Just north of Downtown, Uptown is one of Dallas’s most beloved neighborhoods. Pedestrian-friendly, and home to high-rises, luxury townhomes, boutiques, and plenty of restaurants and bars, it’s a commercial district, residential district, and dining destination in one.
Whether you jog to dinner from the Katy Trail, head to your favorite restaurant after lingering in Klyde Warren Park, or choose one at random while meandering in the chic West Village or down McKinney Ave, you’ll find much to love about dining in Uptown.
This list of 15 restaurants will get you started.
Crushcraft Thai Eats
With clusters of festive paper streamers, old Thai license plates, and a menu printed on rolls of butcher paper, this fast-casual joint in the Quad slings delicious Thai comfort food at low prices. Try coconut curries, wok-fried rice recipes, and fresh noodle dishes, and don’t forget to grab some spring roll bites for the table. 2688 Laclede St. #100, Dallas, crushcraftthai.com
Las Palmas
With its iconic green neon sign out front, the coziest Tex-Mex spot in the city serves fajitas in homemade tortillas, shrimp and lobster enchiladas, and New York strip aguachile. Grab a table beside the crackling fireplace, belly up to the semicircle bar for margaritas and fresh chips and salsa, or lounge under umbrellas on the patio. 2708 Routh St., Dallas, laspalmasdallas.com
Malai Kitchen
With three locations around the Metroplex, this Thai-Vietnamese restaurant isn’t your typical neighborhood takeout joint. On the contrary, the Uptown location particularly is an inviting gathering spot, with a lively atmosphere and an always-bustling bar, where diners can sample beers from the restaurant’s microbrewery. Everything at Malai is made from scratch, even the rice noodles and the Sriracha sitting on every table. 3699 McKinney Ave., #319, Dallas, malaikitchen.com
Mamani
The Dallas dining scene is home to a grand total of two Michelin stars, one of which belongs to this chic French restaurant with Italian accents. Chef Christophe DeLellis, formerly of Joël Robuchon in Vegas, is a master of sauce-making, flavor-pairing, and dry-aging. Don’t miss the blue crystal prawns with basil or the homemade cavatelli with pork sausage and broccolini. Snag a seat on the enclosed patio and enjoy the Riviera vibes. 2681 Howell St. BU4, Dallas, mamanirestaurant.com
Domodomo Kō
This Japanese-Korean restaurant offers a six-course “Domokase” tasting menu with wine pairings, a four-course sushi dinner, and an a la carte menu. The interior is all clean lines and sleek, pale wood; the plating makes beautiful use of negative space; and each dish showcases carefully sourced, fresh ingredients. You can’t go wrong with any of the hand rolls or nigiri, but the Korean dishes are particularly interesting. Try the flavorful kimchi bacon fried rice. 2681 Howell St. BU3, Dallas, domodomorestaurant.com/domodomodallas
Bowen House
Built in 1867, this charming green house with the porch swing out front is home to a swanky little cocktail bar with outstanding food. Bowen House is famous for its burger (double-decker patties on a kaiser roll, smothered in melted American cheese), as well as for its deep whisky program and innovative cocktails. Pair a Spacecaster (cayenne- and pepita-infused bourbon with maple syrup, cane sugar, and bitters) with some ahi tuna tacos. 2614 Boll St., Dallas, bowenhousetx.com
The Bread Club
At this brand-new bakery and sandwich shop, baker Peter Edris, formerly of Frenchette in New York City, stone-mills his own flour on site from locally grown grains. The result is breads that taste like France and Italy, but retain Texas character. Don’t miss the pastries, including a particularly tangy lemon meringue tart, or the Einspänner Latte (vanilla bean cold foam, cocoa, and espresso). 2681 Howell St. BU5, Dallas, thebreadclub.com
Nobu
This Japanese-Peruvian institution needs no introduction, and the always-hopping dining room and sushi bar prove it. Nobu Dallas in Hotel Crescent Court is a go-to for delicious, fresh sashimi, maki, nigiri, yakinomo, and tempura, as well as Nobu classics like black cod with miso. Enjoy Japanese-inspired cocktails, including the Japanese gin-based Roku Jalapeño that mixes in mezcal, cilantro, honey, yuzu, lemon, and tamari. 400 Crescent Ct., Dallas, noburestaurants.com/dallas/home
Ocean Prime
A posh steak and seafood house with a killer cocktail program, Ocean Prime is known for its elegant setting, fresh fish, and tender filet mignon. On Tuesdays, enjoy “Tiny Tinis” in the lounge from 4 to 6 p.m., when miniature cocktails cost only $5. On Wednesdays, Ocean Prime showcases its award-winning wine list by offering half off bottles under $150. 2101 Cedar Springs Rd. #150, Dallas, ocean-prime.com/locations-menus/dallas/
Written by the Seasons
As the name suggests, the second location of this Michelin-recommended restaurant showcases whatever is in season. With its marble bar and vertical-tufted banquettes, the space has a classic feel, offering a fine backdrop for some red curry duck confit or garlicky little-neck clams and an ice-cold martini.2681 Howell St. Ste. BU2, Dallas, writtenbytheseasons.com
Uchi
One of the most coveted dinners in Dallas is the omakase at this stylish Japanese-inspired restaurant. Choose among the 10-course daily offering, a curated offering, and the vegetarian offering, and don’t forget your sake pairings because Uchi has one of the best sake lists in town. A la carte highlights include wagyu ravioli with bread crumbs and parmesan foam and smoked yellowtail with yuca crisp and macarona almond. 2817 Maple Ave., Dallas, uchi.uchirestaurants.com/location/sushi-dallas/
Mexican Sugar
Every outpost of this small collection of Mexican restaurants has its own unique décor and vibe. The Midtown location has chic, elevated patio seating and a cool “agave library” for private parties. The ambiance is lively and tasteful, but the real standout is always the food. Choose among fajitas, enchiladas, and tacos, or go for a heartier option, like the chile-brined, slow-roasted, bone-in pork chop or the pan-roasted striped bass. 2355 Olive St. #155, Dallas, mexicansugarcocina.com/locations/uptown
Namo
This West Village omakase spot is widely considered among the top sushi restaurants in Dallas. The ever-rotating menu honors the Japanese micro-seasons. The executive chef uses an excellent dedicated buyer in Japan, cutting out the middle man, thereby sourcing the freshest fish and the most coveted cuts. Every detail of Namo, from the beautiful glassware to the perfectly seasoned rice, is pretty dazzling. Pro tip: Go at lunchtime and enjoy the omakase for only $75. 3699 McKinney Ave. #305, Dallas, namosushi.com
Sixty Vines
The number in the restaurant’s name refers to the 60 wine taps that line the wall behind the bar. Enjoy plenty of California wines, or pair wines from Oregon, Washington State, New Zealand, and Spain with salumi, cheese plates, and pan-roasted mussels. Sixty Vines offers happy hour deals from 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, so start early and get $3 shaved off your drinks.500 Crescent Ct. Ste. 160, Dallas, sixtyvines.com
Ka Thai
With three locations in Dallas, this spot always holds a place on locals’ lists of favorite Thai restaurants. The food is just so flavorful, not to mention consistent, and the menu offers ample variety. Sleek wood, woven bamboo, and greenery create a perfect setting to relax with friends over crispy crab-avocado spring rolls, coconut curry dishes, stir-fries, and noodles. 3220 McKinney Ave. Ste. 120, Dallas, kathairestaurant.com
