Michelin Bib Gourmand bistro on Knox-Henderson with James Beard Award finalist hospitality recognition. Warm room, France-and-Italy-inflected menu, and one of the most comfortable dining experiences in the city.
Tip: Bar seating is first-come first-served. The fried Castelvetrano olives with Texas pecans arrive unbidden at the start of every meal.
Address: 2323 N Henderson Ave, Ste 109, Dallas, TX 75206
A Lakewood neighbourhood restaurant holding two consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmands with a farm-driven menu that blends Vietnamese flavours and French technique. No attitude. Precise cooking.
Tip: The menu changes monthly. Ask the server what came in from local farms this week; the kitchen often writes one off-menu special around it.
A Michelin-listed Highland Park Italian with a wood-burning oven that produces the city's most reliably excellent pizza and a pasta programme including ravioli of Maine lobster.
Tip: The Friday lunch menu is available and far less competitive to book than dinner. The white clam pizza is non-negotiable.
The secret prix-fixe tasting room inside Revolver Taco Lounge in Deep Ellum. Eight courses built on ancient Purepecha techniques, corn imported weekly from Oaxaca, and one of the city's most ambitious tasting-menu formats outside Tatsu and Mamani.
Tip: The entrance to Purepecha is separate from the taco counter. Book by emailing the restaurant directly. Thursday through Saturday only.
A Michelin Bib Gourmand BBQ operation open just 3.5 days per week, serving Akaushi Wagyu brisket and Duroc pork with Texas Monthly Top 50 recognition. The most decorated casual BBQ in the Dallas metro.
Tip: Pre-order whole meats by Tuesday 5pm for the best selection. The Toddfather sandwich and crack cake are must-orders beyond the brisket.
All-day French brasserie at Preston Center under Culinary Director Bruno Davaillon, formerly of the Michelin-starred Bullion. The Paris-Brest and steak frites carry his training forward in a 4,000-sqft room with 150 seats and a covered patio.
Tip: Weekday lunch is when the kitchen is calmest and the prix-fixe value is strongest. The covered patio is a year-round option.
Chef Matt Balke's Bishop Arts New American in the former Bolsa space, where Southern-inflected cooking and a thoughtful wine list run Wednesday through Sunday. The blue corn pancakes at brunch are a Dallas cult item.
Tip: The weekend brunch is more popular than dinner. The covered patio is the most pleasant seat in the house.
