A Greenville Ave halal Mediterranean counter open until 4am every night, drawing the post-bar crowd and the neighbourhood regulars alike. New York street food sensibility applied to Dallas-sourced meats.
Must order: Shawarma plate; the New York street food-inspired halal rice bowl.
Tip: Open until 4am daily, which makes it one of the best late-night halal options in the city outside of Richardson.
Address: 3611 Greenville Ave, Ste A, Dallas, TX 75206
A Knox Street Lebanese institution with a full halal certification, serving mezze, shawarma, and grilled meats in a room that works equally well for a quick lunch or a long family dinner.
Order: Shawarma plate; the mezze bar with hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush.
Tip: The mezze spread for two is the best value in the restaurant. Order three or four cold dishes to share before the mains.
The Deep Ellum BBQ institution that made Dallas a serious stop on every national list. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork in a lively brick room on Main St, open until sold out.
Order: Beef brisket by the pound, beef rib on Saturdays while supplies last.
Tip: Arrive by 11:30am on weekends; they sell out before 2pm and do not restock.
Chef David Uygur's chef-owned Italian in Bishop Arts, where the pasta is made daily and every salumi is hand-cured. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and the finest Italian in DFW.
Order: House-cured salumi board; foie gras-stuffed prunes; housemade cacio e pepe.
Tip: Resy books out 2-3 weeks ahead. The short rib ragu changes monthly; ask your server what is housemade this week.
The neighbourhood bistro Knox-Henderson deserves: small room, warm service, a Bib Gourmand, and a menu that borrows from France and Italy without being either. Book ahead.
Order: Texas pecans with fried Castelvetrano olives; shrimp spaghetti; Meyer lemon tart.
Tip: Walk-ins at the bar are your best chance on short notice. The scone arrives before the menu and it is the best thing on the table.
A Lakewood neighbourhood restaurant with two consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmands and a farm-driven menu that blends Vietnamese flavours with French technique. No pretension.
Order: Seasonal small plates that change monthly; the pork belly with lemongrass is a recurring standout.
Tip: Reservations open two weeks out on Resy and go quickly. Bring a party of four to cover more of the menu.
A Michelin-listed Highland Park Italian with a wood-burning oven producing some of the city's best pizza and a pasta programme that keeps the room full every night of the week.
Order: Wood-burning oven white clam pizza; ravioli of Maine lobster.
Tip: Friday lunch is the sleeper: the room quieter than dinner, clam pizza the same, fewer people competing for a table.
