As of now, the Michelin Guide does not have a presence in Texas, so there are no official Michelin star restaurants in Dallas. However, many Dallas establishments, such as Lucia and Tatsu Dallas, are recognized nationally and internationally for their culinary excellence and are considered to serve Michelin star-level cuisine.

Dallas offers a wide range of delicious and inexpensive options. Some of the most popular and best affordable spots include Jimmy’s Food Store for classic Italian subs, Velvet Taco for creative and globally inspired tacos, and Rodeo Goat for unique, gourmet burgers.

The city has a great selection of spots that are open late for a post-show or late-night meal. Cafe Brazil and Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse are both open 24/7, while others like Gemma, Brick & Bones, and Vidorra in Deep Ellum have kitchens that stay open well past midnight.

The Dallas dining scene is constantly evolving, with new concepts opening all the time. While “hottest” can change quickly, recent buzz has been around concepts that blend unique experiences with great food, like the skyscraper dining at Monarch or intimate chef’s counters.

For the most sought-after restaurants like Lucia or Tatsu, reservations are extremely competitive and often need to be booked a month or more in advance. Using reservation platforms like Tock or Resy and setting alerts is highly recommended. For many other great spots, booking a week or two ahead is sufficient.

Dallas is a stylish city, and diners tend to dress up for nice meals. For most upscale restaurants, “smart casual” is a safe bet. For landmark establishments like The French Room, jackets for men are strongly encouraged or required. It’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s website beforehand.

Yes, absolutely. While Texas is known for its steakhouses, the modern Dallas culinary scene is very accommodating. Most chef-driven restaurants offer thoughtful vegetarian options, and fine dining establishments can almost always create a spectacular vegetarian or vegan tasting menu if you notify them when booking.

For stunning skyline views, Monarch is in a class of its own. For a unique, artsy view, The Woolworth’s patio overlooking the Giant Eyeball is iconic. Many other restaurants, especially in areas like Knox-Henderson and Bishop Arts, offer charming and lively patio settings perfect for brunch or dinner.

Parking in busy neighborhoods like Uptown, Deep Ellum, and the Bishop Arts District can be challenging. Most upscale restaurants offer valet parking for a fee, which is often the most convenient option. Using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is also a very popular and stress-free way to get to your reservation.

The standard tipping practice in Dallas is the same as the U.S. standard. A tip of 18-20% of the pre-tax bill is customary for good service. For exceptional service, especially at a fine dining restaurant, a tip of 22% or higher is a generous gesture. Always check your bill, as some restaurants may automatically add gratuity for large parties.