Dallas has solidified its reputation as a culinary hotspot, particularly since the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas last year.
Dinner conversations in this vibrant city are often as engaging as discussions about the latest literary or cinematic releases.
When it comes to recommending the best restaurant, opinions vary widely among locals, reflecting the deeply personal nature of food experiences.
To explore the varied tastes of Dallasites, we gathered insights from five locals representing diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods, each sharing their go-to dining establishments.
Mark Thompson, who serves as the senior vice president of tourism and operations at Visit Dallas, has a unique perspective on the Dallas dining scene.
His familiarity with the best places to eat comes from both personal preference and professional insight, as his advocacy played a role in bringing the Michelin Guide to Texas.
Thompson emphasizes the importance of each restaurant in shaping Dallas’ culinary identity.
For those seeking dinner paired with breathtaking skyline views, Thompson recommends El Carlos Elegante in the Design District.
He praises its Mexican-inspired dishes, particularly the charred octopus and tamarind halibut, complemented by a full agave menu.
El Carlos was recognized in the Michelin recommendations, highlighting its quality.
When it comes to sophisticated drinks, he favors The French Room Bar, located in the historic Adolphus Hotel.
Its elegant ambiance is perfect for enjoying handcrafted cocktails, an extensive champagne selection, and a delicious charcuterie platter alongside decadent truffle fries.
For a hearty barbecue lunch, Thompson turns to Pecan Lodge, claiming its legendary barbecue offerings are perfect for midday dining.
He enjoys soaking in the artistic vibe of Deep Ellum, especially during afternoons when it’s less crowded and the area’s street art can be appreciated.
On Sundays, Thompson’s brunch destination is Written by the Seasons in Bishop Arts.
He loves its globally inspired menu featuring seasonal items, particularly the egg sandwich and burger or steak and eggs.
For a quintessential Dallas dinner experience, he recommends Fearing’s, the namesake restaurant of acclaimed chef Dean Fearing at the Ritz-Carlton.
Thompson considers dining there a unique Dallas affair and frequently opts for the antelope with rabbit enchilada or buffalo tenderloin.
Chandra North Blaylock, a model with an international career, shares her own local favorites that lean toward comfort and nostalgia.
As a Fort Worth native residing in Park Cities, she appreciates reliable meals at establishments she’s loved over the years.
For truly comforting food, she heads to Mama’s Daughters’ Diner on Irving Boulevard, treasured for its home-cooked meals and nostalgic ambiance.
Blaylock typically orders the chicken-fried chicken with gravy, served with mashed potatoes and fried okra, always making sure to save room for pie.
The Zodiac, located in the Neiman Marcus flagship store downtown, invokes cherished childhood memories for Blaylock, as it continues to offer dishes from its original 1950s menu.
However, with the department store’s impending closure, she advises making a reservation soon.
For business lunches, Blaylock often frequents Parigi, a bistro that has become an Oak Lawn institution since the 1980s.
Her favorite dish there is Sharon’s Cali Roll Deconstructed, ideal for catching up while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and conversation-friendly.
For Tex-Mex, Avila’s Mexican Restaurant on Maple Avenue is her go-to, particularly for the Papito’s Special or brisket tacos.
Blaylock loves indulging friends visiting from out of town at this spot due to its delightful array of Tex-Mex offerings.
The Mansion Bar, a luxe lounge within the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, is Blaylock’s top choice for drinks.
She enjoys the atmosphere, cocktails, and weekend jazz, but especially the people-watching opportunities it offers.
As a well-known entrepreneur and TV personality, Richard Rawlings, recognized for his connection to Gas Monkey Garage, also shares a love for Dallas’s culinary landscape.
Despite initially operating his own restaurant, Gas Monkey Bar and Grill, which closed, he remains a loyal patron of several local favorites.
For classic Texas barbecue, Rawlings recommends Hurtado Barbecue in Arlington, which he hails as absolutely the best.
This restaurant uniquely blends traditional barbecue with Tex-Mex influences, creating outstanding menu offerings.
When it comes time for steak, he can be found at Bob’s Steak & Chop House—a fixture on Lemmon Avenue known for its stellar cuts.
He enjoys a simple order of steak with a baked potato, complemented by glazed carrots, a signature side.
Another favorite is the chicken pot pie at Neighborhood Services, which Rawlings prefers for a relaxed weeknight meal.
For more upscale outings, Rawlings highlights Evelyn and The Mexican as two restaurants that impress when dining out.
He recalls enjoying a noteworthy $150 martini called The Price of Fame at Evelyn, both of which promise outstanding dishes.
In Fort Worth, Joe T. Garcia’s is Rawling’s childhood favorite, where he advises ordering both enchiladas and fajitas, alongside drinks served by the pitcher in a beautifully enveloping patio setting.
Cristina Lynch, founder of Mi Golondrina, shares her enthusiasm for Dallas’s diverse food scene as both a lifelong resident and a frequent traveler to Mexico.
Her experiences shape her dining preferences, which range from upscale date nights to cozy family lunches.
For romantic evenings, Lynch visits Café Pacific in Highland Park Village, a spot defined by its old-school charm.
She adores sitting at the bar with her husband while enjoying a burger and martini.
A recent culinary gem that impressed her is Sanjh, an upscale Indian restaurant in Las Colinas, noted for its striking presentation and delicious offerings.
For kept-back dinners with her children, she turns to José, a neighborhood spot that serves traditional Mexican dishes.
She enjoys the carnitas, while her kids indulge in street-style elotes, a personal favorite of Lynch inspired by her travels to Mexico.
Another cozy spot she loves is Rise, specializing in soufflés located in Inwood Village, where she often orders the truffle-infused mushroom soufflé or the Rise salad.
Lynch also highlights Le PasSage, a glamorous French-Asian restaurant that opened last year.
She appreciates its stunning ambiance, specifically noting the Peking duck and whole fried snapper as standout dishes.
Finally, Don Myers, a sommelier at Evelyn, draws from over two decades of experience in respected Dallas restaurants to recommend his preferred dining spots.
He focuses on quality dishes and exceptional service, which permeate all his suggestions.
For budget-conscious steak lovers, Myers recommends Town Hearth, known for consistently overdelivering on quality.
He suggests trying the Rogue Cut for a steak that doesn’t break the bank while still offering an impressive meal.
For late-night cravings, Bowen House in Uptown is his favorite, with a kitchen that stays open until 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Myers enjoys a typical order of French fries and Champagne to start, then follows up with the filet or a hamburger.
He also notes that the steak tartare makes for a delightful in-between option.
For seafood, Myers advocates for Rex’s Seafood & Market, which features daily fresh offerings at reasonable prices.
He enjoys the straightforward setup, highlighting the quality service and excellent seafood options available.
Finally, Montlake Cut is one of Myers’ favorites due to its diverse menu, including flavorful french fries, oysters, seafood crudo, mussels, and fresh fish.
He categorizes their fish and chips as unbeatable in the city, showcasing the breadth of Dallas’s rich food scene.
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