Where to Dine in the Dallas Area

Dallas, TX

The hallmark of a great city is a robust dining scene with an abundance of options presenting a diverse array of cuisines. Dallas has this in spades. Below are four of our favorite restaurants in the 214: 

1. Tatsu Dallas

Situated in the exciting neighborhood of Deep Ellum, Tatsu holds the distinction of being Dallas’ only Michelin Star restaurant. With their delicious edomae sushi served omakase style against the backdrop of an intimate and engaging environment, it truly sets the standard for excellence in fine dining. Owner and executive chef Tatsuya Sekiguchi, a fourth generation sushi master, offers two seatings five nights per week, with a lineup of one or two appetizers, thirteen to fifteen pieces of nigiri-style sushi, a hand roll, miso soup, and dessert. Preparing the food right in front of diners, Sekiguchi offers a transformative culinary experience that must be seen—and tasted—to be believed. 

2. Lucia

This Michelin-recommended Italian eatery in the heart of the Bishop Arts District is the epitome of authenticity. The pasta is handmade, the bread is fresh baked, the salami is hand-cured, and even the olives are personally seasoned. Owned and operated by James Beard finalist David Uygur and his wife Jennifer, Lucia’s ever-changing menu is a masterclass in creativity. Using only local Texas produce, David’s meat curing prowess and skillful pasta making combine to tell a story of Mediterranean tranquility set along a southwestern backdrop. 

3. Fearing's

Fearing’s – Located in the Uptown Ritz Carlton, Fearing’s is where rugged country bravado and sophisticated western elegance combine to create an upscale dining experience completely unique to Dallas. Opened and operated by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, the menu features a myriad of eccentric creations made entirely from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include Dean Fearing’s signature tortilla soup and a Texas Wagyu beef carpaccio as appetizers, and mesquite-grilled steaks courtesy of Houston-based RC Ranch as a main course. While being Michelin recommended, the restaurant was also named as the best in hotel dining in Dallas by Zagat. 

4. Cattleack Barbecue

No roundup of Dallas cuisine would be complete without a nod to barbecue. Positioned in North Dallas, Cattleack holds the honor of being the only barbecue restaurant to be Michelin recommended in Dallas. While it can be difficult to distinguish yourself in a barbecue hotbed, Cattleack has managed to do so with their large portions, signature sauce and a meat selection that changes daily. Owner and pitmaster Andrew Castelan masterfully labors over every detail of the menu, delivering a symphony rivaling the greatest creations of Mozart, with pork steak and Wagyu pastrami brisket serving as his instruments of choice. It’s even a favorite of Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith—a stamp of approval that is hard to top.