Top 10 Best Dallas Restaurants

Dallas is famous for a range of food that significantly contributes to its food tourism, especially Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex. The best food in Dallas also includes high-quality steaks, reflecting Texas's cattle ranching heritage. What sets Dallas's food apart is the robust flavor profiles, the emphasis on smoked meats, and a vibrant Tex-Mex offering that blends Mexican food with Texan influences. Specific cooking techniques prominent in Dallas include the slow-smoking of meats over wood, central to its barbecue identity. While not all ingredients originated solely in Dallas, the use of Texas-grown beef, fresh peppers (like jalapeños and poblanos), and local pecans in dishes are characteristic. The city's food offerings provide a distinct taste of Texan food culture.

The average cost of a meal in Dallas can range from $15 to over $150 per person, varying with the establishment and type of dining. A single meal at a budget-friendly restaurant or fast-casual spot might cost between $15 and $30. For a group meal at a mid-range restaurant, individuals can expect to spend between $40 and $75 each. When considering a high-end or fine dining restaurant in Dallas, the cost for one person can be $80 to $150 or substantially more, especially for tasting menus or at highly acclaimed venues.

Dallas has a wide selection of popular fast-food restaurants offering quick and convenient meal choices throughout the city. These establishments are known for their recognizable brands and efficient service. Some of the most popular fast-food restaurants in Dallas include:

• McDonald's: A global fast-food leader with numerous locations.
• Whataburger: A Texas-based chain highly popular for its burgers and customizable options.
• Chick-fil-A: Known for its chicken sandwiches and customer service.
• Taco Bell: Offers Mexican-inspired fast food.
• Subway: Provides customizable submarine sandwiches.
• Burger King: Famous for its Whopper sandwich.
• Sonic Drive-In: Popular for its drive-in service, burgers, and extensive drink menu.
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Known for its Cajun-style fried chicken.

Dallas's food scene is dynamic, with new establishments frequently opening and introducing fresh concepts. While "newest" is a constantly changing descriptor, here are some examples of the best new restaurants Dallas has seen or that have garnered significant attention more recently (representing openings and buzz from late 2023 into 2024/2025; checking local Dallas food publications is best for the very latest):

• Quarter Acre: This Henderson Avenue restaurant offers a refined experience with a menu influenced by New Zealand food, gaining attention for its creative dishes and thoughtful service.
• Ramble Room: Located in the Park Cities area, Ramble Room provides an American bistro experience with a comfortable yet upscale atmosphere, focusing on classic dishes.
• The Meteor: Combining a cafe, wine bar, and bicycle shop, The Meteor in the Design District has become a popular new spot for its unique concept and quality food and drink offerings.
• Anise: This restaurant in The Drever hotel brings Mediterranean flavors to downtown Dallas, featuring a menu with influences from across the region in an elegant setting.
• Via Triozzi: An Italian restaurant in the Knox Street area that has quickly become a sought-after spot for its classic Italian-American food and lively atmosphere.

Dallas offers many excellent special occasion restaurants Dallas, perfect for celebrating anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or other significant events. These establishments provide memorable experiences through their ambiance, food, and service, making them ideal for a Dallas best restaurants for birthday dinner or a romantic evening.

• Lucia: For an intimate and highly sought-after anniversary or special birthday dinner, Lucia in the Bishop Arts District offers exceptional, handmade Italian food in a cozy, romantic setting. Its authentic dishes and warm atmosphere make it very special.
• Georgie by Curtis Stone: This Knox District restaurant provides a glamorous and sophisticated backdrop for a celebratory meal. With its premium steaks, elegant decor, and the cachet of Chef Curtis Stone, Georgie is suited for upscale birthdays or anniversaries.
• Tatsu Dallas: Offering a refined and authentic Japanese Omakase experience, Tatsu in Deep Ellum is an excellent choice for a unique and memorable special occasion. The artistry of the sushi and the serene, modern ambiance create a distinguished celebration.
• Mirador: With its stunning panoramic views of downtown Dallas from atop Forty Five Ten, Mirador offers a chic and bright setting for a celebratory lunch, bridal shower, or special daytime event. The elegant modern American food matches the impressive surroundings.
• Sanjh Restaurant and Bar (Irving): For a sophisticated and modern take on Indian fine dining, Sanjh provides an elegant atmosphere and artfully presented dishes, making it a distinctive choice for an anniversary or an elevated birthday celebration.

Yes, Dallas has many fun restaurants in Dallas that are well-suited for group outings, offering lively atmospheres, shareable menus, or interactive elements. Establishments like The Rustic feature large outdoor patios, live music, and a communal feel with family-style serving options, making them great for larger gatherings. Places such as Cidercade combine arcade games with a wide selection of ciders and food, providing built-in entertainment for a group. Many barbecue joints, including Cattleack Barbecue (despite its limited hours), naturally lend themselves to group enjoyment with their casual settings and platters of smoked meats meant for sharing. Several cool restaurants in Dallas, especially in areas like Deep Ellum or Uptown, have energetic bar scenes, spacious seating, and menus designed for social dining, making them excellent choices for a group looking for a vibrant experience.

Dallas offers a significant and growing number of restaurants serving vegan food, including fully plant-based establishments and many others with robust vegan menus; examples include Spiral Diner & Bakery, Kalachandji's Restaurant & Palace, TLC Vegan Kitchen, and V-Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves. Spiral Diner & Bakery is a long-standing favorite, offering classic American diner fare made entirely vegan, from burgers and sandwiches to decadent desserts. Kalachandji's provides an all-vegetarian buffet with many vegan options, set within a Hare Krishna temple, offering Indian-inspired dishes in a serene atmosphere. TLC Vegan Kitchen focuses on hearty, flavorful vegan comfort food. V-Eats Modern Vegan at Trinity Groves presents a more upscale take on plant-based dining with creative dishes. Many other Dallas restaurants across different food styles are also increasingly featuring thoughtful and clearly labeled vegan options.

Numerous restaurants in Dallas accommodate diners looking for gluten-free food, with some dedicated gluten-free kitchens and many establishments offering extensive gluten-free menus or the ability to modify dishes safely. Examples include Origin Kitchen + Bar, Company Cafe, HG Sply Co., and most upscale steakhouses like Georgie or The Capital Grille (from a previous list). Origin Kitchen + Bar is known for its health-conscious menu that is entirely gluten-free and paleo-friendly, offering a range of bowls, entrees, and baked goods. Company Cafe has a strong focus on farm-to-table food with many clearly marked gluten-free options, including brunch items and sandwiches. HG Sply Co. offers a menu with many paleo and gluten-free choices, emphasizing whole foods and grilled items. High-end steakhouses are also adept at providing gluten-free meals, as their core offerings of grilled meats and many sides can be prepared without gluten.

Dallas cuisine is recognized for a robust and flavorful array of offerings, with several key food styles defining its identity. The city's kitchens showcase a blend of traditional Texan fare and international influences. Some of the most famous food styles in Dallas include:

• Tex-Mex: This is a cornerstone of Dallas food, with countless restaurants serving enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, queso, and margaritas, blending Mexican recipes with Texas preferences.
• Barbecue: Texas barbecue, with a strong emphasis on slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage, is a critical part of the Dallas food experience.
• Steakhouse: Befitting its Texas location, Dallas is home to many high-quality steakhouses, offering premium cuts of beef in both traditional and modern settings.
• Mexican (Interior Mexican): Beyond Tex-Mex, Dallas has a growing number of restaurants focusing on more authentic, regional Mexican food, showcasing a broader spectrum of Mexican dishes.
• New American/Contemporary American: Many Dallas establishments feature New American food, with chefs creating innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques.
• Southern/Comfort Food: Classic Southern dishes and hearty comfort food also have a strong presence in Dallas restaurants.
• Vietnamese: Due to a significant Vietnamese-American community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there is a good selection of restaurants offering authentic Vietnamese food like pho and banh mi.