Dallas’s Best Local Restaurants: Hidden Gems, Secret Spots, and Treasured Finds
It’s impossible to visit Dallas without having a memorable meal (or 17!). But for a truly local experience, we’ve rounded up a few of the best locally grown restaurants unique to Dallas that you won’t find anywhere outside of North Texas. Some are places locals love in their own neighborhoods (and might be mad we’re sharing), others are places that even long-time residents may have yet to try.
From the Tex-Mex joints, BBQ spots, and white-tablecloth steakhouses Dallas is famous for to Michelin-recommended Vietnamese restaurants and dive bars serving hot dogs and dirty martinis, most of our choices fall somewhere off the beaten path.
So whether you’re vacationing in Dallas, here on a business trip, or a born-and-bred Dallasite, we’ve listed our most popular neighborhoods and three selections in each, so no matter where you are, incredible local fare won’t be far from reach.
DEEP ELLUM
Le Bon Temps Beignets and Coffee
Experience the flavors of New Orleans with French-fried beignets, chicory coffee, and ice cream (which they will happily sandwich between two beignets).
Purepecha
Tucked in the back of Revolver Taco, this charming space offers four- and seven-course tasting menus that showcase numerous Mexican culinary traditions over the span of a couple of hours.
Armoury Deep Ellum
Situated in a former 1800s meat-packing building, this standout eatery serves a variety of Hungarian comfort foods, beer, and cocktails—the only establishment of its kind in Dallas.
DOWNTOWN DALLAS
The French Room
After shuttering completely during the COVID-19 pandemic and never returning to full meal service, the sophisticated space quietly began welcoming guests for their beloved afternoon tea service.
Sushiya
This unassuming, no-frills downtown spot serves some incredibly fresh sushi at incredible non-downtown prices, along with noodle and rice dishes during full-service lunch and dinner.
Mirador
Suppose you didn’t already know about this penthouse restaurant. In that case, you’d think you were simply walking into luxe fashion retailer, Forty Five Ten, but head to the top of the building and enjoy a lavish brunch, afternoon tea, lunch, or simply sip on cocktails and enjoy the view.
UPTOWN DALLAS
Bowen House
Back in 1874, this tiny house was an actual residence, but after its most recent incarnation as a high-end resale shop, Bowen House emerged in 2014 to serve up some of the best cocktails in the city in one of its most unique settings.
CrushCraft Thai
Catch a play at Theatre Three next door, but first grab dinner around the corner with traditional curries, rice dishes, pan-fried noodles, and other Thai staples.
The Standard Pour
Every year since 2013, Bourbon Review has honored TSP as one of the top places in the nation for bourbon, which you can get in its purest form or a creative craft cocktail to pair with the bar’s famous chicken strips.
LOWER GREENVILLE
Sister
Cozy, romantic, and featuring three well-appointed apartments upstairs to turn dinner into a charming staycation, Sister gives patrons a one-of-a-kind experience highlighted by Italian-inspired cuisine.
Ngon Vietnamese
Not so hidden that the Michelin Guide couldn’t find it to recommend it to diners, but among the many restaurants along Lowest Greenville, it can be easy to miss, but seek it out for some truly delightful Vietnamese.
Rye
Another unassuming spot on the Lowest Greenville Avenue stretch, Michelin also recommends this spot, which consistently puts out some of the most creative tasting menus in Texas, which might be the last thing you expect when entering the dark, tavern-like space.
TRINITY GROVES
La Rue Doughnuts
Wake up early and meet the baker, who specializes in French-style brioche doughnuts that deliver a rich, buttery flavor, with toppings ranging from chocolate to strawberry cheesecake.
Milagro Tacos Cantina
No visit to Dallas would be complete without street tacos, and these Tijuana-style handhelds never disappoint, whether you crave simple beef and chicken or something more exotic like octopus, each great with an icy margarita.
Kim's House Grill BBQ
Across the street from the main Trinity Groves complex, this Korean cafe gives you the option to cook your own food right at the table after a quick lesson, or let the server do the work for you so you can get right to the task of eating.
OAK LAWN
Parigi
With the charm of a Parisian sidewalk cafe and a chef-owner with exacting standards for French-inspired fare, you’re guaranteed a blissful afternoon or evening that should always end with a chocolate glob for dessert.
Norman’s Western Japanese Grill
One of the newest restaurants on the block, Norman’s, flew under the radar for its first few weeks in business; yet, it is now gaining quite a following for its inventive menu and design inspiration from Japan’s small, cult-like country music scene.
Roy G’s
Located in the heart of the LGBTQ+ entertainment district, this friendly burger-and-brunch spot draws its name from the order of the colors of the rainbow: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green…
OAK CLIFF
The Spelled Milk
Cereal meets culinary wizardry at this neighborhood dessert spot with more than 100 cereals, 10 types of milk, and 30 toppings to choose from before adding ice cream to the totally bonkers equation.
Coco's Fire & Ice
Tucked in the back of the 410 Market in the Bishop Arts District, Coco's Fire & Ice is a small yet vibrant restaurant serving spicy Mexican cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
Cheesesteak House
In a small strip center along Davis Street, the multi-generational Padilla family comes together to craft classic Philly-style cheesesteaks, as well as some with Texas twists, including versions with BBQ sauce or poblano peppers.
FAIR PARK
Far Out
An old airplane hangar creates a truly unique ambiance under the curved, high ceilings, where diners sip on far-out cocktails and indulge in savory items from a small, yet highly curated menu filled with shareables.
Las Almas Rotas
Discover tequila’s smoky ancestor at this mezcaleria, where you can taste variations via mezcal flights, have one shaken into a refreshing cocktail, and snack on Mexican street food right across the street from Dallas’ iconic Fair Park.
Two Podners Bar-B-Que & Seafood
Line up at this cafeteria-style restaurant for ribs, Pittsburgh hot links, brisket, and baked chicken, available with more than a dozen southern-classic sides.
THE CEDARS
Autonomous Society
Dedicated to showcasing locally brewed craft beers, including their house Deantitude line of brews, this brewery sits inside a 1940s-era building with sports on the TVs and regular live music sets.
Mike’s Gemini Twin Lounge
Though it didn’t open until 2019, Mike’s has an old-school dive bar vibe that makes everyone feel welcome, plus its famous Wagyu hot dogs and dirty martinis make for an unbeatable combo.
Chimlanh
The Sandwich Hag has gone on hiatus, but in its place, a Vietnamese-style coffee shop has emerged, offering beautiful pastries and beverages brewed with coffee directly from Vietnam.
KNOX/HENDERSON
Salum
Celebrating 20 years in business in September 2025, Abraham Salum's eponymous bistro, located in a nondescript strip center off Fitzhugh, showcases his culinary skill via an ever-changing menu that blends inspirations from his multicultural heritage and travels.
Mister Charles
Locals were sad to see the Highland Park Soda Fountain shutter, but now they can feed their nostalgia in an elegantly reimagined space where irreverent interpretations of Italian and French dishes delight all the senses.
The Restaurant at Grange Hall
Dallas loves a high-end retail shop with an impressive eatery inside, and this quaint lunch spot has devoted fans of its champagne parmesan soup and signature Snob Sandwich, made with smoked salmon, egg salad, and caviar.
EAST DALLAS
Be Home Soon
Easy to miss but worth seeking out, this strip-center restaurant changes its menu weekly, so no matter how often you visit, it's always a new experience.
Urbano Cafe
Look for the subtle white lettering on a small black awning along Fitzhugh Avenue, and you’ll soon be seated in a small dining room with perfectly executed Italian dishes.
Easy Slider
Once a food truck, this new brick-and-mortar location off the Santa Fe Trail represents a new incarnation of the business known for its tiny burgers, as well as new creations including crispy chicken tenders and full-size burgers.
NORTH DALLAS
Maple Leaf Diner
Get a taste of Canada for breakfast and lunch, whether you’re craving waffles stacked with crazy toppings and cream puffs, or poutine available in classic style or an ever-changing monthly version with unexpected twists.
Gorji
Never worry about tipping or rushing, as this ultra-small restaurant features a seasonally changing menu, only a handful of tables, and a dedicated, well-compensated server for the entire evening.
Royal China
Opening its doors in 1974, many locals argue that Royal China serves the best Chinese food in town, especially its dumplings, from the back corner of a shopping center.
PARK CITIES
The Bar Sardine
Croques, quiche, caviar, salads, seafood, egg dishes, pasta, champagne, and spritzes await at this chic French bistro in Snider Plaza.
Kuby’s Sausage House
Part European market, part German restaurant with homemade schnitzels and sausages, Kuby’s provides a flavorful glimpse into another part of the world.
Bubba’s Cook’s Country
The little sibling to local chain, Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, Bubba’s offers the same fantastic fried chicken and side dishes, as well as flaky biscuits and other hearty treats during breakfast hours.
WEST VILLAGE
Upside West Village
Grab fun cocktails and light bites from a breezy seat on the 8th-floor patio, boasting one of the top views of the downtown Dallas skyline from any part of Uptown.
Pho Crimson
Even when it’s hot outside, a steamy bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho provides immense comfort and layers of flavors that soothe the soul.
Baboush
Mediterranean mezze make for great sharing with friends, and Baboush has more than a dozen options, along with large entree portions, and great happy hour drink prices.
BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT
The Wild Detectives
Buy a book, stick around and read it, while holding a cocktail or coffee in the other hand at this delightful bookstore bar that also offers entertainment programming throughout the week.
The Branca Room
Look for a Mexican restaurant called Chimichurri, then head to the back where this shoebox-size speakeasy serves housemade amaro and vermouth, as well as riffs on classic cocktails.
The Mayor’s House by Selda
True to its name, this Turkish restaurant and hookah bar is situated inside a historic former mayor’s home, built in 1910 and once the site of a visit over lemonade with President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
WEST END DISTRICT
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
One of Dallas’ few casual steakhouses, this off-the-beaten-path restaurant specializes in exceptional beef and wild game, prepared with fine-dining techniques and service, but without the fussy attitude.
Chet’s
Irish-American comfort food takes center stage on the menu, featuring popular favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and Irish stew, alongside numerous Texas-inspired dishes.
The Empanada Cookhouse
Little fried pockets of deliciousness are just waiting to be discovered at this small storefront, where empanadas are stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including chicken fajitas, BBQ pork, buffalo chicken, or bacon, egg, and cheese, making them a tasty breakfast option.
DESIGN DISTRICT
Monkey Bar on 9
Popular Tex-Mex chain Mi Cocina expanded with a dedicated bar scene at its Highland Park Village location, but this recently debuted sister outpost features stellar views of downtown Dallas at night, perfect for enjoying with frosty Mambo Taxis and crispy nachos.
Tango Room
This romantic gem of a restaurant reveals itself from behind a thick curtain after walking through the door of an unremarkable design center storefront, but an impeccable steakhouse experience awaits, complete with incredible wines and first-class service.
Susan’s Burgers N More
You won’t find many seats inside, but there’s a drive-thru and a small patio where you can chow down on beautiful burgers and fries if you prefer not to eat in your car, which you’ll see many people doing every day at noontim
HARWOOD DISTRICT
Harwood Arms
The rich red exterior immediately conjures up images of the most inviting, classic UK pubs you’ve ever seen, and inside, it’s more of the same, plus cold beer, scotch eggs, sausage rolls, Reuben sandwiches, and beer-battered fish and chips.
Babou’s
Walk into Hotel Swexan, through the Library’s book-lined nooks, and descend into the basement where Babou’s takes inspiration from Salvador Dali and literary greats to create a uniquely intellectual space for drinking and noshing on lobster rolls and other curated nibbles.
Magnolia’s Sous Le Pont
The baristas make the experience, but they have great tools at their disposal, from artisanal coffees to delectable pastries—all tucked under a bridge—with clever handmade gifts available for purchase, too.
AT&T DISCOVERY DISTRICT
In Good Company
One of the vendors inside the Discovery District’s Exchange Food Hall, In Good Company, serves hot dogs, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and cheessteaks (plus some tasty crinkle fries) from its small counter.
Two Wings Coffee
Another Exchange Hall vendor worth seeking out, Two Wings, gets your morning started right with coffee, smoothies, and pastries, or pop in for lunch and dinner when you can grab loaded sandwiches, salads, and soups for sustenance.
Rodeo Bar
Directly across the street in a darkened corner of the historic hotel, The Adolphus, Rodeo Bar was resurrected a few years ago and continues to thrill with its dive-bar aesthetic, juicy burgers, Texas chili, hot wings, and killer chicken-fried steak.
DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT
Fletcher’s Corny Dogs
Each fall, thousands of devotees flock to the State Fair of Texas for a variety of fried foods, but especially the iconic Fletcher’s Corny Dog, which can now be found year-round from a food truck at Klyde Warren Park, directly across from the Dallas Museum of Art.
Tei-An
Also not so hidden that the Michelin Guide editors couldn’t find it, this authentic Japanese soba house is definitely far from plain sight, even once you’re in the arts district, but seek it out for a spectacular omakase experience.
Flora Cantina
Just outside the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House, this tiny eatery makes an excellent spot for a quick pre-performance place to grab a Tex-Mex taco meal that won’t break the bank.
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