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.

1. Commons Club

The shiny Virgin Hotel in the Arts District is a local favourite, attracting the well-heeled denizens of Dallas to its ground floor Commons Club in regular congregation. They’re kicking back with Creole brisket hash at brunch, spilling into happy hour at the restaurant’s golden bar or sharing seared scallops and short rib ossobuco at a special dinner rendezvous. In short, it’s a buzzing hangout serving the sexiest sips of sauce.

2. Nuri Steakhouse

A Texan steakhouse where East meets West, Nuri is helmed by chef Minji Kim, who fans premium ranch meats with the spicy and umami flavours of Seoul.

Local wagyu is spun into dumplings with truffle, and classic aged steaks are elevated with ssamjang. Unagii Brussels sprouts and a lobster K-mac and cheese complete the smooth matrimony of the two cultures. Yes, it’s a splurge, but dining in the striking, gilded Art Deco space makes it a special occasion.

3. Yardbird

This Klyde Warren Park restaurant captures the essence of Southern charm. Yardbird is famous for fried chicken – tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, with a sweet, salty and herby crust developed from a treasured family recipe.

Chicken and waffles is the signature main: expect to pour oodles of honey hot sauce and bourbon maple syrup over the steamy stack. Speaking of bourbon, a robust bourbon and bourbon-based cocktail selection graces the beverage book, which also includes local draft beers and wines.

4. Vegan Food House

Things can get meaty in the state of Texas, but Vegan Food House provides tasty respite. Husband- and-wife team Anthony and Elizabeth Anderson created a Southern-influenced eatery to fill the void in the Dallas vegan scene, and the result is a sprouting success: “bacon” Creole patty melts, black bean veggie tacos and “steak” frites impress both herbivores and carnivores alike. The portions at this vegan restaurant are just as generous as its commitment to the planet, so arrive at the West 7th Street bistro extra hungry.

5. Terry Black’s BBQ

Lockhart may be Texas’s mecca for barbecue, but you can get its famous Terry Black’s right here in Dallas. The pitmasters have been smoking Central Texas-style BBQ for generations, and it works like this: pick up a tray at the counter; select sides by the pint, quart or gallon; slide to the next counter for BBQ meats; and squeeze all your sauces at the table. The restaurant was voted “best barbecue” by the Dallas Observer, and popular dishes such as the beef brisket and pork ribs often sell out, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

6. Las Palmas

The best Tex-Mex in Dallas depends on who you ask, but there’s no going wrong at Las Palmas . Inspired by Dallas’s dining heritage of the ’50s, this nostalgic pink tavern peddles classic Tex-Mex with flair. Fajitas are served with flavourful homemade tortillas, the queso is always the right consistency and every taco spills out onto the plate. Wash them down with a spicy margarita or Mexican gin and tonic.

7. Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen

It may come as a surprise to find a Vietnamese showstopper in the US, let alone in Texas, but Ngon won a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2024 for good reason: it’s Hanoi on a plate. Chef and owner Carol Nguyen wanted to share the vibrancy of her homeland’s cooking with Dallasites, opening Ngon with signature bun cha Hanoi, Hanoi pho and all the street food staples. There’s also Vietnamese coffee to hit the sweet spot. Her chic yet casual restaurant offers authenticity at an approachable price on Greenville Avenue.

8. The Mansion Restaurant

For upscale glamour, you’ll want to take date night over in Turtle Creek. Tucked away in the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel, The Mansion Restaurant is a serene oasis amid tropical greenery – it’s hard to believe you’re in a metropolis. The Dallas restaurant boasts contemporary American with French touches, with menu items such as porterhouse steaks and salt and pepper fried quail, accompanied by an expansive menu of premium wines. Tasting courses are the best way to sample their seasonal greats.