12 of the Best Restaurants in Uptown Dallas
Uptown Dallas has always been known as one of the best restaurant scenes in Texas, with food ranging from authentic Spanish tapas from Si Tapas to authentic French-style pastries from Bisous Bisous Patisserie. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, enjoy a patio with adult-sized Jenga, or desire a romantic date night – Uptown Dallas has numerous fantastic options. Here are twelve of the best restaurants in Uptown Dallas.
1. Si Tapas
2207 Allen Street, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 720-0324
Executive Chef Jose Luis Lopez knocks it out of the park here with Si Tapas – a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant. Whether by land or by sea – Si Tapas has you covered. Their mejillones de la casa features mussels cooked in their Si sauce is an absolute show stopper alongside the vieriras gratinadas con cava. From there head over to the meat section of the menu and you have everything from quail to veal at your fingertips. Make sure to definitely give the paella a shot, or the Rabo de toro – a delicious oxtail stew. And then end the night with anyone of their decadent desserts that will leave you craving more.
2. Uchi
2817 Maple Ave., Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-5454
If you’re looking for high-quality sushi while in Uptown Dallas look no further than Uchi. From the fantastic service when you walk through the door, to the knowledgable waiters and waitresses that can help you craft the perfect meal and the great atmosphere – Uchi stands out. If you’re new to sushi or are just looking for a dining experience, give the Omakase a shot and let the chefs choose for you! Whatever you choose, however, you can’t go wrong because executive chef, and owner, Tyson Cole has done a marvelous job crafting a fantastic menu. At the end of the night definitely indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy one of Uchi’s incredible desserts like their fried milk which is simply vanilla custard, with salted fudge, and toasted blondie.
3. Trulucks
2401 McKinney Ave. Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 220-2401
If you’re looking for dinner with a story make sure to stop by Trulucks, where sustainability is a big part of who they are. Trulucks have their own in-house crabbers who capture, cook, and deliver the crab all within 24 hours. With food so fresh you can imagine that you can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. If in season, the stone crab claws are the perfect way to start off your meal alongside one of their lavish jumbo lump crab cakes. Trulucks also has a little something for everyone – if you’re craving a steak Trulucks offers a New York Strip, Filet, and Prime Rib. If you’re Vegan they offer delicious vegetarian meatballs or a fantastic vegan bolognese. If you’re looking to indulge in libations Trulucks cocktail menu is superb featuring a thrilling Nuevo Old Fashioned which uses Mezcal.
4. Gemma
2323 N Henderson Ave. #109, Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 370-9426
For those of you looking for a fun, bold menu make sure to stop by Gemma as the team over there has put together a special menu. The butternut squash soup is a fantastic way to start off any meal as it is served with a crispy carrot, coconut milk, and pepitas. The crispy veal sweetbreads, and the ocean trout tartare are also must haves and we have only talked about the appetizers! Whether you’re looking for a more traditional wagyu flat iron steak, or a bold boeuf cheek bourguignon – Gemma is the place to go.
5. Fearing’s Restaurant
2121 McKinney Ave. Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 922-4848
If BOLD is in the cards for tonight then Fearing’s is the spot of choice. Run by celebrity chef and recording artist Dean Fearing, Fearing’s has won multiple awards and was nominated by the James Beard Foundation as the Best New Restaurant. Fearing’s has everything from elevated vegetarian cuisine, including a delicious vegan roasted vegetable/cauliflower makhani curry, to archiote glazed broken arrow ranch nilgai antelope, Dean Fearing has created a unique dining experience full of flavor. Also, you can’t go wrong with the spiced pumpkin tart on gingersnap crust – trust us.
6. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
2100 Olive Street. Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 855-5151
Reservations are almost always a must when it comes to Perry’s because of their perfectly executed, well-rounded menu of fall-off-the-bone goodness. Senior Executive Chef Art Lyras alongside Executive Chef Shawn Maxfield have created a machine in the kitchen with high-quality dishes being the standard. The fried asparagus, topped with crabmeat, and the pork chop bites are absolute necessities for any first-timer. Treat yourself with the Symphony Kabob that comes with a 6-ounce filet served WITH lobster, shrimp, paired with two incredible sauces. When you’re looking to treat yourself or your significant other to a romantic date night– treat yourself with some Perry’s.
7. S&D Oyster Company
2701 McKinney Ave. Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 880-0111
Built out of an old grocery store, S&D Oyster Company provides patrons with a unique dining atmosphere. The menu is simple, done right with menu items ranging from traditional fried oysters to fantastic seafood gumbo. You definitely want to try the fish, really any of them, so make sure to come early! Founded by SMU graduates Herb, and Mary Kay Story, S&D gives you the opportunity to enjoy elevated local cuisine, founded and made by locals. With their beautiful new expansion, S&D Oyster Company makes our list for one of the top restaurants in the Uptown Dallas area.
8. Moxie’s
100 Crescent Court, Suite 140, Dallas TX
(469) 687-0050
If you’re in search of a bar scene for game day or a simple night out, there’s few better options than Moxie’s…but calling it a “bar” would be selling its incredible food scene short. Start with an order of poutine (fresh fries with hot beef gravy and cheese curds) or maybe the cashew chicken lettuce wraps (filled with crispy chicken, cashews, ginger, sesame, crispy wontons, fresh veggies, and spicy mayo). The beef vindaloo is one of their most popular dishes as well. Don’t forget to end your meal with a cold brew martini, combining America’s two favorite drinks: coffee and booze.
9. The Rustic
3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 730-0596
The Rustic is unapologetically Texas, with incredibly fresh food made with ingredients locally sourced from Texas ranchers and farmers. Don’t overthink your order, but we’d recommend the hot chicken and cheese sandwich, the carnitas quesadilla, and an order of the Double Queso: pimento cheese AND chipotle garlic queso, to make all of your cheesy dreams come true. The Rustic also has a vast outdoor area, which they call a “backyard under the stars,” and it’s perfect for a casual night out or to see a live concert.
10. Malai Kitchen
3699 McKinney Avenue #319, Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 599-7857
When one considers Dallas cooking, creative Asian cuisine is likely not their first association, but Malai Kitchen is showing that there’s far more to Dallas than Tex-Mex and BBQ. This modern approach to Thai and Vietnamese food is the lovechild of husband-and-wife team Braden and Yasmin Wages. Check out the Massaman-braised lamb shank smothered in their peanut-tamarind massaman curry sauce and you’ll be transported to southeast Asia. If you’re feeling experimental, go for brunch and order the Thai Eggs Benedict (you read that right!) coconut biscuits topped with shrimp, spinach, Thai basil, poached eggs, and Thai chili hollandaise. Everything you order will be immediately elevated by their housemade sriracha hot sauce, and complemented perfectly by their many beers brewed in-house.
11. Fadi’s
3001 Knox St #110, Dallas, TX 75205
(214) 528-1800
Fadi’s has been serving fresh Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine since Lebanese-born chef and founder Fred Dimassi opened its doors in 1996. Most customers’ go-to is the Classic Combo plate, with your choice of kabob (beef kafta, chicken, or chicken adana) and basmati rice, muhammara (a bell pepper-based dip), cucumber salad, grilled vegetables, and house-made pita. Even meatless diners can walk away nice and full, with the Vegetarian Ultimate sampler, featuring Rice, cauliflower, coriander potato, hummus, baba ghanouj, pomegranate eggplant, muhammara, Lebanese salad, tabbouleh, balsamic grilled vegetables. Fadi’s is without a doubt one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the city.
12. Eatzi’s
3403 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 526-1515
Restaurater Phil Romano (of Romano’s Macaroni Grill fame) founded this market and restaurant that offers a chef-focused approach. The menu is always changing so you can count on a fresh and exciting bite no matter your mood or your tastes. The potential stops on your food journey includes, but is not limited to: the bakery (with homemade breads, like three-chile cheese and apple walnut raisin), the chef’s case (80+ platters of prepared food in a variety of cuisines), salads and sandwiches, pastas (including zoodles), sushi, deli trays, the grill, and the coffee shop.
For more information on where to eat and drink in Dallas, visit our city page!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on November 11, 2020 and last updated on August 2, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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