Dallas has long been known for steakhouses and Tex‑Mex, but its most recent wave of restaurants shows a broader, more cosmopolitan side.
From polished tasting menus to creative neighborhood spots, these five newer restaurants reflect the city’s evolving tastes.
1. Monarch
Perched high above downtown, Monarch offers wood‑fired Italian and American dishes with sweeping views of the city.
The space is glamorous—ideal for celebrations, date nights, and anyone who wants dinner with a bit of drama.
The menu features handmade pastas, charcoal‑grilled steaks and chops, and seafood kissed by the wood‑fire.
Rich sauces, truffle accents, and luxurious touches abound, but there are also lighter vegetable sides and crudos to balance things out. The wine list is deep and global.
2. Meridian
Meridian, in the Old East Dallas area, is chef‑driven and distinctly modern, with a menu that takes cues from Brazilian and global flavors while staying rooted in Texas ingredients.
The room is stylish but welcoming, with an open kitchen as the focal point. Expect artful plates that might pair grilled meats with bright, herb‑heavy sauces, imaginative vegetable courses, and breads or pastries that show off serious technique.
The tasting‑style and à la carte options give diners flexibility, and the cocktail program leans inventive without being fussy.
3. Cry Wolf
Cry Wolf is an intimate, chef‑owned spot where the menu changes frequently and creativity is the main through‑line.
The dining room is small and relaxed, with an open kitchen and a sense that you’re in on something special.
The ever‑evolving menu borrows from American, European, and Asian influences—raw dishes, playful small plates, and mains that focus on high‑quality proteins and seasonal produce.
It’s the kind of place where you trust the kitchen and are rewarded for trying something you wouldn’t usually order.
4. Carbone Vino
Next door to the splashy Carbone Dallas, Carbone Vino offers a slightly cozier, wine‑centric Italian experience while still embracing the old‑school, red‑sauce glamour that made the brand famous.
The menu focuses on classic Italian American dishes—pastas, veal or chicken preparations, seafood, and steaks—paired with an extensive wine list that encourages lingering over a bottle.
It feels like a throwback in the best way: white tablecloths, big flavors, and a lively dining room.
5. Written By The Seasons
Written By The Seasons is a seasonal, tasting‑menu restaurant that highlights Texas ingredients through a rotating, narrative‑driven menu.
The space is understated and intimate, putting the focus squarely on what’s on the plate. The set menu shifts with the calendar, featuring courses built around local meats, Gulf seafood, and produce from area farms.
Sauces, garnishes, and pairings are all designed to tell a cohesive story, and optional wine or cocktail pairings deepen the experience.
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