Over the past several years, the Dallas Design District has completed a long-awaited transformation. From an area full of warehouses and showrooms that catered exclusively to design industry professionals to a burgeoning neighborhood with residential buildings, hotels, and an abundance of restaurants to fit every budget and craving, the Dallas Design District has come into its own.
Whether you’re looking for a classic diner breakfast, a basket of deep-fried fish for lunch, an afternoon on a brewery patio, an upscale Latin American dinner experience, or a late night of bowling accompanied by smashburgers, the Dallas Design District has something to offer.
Read on for 26 can’t-miss spots to indulge your taste buds.
Town Hearth
Bask in the glow of 64 chandeliers glistening overhead as you peruse the menu filled with eclectic options. Commence with Tot Oscar (crab-covered tater tots), Rock Shrimp Dynamite, and a classic iceberg wedge. Try one of the six daily specials, represented in everything from fresh oysters to surf-and-turf. Or on weekends, opt for Weekends with “The Lenox,” a shareable, open fire-roasted, bone-in prime rib carved to order. And if you’re a serious car collector, the 1974 mint-condition AMC Ducati Sport could be in your garage after dinner. 1617 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, townhearth.com
Alára Modern Mediterranean
Alára prides itself on being an “ingredient-first” restaurant with Turkish influences where pure flavors shine through rather than overly complicated recipes. The space transforms from a bright, cheery space by day to a candlelit sanctuary by night, making it equally appealing for a business lunch or romantic date. Sample a variety of mezze to start, while pondering main courses, including lamb kebabs and a Turkish coffee-crusted steak with a 26-layer potato dish. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 120, Dallas, alaradtx.com
AM/FM
Too few barbecue joints have Ferris Wheels, if you ask us. It’s such an odd restaurant amenity, yet it totally makes the experience fun and memorable, whether you take it for a spin or not. This new concept replaces Ferris Wheelers, and barbecue is no longer the food genre. Instead, find a variety of comfort food dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including stuffed meatloaf, a daily pot pie, and fried green tomatoes. Stop by for live music for the full AM/FM experience. 1950 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, ferriswheelers.com
Ascension Coffee Roasters
Grab an early morning espresso tonic with a bacon, egg, and cheese brekky sammy, then pull out your laptop to accomplish a few tasks. But don’t be surprised if you look up a few hours later and it’s time for an aperol spritz and a smoked turkey club to reward your hard work. 1621 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, ascension.coffee
Bowlounge
Pop by for terrific lunch and happy hour specials on weekdays, and squeeze in an impromptu bowling session. Or, reserve a lane in advance (always your best bet), gather the gang, order up tacos, tenders, and Texas bourbons, and you’ve got yourself a party any night (or day) of the week. 167 Turtle Creek Blvd. #103, Dallas, bowlounge.com
Carbone Dallas
The iconic New York Italian eatery has been a Design District mainstay from the moment it opened. Try favorites including baked clams, veal parm, Ribeye Diana, and a host of classic cocktails, each accompanied by world-class service. 1617 Hi Line Dr., Dallas, carbonedallas.com
Carbone VINO
Directly across the courtyard from Carbone, Carbone VINO takes a more casual approach to classic flavors, ingredients, and dishes, with a menu of mozzarella sticks, pizza, pasta, and simple yet delectable Florentine-style steaks. And, as the name suggests, plenty of fabulous wine. 1617 Hi Line Dr., Ste. 390, Dallas, carbonevino.com
The Charles
Champagne, pink snapper crudo, lemon ricotta gnudi, and wood-fired oysters serve as an unbeatable combination at this chic Italian bistro, which recently underwent a dramatic interior makeover. The collaboration between chefs and designers makes for an absolutely perfect addition to the Design District, because every plate is as impeccably crafted as its surroundings. As a bonus, you can enjoy the same menu in the 45-seat, high-energy Bar Charles behind the main restaurant for a completely different vibe. 1632 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, thecharlesdallas.com
Commons Club
Virgin Hotels Dallas brings a bit of sass and whimsy to every corner of the property, but Commons Club continues to evolve as a restaurant of note and a stalwart for creative cocktails. With each new chef comes a few new surprises, and the latest menu delivers a focused selection of shareables and mains, including the chef-recommended short rib ossobucco. 1445 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, virginhotels.com
Community Beer Co.
Hang out in the climate-controlled taproom, or get some fresh air on the massive patio at this popular brewery known as much for live music, trivia nights, ping pong leagues, vendor markets, and pet adoptions as its great beer and food. Grab a Mosaic IPA and a locally made bratwurst from Kuby’s Sausage House, and you’ve got the start of a fun time. 3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas, communitybeer.com
Culinary Dropout
Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts consistently delivers with its various brands, including Culinary Dropout, which finally made its way to Dallas. Snack on pretzel bites with creamy provolone fondue and a real-crab California roll, but save room for the killer made-to-order fried chicken or a Detroit-style pizza. 150 Turtle Creek Blvd. # 101, Dallas, culinarydropout.com
Delilah Dallas
Dallas’ outpost of the LA-based chain whisks guests back in time to a 1920s-style nightclub where over-the-top decadence rules the night. That translates to showgirls with massive headdresses, live musicians, and high-dollar menu items galore, including seafood towers, roasted lobster, beef Wellington, and Japanese Wagyu grilled on a hot rock tableside. Close things out with a $34 hot fudge sundae or a $100 Millionaire martini, and you’ll complete the circuit of indulgence. 1616 Hi Line Dr., Dallas, delilahrestaurants.com
Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine
The Brazilian steakhouse concept of gauchos wandering the dining room, offering different cuts of meat directly to diners, gets a pizza twist at this sophisticated all-you-can-eat restaurant. Begin with single servings of salad, lobster bisque, and meatballs, then move on to endless savory and dessert pizzas for a spectacular price. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave,, Ste. 100, Dallas, delucca.com
Double D’s
Despite the blatant innuendo in this bar’s name, the two Ds stand for none other than: Design District. So, it couldn’t be any more appropriate for this list. The dive bar-esque vibes and wildly affordable menu (canned beer starts at $3) make it quite the popular place to hang with friends. Grab a seat on a vintage sofa or recliner, sip on a top-shelf Litty (Long Island Iced Tea) or a Double D’s Cold AF Martini, and groove to whatever music the DJ’s spinning. 1404 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, doubledsdallas.com
El Carlos Elegante
Immerse yourself in the Mexico City-inspired ambience of El Carlos Elegante, where you’ll discover impeccable attention to detail in everything from the handmade tortillas to the attentive service. Try something from each of the menu’s six sections to create your own multi-course dinner, but if you have limited time or hunger, definitely order the duck confit tlacoyo from the hand-made masa selections. 1400 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, elcarloselegante.com
EVELYN
Old Hollywood meets modern style at this contemporary steakhouse that can best be described as a scene. The building is divided into multiple spaces, including the Ruby Room for martinis, high-energy late-night shenanigans in Room Seven, and the rose-hued Piano Room (the main dining space) for steaks and seafood. Take a date and start with the Duo, a dirty martini service built for two, followed by Maine lobster linguini and a Texas Wagyu strip. 1201 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, evelyndallastx.com
Flying Fish
From usual suspects such as fried catfish and grilled salmon to the less common alligator queso, crawfish chowder, and crispy frog legs—if it swims, it’s on the menu at this fast-casual favorite. Don’t skip the Nashville hot catfish sandwich or the tilapia fish tacos served in crispy corn shells. Meanwhile, the Hog Wallow Fry with catfish, shrimp, and oysters will satisfy the indecisive. 1838 Irving Blvd., Dallas, flyingfishinthe.net
Mama’s Daughters’ Diner
Since 1988, the daughters of Norma Manis (owner and namesake of the original Norma’s Cafe in Oak Cliff and subsequent locations across DFW) have been serving up the same homestyle comfort food for breakfast and lunch. Chicken fried steak works wonders for the soul, any time of day. It’s up to you whether you want it served with eggs or mashed potatoes, fried okra, and turnip greens. 2014 Irving Blvd., Dallas, mamasdaughtersdiner.com
Maroma
Chef Omar Flores (Even Coast, Muchacho), debuted Maroma, a coastal Mexican concept, this spring to much anticipation. The menu focuses on the fresher, lighter side of Mexican food with a variety of aguachiles, ceviches, and seafood dishes. Start with a Maroma Paloma (mainly because it’s as fun to say as it is to drink), then get a firm grasp of Flores’s culinary inspiration with yellowtail aguachile negro, red snapper ceviche, a Maine lobster tostada, and mesquite-grilled jumbo prawns with chile butter. On the not-so-light side, the double-patty Green Chile Burger shouldn’t be overlooked (especially during happy hour when it’s available at a discount). 1333 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, maroma-restaurant.com
The Meteor
This Austin import doesn’t defy description, but it’s an odd one for sure (and very Austin). The Meteor, you see, is a bike shop, all-day cafe, and natural-wine bottle shop rolled into one brilliant concept. So, whether you’re looking for a custom-built cycle or a bespoke latte and a falafel platter or slice of pizza, they’ve got you covered. 1628 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 120, Dallas, themeteor.cafe
The Mexican
Few other areas of Dallas could sustain two luxury Mexican restaurants, but the Dallas Design District manages to do so. Each room or space within the building interprets a different part of Mexico, whether it’s the posh Mexico City neighborhood of Polanco in the main dining room or Oaxaca in the private dining space. Known for its tequila cabinet with more than 300 options (and growing), it would be a crime to leave without sipping on a rare spirit or having one in a margarita, where you can splurge on a $250 Pancho Villa. Lobster elote and king crab enchiladas showcase the elegant side of this operation splendidly. 1401 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, themexican.com
Night Rooster
Top Chef alum and Food Network personality Shirley Chung debuted this Chinese fine-dining concept in January in a colorful, cozy space on the first floor beneath the relocated modern Italian steakhouse, the Saint. Unlike traditional Chinese restaurants, this one features a highly curated menu of top-notch options, including Wagyu cheeseburger potstickers, duck fat spicy chicken wontons, Prime beef and broccoli, and tea-smoked duck available by the half or whole bird. The $45 three-course prix-fixe menu makes a great intro to the concept, too. 1000 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, nightroosterdallas.com
Ospi
Another California import, Ospi has a devoted following among West Coasters, making it an exciting addition to the Design District dining scene. Housed in the former Meddlesome Moth space, the restaurant merges old-school, red-sauce Italian with modern takes on the classics. Enjoy spicy rigatoni alla vodka, chicken parm with brown butter and vodka sauce, seven different pizzas, and unexpected options such as beef ribs with poblano BBQ sauce and french fries. All perfect for pairing with a glass of Super Tuscan. 1621 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. B, Dallas, ospi.com
Peticolas Brewing Company
From attorney to brewmaster, Michael Peticolas may not have had the most obvious career path, but after one taste of his beers, you’ll be grateful he’s no longer in the courtroom. When he and his wife, Melissa, launched the craft brewery, their flagship Velvet Hammer was an almost instant success and still a must-order at the game-filled taproom where it’s BYO food (though occasionally they have pop-up vendors doling out tasty treats. 1301 Pace St., Dallas, peticolasbrewing.com
Pie Tap Pizza Workshop + Bar
Come for pies like the signature prosciutto, Medjool date, pistachio, and house ricotta version or a classic Margherita, but don’t overlook the spicy rigatoni vodka or the honey truffle salmon at Pie Tap. The restaurant offers a generous seven-hour happy hour Monday through Friday, making it a great way to sample several pizzas in one sitting. 1212 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 131, Dallas, pie-tap.com
Punk Noir
Some restaurants offer tasting menus as a way to sample the full spectrum of a chef’s creativity. At Punk Noir, which debuted on June 2, your only dining option is a 20-course tasting from James Beard Award-winning chef, RJ Cooper. Diners work their way through three different rooms, each with its own unique style, including digital projections and graffiti in the communal dining room. With only 26 seats available for each night’s set tasting times, it’s a coveted reservation and a quintessentially Dallas experience thanks to a VIP car service option. 139 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 130, Dallas, punknoirdallas
Rodeo Goat
Who will win the Battle of the Burgers? At Rodeo Goat, it’s an ever-changing showdown between two very different burgers every few weeks to see which one wins. They’re always creative, but you can’t go wrong with mainstays, including the Royale with Cheese. Best of all, you can choose your perfect patty from a list that includes 44 Farms beef, ground chicken or turkey, black-bean vegan, or Impossible meat alternative with any of their carefully crafted topping combos. The chili-studded Cheese Fries Surprise could be a full meal, too. 1926 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, rodeogoat.com
The Saint
Italian steakhouses have become all the rage in Dallas, and the Saint holds great company at the top of the list. The original location was windowless, so this new space with Downtown and Design District views represents a complete 180 for the concept from a design standpoint. Caviar cannoli, lobster and crab spaghetti, and multiple premium cuts of beef (including Certified Japanese A-5 Kobe) seamlessly bring together Italy and Texas across a single meal. Pro tip: Keep the leftover crab butter from the spaghetti dish to slather atop your steak. 1000 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, thesaintdallas.com
SĒR Steak + Spirits
From the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole, this steakhouse offers some of the best city views in all of Dallas, especially if you time your reservation to catch the sunset. Equally show-stopping: the local Wagyu tomahawk, carved tableside, and the everything-under-the-sea Raw & Chilled appetizer option with a cold glass of Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” Brut. 2201 N. Stemmons Fwy., 27th Floor, Dallas, sersteak.com
Slow Bone BBQ
Since its 2013 debut, Slow Bone has been on every prestigious BBQ list known to Texans, and the long lines attest to the honors. Pitmasters smoke all their meats daily in a smoker named “Miss Jessie,” and the sides represent some of the best in the biz. Daily “Creature Features” are always worth ordering, but any day of the week, you can enjoy a Goodstock Prime brisket sandwich with Brussels-Flower au Gratin and Granny High’s Pea Salad and leave a happy camper. 2234 Irving Blvd., Dallas, slowbone.com
Susan’s Burgers & More
Right across the street from Slow Bone, when that burger (or taco) craving hits, Susan’s rises to the occasion. Try Susan’s Cheeseburger, a towering creation topped with bacon, jalapeños, and onion rings, or a few $3-or-less tacos. You’ll only find four seats at the counter, so grab a table on the patio or hit the drive-thru and devour your meal in the privacy of your car. 2226 Irving Blvd., Dallas, susansburgernmore.com
Texas Ale Project
There’s always something good on tap at T.A.P., aka Texas Ale Project. Visit the brewery for behind-the-scenes tours, or if you already know all there is to know about brewing, kick back in the beer garden or tap room. Fire Ant Funeral, an Amber Ale, appears on restaurant menus all over the city due to its popularity, but somehow it tastes better right from the source. Ditto their lineup of 100 Million Angels Singing Double IPAs. Munch on sandwiches, salads, and snacks from grab-and-go partner, Knife and Faulk. 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, texasaleproject.com
Tango Room
To truly be a hidden gem, one must legitimately be: a) hidden; and b) a gem. Tango Room falls squarely into both categories. Yet once you know where to find it, tucked among the design showrooms in an otherwise nondescript strip center, you’ll set the location as a permanent bookmark. The intimate space delivers on classic steakhouse fare with an impeccable wine list and quirky delights, including lobster corn dogs and whole roasted Peking duck. Or get that bird as a side of duck fried rice, which pairs surprisingly well with a 14-ounce ribeye. 1617 Hi Line Dr., Ste. 250, Dallas, tangoroomdallas.com
