Knife

For a modern steakhouse serving up premium beef and an unmatched ambiance, book your table at Knife. Helmed by award-winning celebrity chef John Tesar, this upscale ranch-inspired restaurant has amassed universal acclaim since opening its doors in 2014. Tesar’s menu honors the fine art of butchery, expertly preparing prime cuts like the55-day dry-aged rib eye alongside locally-sourced seafood andvegetable accompaniments. An open kitchen and stunning architectural design create an undeniably swanky vibe. But the real showstopper here is the seriously skilled cooking executed to perfection. Come hungry for a steak dinner you won’t soon forget.

Address: 5680 N. Beacon St., Dallas, TX 75230

Phone: (214) 443-9339

Pecan Lodge

Is there anything more quintessentially Texan than fall-off-the-bone BBQ smoked low and slow? For a heaping plate of the sauciest, most mouthwatering ‘cue in Dallas, look no further than Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum. These pitmasters take their craft seriously, laboring from before sunrise to imbue every morsel with deep, rich flavors using wood-fired smokers and time-honored techniques. Their brisket is the stuff of legend, crusty and peppery on the outside with a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Complement it with classics like smoked turkey breast, racks of ribs glistening with a thick barbecue glaze, and downright addictive mac and cheese. Shirt-drenching, finger-licking satisfaction is guaranteed.

Address: 2702 Main St., Dallas, TX 75226

Phone: (214) 748-8900

Uchi

For sushi that transcends the traditional and compositions as visually stunning as they are delectable, reserve your spot at Uchi. This contemporary hot spot specializes in upscale, artfully-plated Japanese fare that sources impeccably fresh, sustainable ingredients. Sink your teeth into a small plate of uchiviche (Uchi’s spin on ceviche), savor buttery salmon nigiri with a finger lime, or opt for a multi-course omakase experience that lets the chef take you on a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. Sleek minimalist decor and an intimate ambiance make it perfect for date nights, while a patio overlooking Dallas’ twinkling lights offers romance of a different sort. No matter what you order, one thing’s certain – this is Japanese cuisine unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Address: 2817 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75201

Phone: (214) 855-5454

Gemma

For those times when you’re craving rustic yet refined New American fare with an unmistakable Texas twang, head to Gemma in the heart of the vibrant Henderson Avenue district. This charming restaurant strikes the perfect balance between an elegant, softly-lit dining room and a laid-back neighborhood vibe. Helmed by husband-and-wife chef team Stephan Pyles and Allison Yoder, the menu highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. Start with an order of the heavenly house-made butter biscuits with whipped black pepper butter before diving into hearty mains like pepper-crusted tenderloin with chimichurri or the pan-seared trout with summer squash and salsa verde. Those on the hunt for one of Dallas’ best burgers also need look no further.

Address: 2323 N. Henderson Ave., #109, Dallas, TX 75206

Phone: (214) 370-9426

The Porch

For a cozy Southern dining experience anchored in sustainability and zero-waste initiatives, The Porch can’t be beat. This charming, modern farmhouse-style eatery in the heart of Dallas’ Cedars neighborhood is proof that seasonal, locally-grown fare can taste absolutely sublime. Swing by on a sunny afternoon to take advantage of patio seating and sip on a refreshing craft cocktail or one of their many wines on tap. The brunch menu is a perennial hit, loaded with stick-to-your-ribs favorites like butternut squash waffles, house-cured lamb bacon, and a sausage and johnnycake skillet. But no matter when you visit, be sure to sample the house fries tossed in duck fat – they’re utterly addictive. Eating your way across The Porch’s menu is a celebration of honest-to-goodness Texan cooking.

Address: 2912 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, TX 75206

Phone: (214) 828-2916

Mot Hai Ba

Craving robust, authentic Vietnamese cuisine but tired of the same old Americanized pho joints? Let Mot Hai Ba whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia without ever leaving the Bishop Arts District. This ultra-stylish restaurant from Peja Krstic (of Mot Hai Ba Patio fame) features an extensive menu packed with bold curries, steaming noodle soups, bright salads, and a whole lot of bold umami flavor. Small plates like sugarcane shrimp and crispy imperial rolls make for perfect starters before moving onto larger format items like 72-hour braised beef short ribs and spicy lemongrass chicken. Washing it all down with one of their fresh fruit slushies will transport you to a Saigon sidewalk cafe. From the exposed, dimly-lit brick to the buzzy, lively atmosphere, Mot Hai Ba is as legit as it gets.

Address: 330 W. Davis St., Suite 120, Dallas, TX 75208

Phone: (972) 535-6142

Boulevardier

Dinner and a show awaits at Boulevardier, the posh French-inspired bistro inside the luxe Thompson Hotel. Step through its doors in Bishop Arts for a full sensory experience that dazzles from start to finish. Kick things off with a smoky, stirred cocktail from the bar before being led into the jewel box of a dining room that radiates old world glamour with its rich oxblood tufted seating, flickering candlelight, and polished wood finishes. Savor every bite of the exquisitely crafted French cuisine that draws inspiration from Toulouse-born chef Nicole Gossett’s rustic upbringing. Signature dishes range from veal tongue and beef bourguignon to a decadent foie gras terrine and heavenly duck confit. For an evening of elevated elegance, this one’s a must.

Address: 550 Dallas St, Dallas, TX 75208

Phone: (469) 320-9168

Reserve Your Private Shuttle to Dallas’ Best Eateries

No Dallas food tour is complete without letting the experts at Party Buses Dallas coordinate all of your transportation needs. Our fleet of luxury buses, SUVs, limos and party buses will ensure your group travels between hotspots in style and comfort. Offering complimentary amenities like WiFi, flat-screen TVs, courtesy beverages and more, we make it easy to soak up the sights of Big D while leaving the driving to us. Call our team today at 469-430-0949 to get a FREE quote for your private culinary excursion around Dallas. An evening of first-class food and hospitality awaits!