The Dallas dining scene is on fire this summer, and we’re not just talking about the hot temps! From smoky Tex-Mex fusion, European-inspired escapes, and Michelin-level omakase to rooftop margs and a science-themed bar, there are so many new spots worth checking out. Explore all the deets below on Dallas' hottest new restaurant openings, what’s coming soon, and what's saying goodbye.
Updated July 2025
NEW RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Donde los Tacos
Neighborhood: Oak Cliff
Cuisine: Mexican
About: Founded by a husband and wife duo in search of the perfect taco, this spot is inspired by the taquerias of Mexico City, serving classics like trompo, chorizo, and quesabirria tacos. The restaurant is housed in the former SoulTopia space, boasting exposed brick, neon signs, and black and white photos throughout.
The 101: Like the founders, we’re also always in search of the perfect taco…and this place might just be it! We absolutely love their story – you can tell they put their heart and soul into the menu, and even traveled to Mexico City for their research and development! The steak taco, vegan pastor, and campechano are all must-trys…washed down by a marg, of course.
ELLA
Neighborhood: Walnut Hill
Cuisine: American
About: This highly anticipated opening serves elevated takes on modern comfort food to the complete with unique cocktails and a hidden speakeasy upstairs. The concept is the latest from Dallas restaurateur Blaine McGowan, with culinary direction from Executive Chef Kyle Farr (formerly of Boulevardier and Sachet) and a beverage program led by Julian Shaffer, recently recognized by the Michelin Guide for his cocktail work at Rye and Apothecary.
The 101: This cozy spot blends timeless bistro charm with a modern, female-forward feel, and you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We tried and loved charred brocolini, steak tartare with cured egg yolk and fresh bread, tender pork cheeks in orange jus, and a slow-braised short rib in a delicious red wine reduction! You’ll want to try a few of their cocktails, like the Poached Pear (we had a few…each, so good) and the Summer Daiquiri, and the Salsa Verde Ranch Water.
Flamant
Neighborhood: Plano
Cuisine: European
About: The minds behind Rye Restaurant and Apothecary Bar have officially launched their next venture, Flamant Bar and Bistro. Inspired by the owner’s time and travels in the restaurant features nods to Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy throughout the space and menus!
The 101: With a showstopping, elegant space and waterfront patio, Flamant is the ultimate spot for a classy yet approachable meal. The menu features a solid cocktail lineup, classic bar drinks, and a curated wine list. We tried the frosé with a hint of mezcal and the espresso martini and both were delish! For food, we kept it simple with truffle fries (cooked in beef tallow!), beef tartare, Caesar salad, and the campanelle pasta. We can’t wait to check out their happy hour, offered Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm with $10 specialty cocktails, $8 wines, and discounted appetizers! (Featured header image)
Frenchie
Neighborhood: Preston Center
Cuisine: French
About: The owners of beloved spots Le Bilbouquet and Knox Bistro have opened their latest concept: a family-friendly, French-American spot in Preston Center. The approachable menu features everything from French classics like escargot and beef tartare to Americanized eats like burgers and pasta. The casual-chic setting is inspired by the French Riviera, featuring blue accents and an airy patio.
The 101: We’re big fans of Travis Street Hospitality’s other concepts, so we couldn’t wait for Frenchie to say bonjour to Dallas! There’s truly something for everyone on the menu, and we love the more casual bistro vibe. It’s the kind of place you can count on day or night, whether it’s crepes and coffee in the morning or steak frites and martinis in the evening.
I Want That One
Neighborhood: East Dallas
Cuisine: Wine bar
About: Founded by South African Native Graham Bond, this quirky and cozy shop is part tasting room and part boutique. They offer wine flights and shelves stocked with wines from Argentina, Spain, Italy, Brazil, and more…plus eclectic gifts, like cheeky glassware, vibrant home decor, and Texas-themed trinkets.
The 101: This adorable spot is such a fun way to spice up your shopping experience! The wine flights range from $18 to $20 and by the glass ranges from $12 to $19. Bring in an invite card for a complimentary wine tasting on your first visit! You can also purchase by the glass or bottle, and enjoy other bevs in store, including red wine frappés and non-alcoholic spicy margs!
Los Charros Tex-Mex Smokehouse
Neighborhood: SMU
Cuisine: Tex-Mex BBQ Fusion
About: Dallas Chef Julian Barsotti and BBQ master Corby Ferrell have teamed up to open a neighborhood smokehouse, honoring all things Tex-Mex and barbecue. The restaurant is located inside The Graduate Hotel, with colorful, Southwestern-inspired decor and a bold fusion menu.
The 101: There are few things Dallasites love more than Tex-Mex and barbecue, and this spot is truly the best of both worlds! The space feels like an escape from city life, with eats fit for a cowboy like smash burger tacos, charro frito pie, brisket quesadilla, and smoked meats galore. Wash down your meal with one (or two) of their tequila-based sips like a marg, ranch water, or even a frozen espresso martini!
Monkey Bar on 9
Neighborhood: Design District
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
About: Mi Cocina’s famous Monkey Bar has opened its second-ever location, on the 9th floor of Tru by Hilton. The new rooftop escape pairs MiCo’s classic Tex-Mex bites with a curated list of premium tequilas, mezcals, and cocktails, all in a stylish indoor-outdoor lounge with views of the downtown skyline.
The 101: If you’ve ever sipped a Mambo Taxi behind those moody curtains at the Highland Park Village Mi Cocina, then you know how iconic the OG Monkey Bar is! The HPV location gets packed, so we’re thrilled to have a second edition of this beloved spot. The menu features all the MiCo classics you know and love, making it the perfect chic spot to post up with friends or coworkers!
Pane Nostro
Neighborhood: Bishop Arts
Cuisine: Italian
About: The former CocoAndre Chocolatier space has beautifully transformed into Pane Nostro, an elegant Italian restaurant, with blue details outside via umbrellas and paint trim and inside, via stunning glass plates on the walls. Pane Nostro doesn’t do modern fusion or flashy twists. Instead, they stick to time-honored recipes handed down through the owner’s family, using ingredients imported straight from Italy.
The 101: This spot is as beautiful and romantic as it is delicious and authentic! The charming atmosphere is perfect for date night or dinner with friends, with a robust wine list and delicious cocktails (think spritzes and espresso martinis). Our favorites were the Arancini, Linguine Diamante, Linguine Pesto, and the heaping serving of tiramisu for dessert!
Prime Materia
Neighborhood: Grapevine
Cuisine: Bar
About: Meow Wolf, the immersive art experience known for mind-bending installations and a choose-your-own-adventure storyline, has opened its first-ever in-exhibit bar, serving cocktails, mocktails, and snacks inside a super cool immersive and interactive space.
The 101: We love exploring the installations from over 40 DFW artists at Meow Wolf, and the experience is now even better! The science theme is apparent throughout the space and menu, in options like Margarita Elixir, Elderberry Gin Potion, and Pixel Popcorn!
Sushi Kozy
Neighborhood: Arts District
Cuisine: Japanese
About: Founded by Uchi alum Chef Paul Ko, this intimate Japanese bistro blends traditional Japanese cuisine with French and Italian techniques for a truly unique experience. The kaiseki-style omakase ($185) includes seasonal otsumami, pristine nigiri, a choice of land or sea entrée, a temaki handroll, and two dessert courses.
The 101: If you’re a fan of fine dining, thoughtful details, and next-level omakase, this one’s for you! We can’t stop thinking about our meal here, and can tell their attention to detail is next level, from the clean interiors to the seasonal menu. Our favorite dishes were the snow crab chawanmushi with coconut foam, wagyu tartare on brioche, orange-zested nigiri with freshly grated wasabi, and green tea sorbet over blueberry granita with ginger foam.
The PoBoy Shop
Neighborhood: Preston Center
Cuisine: Cajun
About: This sandwich spot is the spicy sister restaurant to Evan’s Meat Market in Highland Park, serving a similar array of high-quality meats and seafood, but with a Cajun twist. The menu brings a taste of Louisiana to Dallas through authentic Louisiana-style hot and cold po’boys, house-prepared deli meats, and hearty sides.
The 101: Evan’s Meat Market is a go-to of ours, so we were absolutely thrilled to grab a sammie from The PoBoy Shop! We had such a hard time deciding what to try, and will definitely be back for more, but we recommend The Muffalata, The Dirty Cajun, The Cauliflower Bang Bang, and a side of Dirty Fries, loaded with boudin, cheese, and spice!
Two Hands
Neighborhood: Uptown
Cuisine: Australian
About: Known for its vibrant Aussie-style menu and breezy all-day café, Two Hands features health-conscious dishes, natural wines, and delicious coffee in a space that’s both cozy and design-forward. With locations in New York, Austin, and beyond, they've officially made their Dallas debut at The Quad in Uptown.
The 101: We’ve been waiting for this one! Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this spot is sure to become a new neighborhood favorite. Their healthy bowls are a must-try, paired with a Banana Bread Espresso Martini! And pro tip: they have daily specials like Burger Night, Wine Down Wednesday, and even a prix fixe dinner menu featuring three courses of chef-curated favorites for just $49!
COMING SOON
Photo courtesy of Avra
Avra
This coastal Greek restaurant began in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and has now grown to an upscale destination in LA and Miami, with Dallas next on the list. We haven’t heard many updates on their opening, but have been eyeing the construction progress and expect to see them open this summer!
Uptown | Directions
Mamani
This modern European restaurant is heading to the bustling new Quad development in Uptown, expected to open this summer. It hails from the duo behind Namo and Bar Colette, so you can expect creative cocktails, upscale seafood dishes, and a stunning interior.
Uptown | Directions
Seegars Deli
The owner of Fount Board and Table and Little Blue Bistro is set to open the long-awaited Seegar’s Deli this summer! We’ve heard some buzz that the soft opening has already begun, and seegarly awaiting more details.
Cedars | Directions
CLOSINGS
Pictured: Swizzle
Pizzeria Testa
While their Frisco location remains open, Pizzeria Testa’s Dallas location on Lower Greenville served its last slice on June 29th. This closure comes after seven years of operation, and the building has since been leased to the owners of Goodwin’s, a neighboring restaurant. We haven’t heard much about their plans, but we look forward to any updates and will be continuing to support the Frisco location!
Swizzle
Greenville Ave tiki bar Swizzle is closing the doors to their little slice of paradise later this month. Their last day serving up tropical libations at their brick-and-mortar location will be July 19th, but they will be reimagining the concept in the form of pop-ups around town, so stay tuned! Fans can also stop by to purchase artwork, mugs, and more up until the closing. As longtime tiki-lovers and having partnered with Swizzle for several of our bar crawls, we are sad to see them go!
