What a time to be a Dallasite. The World Cup has taken over the city, bringing a welcomed influx of international tourists and infectious energy. As Dallas is in full swing with neo of its busiest summers yet, restaurateurs are answering the moment with some of the year’s most anticipated openings.
From all-day markets straight out of a dream to tasting menu-only concepts that break all the rules, these are June’s can’t-miss debuts.
Olōyō
Dallas has been waiting on the edge of its seats for this one. Molino Olōyō, the acclaimed pop-up known for its dedication to heirloom corn, has finally debuted its first brick-and-mortar. Olōyō opened May 26 in Old East Dallas, breathing new life into the former Cry Wolf space. The intimate 23-seat, fine-dining restaurant comes from James Beard Award semifinalist chef Olivia López and Jonathan Percival. The debut menu features standouts like Sope Gordo, enmoladas, pescado asado, and pulpo asado. Behind the bar, beverage director Jose Gonzalez pulls inspiration from Mexico with cocktails including Jefa, Latino Heat, and Para de Sufrir. 4242 Gaston Ave., Dallas
Walkers’
Lower Greenville has a new day-to-night destination. Opened on June 19, Walkers’ from siblings Rosemary Walker-Greene and Russell Greene begins as a sandwich shop and market stocked with handpicked wines before transitioning into an evening restaurant and wine bar. In the kitchen, Georgie alumnus Aldon Reyes brings a fine-dining touch to dishes such as pâté en Croute, agnolotti, and Calabrian chili skate wing. Inside, a curved stone bar, parquet floors, custom millwork shelving, vintage cabinets, and antique fixtures create a space where lingering over another glass of wine is a give in. 3016 Greenville Ave., Dallas, walkersbar-market.com
Sueño
When Julio Pineda and Cristian Lujano opened Sueño in Richardson, the restaurant quickly became the city’s most sought after restaurant. Now, the duo has partnered with Bellomy Group to bring a second location to Snider Plaza, which opened on June 10. Sueño’s newest location builds on the original’s success with a menu rooted in regional Mexican cuisine, including enchiladas suizas, Oaxacan mole, and Jalisco-style birria. Designed by Mexico City’s JSa, the space introduces Alma Agave, a tequila lounge showcasing fermented corn masa pours and ancestral Oaxacan sips. 6600 Snider Plaza, Ste. 100, Dallas, suenotx.com
Darlin’
Long live cowgirls. Western culture has enjoyed a mainstream resurgence over the past couple of years, and Knox-Henderson is leading the charge. The neighborhood has become a hub for cowgirl-core style with Tecovas, Rancher Hat Bar, and McKinney Hat Bar. What pairs best with a day of shopping? A drink, of course. Darlin’ opened June 11, bringing a chic new watering hole to this side of town. Start with the Wake Up, Darlin’, made with sous vide vanilla-orange-cinnamon-infused Tito’s, espresso, coffee liqueur, and demerara. Don’t rush off, stay awhile Darlin’, and settle in with chili margaritas, proper dirty martinis, charcuterie, and unique chef-driven bites. 2929 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, darlinhenderson.com
Palladino’s Steak & Seafood
One of Dallas’ most iconic restaurateurs is back in the spotlight. Joseph Palladino opened Palladino’s Steak & Steakhouse in Preston Hollow on June 16, marking a homecoming for the industry vet that helped shape the city’s modern steakhouse scene alongside Phil Romano at concepts including Nick & Sam’s, Dos Jefes, and Coal Vines. The highly-anticipated Dallas restaurant follows the successful debut of the flagship New York City location. It brings together prime beef, fresh seafood, Italian fare, and sushi, backdropped by a lavish backdrop featuring two private event spaces designed by Rockwell Group. 5959 Royal Ln., Ste. 635, Dallas, palladinos.com
Queen’s Head Pub
Deep Ellum finally has a proper pub once again. Queen’s Head Pub opened in early June marking the return of an English pub to the neighborhood since the closure of Anvil Pub in 2021. The newcomer is enthusiastically local and community-driven, rooted in tradition with a Dallas spin. It brings foamy pints, scotch eggs, plush pretzels with Guiness cheese, and fiery spice bags to this side of the pond, arriving just in time for the World Cup. It’s the kind of place you pass once, and immediately add it to your weekly, if not daily, rotation. 2713 Elm St., Dallas queensheadpubde.com
Punk Noir
Opened June 2, Punk Noir brings a bold new twist to Dallas’ tasting-menu landscape. Led by James Beard Award-winning chef RJ Cooper, the concept challenges the status quo with a 20-courses tasting menu in a contemporary, art-forward setting. The theatrical experience begins in a lounge featuring a graffiti mural by artist Michael Shellis before moving into a communal dining room enhanced by projected visuals. The finale unfolds in an open kitchen, where Cooper presents a provocative coursed menu. Chef de cuisine Jay Vopatek, formerly of Rye, and pastry chef Rachel Maykut, formerly of Uchi, round out the all-star culinary team. Noir Lounge offers abar and lounge with craft cocktails by bar manager Shane Scully, alongside abbreviated tasting menu experiences. 139 Turtle Creek Blvd., Ste. 130, Dallas, punknoir.com
