clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A steak sits in a silver dish
Crown Block is a steak and seafood destination at the top of Reunion Tower.
Kathy Tran

The 38 Essential Dallas Restaurants, Fall 2023

Simply the best restaurants in the Metroplex

View as Map
Crown Block is a steak and seafood destination at the top of Reunion Tower.
| Kathy Tran

The Dallas-Fort Worth is a sprawling Metroplex of 9,286 square miles. And in that land mass, there are a lot of great restaurants. This list aims to guide visitors and locals alike to great new locations, up-and-coming eateries, and established restaurants at the top of the food game, all at various price points and featuring the numerous cuisines that shine in DFW.

Eater Dallas’s list of the 38 Essential Restaurants in fair North Texas is updated quarterly. This fall’s update sees a few restaurants shuffle into the list, with the crown jewel being the addition of Crown Block in Reunion Tower. It’s an iconic space that literally lets diners see the city, and well beyond. The dining experience is hospitality-forward and while it might not be a weekly stop for locals, it’s a great place to visit our city and soak it in over a plate of steak or sushi with a swell cocktail.

Check out the Eater Dallas Heatmap for the newest restaurant openings any given month.

For all the latest Dallas dining intel, subscribe to Eater Dallas’ newsletter.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Ari Korean BBQ

Copy Link

The fun of Korean barbecue is all in cooking it yourself. But the craft of it is in the meat the restaurant uses. Ari Korean BBQ has locations in Carrollton and Plano, both worth traveling to eat at, and has some of the best cuts around. Try the bulgogi, marinated short rib, and thin-sliced prime brisket. And in Carrollton, there’s a new upstairs lounge with cocktails and DJs.

Roots Southern Table

Copy Link

At chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant, prepare to be tempted by the cast iron cornbread and pimento cheese toast, staples in any Southern kitchen. Then, dive into some inventive main courses, including jerk lamb chops and Texas Wagyu braised oxtails. Crafty Texans know they should finish with a piece of orange juice cake. 

Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

Copy Link

Just inside the loop on Greenville Avenue is a family-style Ethiopian restaurant. Head in for traditional dishes including tibs (beef or lamb cooked with sauteed vegetables), doro wot (chicken legs in berbere hot sauce), and firfir (injera — an Ethiopian flatbread — in tomato sauce).

TJ's Seafood Market & Grill Preston Royal

Copy Link

It’s hard to beat a lobster roll from TJ’s. Matter of fact, it’s hard to be any seafood from TJ’s. Order its fantastic crab cakes, fish tacos, warm lobster dip, or the almond-crusted cod. Or place your order at the counter to go and add some surf to your turf this summer.

Meridian

Copy Link

The best new restaurant of 2021 may be facing some changes soon, but for the time being diners can still enjoy modern Brazilian cusine. It has made some changes to the menu, opting for a tasting menu which allows customers to pick four dishes for a set price. The wine pairing to go with it is reasonable and worth opting into. And there’s a bar menu, which includes the X-Tudo burger, a delicious, oniony, cheesy meal available in limited amounts daily.

There are few dining experiences in Dallas as beautiful as the one at Jose. The unique facade, the indoor/outdoor patio, and the light in the dining room paired with rich color palette of Mexican-style decor are all eye-catching. The menu absolutely rivals the setting. Featuring Jalisco-style cuisine, diners can enjoy an array of tacos, seafood dishes, and enchiladas with a cocktail menu that is not just “The Usual.”

Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House

Copy Link

While the Bourdain burger, a simple double patty smash burger, and the Frito pie might be predictable orders at this neighborhood burger joint, they’re part of the always reliable, always delicious menu that keeps folks coming back. The other secret ingredient at Goodfriend in East Dallas is the atmosphere: it feels good to be here.

Knox Bistro

Copy Link

Wondering where to brunch? Keep Knox Bistro in mind, and get a sticky pecan bun for the table. French fare, from the Croque Madame to the French omelet with Boursin to the perennial favorite of hanger steak with eggs and pommes frites, will delight. This is also a nice lunch and dinner spot, but brunch is where the bistro mood fires on all cylinders. 

Trying everything on the Spanish gin and tonic menu is reason enough to visit Sachet on Oak Lawn. But this Mediterranean restaurant from co-owners Allison Yoder and Stephen Rogers is so much more than a great wine and cocktail menu. It’s easy to make a meal of small plates, from green fava falafel to mushrooms cooked in a wood-fired oven with bean puree. But the entrees, especially the lamb chop duo, are symphonic. 

Al Biernat's

Copy Link

This steakhouse is the destination for those who appreciate fine beefs and wines. There are steaks for all appetites, from the demure 8-ounce filet mignon to the cowboy tomahawk, with wagyu going all the way up to Japanese 5A beef. Plus it offers the trappings of classic steakhouses, including lobster thermidor, lamb chops, and a surf and turf meal that lets diners split the difference.

Barsotti's

Copy Link

Oak Lawn lands a renovated Italian joint after Barsotti’s underwent a facelift. Now it’s homier than ever. This red sauce-style restaurant offers dinner and lunch, with its version of Sunday gravy, veal served in the styles of veal parmesan or veal piccata, and sausage and peppers. 

Neighborhood Services

Copy Link

Winter is as good a time as any to tuck into some comfort food, and for lunch or dinner get a little of what sounds good in American and European fare. Wedge salad? Of course. Steak frites? Got it. Personal pizza with crispy pepperoni cups? Naturally. Schnitzel? Why not.

Jalisco Norte

Copy Link

For those in search of authentic Mexican food, it’s hard to beat the classics at this spot. The pollo con mole, carne asada with molcajete sauce, and beef short ribs served birria-style are all home runs.

Fortune House Chinese Cuisine

Copy Link

Some of the best Chinese food in DFW isn’t in Dallas — but after Fortune House opened a second location on Lowest Greenville, the city gained one more great option. The Shanghai dumplings here are a can’t-miss, while its pan-fried pork buns and spicy wontons are favorites.

Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen

Copy Link

Soups with rich broth and delicious noodles. Shaking tofu rice. Rice paper rolls. Vietnamese coffee. Sangria with a kick of Hennessey. These are a few delights waiting in Nong Vietnamese Kitchen on Lowest Greenville. Owner Carol Nguyen named the place for her mother and intends to introduce Dallasites to the best of Vietnam. 

Sop by and order the pork belly lollipops and the Icelandic hot dog, the latter of which does a bang-up job of recreating the flavors of a street food dish with elevated ingredients. The vegan chile relleno is also well executed. Rye recently added lunch to it’s offerings, and the chicken sandwich is a hit.

Street's Fine Chicken

Copy Link

Fine fried chicken is quite the find to make. Street’s chicken is brined for 24-hours and fried to a golden crisp. the biscuits with honey butter are a must to add-on, and among its sides the collard greens combine savory broth and a vinegar tang, and the brie mac and cheese is baked with a nice crisp layer of cheese on top while it’s melty, and cheesy, inside.

Namo in the West Village sources most of its products from Japan, encompassing sushi, sake, and whiskies — and they’re excellent. But the warm vibes of the tiny sushi bar inside make it memorable. It feels unpretentious and cozy and is built in a way that guarantees the crowds are small (it holds 12) and that eating is a shared experience. Drop by for its special events, including a weekly omakase service. 

The Mansion Restaurant

Copy Link

Step into old school Dallas with a night at the Rosewood Mansion restaurant or bar. The Mansion has a new chef and new head of its bar program, so a lot of changes are happening on the menu — while some long-standing favorites (yes, we mean the tortilla soup) remain. One luxurious must-order is the charred octopus with pepita pesto and cilantro — it’s a perfect bite.

Poco Fiasco

Copy Link

Pizza and martinis: it’s hard to name a more iconic duo. This Harwood District spot offers excellent and varied options for each. Stop in all day and night for thin, crispy pizza with vegetarian-friendly possibilities and a good place to catch a game. It also offers a handful of other Italian dishes. Pair that order with a martini from the clever menu, or build your own. Or opt for wine or beer if that’s the vibe.

Kalachandji's

Copy Link

This spot is the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in Dallas, going strong since 1982, and among the best Indian food in the city. Food is served buffet style and the prices are very reasonable, at just shy of $15 for lunch and $18 for dinner. Feast on black-eyed pea curry, mixed vegetable sabzi in a gravy loaded with spices, or pakora (fried vegetable fritters).

Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar

Copy Link

Pie Tap may have one of DFW’s most underrated pies. The light crust is made with wheat flowers, wheat germ, olive oil, water, and salt. That’s it. It keeps the pies simple, with classic flavors and an Americanized barbecue chicken pizza. And it maximizes the pie by offering “dipping bones” sauces to stick pizza crusts in. It also offers pasta, salads, sandwiches, and lollipop chicken wings that are killer. 

El Carlos Elegante

Copy Link

A night at El Carlos is well spent eating Latin American-inspired dishes. Like all its restaurants, this one from Duro Hospitality isn’t exactly Mexican or South American; it’s Latin-ish. The company’s chefs worked together, going on exploratory trips around Latin America to develop dishes drawing inspiration from Indigenous cultures, Mexico City street foods, and more. Pro-tip: tell the server your budget and if you have any preferences, and let them curate your plates and drinks. They’re well-trained and fully capable.

Ellie's Restaurant & Lounge

Copy Link

Chef Anthony Hsia is working wonders with the menu at this Arts District hotel, bringing innovative cuisine to the Napa-inspired spot with notes of Scandinavia, Asia, and Middle Eastern cuisine — still all rooted in pairings with great California wines and a Napa-esque dining experience.

Billy Can Can

Copy Link

If you’re looking for a taste of Dallas, it’s hard to hit the mark better than this Victory Park spot. It’s fine dining in a saloon environment and a menu loaded with wild game. No need to dress up fancy, but you can if you like. The menu will be packed with seasonal dishes that start with the idea of a traditional Southern dish but have the flair of culinary brilliance. The assorted deviled eggs, a half dozen in different styles, and Texas venison tartare are must-orders — and that’s just from the appetizers menu. It only gets better from there. 

Tatsu Dallas

Copy Link

Chef Tatsu is a master of simple treatments of nigiri that highlight both the quality of the fish (almost everything he serves is flown in from Japan) and his culinary skill as a sushi chef. The small dining room at this restaurant makes it challenging to land a reservation, but it’s worth the effort. And worth the price tag to enjoy an omakase service here.

AllGood Cafe

Copy Link

Visit a piece of Deep Ellum history and see some live music while you’re at it. Dallasites of a certain age know that not only is this a great spot to get a chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, but it’s home to a wonderful community that’s seen the neighborhood, and the local music scene, through 20 years of history.

Revolver Taco Lounge

Copy Link

Revolver has expanded its offerings with a gastro taco lounge next to the Deep Ellum taqueria. But the wonderful tacos here haven’t changed a bit. Stop in for fresh-made wagyu steak, duck breast, and whatever tacos the Rojas family cooks on any given day. And the Sunday brunch served buffet style is not to be missed.

Starship Bagel

Copy Link

The lines are often long, but the wait is worth it. A morning (or mid-morning or lunch) bagel from the Starship stand downtown will perk up any day. Don’t expect to get eggs and bacon or any other breakfast style bagel, however — it’s strictly lox, veggies, and schmear for these purists. With the wide array of flavors, of both bagels and schmear, it’ll take ages before any bagel lover worth their salt (bagel) will even miss ‘em.

Crown Block

Copy Link

Crown Block took up residence in Reunion Tower in April of this year, sliding into an iconic space that Dallasites and folks visiting this town have frequented for special events and great views since it opened in 1978. It is led by James Beard Award nominees Elizabeth Blau and chef Kim Canteenwalla, featuring steak and seafood with one of the city’s top raw bars. Don’t miss out on ordering Society Cake for dinner, a signature dish loaded with rich layers of chocolate. 

Off the Bone Barbeque

Copy Link

The smell of barbecue, which wafts all up and down the block, will get you. The pecan smoked baby back ribs keep many people coming into Off the Bone down in Cedars. But the blue cheese and bacon cole slaw and the honey spiced baked beans are awfully special, as are the wings.

Restaurant Beatrice

Copy Link

Eater Dallas’s best restaurant for 2022 is now one of the best new restaurant finalists in the James Beard Awards. Go there for shrimp and grits, fried chicken, vegan gumbo — all the Cajun staples. In a kitchen helmed by Michelle Carpenter of Zen Sushi and chef Terance Jenkins, who worked in New Orleans kitchens including Commander’s Palace, Louisiana favorites are a step above newspaper-on-the-table casual but never stuffy. 

Don Artemio Restaurant

Copy Link

Don Artemio opened its first U.S. location in Fort Worth, serving the cuisine of Northern Mexico. The menu highlights traditional Aztec and Mexican dishes, serving mussels in chipotle sauce, seared sea bass with mole, and grilled ribeye with porcini sauce.

It’s probably been too long since the last time all of us visited Nova, the little midcentury gem in Oak Cliff. This is where your trusted hospitality service industry folks head after a hard day at work, as well as a neighborhood favorite. And the team are constantly adding new dishes — so try out the seared duck breast, a new favorite, or stick to the Moroccan half chicken, an old fave.

Taco Y Vino

Copy Link

On the outskirts of Bishop Arts lies Taco Y Vino, a spot for clever tacos, Mexican-inspired dishes, and a great deal. The chile relleno taco and the tuna crudo tostada will impress. But it’s hard to do better than the deal of the century: six tacos with proteins of the diner’s choice and a bottle of wine for $40.

To believe in the raves that Lucia consistently gets is to eat there, and this year the James Beard Awards took notice and put it in the finalists for Best Restaurant. The cozy atmosphere, the personable staff, and most significantly, the inventive twists on Italian food, which are not too far from the original but just different enough to make it an experience, are worth putting your name on the reservations waitlist to experience. 

Written by the Seasons

Copy Link

Bishop Arts has quickly become a favorite neighborhood for Dallasites to explore, and Written by the Seasons is one of the best people-watching restaurants in the area. This spring and summer, take advantage of its menu of sharable bite-sized dishes, an impeccable wine list, and as many cocktails as you can handle while watching the crowds amble by in the indoor/outdoor dining area that’s set back from Davis Street.

Goldee's Barbecue

Copy Link

Goldee’s became the must-try barbecue spot in the Metroplex after some prominent mentions in the press. And it delivers. Head on out and get in line one morning for brisket (you can buy a whole one and cut the line), ribs, sausage, and turkey with all the traditional sides. Nothing fancy, just great barbecue.

Ari Korean BBQ

The fun of Korean barbecue is all in cooking it yourself. But the craft of it is in the meat the restaurant uses. Ari Korean BBQ has locations in Carrollton and Plano, both worth traveling to eat at, and has some of the best cuts around. Try the bulgogi, marinated short rib, and thin-sliced prime brisket. And in Carrollton, there’s a new upstairs lounge with cocktails and DJs.

Roots Southern Table

At chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant, prepare to be tempted by the cast iron cornbread and pimento cheese toast, staples in any Southern kitchen. Then, dive into some inventive main courses, including jerk lamb chops and Texas Wagyu braised oxtails. Crafty Texans know they should finish with a piece of orange juice cake. 

Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

Just inside the loop on Greenville Avenue is a family-style Ethiopian restaurant. Head in for traditional dishes including tibs (beef or lamb cooked with sauteed vegetables), doro wot (chicken legs in berbere hot sauce), and firfir (injera — an Ethiopian flatbread — in tomato sauce).

TJ's Seafood Market & Grill Preston Royal

It’s hard to beat a lobster roll from TJ’s. Matter of fact, it’s hard to be any seafood from TJ’s. Order its fantastic crab cakes, fish tacos, warm lobster dip, or the almond-crusted cod. Or place your order at the counter to go and add some surf to your turf this summer.

Meridian

The best new restaurant of 2021 may be facing some changes soon, but for the time being diners can still enjoy modern Brazilian cusine. It has made some changes to the menu, opting for a tasting menu which allows customers to pick four dishes for a set price. The wine pairing to go with it is reasonable and worth opting into. And there’s a bar menu, which includes the X-Tudo burger, a delicious, oniony, cheesy meal available in limited amounts daily.

Jose

There are few dining experiences in Dallas as beautiful as the one at Jose. The unique facade, the indoor/outdoor patio, and the light in the dining room paired with rich color palette of Mexican-style decor are all eye-catching. The menu absolutely rivals the setting. Featuring Jalisco-style cuisine, diners can enjoy an array of tacos, seafood dishes, and enchiladas with a cocktail menu that is not just “The Usual.”

Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House

While the Bourdain burger, a simple double patty smash burger, and the Frito pie might be predictable orders at this neighborhood burger joint, they’re part of the always reliable, always delicious menu that keeps folks coming back. The other secret ingredient at Goodfriend in East Dallas is the atmosphere: it feels good to be here.

Knox Bistro

Wondering where to brunch? Keep Knox Bistro in mind, and get a sticky pecan bun for the table. French fare, from the Croque Madame to the French omelet with Boursin to the perennial favorite of hanger steak with eggs and pommes frites, will delight. This is also a nice lunch and dinner spot, but brunch is where the bistro mood fires on all cylinders. 

Sachet

Trying everything on the Spanish gin and tonic menu is reason enough to visit Sachet on Oak Lawn. But this Mediterranean restaurant from co-owners Allison Yoder and Stephen Rogers is so much more than a great wine and cocktail menu. It’s easy to make a meal of small plates, from green fava falafel to mushrooms cooked in a wood-fired oven with bean puree. But the entrees, especially the lamb chop duo, are symphonic. 

Al Biernat's

This steakhouse is the destination for those who appreciate fine beefs and wines. There are steaks for all appetites, from the demure 8-ounce filet mignon to the cowboy tomahawk, with wagyu going all the way up to Japanese 5A beef. Plus it offers the trappings of classic steakhouses, including lobster thermidor, lamb chops, and a surf and turf meal that lets diners split the difference.

Barsotti's

Oak Lawn lands a renovated Italian joint after Barsotti’s underwent a facelift. Now it’s homier than ever. This red sauce-style restaurant offers dinner and lunch, with its version of Sunday gravy, veal served in the styles of veal parmesan or veal piccata, and sausage and peppers. 

Neighborhood Services

Winter is as good a time as any to tuck into some comfort food, and for lunch or dinner get a little of what sounds good in American and European fare. Wedge salad? Of course. Steak frites? Got it. Personal pizza with crispy pepperoni cups? Naturally. Schnitzel? Why not.

Jalisco Norte

For those in search of authentic Mexican food, it’s hard to beat the classics at this spot. The pollo con mole, carne asada with molcajete sauce, and beef short ribs served birria-style are all home runs.

Fortune House Chinese Cuisine

Some of the best Chinese food in DFW isn’t in Dallas — but after Fortune House opened a second location on Lowest Greenville, the city gained one more great option. The Shanghai dumplings here are a can’t-miss, while its pan-fried pork buns and spicy wontons are favorites.

Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen

Soups with rich broth and delicious noodles. Shaking tofu rice. Rice paper rolls. Vietnamese coffee. Sangria with a kick of Hennessey. These are a few delights waiting in Nong Vietnamese Kitchen on Lowest Greenville. Owner Carol Nguyen named the place for her mother and intends to introduce Dallasites to the best of Vietnam. 

Related Maps

Rye

Sop by and order the pork belly lollipops and the Icelandic hot dog, the latter of which does a bang-up job of recreating the flavors of a street food dish with elevated ingredients. The vegan chile relleno is also well executed. Rye recently added lunch to it’s offerings, and the chicken sandwich is a hit.

Street's Fine Chicken

Fine fried chicken is quite the find to make. Street’s chicken is brined for 24-hours and fried to a golden crisp. the biscuits with honey butter are a must to add-on, and among its sides the collard greens combine savory broth and a vinegar tang, and the brie mac and cheese is baked with a nice crisp layer of cheese on top while it’s melty, and cheesy, inside.

Namo

Namo in the West Village sources most of its products from Japan, encompassing sushi, sake, and whiskies — and they’re excellent. But the warm vibes of the tiny sushi bar inside make it memorable. It feels unpretentious and cozy and is built in a way that guarantees the crowds are small (it holds 12) and that eating is a shared experience. Drop by for its special events, including a weekly omakase service. 

The Mansion Restaurant

Step into old school Dallas with a night at the Rosewood Mansion restaurant or bar. The Mansion has a new chef and new head of its bar program, so a lot of changes are happening on the menu — while some long-standing favorites (yes, we mean the tortilla soup) remain. One luxurious must-order is the charred octopus with pepita pesto and cilantro — it’s a perfect bite.

Poco Fiasco

Pizza and martinis: it’s hard to name a more iconic duo. This Harwood District spot offers excellent and varied options for each. Stop in all day and night for thin, crispy pizza with vegetarian-friendly possibilities and a good place to catch a game. It also offers a handful of other Italian dishes. Pair that order with a martini from the clever menu, or build your own. Or opt for wine or beer if that’s the vibe.

Kalachandji's

This spot is the longest-running vegetarian restaurant in Dallas, going strong since 1982, and among the best Indian food in the city. Food is served buffet style and the prices are very reasonable, at just shy of $15 for lunch and $18 for dinner. Feast on black-eyed pea curry, mixed vegetable sabzi in a gravy loaded with spices, or pakora (fried vegetable fritters).

Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar

Pie Tap may have one of DFW’s most underrated pies. The light crust is made with wheat flowers, wheat germ, olive oil, water, and salt. That’s it. It keeps the pies simple, with classic flavors and an Americanized barbecue chicken pizza. And it maximizes the pie by offering “dipping bones” sauces to stick pizza crusts in. It also offers pasta, salads, sandwiches, and lollipop chicken wings that are killer. 

El Carlos Elegante

A night at El Carlos is well spent eating Latin American-inspired dishes. Like all its restaurants, this one from Duro Hospitality isn’t exactly Mexican or South American; it’s Latin-ish. The company’s chefs worked together, going on exploratory trips around Latin America to develop dishes drawing inspiration from Indigenous cultures, Mexico City street foods, and more. Pro-tip: tell the server your budget and if you have any preferences, and let them curate your plates and drinks. They’re well-trained and fully capable.

Ellie's Restaurant & Lounge

Chef Anthony Hsia is working wonders with the menu at this Arts District hotel, bringing innovative cuisine to the Napa-inspired spot with notes of Scandinavia, Asia, and Middle Eastern cuisine — still all rooted in pairings with great California wines and a Napa-esque dining experience.

Billy Can Can

If you’re looking for a taste of Dallas, it’s hard to hit the mark better than this Victory Park spot. It’s fine dining in a saloon environment and a menu loaded with wild game. No need to dress up fancy, but you can if you like. The menu will be packed with seasonal dishes that start with the idea of a traditional Southern dish but have the flair of culinary brilliance. The assorted deviled eggs, a half dozen in different styles, and Texas venison tartare are must-orders — and that’s just from the appetizers menu. It only gets better from there. 

Tatsu Dallas

Chef Tatsu is a master of simple treatments of nigiri that highlight both the quality of the fish (almost everything he serves is flown in from Japan) and his culinary skill as a sushi chef. The small dining room at this restaurant makes it challenging to land a reservation, but it’s worth the effort. And worth the price tag to enjoy an omakase service here.

AllGood Cafe

Visit a piece of Deep Ellum history and see some live music while you’re at it. Dallasites of a certain age know that not only is this a great spot to get a chicken fried steak smothered in gravy, but it’s home to a wonderful community that’s seen the neighborhood, and the local music scene, through 20 years of history.

Revolver Taco Lounge

Revolver has expanded its offerings with a gastro taco lounge next to the Deep Ellum taqueria. But the wonderful tacos here haven’t changed a bit. Stop in for fresh-made wagyu steak, duck breast, and whatever tacos the Rojas family cooks on any given day. And the Sunday brunch served buffet style is not to be missed.

Starship Bagel

The lines are often long, but the wait is worth it. A morning (or mid-morning or lunch) bagel from the Starship stand downtown will perk up any day. Don’t expect to get eggs and bacon or any other breakfast style bagel, however — it’s strictly lox, veggies, and schmear for these purists. With the wide array of flavors, of both bagels and schmear, it’ll take ages before any bagel lover worth their salt (bagel) will even miss ‘em.