When you think of food in Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is barbecue. While the state doesn’t quite get the culinary recognition of the East or West coasts of the US, dining in Dallas is a whole other kettle of cow.

This is the region’s economic juggernaut, after all, and a 1.3 million-strong population needs far more than just brisket lining their stomachs. With heavy Latin and Asian influences and national restaurant groups landing to take advantage of a recent business boom, Dallas has morphed into one of the “melting pot” foodie destinations in America the guidebooks yell about, except the portions here are bigger. Much bigger.

Wear elastic waistbands; these super eight restaurants have just the dollop to showcase The Big D.