a top-notch dessert bar.

Must-know gourmet areas in Dallas

Dallas-Fort Worth is very large, spanning over 350 square miles in North Texas. So while it's easy to find a decent meal almost anywhere in the metropolitan area, certain regions have developed their own culinary identities. No matter where you are, let this breakdown of the city's most famous restaurant districts be your guide.

Bishop Arts

It's hard to go wrong when choosing where to eat in Bishop Arts. A new addition to the neighborhood, LadyLove Lounge and Sound is a cool bar with DJs spinning records, cocktails strong, and a food program designed by the team at nearby His Taco Y Vino.

Kathy Tran

deep elm

This cool neighborhood now has so many new places to eat and drink that it's hard to keep up. Outside of Austin, you can get a taste of Austin at Terry Black's Barbecue. Brick & Bones also has probably the best fried chicken in the city. And how could he spend a night in Deep Ellum without stopping by the Revolver Octopus lounge?

uptown

Uptown has a variety of vibes, from flashy parties to the city's hippest eateries to surprisingly delicious fast-casual spots. Uchi is a popular restaurant serving modern Japanese cuisine, from sushi to steak. At Fillings at The Ritz-Carlton, one of Dallas' top chefs, Dean Fearing, serves the Southwestern cuisine he is known for and admired for.

downtown

Joule's Midnight Rambler will delight cocktail lovers, while Adolphus's Rodeo Bar is perfect for a Texas-themed night out. If you want delicious pizza, head to Partenope for a Neapolitan pie.

greenville avenue

Enjoy dinner downstairs at HG Sply Co., then head up to the rooftop to watch the sunset and take in some of the most beautiful downtown views in the city. Or stop by Ngong Vietnamese Kitchen and order the bun cha hanoi or tofu dumplings you won't soon forget.

How to spend a day eating in DFW

Let's start with SMU's Shug's Bagels. Choose the option that sounds best and the latte that's the perfect way to start your day.

Head to Fondo in downtown Dallas for a light lunch. All sandwiches are served on homemade bread, especially the Tower Club. On such a day, please enjoy the natural wine that you can choose from the menu.

Take a break for the afternoon with a snack and a glass of wine at Sixty Vines, where all wine is made in barrels with a focus on sustainability. The ambiance of the taproom is perfect for meetings or quick work in a gorgeous space. The wine bar also has partnerships with several top vineyards.

Kathy Tran

Make dinner reservations at Restaurant Beatrice, one of Dallas' 2023 James Beard Award nominees. This best new restaurant has also been named by Eater's Dallas Restaurant of the Year for 2022. Cajun and Creole cuisine is created by local chef and owner Michelle, a Louisiana native. Carpenter and former Commander Palace chef Terrence Jenkins. Try grilled oysters and the catch of the day from the restaurant's Gulf Seafood program, or try the signature Mammau fried chicken with homemade pepper he jelly.

After dinner, prolong your night with a martini at Tina's Continental. Housed in the historic Continental Gin building in Deep Ellum, this small bar takes its martinis seriously and is designed to look like the interior of Lincoln's Continental.

Enjoy cocktails and a show late into the night at the Rose Room at Oak Lawn's Station 4, Dallas' most historic drag venue. The drinks are strong there, and the performances are strong.

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