11 New Dallas Restaurants You Simply Must Try

Inspired by chef/owner Toby Archibald’s New Zealand heritage and travels around the world, Quarter Acre checks off boxes for both neighborhood haunt and destination restaurant. Grab a seat on the charming patio and enjoy an eclectic menu packed with approachable delicacies including smoked beef tartare, confit lamb belly sticks, and hot-smoked Glory Bay salmon.

Celebrated Dallas restaurateur Jon Alexis’ fourth concept opened this March in Snider Plaza, boasting a “taste for the classic.” That translates to a crowd-pleasing assortment of favorites, such as housemade three mushroom fettuccine, a house made corned beef Rueben, a fried chicken spinach salad, and knife-and-fork fare including double-cut lamb chops and panko fried bone-in pork milanese. Don’t miss the Tito’s On Tap—38-degree vodka perfect for martinis.

The first Texas outpost of this New York City-based dumpling shop launched in May. The concept features a variety of traditional dumplings, as well as several inspired by classic NYC diner dishes—all served automat-style in designated lockers for each guest. Among the creative dumpling options: buffalo chicken, Reuben, mac & cheese, and pepperoni pizza. Best of all, you can mix and match.

It doesn’t get more iconic than Dallas’ Reunion Tower and now there’s a new eatery in the shimmering ball on top. Crown Block made its grand entrance back in April as a steak and seafood concept from the husband-wife team of Elizabeth Blau and Chef Kim Canteenwalla. Request a seat facing downtown and arrive before sunset to see the city transform before your eyes, all while getting your fill of delectable sushi and expertly seared steaks.

Two Michelin-recognized chefs lead the kitchen at this new concept for traditional Korean fare. Get to know dishes like fried galbi, beef tukbooki, yuk hoe, and flower galbisal. A vast array of meat selections come with kimchi radish, napa cabbage and green onion, potato salad, green onion salad, pickled vegetables, beef and radish soup, chilled cucumber soup, and steamed rice so that every bite can be one-of-a-kind.

Saaya transports diners to carefree days in the Mediterranean with exquisite dishes, a hookah lounge, and live performances (think belly dancers and fire twirlers). Mezze fare includes hummus, za’atar popcorn chicken, Lebanese pizza, beef shish kebab, and halloumi shawarma—all ready to be enjoyed on the palm tree-lined patio.

What this restaurant lacks in windows (there are none), it makes up for in colorful modern art prominently displayed throughout the chic designer space. Chef Jacob Williamson creates a memorable experience with a focus on Italian fare and steak with an emphasis on sourcing ingredients in Texas. The Texas Wagyu NY Strip impresses greatly with brisket and foie gras ravioli a rival for top spot. The white chocolate cheesecake from Williamson’s wife’s bakery, J. Rae’s Dallas, can’t be skipped, either.

Viva Las Vegas, y’all! Hailing from Sin City, this restaurant’s modern take on traditional Mexican food combines social media-worthy presentations with quality ingredients for a one-of-a-kind (and over-the-top) experience. They’re known for their BFTs (Big F’n Tacos), the WTF (a four-pound bone-in short rib barbacoa) and a heart-shaped piñata dessert you get to bust open at your table. Late nights bring with them DJs and bottle service for the true Vegas experience.

Formerly known as Carbone’s, this restaurant changed both its name, menu, and interior design to truly be a new concept, even if it’s at the same old address. Handmade pastas dominate the small-but-thoughtful menu with highlights of linguine clams (red or white), lasagna bolognese, veal piccata, and sausage & peppers. Fine Italian wines round out a date night impeccably well.

Fresh from the vibrant streets of Miami comes this showstopper of a dining establishment. From the moment you walk in to see a row of perfectly cooked Peking ducks hanging behind glass to the first sip of a refreshing cocktail in a Pikachu-shaped vessel, you get the sense that the chefs take the food seriously but the vibe is 100% high-energy party otherwise. The higher price point makes it more of a special-occasion venue for most, but it promises to be a culinary happening you won’t soon forget.

Chef Julian Rodarte (the son in Beto & Son) has taken over as CEO of Trinity Groves and continues to create innovative restaurant concepts, including this new sushi venue. The name comes from the marriage of “temaki” and “taqueria” so instead of traditional cone-shaped handrolls, they’re presented like tacos with fillings ranging from lobster and soft-shell crab to vegetarian concoctions featuring avocado or crispy tofu. The black-and-white pop-art space looks right out of a comic book, so you know you’re in for a fun time the moment you walk through the doors.