The heart of most any city lies in its Downtown District, and the area’s restaurants provide a tasty way to connect to the soul of a destination. Beyond the bounty of hotels that draw in tourists and locals alike, abundant coffee shops, quick-service cafes, and full-service restaurants pack nearly every city block.
Whether you’re noshing at street level, dining high in the sky in one of Dallas’ towering skyscrapers, or slicing into a juicy ribeye in an underground steakhouse, Downtown Dallas has plenty to satisfy your cravings, morning, noon, and night.
The Exchange Food Hall
After a couple of years in flux with its vendors, the Exchange Food Hall has returned to form with 13 counter-service eateries and two full-service bars. No matter what you’re craving—whether it’s burgers from In Good Company, lobster rolls from Dock Local, BBQ from Brisket Rules, or Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine from Baboushi—you’ll find something for everyone in your dining party. During good weather, the patio offers a vibrant slice of downtown life as people buzz past and lights dance on the massive outdoor video screen in the AT&T Discovery District plaza. 211 S. Akard St., Dallas; theexchangehall.com
Tei-An
Tei-An specializes in freshly made soba noodles that star in numerous dishes. From soups and chilled noodle plates to large hot noodle platters, like the indulgent bolognese (something unexpected on a Japanese menu), which combines short matcha soba with ground washu-beef, shiitake mushrooms, cheese, and truffle oil. Rounding out the menu is a selection of sushi. Give the restaurant three days’ advance notice, and partake in its elaborate omakase experience. 1722 Routh St., Ste. 110, Dallas, tei-an.com
Monarch
Grab a glass of bubbles at the ground-floor check-in desk, then enjoy the elevator ride up to the 49th floor of the National building, where your table at Monarch awaits. As one of the city’s premier fine dining destinations, Monarch offers some of the most spectacular views in town, with white tablecloth-dressed tables lining its floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu features a combination of steaks and Italian fare, making it possible to indulge in a dry-aged ribeye alongside fire-roasted lasagna, an entrée pairing you never knew you needed. 1401 Elm St., 49th Floor, Dallas, monarchrestaurants.com
Cowboy Chow
Get a taste of the wild west, from Montana and New Mexico to right here in Texas, at this table service restaurant across the AT&T Discovery District from the Exchange Food Hall. With a massive patio outside and casual interiors loaded with cowboy paraphernalia, longhorn skulls, and a giant “Yippee Ki-Yay” sign, Cowboy Chow is all about fun and down-home favorites. Explore the menu of rib-sticking options including chorizo queso, spicy poblano spinach-artichoke dip, chicken enchiladas, a cowboy skirt steak, and the signature Cowboy Chow burger with a short rib-brisket patty, Manchego, and a fried egg. 311 S. Akard St., Dallas, discoverydistrict.att.com
Partenope Ristorante
If you’ve got pizza on the brain, make a beeline to this corner eatery across from Main Street Garden Park for some of Dallas’s most delicious pies. Opt for a traditional margherita to truly appreciate the quality ingredients in their purest form. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Montanara, which has a flash-fried crust that is baked and loaded with the same toppings as the margherita, offering a completely different taste and texture. 1903 Main St., Dallas, partenopedallas.com
Sushiya
Sushi without pretense. That simple concept defines this unassuming Downtown spot. Try one of the generous (and affordable) lunch specials, including sushi combos and bento boxes, during the day. Or, return in the evening to sample even more. The Voyage by Alex features 10 pieces of the chef’s choice nigiri, 12 pieces of the chef’s choice sashimi, a tuna-and-crab sumo tower, and a sunrise roll with shrimp tempura and crab, all for under $150. Noodle and rice dishes, ramen, and dinner bento boxes round out the options for anyone who might be sushi averse. 1306 Elm St., Dallas, sushiyatx.com
Rodeo Bar
Located in one of Dallas’s fanciest hotels, the Adolphus, Rodeo Bar has always been a dive-bar oasis. Chicken fried steak, wings, chili cheese fries, and double cheeseburgers top the list of food faves with ice cold beer, frozen whiskey and Dr Pepper, and tequila flights to chase them down. Weekday happy hour food and drink specials are generous, too. 1321 Commerce St., Dallas, adolphus.com/restaurants-bars/rodeo-bar
Kessaku
Located on the 50th floor of the National building, one floor up from Monarch, Kessaku offers a refined sushi experience with equally spectacular city views. The menu features fresh seafood plates like tuna tataki and frosted hamachi crudo, along with a variety of sushi rolls. For a real showstopper, try the Kessaku Tower, which is an indulgent showcase of A5 Wagyu, caviar, king crab, sushi rolls, and chilled prawns. Order a nightcap and take it to the skywalk to watch the city sparkle. 1401 Elm St., 50th Floor, Dallas, kessakurestaurants.com
Overeasy
Located on the ground floor of the Statler Hotel, Overeasy captures the essence of a vintage diner and coffee shop with its comfort offerings. Start with a cappuccino from the coffee counter and then try one of the flaky biscuit or croissant sandwiches, breakfast tacos, or pancake stacks. Once the daily lunch menu kicks in at 11 a.m., sandwiches and salads join the party. 1914 Commerce St., Dallas, overeasydallas.com
City Tavern
Many of the residents of Downtown’s high-rise dwellings flock to City Tavern as their go-to watering hole after a long day at work or for a weekend of day drinking. Burgers, tacos, ice-cold beer, and stiff cocktails make this easy-going spot a fantastic choice when you need a food or drink fix and a friendly, unpretentious vibe. 1514 Elm St., Dallas, citytaverndowntown.com
Playwright Irish Pub
If you have tickets to any performance venues in the Dallas Arts District, this hangout is within walking distance and offers its guests a traditional pub experience that won’t break the bank. There is plenty of first-come, first-served seating spread across two patios, making it easy to get in and out before the curtains rise, and the menu of pub-style comfort eats like spicy cheese curds and shepherd’s pie more than satisfies. Go for the beer-battered fish and chips with a cold pint, and you’ll be set for the night. 1722 Routh St., Ste. 102, Dallas, playwrightdallaspub.com
JW Steakhouse Dallas
Located inside the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District, the newly renamed JW Steakhouse gives guests views of the Downtown skyline and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in the distance. As the hotel’s primary restaurant, you can show up for any meal of the day and expect a first-class experience centered around Texas classics. Expect seared crab cakes with Texas legume salad; pork belly lettuce wraps with toasted spiced peanuts and Asian pear; and espresso and ancho-smoked bone-in short rib large enough for two. The prix fixe performance menu guarantees you’ll be out by 7 p.m. if you’re seated by 5:30, making it a wonderful dining option before the symphony at the Meyerson or the latest Broadway musical at the Winspear Opera House. If you have time to linger, visit Vincent’s Sky Bar, located on the hotel’s 11th floor, for a cocktail and epic views of the city. 800 N. Harwood St., Dallas, jwsteakhousedallas.com
Dakota’s Steakhouse
While many Downtown restaurants bank on killer views to wow diners, this 40-year-old subterranean steakhouse focuses solely on what’s on the plate to win over its guests. Its underground location was an ingenious workaround, as the First Baptist Church of Dallas owned the land above and prohibited businesses on the same grounds from serving alcohol. The founders of Dakota’s went beneath the street to get around the rule, and today, the restaurant’s steaks, seafood, and cocktails hold equally legendary status. 600 N. Akard St., Dallas, dakotasrestaurant.com
Cafe Momentum
Good deeds and great food go hand in hand at this nonprofit restaurant that has spawned a nationwide movement and locations in Atlanta, Denver, and Pittsburgh. The restaurant employs interns aged 15-19 who have come out of the criminal justice system, to teach life skills that will break the cycle of crime and income inadequacy. More than 1,200 teens have been part of the paid program, many of whom have embraced bigger roles and served as mentors themselves. The seasonal farm-to-table food they prepare and serve, with highlights including fried gulf oysters, cauliflower elote, and smoked fried chicken, will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, too. 1510 Pacific Ave., Dallas, cafemomentum.org
Wild Salsa
In a city known for its bounty of Tex-Mex fare, the Mexico City-style cuisine at this vibrant restaurant is a welcome change. Fill your bell with chicken tinga taquitos, lamb shank barbacoa, a chipotle shrimp torta, and Sonoran chicken enchiladas. Pair with a spicy Wild-rita, made with jalapeño and roasted pineapple-infused tequila or a pitcher of sangria for the table, and you’ve got yourself a fiesta in the making. 1800 Main St., Dallas, wildsalsarestaurant.com
Little Daisy
Creole and French traditions are the through line for the menu at this restaurant inside the National building (where Kessaku and Monarch also reside). The cheerful 9th-floor space evokes the mood of a Parisian cafe and sets the scene for French comforts with some Cajun flair, like Cajun crawfish fettuccini, the shareable crab claw boil, and Bourbon Street pecan pie. 1401 Elm St., 9th Floor, Dallas, littledaisydallas.com
Ellie’s
This HALL Arts Hotel restaurant was named in honor of the property founder’s mother, Ellie Hall, who loved to bring people together over lavish meals. The menu takes an elegant approach to comfort eats like tortilla soup, grilled salmon, signature roasted chicken, and bread pudding. Grab a seat on the terrace and bask in the buzzy energy from the Arts District below, or settle inside among the spectacular art collection before or after a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art. 1717 Leonard St., Dallas, elliesdallas.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Downtown Dallas?
Downtown Dallas boasts an impressive dining scene for every taste and budget. Top picks include Monarch and Kessaku for sky-high fine dining with city views, Dakota's Steakhouse for a legendary underground experience, Cafe Momentum for mission-driven farm-to-table fare, and the Exchange Food Hall for casual multi-concept variety — all within a walkable urban core.
Where should I go for a special occasion dinner in Downtown Dallas?
For a memorable special occasion, Monarch on the 49th floor of the National building offers white tablecloth fine dining with floor-to-ceiling city views and a menu of dry-aged ribeye and fire-roasted lasagna. One floor up, Kessaku delivers a refined sushi experience with the showstopping Kessaku Tower featuring A5 Wagyu and caviar. Dakota's Steakhouse is a legendary 40-year-old underground option.
Which Downtown Dallas restaurants are best before a show at the Dallas Arts District?
Playwright Irish Pub is within walking distance of Arts District performance venues and offers a traditional pub experience with two patios for easy in-and-out dining. JW Steakhouse Dallas has a prix fixe performance menu guaranteeing you'll be out by 7 p.m. if seated by 5:30. Ellie's at HALL Arts Hotel is also steps from the Dallas Museum of Art.
What is the signature dish at Tei-An?
Tei-An is known for its freshly made soba noodles. A standout dish is the bolognese, which combines short matcha soba with ground washu-beef, shiitake mushrooms, cheese, and truffle oil — something unexpected on a Japanese menu. The restaurant also offers an elaborate omakase experience with three days' advance notice.
Does Tei-An offer an omakase experience?
Yes. Tei-An offers an elaborate omakase experience, but guests must give the restaurant three days' advance notice to participate.
What is the Kessaku Tower?
The Kessaku Tower is a showstopper dish at Kessaku, the refined sushi restaurant on the 50th floor of the National building. It is an indulgent showcase of A5 Wagyu, caviar, king crab, sushi rolls, and chilled prawns.
What makes Cafe Momentum unique among Downtown Dallas restaurants?
Cafe Momentum is a nonprofit restaurant that employs paid interns aged 15-19 who have come out of the criminal justice system, teaching life skills to break the cycle of crime and income inadequacy. More than 1,200 teens have participated in the program. The seasonal farm-to-table menu features fried gulf oysters, cauliflower elote, and smoked fried chicken.
Is Playwright Irish Pub good for a casual pre-theater meal?
Yes. Playwright Irish Pub is within walking distance of Dallas Arts District performance venues and offers a traditional pub experience that won't break the bank. There is plenty of first-come, first-served seating across two patios, making it easy to get in and out before the curtains rise. The beer-battered fish and chips with a cold pint is a reliable go-to.
Where is Dakota's Steakhouse located and why is it underground?
Dakota's Steakhouse is located at 600 N. Akard St. in Downtown Dallas. Its underground location was an ingenious workaround: the First Baptist Church of Dallas owned the land above and prohibited businesses on the same grounds from serving alcohol, so the founders went beneath the street to get around the rule.
What is the price range at Sushiya in Downtown Dallas?
Sushiya is known for being affordable, especially at lunch with generous sushi combos and bento box specials. In the evening, the Voyage by Alex — featuring 10 pieces of nigiri, 12 pieces of sashimi, a tuna-and-crab sumo tower, and a sunrise roll — is priced at under $150.
