Known as the Park Cities, University Park and the adjacent Highland Park are respectively the wealthiest and second wealthiest neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Spanning less than six square miles, the enclave is small but mighty, and while most of it is residential, the food scene stands out for its diversity and elegance.
Park Cities’ restaurants showcase a wide range of cuisines, including Mediterranean, German, Mexican, and Middle Eastern. This list of 10 highlights institutions that have remained popular for decades, as well as newer arrivals.
Shinsei
Pan-Asian hot spot Shinsei is absolutely a place to see and be seen, but the food doesn’t hide behind the ambiance. Not only is the sashimi among the best in the city, but the menu includes innovative rolls like the Purple Rain, avocado wrapped around purple rice wrapped around crab meat; as well as share plates like crispy rock shrimp that’s tough to stop thinking about. 7713 Inwood Rd., Dallas, shinseirestaurant.com
Café Pacific
Classic white linen tablecloths and checkerboard flooring set the tone at this swanky seafood restaurant in Highland Park Village. A local favorite since opening in 1980, Café Pacific offers fresh fish from all over North America, as well as a steak list that includes Japanese A5 Wagyu. An extensive menu of sides includes black truffle and gouda whipped potatoes and Nova Scotia lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. 24 Highland Park Village, Dallas, cafepacificdallas.com
Beverley’s
The menu at this neighborhood bistro fuses Jewish deli comfort foods like matzo ball soup, smoked white fish dip, and a whole list of potato latke options with classic entrees like chargrilled lamb chops and filet mignon steak frites. A long marble bar, intricate floor tiling, and button-tufted booths form a nice backdrop for the always-chic crowd. 3215 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas, beverleysdallas.com
Javier’s
A Dallas institution since 1977, this always-bustling upscale restaurant draws inspiration from the traditional cuisine of Mexico City and borrows recipes from all over the country: carne asada from Tampico, pork slow-roasted the way they do it in Yucatán, and charbroiled tenderloin from the northern part of Mexico. Dinner starts with chips and warm salsa, and for those who like a smoke, it may end with a glass of whiskey in the private cigar lounge. 4912 Cole Ave., Dallas, javiers.net
Sachet
Lovers of Mediterranean food can’t get enough of the warm and cold mezze options at Sachet. And even those who know nothing about the cuisine won’t be able to resist the aroma of pita baking in the wood-fire stone oven. The majority of menu items are fresh, light, and perfect for sharing, but the homemade-pasta dishes, as well as hearty entrees like the chicken shawarma bowl and pomegranate-glazed beef short rib delight those looking for a substantial meal. 4270 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, sachetdallas.com
Kuby’s Sausage House
As the name suggests, both the German restaurant and adjacent European market sling their own made-in-house sausages. Since it opened in 1961, the restaurant has attracted the breakfast crowd with its diner-like ambiance and its Kasseler Rippchen, also known as house-smoked pork chops. Kuby’s also offers wild-game processing, so hunters can enjoy deer jerky, bratwurst, and links. 6601 Snider Plaza, Dallas, kubys.com
Food From Galilee
Those looking for a Middle Eastern food fix will love the menu at this cozy BYOB spot. Snider Plaza has a lot of restaurant options, but the prices at Food From Galilee are a fraction of its neighbors’. Gyros, shawarma, and falafel sandwiches cost only nine dollars. Grab a bottle of wine and bring a friend to share Tabouli and a couple of shish kebabs with. 6710 Snider Plaza, Dallas, foodfromgalilee.com
Dive
At this laidback seafood spot that prioritizes sustainability and offers plenty of healthy options, the nautical-rope mirrors, blue and white curtains and banquettes pair with crispy cod sandwiches, Cajun Curry Shrimp Salads, and panko-crusted fish and chips. Sauces are made in-house, with most being gluten-free, food is cooked in ghee or rice bran oil, and soups are light and never cream-based. 3404 Rankin St., Dallas, divecoastal.com
Bubba’s Cooks Country
This old-school all-day diner with the neon signage, bright red booths, and checkerboard flooring offers both counter service and drive-through. Long-time regulars flock for comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak with cornbread, and homemade cherry cobbler. An anomaly among the posh Park Cities restaurants, this family business set in a renovated gas station has been around since 1981 and isn’t going anywhere. 6617 Hillcrest Ave., Dallas, bubbascookscountry.com
Sugar & Sage
This light-filled bakery in University Park offers both sweet and savory pastries, and a darling outdoor patio to enjoy them. You’ll sense from the moment you step through the door that everything is baked on site. Danishes, cookies, croissants, and baguettes pair beautifully with strong coffee from local micro-roastery Noble Coyote. 4314 Lovers Ln., Dallas, sugarandsagebakery.com
