As Dallas diners know, it’s no easy feat to wade into the Metroplex’s highly competitive dining scene, synonymous with an increasingly international fleet of restaurants and an expanding underground food scene. To make it here, a place has to be extra special and offer impeccable service, innovative cuisine, a pleasing ambience, and at least one cutting-edge feature. That might mean an exquisite Italian fine-dining spot with a no-cell-phone-allowed rule, a Mexican restaurant that caters to every diet, or a New American place with a 15-page wine list. At six of the hottest Dallas restaurants, there’s something for everyone—so book your table now.
Caterina’s (Fort Worth)
A new Tim Love restaurant is always splashy DFW news, but the celebrity chef has outdone himself with this fine-dining Italian spot, a late July opening in the Stockyards. Each person who enters the tasteful, dimly lit space receives a locked pouch for their cell phone—and it won’t unlock until it’s time to leave. Complimentary sparkling wine kicks off the meal, cocktails are prepared tableside, and all of the pasta—order the lobster with ravioli and ask about the phenomenal off-menu meatballs—is freshly made in-house.
Au Troisieme (North Dallas)
Shareable plates make up the menu at Au Troisieme. | Credit: Au Troisieme
French for “third place,” Au Troisieme, which opened in April, is a cozy bistro serving globally accented New American cuisine. The Hawaiian owners, Bobby Pollette and Jeff Acol, joined forces to compose this innovative menu with a focus on shareable dishes. Grab one of the many comfortable booths and linger over dishes such as escargot with coconut adobo sauce, Filipino eggplant salad, Korean-glazed fire-roasted octopus, and more. Pollette and Acol boast all kinds of culinary accolades, including stints at the Four Seasons in Kona.
Atípico (Downtown)
After proving herself with two wildly popular locations in Mexico City, owner Claudia de Murga set her sights on Dallas and opened Atípico’s first U.S. outpost in June. What makes Atípico (Spanish for “atypical”) live up to its name is a commitment to satisfying every diner, catering to all kinds of dietary restrictions. De Murga has six daughters and created recipes for each of their distinct preferences. It’s why the menu, a surefire crowd pleaser, features vegan pesto lasagna, gluten-free, and Keto friendly options, plus mocktails for the non-drinkers. Though Atípico slings some delicious Mexican food, the cuisine leans international, with whimsical fusion dishes such as Mexican ramen—beef stew in black broth with noodles, scallions, and fried harusame noodles.
Blind Bishop (Downtown)
Small plates and wine pairings at Blind Bishop. | Credit: Blind Bishop
What puts the “blind” in this place’s name is the blind wine tasting flight it offers every night—perfect for a date or a gathering of friends. Throughout the week, Blind Bishop, which opened in June, is a wine tasting room with an educational component; its list is carefully curated by owner and Master of Wine Dilek Caner, who makes her way among the guests, sharing her extensive wine knowledge, and answering questions. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the space opens to the public from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm as a restaurant and wine bar, slinging small plates that are perfect for pairing. Think shishito peppers with lemon and sea salt, patatas bravas, and pork belly with white beans, sliced radish, and salsa verde. The light-filled space is small and the dining window is short, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Chandler’s Kitchen and Bar (Flower Mound)
American cuisine with global influences, and fresh, local ingredients define the menu at this cozy-chic establishment. Chandler’s Kitchen and Bar, which took over the former Yellow Rose steakhouse space, opened doors in the Flower Mound in July. On the menu, offerings include halibut with parmesan risotto, pork chop with bourbon cream corn, and a “Farm Board” that showcases a variety of gourmet cheeses, pates, and salamis. A 15-page wine list guarantees the perfect accompaniment for each dish. Though if you’re in the mood for lighter bites, Chandler’s also offers the perfect atmosphere for some mussels and cocktails.
Onesan Dim Sum & Sushi (North Dallas)
Onesan Dim Sum & Sushi’s cool interiors include a graffiti-inspired mural. | Credit: Onesan Dim Sum & Sushi
During the pandemic, John Kinzer, who heads the team behind Republic Texas Tavern and Pizza Gianna, launched an Asian fusion delivery concept called Seven Woks that was an instant and unrelenting hit. Building on that success, the team just opened Onesan, a restaurant that combines favorite dishes from a number of Asian cuisines—a full sushi menu, Thai chicken dumplings, poke bowls, and pressed Korean short ribs. The cocktail list is pan Asian, too, and even the beer list offers brews from China, Thailand, and Japan. Enjoy it all in a cool and casual space, decked with a wall-sized, graffiti-inspired mural.
Diana Spechler is a novelist and essayist whose work appears in The New York Times, The Guardian, Washington Post, Harper’s, and elsewhere.
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