13 Restaurants That Make Up the Essential Dallas Dining Experience

Dallas , you ’re a quicksilver dining townsfolk . There , we said it . Restaurants fare and they go , but even despite short attention spans , buffet car here have shown dedication and devotion to a fistful of stalwart destinations . These especial blot – some old , some comparatively new – have help oneself to elevate expectations , mold our collective palate , and get Dallas closer to earth - year dining city territory . Be sure to try these most important , most influential restaurants in town .

Mesa

Thanks to classics like the supremely popular mole , seemingly no celebrity can pass through townspeople without a meal at this Oak Cliff spot specializing in Veracruzan favorites . Mesa also has the distinction of being one of few true , purely Mexican restaurants to win and sustain the adoration of even the staunchest Tex - Mex lover .

Cane Rosso

Before Cane Rosso , Dallas mostly enjoyed pizza from chains or the scads of mom - and - soda that claim to serve " New York - stylus " PIE . But this local power station with legion branches raised the corporate pizza stripe by convey char - edged , thin - crust , Italy - certify Neapolitan pizza to town , and we ate it up to the point that it ’s much Neapolitan or nothin' up in here .

Fearing’s

Star chef Dean Fearing show in with child , sheer cowboy and Southwestern culinary art with an approachably haute sensitivity when his showplace opened at the Ritz - Carlton . Now it ’s a Western - voguish - themed chapel service for those who ca n’t get enough of plate like apricot barbecue - glazed Salmon River and Chef Dean ’s famous tortilla soup .

Cafe Momentum

With this raw American bistro , local chefs and co - founders Chad Houser and Janice Provost evidence that the Dallas restaurant shot ’s heart is as large as its appetite . The nonprofit eating place takes in incarcerated youths and teaches them to radiate at all levels of service in - firm , from kitchen to front - of - sign , giving at - risk kids a opportunity to build up a bright future . So dine out and chip in .

Bolsa

Even though it ’d been a thing in NYC and LA for awhile , the farm - to - table trend was steadfastly ushered into Dallas when hip , low - lit Bolsa come in to town . Many age in – intend more than five twelvemonth , a local milepost – and you’re able to still incur a postponement for the thoughtfully sourced nub and produce , like an expert made dessert and fine craft cocktails here . We also have Bolsa to thank for introducing us to badass bartenders Eddie " Lucky " Campbell and Kyle Hilla and chefs extraordinaire Graham Dodds and Andrew Bell .

Stampede 66

Stephan Pyles ' edible ode to Texas cookery is a culinary dainty that excites both locals and visitors likewise . Between the taco menu , honey - drizzled fried chicken and a chili pie with house - made corn whiskey chip , the computer menu is much a love letter to the state ’s tastiest plate . From flavored chicharrones appetizers to creamy desserts in a jolt , it ’s a letter we love observe in our back pocket .

Pecan Lodge

fence aside as to which BBQ joint ’s smoked marrow are better , but since its early days operating out of a booth at the Farmers Market , Pecan Lodge has had brisket and rib buff lining up around the edifice . Now in its own edifice in the red-hot Deep Ellum neighborhood , there ’s room to load out – all the better to relax one ’s bang after pounds of beef costa , mac & cheese , and pulled pork - loaded adust murphy .

The Grape

This bistro was so Lower Greenville before Lower Greenville became Lower Greenville . And possessor Brian and Courtney Luscher have made sure it ’s stood the test of fourth dimension by restrain super - talented chefs de cuisine on hand to keep the European - inspired run through interesting and current and maintaining longtime classic like the addictive mushroom soup . A smirch - on happy hour and one of the city ’s best hamburger do n’t offend business , either .

Lucia

Spending years atop the lean of Dallas ' toughest tables has shine quite the spot on chef - owner David Uygur ’s midget Italian gem . From pastas to cured meats , everything is as hand-crafted as can be , with a rotating menu that spotlights numerous specialties . To be enjoyed , of form , if you could snag a table : booking open on the first of the month and lean to be gone by … a few hour later on the first of the month . The bar seating room is always open on a first - come - first - served basis .

The Mansion Restaurant

In addition to impeccable , manufacture - pass eating house service , this Uptown icon is almost as well known for turning out upper tier chef as it is for the amercement - dining carte . Kent Rathbun , Dean Fearing , and John Tesar all sharpen their tongue here , helping build the hoard of this elegant purveyor of tasting fare , steaks , and seafood , and fine vino . It ’s still THE good particular - occasion spot in townspeople .

Smoke

This inspiration of Chef Tim Byres gave barbecue a modern , chef - y flair , dazzling local diners enough to demand a second location up northwards . Sure the pulled whole squealer and coffee bean - cure brisket are phenomenal here , but the southerly - influenced brunch also had a big hand in shooting Smoke into the stratosphere , thanks to plates like smoked brisket cornbread hash and blueberry and ricotta pancakes .

Five Sixty

Sure , this is just one culinary cog in master chef Wolfgang Puck ’s global restaurant machine , but it also inhabits one of our skyline ’s most iconic architectural landmarks , so it ’s also a place of peachy pastime and curiosity to visitors and topical anaesthetic alike . Thankfully , the pan - Asiatic computer menu also slays , from Peking duck to all manner of sushi rolls to Eastern - influenced cocktails . popping in at sundown to take advantage not only of the cityscape at sundown but some fantastic food and drink specials at the bar .

Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Cafe

No list of Dallas essential dining address is complete without a good , solid Tex - Mex entry , and this colourful , intimate corner of Deep Ellum fits the bill and then some . The enchilada are amazing , the queso ’s on power point , and the margarita make every hour glad time of day . It can get a little bustling at lunchtime , but that , too , is part of the appeal .

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Bolsa Restaurant