Dallas Dining 2021: Fresh Eateries & Dining Destinations

If you missed our first guide to Dallas’s 2021 culinary scene, start there. After sampling those venues, venture into the newest spots on the market—chefs across the city are delivering a spectrum that ranges from classic Tex‑Mex and pizza to Asian-inspired dishes and plant‑based fare. These new restaurants are ideal for hosting friends and family as we head into the holiday season.

For the purposes of this roundup, any establishment that opened in spring 2021 or later is considered new. If you spot a missing gem, let us know!

For the Family

The key to a family‑friendly outing is value and a welcoming environment, especially for diners under 12. Our curated list offers a mix of fun options and comfortable settings. For a deeper dive, check out our separate blog on new family‑friendly restaurants.

For a Date Night

• Harper’s in Deep Ellum delivers a memorable dinner with tableside crème brûlée—an elegant finish after dishes like foie gras pot stickers, whole grilled branzino, or seared scallops.
• Postino Wine Bar opened in Deep Ellum in April 2021 and specializes in shareable boards. The pick‑four bruschetta board lets you sample a variety of flavors, while the patio offers sweeping views of the west end for a relaxed people‑watching experience before live music nearby.
• Manpuku’s omakase is a date‑night highlight. The signature tasting menu ($100 per person) features six courses, but the kitchen menu also provides a range of appetizers, sushi, and rice dishes for a more customizable experience.
• After a brief hiatus, Dakota’s Steakhouse—a Dallas staple—has reopened. Expect premium steak selections alongside specialties like jumbo sea scallops, short‑rib agnolotti, and lobster‑king‑crab rigatoni.

For Cocktails

• Mermaid Bar at Paradiso in the Bishop Art District offers a glamorous raw‑bar and cocktail lounge experience. Pair a glass of brut with oysters or butter‑poached lobster tail. Note: it operates on a no‑reservation basis, so plan accordingly.
• While reservations at RH Rooftop Restaurant are scarce, the bar’s extensive wine list and patio are more accessible. Enjoy a glass of wine and the skyline.
• Stop by Atlas, another Bishop Arts District cocktail spot, for globally inspired drinks. Sample an English‑inspired Pimm’s Cup or a Mexican‑twist Paloma.

• Swizzle brings a tiki vibe to Greenville Avenue. Happy Hour features $5 cocktails, complemented by playful bites like a pupu platter (feeds up to four, $25) and vegan fried spring rolls ($6).

For a Celebration

• Meridian, a modern Brazilian concept by acclaimed chef Junior Borges, opened at The Village. Expect freshly baked breads, small plates, and hearty pasta dishes.
• Tex‑Mex enthusiasts will love Joe Leo. Its brunch menu—highlighting creative takes such as divorced eggs and tres leches pancakes—pairs well with boozy brunch cocktails like breakfast margaritas.
• Celebrate any milestone— or even a Tuesday—at Monarch on the 49th floor of The National. The Italian restaurant’s rooftop views are a must‑see. For a night of sushi and sake, consider Kessaku on the floor above.
• Amé in the Bishop Arts District fuses French and Indian flavors. If you prefer drinks, the on‑site Elephant Bar offers a menu of cocktails—try the Massala Sour.

For a Casual Night

• Ocho Latin Cuisine opened quietly in Oak Cliff last April and quickly became a favorite. Nestled behind a retail space, the restaurant surprises with Latin American cuisine and a lovely patio.
• Plant‑based diners will appreciate Casa del Vegano on Jefferson Boulevard, offering vegan birria tacos made with jackfruit and black‑bean flautas.
• Haywire has extended its ranch‑to‑table concept to Uptown, located off McKinney Avenue. The venue hosts live music Thursdays and a weekday happy hour.
• Tijuana‑style tacos have found a home at Milagro in Trinity Grove. Cool off with a tostada de ceviche—choose octopus, shrimp, or a mix—and follow the hype on Instagram.
• Southern comfort meets live music at N’Awlins in the Design District—a Black‑owned establishment offering daily dinner service and reverse happy hour specials.

• Downtown Dallas brightened with Uno Mas along Main Street. Located across from The Joule Hotel, the venue opens Wednesday‑Thursday for dinner only, and Friday‑Sunday for brunch and dinner. Vegan patrons will appreciate the Beyond‑ground‑meat taco and cauliflower fajitas.