Indulge in the magic of the holiday season with a culinary journey through the vibrant and sophisticated dining scene in Dallas! As the city comes alive with festive cheer, treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable night out at some of the city's finest restaurants. Whether you're a local looking to explore hidden gems or a visitor eager to savor the best Dallas has to offer, join us on a gastronomic adventure to discover the perfect upscale venues for your next joyous and decadent holiday celebration.
1. Ellie's
Ellie's is the best bougie brunch spot in Downtown Dallas, and it's inside the gorgeous Hall Arts Hotel. But we love starting a nice night out here, too, and it's COMPLETELY decked out for the Holidays right now! The twinkling lights, dazzling decor and delicious menu keep us coming back time and time again. With festive cocktails that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer and Instagrammable holiday moments from the second you walk in the door, you need to make plans to experience Ellie's for yourself.
2. Nikko
The aesthetic and decor at Nikko in Southlake are incredibly beautiful and the dining experience is absolutely unforgettable. All of the fish and sushi were so fresh and flavorful when we went — it's hard to believe you're in landlocked DFW when you're eating it! Our favorites were definitely the flamed salmon and filet mignon jardin.
3. Written By the Seasons
Written by the Seasons is a Bishop Arts favorite of ours, for sure. As the name suggests, they source their ingredients seasonally on a rotating menu that makes each visit as exquisite as your first! The unique look of this place is hard to pass by, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to a bright and spacious (heated) patio. Written by the Seasons is the perfect spot to indulge in spontaneous flavor that brings a sense of belonging to the table.
4. Dakota's
Dakota's is a real IYKYK kind of steakhouse in Downtown Dallas because it's basically hidden underneath Downtown Dallas! Show off your knowledge of the Dallas dining scene by suggesting an over-the-top Holiday sha-bang at the spot that starts with an elevator ride down, not up! Try the signature seafood platter, the Beef Wellington, the Cacio e Pepe risotto, the loaded mashed potatoes and top it all off with a decadent Ferris Wheel Sundae!
5. Monarch
Perched above it all, 49 stories up in the middle of Downtown, sits one of the loveliest spots in town, Monarch. Your dinner will be deliciously over the top at Monarch, and it starts with the glass of champagne they give you ON THE ELEVATOR UP TO THE RESTAURANT. Once you get to your table or the bar, your breath will be taken away with the sweeping views of our city, and when your meal arrives, again, breathless. Remember to breathe in between those two points, and you'll be fine. We love the pasta with decadent crab legs as well as the steak and truffles here.
6. Hudson House
With locations in Las Colinas, Addison and two more in Dallas, Hudson House is always there for you with one of the "world's coldest martinis" (something of a claim to fame), right when you need one. The menu features everything from jumbo lump crab cakes and lobster rolls to maple-planked salmon, shrimp scampi and a fresh Atlantic catch of the day. This place is also well known for its specialty towers which include raw bar favorites like oysters, tuna tartare, salmon crudo, cracked king crab, shrimp cocktail and whole lobster. Slide in for Happy Hour between 4 and 6 p.m., when you can check out a variety of their martinis for half price. And, their Holiday decor will get you in the spirit of the season while you enjoy your best meal of the year!
7. Fachini
Try the veal at Fachni in Highland Park Village — it's the best in the city. The house-made pasta is the delight that you'll go for, but there are so many more delights in store for you before you get to your main! The martinis are divine and the lobster ravioli appetizer is not to be missed, either. Chef Julian Barsotti is a Dallas treasure.
8. Boulevardier
Everything is beautiful at Boulevardier, including but not limited to those luscious Texas Wagyu Steak Frites pictured here. It's a joy to eat at the venerated Boulevardier, which is probably why it has become one of the signature spots in Bishop Arts since it opened in 2012. "Boulevardier still steals my French heart," wrote one D Magazine correspondent in 2017, and six years after that, we are happy to report that it's still stealing ours every time we step in the door.
9. Town Hearth
Get in, losers. We're going to Town Hearth. The vibe here is simple elegance, without going overboard into stuffy pretension, which is always appreciated. We love the Devil's Haircut for a whisky cocktail and the Black Mamba if you prefer gin. For starters, keep it casual with the rich and delectable tot poutine or go fancy with the prime tenderloin tartare. If you're able (limited quantities available, according to their menu), grab the Lennox, an open-fire roasted bone-in prime rib that keeps us coming back.
10. Beverley's Bistro & Bar
The Oak Lawn area has a clean, classic winner in Beverley's Bistro & Bar. It's a neighborhood spot with a relaxed vibe, but one with an added level of sophistication. They serve seasonal seafood, produce, steaks and AMAZING cocktails. Latkes and schnitzel are also popular here. The russet potato pancakes are golden and crisp and topped with a dollop of sour cream mixed with buttermilk. They’re held together with chickpea flour and are topped with American Hackleback caviar. But if that sounds a little fussy for the likes of you, there is also a mind-numbing, two-hands-required cheeseburger that will leave grease dripping from your wrists.
11. Escondido
The beautiful flower-laden patio at Escondido is perfect for an Instagram backdrop and features a covered and heated section. Safe to say, we are obsessed. The mouthwatering menu features must-try queso and guac, as well as a cilantro ranch dip to go along with whatever you order, which is bound to be unforgettable at Escondido.
12. Mr. Charles
Mister Charles on Knox has to be one of the prettiest restaurants in Dallas. Prepare yourself to be wowed by the vibe, the drinks, the amazing presentation and all the pomp when you walk through the door. The canapes are absolutely divine, and the martinis are made to match. We loved the truffle beignets, the duck confit pasta and the Lamb Wellington, too!
13. Terilli's
Terilli's on Lower Greenville features down-to-earth Italian fare that shares the spotlight with amazing martinis and occasional live jazz in a funky ambiance. The space is amazing, especially the rooftop patio! This Dallas staple has felt like the big Italian family you never had since it opened in 1985. It's an old-school spot — nothing too flashy — but definitely refined.
14. Paradiso
Paradiso in the Bishop Arst District serves Coastal Mediterranean fare in multi-venue culinary concept space surrounding a beautiful central courtyard that makes the experience as Insta-worthy as anything you've ever seen! Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner on their outdoor patio or inside amongst lush greenery and beautiful bespoke furniture.
15. The Charles
It's all about the spectacle at The Charles — including the cheetah-print booths and a memorably wallpapered bathroom. The menu here is unlike any other Italian joint in town. You may not find spaghetti with meatballs, but you’ll find something interesting, and even inspired, among either your takeout containers or the sheer sensory overload of this deliciously overdecorated dining room.
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