Halal Mediterranean$$knox-hendersonMon-Thu 11:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-20:30
A Knox Street Lebanese institution with a full halal certification, serving mezze, shawarma, and grilled meats in a room that works equally well for a quick.
Order: Shawarma plate; the mezze bar with hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush.
Tip: The mezze spread for two is the best value in the restaurant. Order three or four cold dishes to share before the mains.
Texas Bbq$$deep-ellumMon 11:00-15:00, Tue-Thu 11:00-20:00, Fri 11:00-21:00, Sat 11:00-22:00, Sun 11:00-21:00
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.
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.
Italian$$$bishop-artsTue-Sat 18:00-22:00, closed Sun-Mon
Chef David Uygur's chef-owned Italian in Bishop Arts, where the pasta is made daily and every salumi is hand-cured. Open tue-sat 6pm-10pm, closed sun-mon.
Order: House-cured salumi board; foie gras-stuffed prunes; housemade cacio e pepe.
Tip: Resy books out 2-3 weeks ahead. The short rib ragu changes monthly; ask your server what is housemade this week.
American Bistro$$$knox-hendersonTue-Thu 17:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00
The neighbourhood bistro Knox-Henderson deserves: small room, warm service, a Bib Gourmand, and a menu that borrows from France and Italy without.
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.
Vietnamese$$$lakewoodTue-Thu 17:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-23:00, Sun 17:00-21:00, Mon closed
A Lakewood neighbourhood restaurant with two consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmands and a farm-driven menu that blends Vietnamese flavours with French technique.
Order: Seasonal small plates that change monthly; the pork belly with lemongrass is a recurring standout.
Tip: Reservations open two weeks out on Resy and go quickly. Bring a party of four to cover more of the menu.
Italian$$$uptownMon-Sat 17:30-close, Fri lunch 11:30-14:00
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.
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.