Here are the restaurants that jumped into the scene like a cannonball at a summer pool party.
MĀBO
6109 Berkshire LaneMĀBO may have been a newcomer to Dallas’ omakase scene this year, but it's had roots in the city for a long time. For 27 years, head chef Masayuki Otaka ran Teppo, a tiny restaurant that spearheaded the Japanese food movement in Texas before it closed in 2022. This year, MĀBO was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. by Esquire. Otaka’s $200 omakase seats (excluding drinks, taxes and gratuity) offer a two-hour show of yakitori grilling, sashimi and the season's freshest ingredients. If there’s room, an encore or two.Nuri Steakhouse
2401 Cedar Springs RoadWan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King, was shooting for the stars when he opened Nuri Steakhouse. For weeks this fall, we saw nothing but the words “MOST expensive restaurant” and “$20 million” plastered all over our social media feeds and news networks. It was designed to be the No. 1 restaurant in Texas and feel like the only place in the world. With $150,000 silk wallpaper and a striking Korean and NOLA-influenced menu, he just may achieve that … in time.
La Rue Donuts
3011 Gulden LaneLa Rue Doughnuts, from baker Amy La Rue, started as the morning show for the restaurant Carte Blanche — the bakery whipped up pastries in the morning before the space transformed into a restaurant in the evening. The Lower Greenville space closed in June, leaving a gaping hole in the doughnut scene for those who had become loyalists. So it was with great relief when the bakery took over the old Cake Bar space in Trinity Groves this fall. Follow on Instagram for inspiration. Sanjh
5250 N O'Connor Blvd., IrvingSome argue that restaurants as far as Irving aren’t in Dallas, but for Sanjh, we make exceptions. The menu is rooted in thousands of years of India’s culinary history but expressed through modern techniques and stunning plates. Yangdup Lama, the mixologist, was named Travel and Leisure's Mixologist of the Year in 2022 for his bar Sidecar, which earned a coveted spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Locally, Sanjh was named the 2024 Best Indian Restaurant by yours truly.Goldie’s
9850 Walnut Hill LaneWhen the restaurant RM 12:20 closed, Lake Highlands residents wondered who would scoop up its prime piece of real estate. It was Goldie’s, opened by a trio of Dallas culinary veterans: Brandon Hays, Brittany Grignon and Brittni Clayton. The single dessert option (banana split) and intimate booths give subtle nods to vintage diner culture, but the refined and elegant touches give it a classic and timeless feel. An instant neighborhood classic.Le PasSage
4205 Buena Vista St.Le PasSage had nearly the entire city anticipating its opening. Uptowners and influencers eagerly waited to be a part of the next latest-and-greatest restaurant opening. Food critics and writers were ecstatic to try what the restaurant’s all-star culinary team was plating up. Turns out, they’re plating traditionally preserved dishes from around Asia in a glamorous setting that mirrors a luxury train journey. Here's our complete first look. Goodwins
2905 Greenville Ave.Goodwins was one of the most anticipated openings this summer when it debuted in the old Blue Goose Cantina space. It’s polished but still has the casual neighborhood bar and grill feel that fits seamlessly into Lower Greenville. Leading the food and beverage menus are veterans in the Dallas restaurant scene. Together they’ve created a collection of greatest-hits foods and must-try cocktails named for surrounding streets. In the back, there is the heavily draped Goosebar with moody, speakeasy vibes and exclusive cocktails.
Radici in Farmers Brach is from chef Tiffany Derry and should be on your short list if you haven't been yet.
Alison McLean
