Known collectively as the Park Cities, University Park and neighboring Highland Park are the wealthiest and second-wealthiest neighborhoods in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, respectively. Spanning less than six square miles, the enclave may be small, but its dining scene punches well above its weight. While much of the area is residential, its restaurants are notable for both their quality and diversity.
The Park Cities are home to an impressive range of cuisines, from Mediterranean and German to Mexican and Middle Eastern. This list highlights 10 standout restaurants, including beloved institutions that have thrived for decades alongside acclaimed newcomers.
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 premium steak selection 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
Il Bracco
Everyone loves a comforting neighborhood restaurant. That one you can visit on a date night or birthday, know you’ll never be disappointed, and recommend endlessly to friends. That place is Il Bracco in Preston Center, the first of three locations in Dallas, Houston, and Scottsdale. Visit for a taste of the fan-favorite artichoke appetizer, spicy gemelli pasta, or the famous Italian sundae with olive oil and flaky salt. Ice cold cocktails are the move here, so try the eponymous frozen Bracco or a Paper Plane. 8416 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas, ilbraccorestaurant.com
Javier’s
A Dallas institution since 1977, this always-bustling 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 with warm salsa and soft butter, 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
Coupes
After wishing for a certain type of champagne lounge to exist in their neighborhood, owners Eric Chiappinelli and Amanda Hale opened Coupes and made it happen themselves. Recognized as one of the top bars and restaurants for enjoying champagne in the country, the incredibly chic and feminine-forward space serves up an impressive list of bubbly, naturally, but its chef-driven menu of small plates and light bites shouldn’t be overlooked. And because it’s in Highland Park, caviar service is of course on offer. 4234 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, coupesdallas.com
Nonna
Nonna is tucked into a small strip in a nearly forgotten corridor of Highland Park, but the restaurant’s viral following has kept it going for two decades. Despite Dallas’ obsession with the latest and flashiest, locals head to this understated trattoria-style restaurant for Italian classics like handmade gnocchi and pizza made in a traditional wood-burning oven. 4115 Lomo Alto Dr., Dallas, nonna-dallas.com
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 fresh pita baking in the wood-fire stone oven. The majority of menu items are 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-style atmosphere and its Kasseler Rippchen, also known as double-smoked pork chops. Kuby’s offers wild-game processing, so hunters can enjoy deer jerky, bratwurst, and links. Next door, Kuby’s European Market is an absolute gem, full of imported and house-made delicacies to bring some of that German magic home. 6601 Snider Plaza, Dallas, kubys.com
Dive
At this laidback seafood spot that prioritizes sustainability and healthy options, the nautical decor and navy banquettes pair with crispy cod sandwiches, tacos, and the cult-favorite ahi tuna wrap. Owner, and California transplant, Franchesca Nor is all about healthy, delicious, and sustainable food, so everything down to the sauces are made in-house, with plenty of gluten-free options. Here, food is typically 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 neon signage, bright red booths, and checkerboard flooring offers both counter and drive-through service. Long-time regulars, especially the after-church sort, 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
Food From Galilee
Those looking for a Middle Eastern food fix will love the menu at this cozy BYOB spot. Snider Plaza is home to several small resturants, but the prices at Food From Galilee are a fraction of its neighbors’. Gyros, shawarma, and falafel sandwiches land at tables full of regulars during lunch and dinner. 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
Sugar & Sage
This light-filled bakery in University Park offers both sweet and savory pastries, and a darling back patio on which to enjoy them. You’ll sense a neighborhood feel from the moment you step through the door, as result of very intentional choices made by the power team, owner Allison Weinstein and executive pastry chef Jill Bates. Danishes, cookies, croissants, and baguettes pair beautifully with strong coffee from local micro-roastery Noble Coyote. Don’t skip the Kouign Amann (pronounced “Queen Amann”) because you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better one in town. 4314 Lovers Ln., Dallas, sugarandsagebakery.com
