With so many amazing dining options in a city as big as Dallas, making the decision of where to eat becomes overwhelming very quickly. As a Dallas native, one of my favorite hobbies is exploring restaurants new and old in different corners of the city. Every Dallas neighborhood has its own personality, so I've selected a handful of restaurants to showcase each one. Whether you're playing tour guide and need some ideas for where to take visiting friends or just moved to a new neighborhood, you may discover a new favorite spot in this guide.
Preston Hollow
Asian Mint is a Thai Asian Fusion restaurant located at 75 and Forest Lane. The fresh atmosphere and crave-worthy food makes it a favorite among residents of Preston Hollow. Their Pad Thai is not to be missed and comes in four variations.
Ranked the #1 restaurant in Dallas by D Magazine, Neighborhood Services promises "honest food & drink in the American tradition," and boy do they deliver. Every dish is prepared to perfection and the atmosphere is perfect for date night or dinner with family and friends. The scallops and the grilled avocado are my personal favorites.
Park Cities
Located across the street from SMU in Snider Plaza, Burger House is an old-fashioned burger joint and has been a University Park landmark since its establishment in 1951. Their special seasoning salt is in such high demand that they sell it for you to take home. The patties are thin and well-seasoned, so don’t be afraid to go for a double cheeseburger, fries, and a shake.
If you’re looking for something a little more bougie, stop by European-inspired Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village. The brunch is not to be missed, and if you need another reason to check it out, the ladies of Real Housewives of Dallas dined at Bistro 31 in the ladies’ night episode.
Knox-Henderson
Velvet Taco is a Dallas staple, especially after dark. Open until 2 am Sunday-Wednesday, 3 am Thursday, and 5 am Friday and Saturday, Velvet is the perfect destination late at night or for lunch because the tacos are just that good. They’re not your typical Tex-Mex tacos either, with flavors ranging from Spicy Tikka Chicken to Falafel and Ahi Poké.
If you’re looking for great sushi south of Northwest Highway, Little Katana is the place to go. In addition to the wonderful sushi, the hot stone bowl is a must-try.
Lower Greenville
Lower Greenville is one of many Dallas neighborhoods currently undergoing a facelift. One of the great restaurants that's opened in the past few years is HG Supply Co. Their mission is to serve clean food with a simple style. Some of the highlights include their house bowls and rooftop bar.
Just a short walk away, Nora Restaurant and Bar serves Afghan cuisine and boasts a rooftop so gorgeous it can’t be missed.
Bishop Arts District
If you’re eating brunch in Dallas, Oddfellows should be your #1 stop. The wait can get a little crazy for brunch on the weekends, so I would recommend arriving early or exploring the charm of the Bishop Arts district while you wait for your table. Make your brunch boozy and choose between glasses or pitchers of mimosas, bloody Marys, frosé, or RSVP (rosé, strawberries, and vodka).
Any trip to the Bishop Arts District should end with a trip to Emporium Pies. Located in a small house, the shop is filled with the aroma of freshly baked handmade pies and freshly brewed coffee at all hours of the day. The pies are so good many people order them in advance for their Thanksgiving dinners.
Lakewood/ East Dallas
Dallas boasts an abundance of amazing taco joints and Good 2 Go Taco represents East Dallas well. The diverse menu offers seven options for breakfast tacos and seven more for lunch. Some of the highlights include the Hotlanta, the Voodoo Vindaloo, and the SoCo.
If you find yourself in Dallas with a 21+ crowd, make plans to go to Stoney’s Wine Lounge. Accompany your carefully selected wine with live music, sit back, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Authentic Italian sandwiches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Dallas, but Jimmy’s Food Store knows what’s up. In addition to the critically acclaimed sandwiches, the store offers frozen pasta, deli meats, house-made sausage, and a wonderful assortment of other delicacies.
Downtown Dallas
Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck may have the coolest location on this list. The restaurant sits inside Reunion Tower (the landmark of the Dallas skyline, also known as the “Ball Building”) and rotates slowly as you enjoy your meal.
The Zodiac, located inside the Neiman Marcus flagship store, is most well-known for its pop-overs and for being the location for Dallas' ladies who lunch. The flaky, eggy rolls are served with strawberry butter, and a tiny consommé simultaneously makes you feel sophisticated and satisfied
Deep Ellum
Cane Rosso serves authentic Neapolitan pizza in the art-filled neighborhood of Deep Ellum. The pizza is seriously good and has been recognized by Guy Fieri himself.
Specializing in burgers, fried sides, salads, custard, alcoholic shakes, and root beer floats, Twisted Root Burger Co. doesn't disappoint. Guy Fieri must love Deep Ellum because he featured Twisted Root on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives as well.