With the opening of more and more hotels around Dallas, comes the thrill of having even more interesting places to dine. Some of the city’s best restaurants are off hotel lobbies, on sky-high hotel rooftops, and sprawling into hotel courtyards. From old-guard establishments to dazzling new concepts, this list includes an Italian restaurant where guests can witness chefs making pasta from scratch; a speakeasy sushi spot; and a lounge with live DJs, and plenty of fine cuts of steak. Venture into one of these worthy restaurants, tucked inside chic Dallas hotels.
Emilia’s
Inside Fort Worth’s Crescent Hotel, celebrity chef Preston Paine, co-founder of Shug’s Bagels and a competitor on the Food Network’s Ciao House Season 1, helms this upscale Italian-Mediterranean restaurant. Elegant blue and white décor sets the scene for fresh pastas, wood-grilled steaks, and plenty of table-side carvings and pour-overs. 3300 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, emiliasfortworth.com
Stillwell’s
The Hotel Swexan is home to this Michelin-recommended steakhouse, known for serving its own brand of beef — locally raised Akaushi cattle prepared with zero waste. Located on the hotel’s 7th floor, the restaurant boasts an attractive space, showcasing rich woods, leather, and vibrant jewel tones. From its dramatic design to its indulgent steakhouse fare, this is the kind of place that warrants a martini. For a cozy and intimate experience, reserve one of the horseshoe-shaped booths built for two, recessed in the wall, and curtained off from the dining room. Start with raw East Coast oysters, or splurge on caviar service, before exploring the well-produced steak program. 2575 McKinnon St., Dallas, stillwellsdallas.com
Il Modo
One of the best Italian restaurants in the Metroplex is located on the ground floor of Fort Worth’s Kimpton Harper Hotel. Snag a table by the pasta-making room, and peer through the glass at all of the action while you dine. Start with clams simmered in nduja broth, or burrata, both served with grilled sourdough. You can’t go wrong with any of the fresh pastas, but the linguini carbonara with egg yolk and lots of parmesan is a standout among them. Serious foodies can consider participating in Il Modo’s pasta-making or mixology classes. 714 Main St., Fort Worth, theharperfortworth.com
Sushi by Scratch
This 17-course omakase restaurant on the eighth floor of the Adolphus is the latest outpost of Sushi by Scratch. Its original location in California received Michelin stars in 2021 and 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant has a tucked-away speakeasy vibe, with guests required to ring a bell in order to get access. Once inside, the intimate space offers only 10 seats at the sushi counter. The fish is sourced straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, with courses ranging from melt-in-your-mouth nigiri to wagyu dishes and dessert. The chefs keep things interesting with insightful conversation, educating guests throughout the experience. 1321 Commerce St., Dallas, adolphus.com
Nobu Dallas
Hotel Crescent Court is home to Nobu, the celeb-loved Japanese-Peruvian restaurant and sushi destination known around the globe. Belly up to the sushi counter for a premium omakase experience, letting the chef showcase the restaurant’s freshest bounty, or grab a table and enjoy a la carte offerings. Along with sushi and sashimi, highlights from the kitchen include Chilean seabass with truffle-mirin soy, spicy garlic scallops, and panko crusted lamb chop with rosemary miso. 400 Crescent Ct., Dallas, noburestaurants.com
Bricks and Horses
Tucked into the Auberge Collection’s Bowie House in Fort Worth, this modern-American restaurant with a Texas twist sources meat from local ranches, wraps its white linen napkins in holders shaped like saddles, and serves caviar in a metal cowboy hat. Pair a smoked Old-Fashioned with a pepper-crusted Wagyu ribeye, garnished with wild mushrooms and cognac sauce. 3700 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, auberge.com/bowie-house/dine/bricks-and-horses
Fearing’s
Chef Dean Fearing’s eponymous restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Dallas has been a special-occasion go-to since it opened in 2007. Fearing is a beloved local celebrity, known to graciously visit with guests as they dine in his chef’s coat and cowboy boots. The menu leans into what Fearing calls “Southwestern” cuisine, incorporating locally sourced meats and produce into Southern dishes with some Tex-Mex flair. Begin with a cocktail at Fearing’s adjacent Rattlesnake Bar, and then take in the sights and sounds of the open kitchen from your table in the dining room. Kick off your meal with Dean’s tortilla soup—it is iconic in Dallas, and beyond. 2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas, fearingsrestaurant.com
Catbird
Perched on the 10th floor of the Thompson Hotel, Catbird always feels like a party with its live DJ and buzzy crowd. The outdoor terrace is among the prettiest in Dallas, offering epic city views and photo ops at every turn. Chef Jeramie Robison’s Asian-inspired menu features an elevated take on pub grub with dishes like spicy salmon dynamite temaki tacos and barbecue bao. Cocktails are just as interesting, with complex ingredients and playful names. Try the Girl From Okinawa, crafted with gin infused with yakiimo, or Japanese sweet potato. 1401 Elm St., Dallas, catbirddallas.com
Trick Rider
At this rodeo-themed steakhouse in the Omni PGA Frisco, you might spot famous golfers, or at least regular folks who just finished golfing and want a couple of crisp martinis with their New York Strip. With sections like Line & Rope (seafood), Stable of Meats, and Canter Sides (the charred broccolini with crunchy garlic chili sauce is a stand-out), the menu conjures the rodeo. So does the life-sized crystal horse suspended over the bar. 4341 PGA Pkwy., Frisco omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco/dining/trick-rider#
Sassetta
White tablecloths, pretty wicker chairs, and ample greenery form the backdrop of this Italian restaurant at the Joule Hotel. Lobster spaghetti with pistachios is a don’t-miss. Pair a glass of Sangiovese with a blistered burnt-honey pizza fresh from the oven, topped with taleggio, fontina, and peppercorn. The happy hour deal includes $10 pizzetttes and $8 glasses of wine. 1530 Main St. Ste. 100, Dallas, thejouledallas.com/sassetta
Monarch
It’s hard to find a restaurant more beautiful than Monarch, the contemporary Italian fine-dining spot on the 49th floor of the Thompson Hotel, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame a bird’s-eye view of Downtown. The six-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, the pastas are made in-house, and the restaurant specializes in wood-fired entrees, including chicken with charred lemon and branzino with fennel confit. 1401 Elm St. 49th Floor, Dallas, monarchrestaurants.com
