Dallas is rightfully famous for its steak houses, barbecue and Tex-Mex, but there’s a lot more to eat across this big and diverse city. Some of the best restaurants in Dallas are serving excellent Japanese, Italian, French and more world cuisines, with a mix of a la carte and tasting menus to keep things interesting. Many lauded staples still stand the test of time, but the dining scene is ever changing, as young chefs bring their own talent and perspectives to new kitchens and concepts.
And while the city is often recognized by national media for its fine-dining institutions, locals know that some of the most compelling cooking is happening in more casual kitchens, where chefs highlight seasonal ingredients and create produce-driven menus that don’t fit into tidy boxes. For some inspiration on where to enjoy your next meal, here are 18 of the best restaurants in Dallas right now. Go ahead, try them all.
May 2025: In this most recent update, we ensured that entries are current and accurate. We added Mabo, Gemma and Cattleack Barbecue and removed Armoury D.E. and Pecan Lodge. We’ll continue to update this guide each month.
April 2025: In this most recent update, we ensured that entries are current and accurate. We added Sanjh, Purépecha and Quarter Acre to the list and removed Knife Italian. We’ll continue to update this guide each month. For more on our process, feel free to check out how we review at Time Out.
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