Lucia
408 W. Eighth St.
Tel. 214.948.4998
www.luciadallas.com
Though it's always a challenge to get reservations here, Lucia is worth the trouble. Located in the Bishop Arts district, this restaurant offers incredible Italian fare all served with chef David Uygur's unique spin. Try their house pasta, made daily in house, such as the Taglierini with brodo Parmigiano and Perigord black truffles, or you can go for one of their delectable meat dishes like the slow cooked Berkshire pork shoulder with savoy cabbage and polenta.
Pyramid Restaurant & Bar
1717 N. Akard St.
Tel. 214.720.5249
www.pyramidrestaurant.com
Since being fully renovated by Chef André Natera in 2008, the Pyramid Bar & Restaurant has become the longest running AAA / Four Diamond restaurant in the city. Serving New American cuisine focusing on seasonal ingredients and made with herbs and vegetables from their rooftop garden, the menu offers an exquisite take on classic dishes and local flavors. Start with the Gazpacho, served with an oyster fritter, ripe avocado and a garlic Crostini, then try the Prime Rib of Pork which comes with jalapeno cheddar polenta, whiskey poached peach, and cider pan jus, all in an elegant environment in downtown Dallas.
Saint-Emilion
3617 W. Seventh St, Fort Worth
Tel. 817-737-2781
www.saint-emilionrestaurant.com
Continually voted one of the best restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Saint-Emilion makes expertly crafted dishes that hail from the south of France. Located in a charming brick house, their blackboard offers the selections that are prepared fresh daily. The classic French dishes are all here: onion soup, escargot, delicious prime beef, and succulent duck. Along with the fare comes an equally impressive wine list and desert menu to make your meal truly special.
Bijoux
5450 W. Lovers Lane
Tel. 214.350.6100
http://www.bijouxrestaurant.com%20%20
An incredibly elegant setting creates the perfect ambiance to enjoy Bijoux's take on New French cooking. Offering five and nine course dinners with á la carte menu as well, they serve many delicious and delicate salads such as their Arugula Salad made with goat cheese, crystalized pecans, and red wine vinaigrette. Unique main dishes as well like Duck Schnitzel and the Slow-Braised Veal Cheeks make this restaurant stand out from the pack. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails as well like their Blue Gimlet made with blueberry preserves.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
10477 Lombard Lane
Tel. 214.366.2000
www.pappasbros.com
You can't visit Texas without having beef and some would say there's no better place in Dallas for a steak than Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Classy and elegant, they have an incredible wine list to match their magnificent pieces of meat. Sit by their fireplace and enjoy the simple pleasures of a perfectly cooked steak.
Steve Fields Steak & Lobster Lounge
5013 W. Park Blvd, Plano
Tel. 972-565-7100
www.stevefieldrestaurant.com
If you like your steak with seafood, then go to Steve Fields Steak & Lobster Lounge. Located just outside of Dallas in the town Plano, they offer a wide range of steaks and beef dishes, along with excellent lobster and seafood as well. Try one of their signature steaks, the Maple Glazed Scallops made with a Shiner Bock glaze, or the always classic Surf 'n Turf.
Fearing's
2121 Mckinney Ave.
Tel. 214.922.4848
www.fearingsrestaurant.com
Not your average Tex-Mex joint, Fearing's serves upscale southwestern cuisine on the scale of any fine dining restaurant. The Crispy Barbecued Bluepoint Oysters served on jonah crab, apple wood smoked bacon, and a spinach bed is an incredible first dish, while the Maple-Black Peppercorn Soaked Buffalo Tenderloin is just one of their many unique main courses. A truly eloquent take on local flavors.
Yutaka Sushi Bistro
2633 Mkinney Ave
Tel. 214.969.5533
www.yutakasushibistro.com
Truly the best place for sushi in Dallas, Yutaka Sushi Bistro provides expertly crafted sushi and main dishes. You will find all your favorite sushi rolls here created with the utmost care along with delicious sashimi and hot dishes like the Sake Steamed Asari Clam or the Eel Crepe Roll. Little touches like real wasabi and great pickled ginger makes this sushi restaurant truly stand out.
Abacus
4511 McKinney Ave.
Tel. 214-559-3111
www.kentrathbun.com
Opened by world renowned chef Kent Rathbun, Abacus stands ahead of many of its Dallas peers by being innovative and original, creating a truly unique dining experience. Prepared with the incredible skill and care, diners will be treated to sublime new takes on familiar flavors. The Lobster Scallion Shooters with red chile-coconut sake are delicious, while the Hickory Grilled Cervena Venison with “Honey Jack” brussels sprouts is rich and delectable. They also offer a wide range of sushi selections as well.
The Mercury
11909 Preston Rd.
Tel. 972.960.7774
http://www.themercurydallas.com%20%20
From the mind of Chef Chris Ward, the Mercury offers New American cuisine sporting a distinct French and Mediterranean influence. Dishes like the Pearl Couscous Carbonara and the Forty-Eight Hour Braised Short Rib display are rich in flavor and display the skill of this restaurant. Select from their extensive wine list to compliment your meal.
Mia's
4322 Lemmon Avenue
Tel. 214.526.1020
www.miastexmex.com
Tex-Mex can be found throughout Texas, but of course here in the Big D don't question anyone as to which city has the best. Try the brisket tacos and the sour cream enchiladas.
French Room
1321 Commerce Street (Adolphus Hotel)
Tel. 214.742.8200
www.hoteladolphus.com
This is considered by many to be Dallas's best. The ambiance is exquisite with hand painted frescoes reminiscent of Versailles. The American-French cuisine is wonderful and the service is as good or better than anywhere else. Just remember that Dallas folks do dress up when they dine at a restaurant of this caliber.