Some of the Best Places to Eat in Dallas Fort Worth for Every Occasion

Sharing some of my favorite restaurants in Dallas Fort Worth for every occasion! If you’re looking for something specific, like a burger, use the shortcut command F, then type “burger” into the search bar. Otherwise, start scrolling to see some of the best eats in DFW! And check out this post if you’re trying to figure out where to eat based off of a location.

Some of the Best Places to Eat in Dallas Fort Worth for Different Occasions

Sharing this list of best places to eat in Dallas Fort Worth for different occasions to help make it easier next time someone goes “where should we eat tonight?”. Whether you are looking to order pizza in, making plans for a group dinner or just craving some chips and salsa, this list is sure to help you figure out where to eat in Dallas Fort Worth.

When You Need Good Pizza Delivery

You can’t go wrong with a good slice (or three) of pizza. Add in great appetizers and desserts, then you’ve got yourself the perfect spot to order from. Of course we all know about the chains like Pizza Hut and Papa John’s, but what about the local spots you can have delivered?

Zalat Pizza

We have recently become a big Zalat Pizza household. I’d had it a time or two since living in Dallas, but over the last few months we’ve been ordering it about once a month. If you want a recommendation on what to order, I’ve been really digging the Nashville Hot Chicken and Pickles. It’s good fresh and even tastes amazing the day after without heating it up. They have a few locations throughout DFW!

When You have a BBQ Craving

There are lots of great BBQ restaurants in Dallas Fort Worth, but honestly I haven’t been to that many. Don’t worry, I can hear your booing through the screen. Sharing a few of my favorites that I’ve tried, and keeping the meh places off the list.

Ferris Wheelers

This earns a spot as a favorite BBQ spot in DFW for me because of the entire experience. The back patio and atmosphere is incredibly unique. Ferris Wheelers literally has a ferris wheel you can go on! The BBQ is good, the sides are really good. It’s a great BBQ spot to visit if you want to enjoy some sunshine and tasty bites.

18th and Vine

f you’re looking for a taste of real BBQ (and by real, yes, I do mean KC style), you must check out 18th and Vine. From the meat plates to the fried okra, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. I never would have guessed I’d find a place that was this good in the middle of Dallas.

Ten50 BBQ

This Richardson BBQ spot is a favorite of ours when it comes to entertaining family and friends. Whether you want to enjoy your meal there, or order some BBQ to pick up, Ten50 accommodates it all. It’s a great BBQ spot for all of your tailgating or home watch party needs!

The Most Important Part of Every Meal: Ice Cream

If there is one thing you can count on me for, it’s to talk about ice cream. I love trying different ice cream spots in DFW. It’s my favorite food group after all…

Tongue in Cheek

You can find Tongue in Cheek in Richardson and Plano. They offer hard scooped ice cream made in house, ice cream pies, ice cream cakes and milk shakes. You can get ice cream by the scoop or by the pint. I recommend following them on Instagram because each day they share names that get a free scoop of ice cream!

Cauldron

If you are wanting your ice cream served on a puffle cone, be sure to visit Cauldron! You can also grab boba, ice cream pies and other desserts here. Cauldron has locations in Dallas and in Frisco.

Jeni’s

There are a few Jeni’s Ice Cream locations in the DFW area! The original location is in the heart of Deep Ellum, and you can also find them in Addison, Victory Park and Lower Greenville. You will find some of the most unique ice cream flavors here!

Sweet Firefly

Sweet Firefly  is another Richardson ice cream spot you should check out! We have been going here for years and all of our out of town guests request to make at least one visit while they’re with us. You can order scoops of ice cream and take it home by the pint. They also have various candied treats you can grab while you’re there!

Great Places for Coffee and Breakfast Treats

WOW Donuts and Drips

If you don’t live within 15 minutes of this Frisco donut and coffee shop, I’ll cut you a little slack if you haven’t made it by. But regardless of your location, it’s worth the trip. I took a trip down memory lane with the “Dirt and Worms” donut… and got my fruit fix with the “Strawberry Shortcake” donut. If you aren’t into the coffee part, the fresh lemonade flavors are sure to hit the spot. Be prepared to spend a lil’ bit more than you would to pick up donuts at the gas station… but the Wow Donuts are more than a lil’ bit better.

Otto’s Coffee

Otto’s is one of my favorite coffee shops in Dallas because it’s got a very chic and calming interior, great coffee and incredible pastries. I can’t tell you what to order, because everything was great. But then again, I’m a sucker for chocolate croissants, so order those. Be sure to take in the beauty of downtown before you go in for your coffee. If you haven’t had the chance to go to The Adolphus… take a few minutes to explore. The vibes are some of my favorite in all of Dallas.

Patio and Rooftop Spots

Sky Blossom

With dining options for both night and day, Sky Blossom is a must-add to your weekend plans! This posh rooftop bistro has a beautiful view of Dallas, and a full bar with dreamy cocktail offerings and serves up Vietnamese fusion food. By day, they offer quick service dining (think appetizers and shareable bites) and during evening dinner hours, they offer fine dining options perfect for a dressy evening with the girls.

Haywire

Haywire has been open for a bit, but the rooftop is open now and it’s game over. You have the perfect view of Box Garden, a bar feet away from you at all times and tacos that will leave you drooling. Not to mention the sliders, also 10/10. I’m hoping that the fans will keep the rooftop easy and breezy all summer long, because this is a spot I wouldn’t mind posting up at on a Saturday.

Box Garden

The much anticipated Box Garden is finally open! Live music and strong drinks, a great atmosphere… and in the middle of one of the hottest suburban spots. Now that I love a bit more north, Box Garden could become one of my favorite spots. I have yet to try the food… but if it’s anything like the drinks, we’re all in for a treat.

Paradiso

Located in the Bishop Arts District in Dallas, Paradiso is a perfect patio spot to visit. The restaurant’s seating is surrounded with a courtyard, providing a beautifully shaded outdoor dining experience. The menu includes wood fired pizzas, Instagram worthy drinks and handmade pastas. Check them out for a courtyard brunch date on the weekends too!

Perfect Date Night Spots

Urban Seafood

If you love seafood, you’ve got to check out Urban Seafood  in Plano for your next date night! Urban Seafood is new to the downtown Plano area, but I’m sure you’ve heard of the other restaurants in the “urban” group like Urban Rio and Urban Crust. I have been told the oysters are a must order at this New England style seafood spot… and how perfect is that for a date night (wink wink). 

Pizzana

A cozy pizza spot located on Knox, Pizzana makes for the perfect date night spot. From the hearty salads to the unique to the delicious desserts, you can’t go wrong with what you order. We split a Cesar salad and it was truly one of the best I’ve had in my life. There may have been dreams about the croutons… Be sure to make reservations, because seating is limited inside and on the patio. If you don’t feel like dining in, you can also place an order to pick up to enjoy at home or at your favorite picnic spot.

Taverna

If you’re looking for a patio, great food, friendly service and not spending a fortune… Knox Henderson or Legacy West Taverna is the place for your next date night! It is our all time favorite place to visit for a night out.

Stirr

Stirr is a great spot for date night! It’s a little bit more elevated than places we tend to go to, but not enough to where it’s overtly fancy-special-occasion vibe. It’s got great food, tasty drinks and a really unique atmosphere. We have only been to the Deep Ellum location, but I imagine Addison is just a fabulous.

Where to Suggest for a Friends Night Out

Smithy

Smithy might have become my favorite new Knox Henderson spot, all thanks to Sarah. The decor is chic, the drinks are colorful (and strong) and the food is to die for. I’m not sure which part of our meal was my favorite… but we’ll just mark it up as an overall WIN.

Pie Tap Pizza Workshop

Pie Tap is our go to dine in pizza place! They have locations in Design District, Henderson and Plano. If you enjoy hummus, you are required to order that as your appetizer. It’s what dreams are made of, truly. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas… But we usually order the Chicken Pie or Sausage Pie. If you’re not looking to dine in, you can of course order it for delivery or to go… But the atmosphere makes for a such a cozy date night or girls night dinner!

Sushi Marquee

Sushi Marquee at the Frisco Star is one of my favorite spots to get sushi in DFW! Now take this with a grain of salt because I think I’ve been to 5 sushi spots… But there’s something about Sushi Marquee that has always stood out from the rest to me!

Looking for Something a Bit Unique

DogHaus

Let’s be honest, DogHaus is probably the most unique spot I take my friends and family to. From their dogs to burgers to shakes, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. 

My favorite part about these plates is the use of Hawaiian Dinner Rolls. It makes for a unique twist on a traditional bun- aka visually appealing and high on the taste-good scale.

Pro tip: go with a group of AT LEAST 3 people. Sharing is caring, my friends, especially when it comes to your meal at DogHaus. Do not, I repeat, do not order (and expect to be able to eat) one side per person. Don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Legacy Food Hall

Legacy Hall is a food court style hall in Plano Legacy West. You have dozens up options for meals around the hall, and then open seating throughout. Let everyone in your group pick their favorite food and then meet up to dine. Or if you want to get really fancy… do it family style and have everyone get something shareable!

Fast Casual Lunch Spots

Superchix

If you like fried pickles and tasty chicken (think Chick Fil A not KFC), then you’ll love SuperChix! I would suggest either visiting when hungry, or be prepared to share things. My husband and I typically get a main sandwich/salad for ourselves and split a side. If you can save room, they have custard and shakes… YUM!

East Hampton

Two words for you… East Hampton! They’ve got fabulous salads, wraps and sandwiches for all sorts of taste buds. If you like seasonal specials, they also have you covered on that. I 10/10 recommend a side of sweet potato fries while you’re there, too.

Places to Visit When You’re Craving a Burger

Twisted Root

Twisted Root has had a place in my heart ever since I first moved to DFW 10 years ago! If we’re being honest, the pickle bar is what first did it for me. Then I realized they had great shakes. And started to explore the variety of burgers on the menu… It’s fabulous and not in a “we’re at a fancy burger place” or a “fast food burger” kind of way.

Del’s Charcoal Burgers

If you love a charbroiled burger and a small town diner vibe, you’ve got to spend some time at Del’s Burgers. It is a hole-in-the-wall experience in Richardson and the food doesn’t disappoint.

Shady’s

One of the best kept secrets of Richardson is Shady’s! Maybe it’s not a secret to everyone… but it took us living in the area a few years before we discovered the greatness that is Shady’s. From the burgers to the wraps to the fried pickles, we have never gone wrong here. They offer classic burgers and specialty burgers, something for everyone.

Black Tap Craft Burgers

Black Tap is located right next to American Airlines Center, making it the perfect place to grab a burger before a concert of Mavs game. In addition to a tasty burger, you can find crazy shakes, delicious appetizers and sides. They also have some salads and chicken sandwiches for those in your group who might not be craving a burger. Pro tip: share some of your meal if you plan to get a shake! The portions are on the larger side.

Hudson House

The new location in Addison provides the cutest vibes. It’s sure to make a good first impression on a first (or fifth, ya know) date. If you’re into sharing appetizers, you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. I’ve been told by a little birdie the burger is insane.

For the Days That Call for Chips and Salsa

Dos Arroyas Comisa Casera

Dos Arroyos Comida Casera  is our go-to Mexican restaurant in the Richardson area (but honestly, who are we kidding, it’s our favorite in all of DFW), is Dos Arroyos Comida Casera! You cannot go wrong with anything brisket– brisket tacos, chimichanga, enchiladas… it’s all delicious. I would suggest starting your meal with a queso and/or street corn appetizer to pair with the spicy salsa and chips. If you don’t want to dine in, they also offer take out!

Mesero

I have been loving the patio at Mesero Preston Hollow Village for lunch meetings lately! The food is always delicious- I’m a sucker for the Hollywood Cobb with chicken, nachos and the queso/quacamole appetizer. There’s plenty of parking in the garage across the street from the restaurant, plus it’s a super central location coming from Richardson to meet Dallas folks!

Cafe Herera

Family owned and operated, Cafe Hereras truly a treat. From start to finish you’ll feel right at home and you will leave stuffed to the brim. The fajitas are DAMN good. Oh, and they give you tortillas with the chips and salsa… dreams do come true!

Enjoy a Fancy Night Out

Perry’s Steakhouse

If you want to wine and dine someone, Perry’s Steakhouse is a prime spot. The servers will take excellent care of you. They helped guide us through pairings for each different course. The food wasn’t too heavy, but it was filling. My favorite part of the Grapevine location is the bar area ambience.. check out for yourself!

The French Room

My favorite cocktail bar in Dallas, The French Room , is inside The Adolphus Hotel. I’m a big ole lover of the soufflé. I’m also a lover of the bartenders making me cocktails that fit my flavor profile. This is definitely not a place you roll up in your cut off jean shorts and flip flops, but let’s be honest, dressing up for no occasion except to drink isn’t all that bad.

Brunch Spots

Meso Maya

Holy moly guacamole! My brunch standards have changed. If you’re looking for a unique menu, Meso Mayaneeds to be in your immediate future. I’m used to the typical Dallas brunch scene and this blew my mind. I have literally been dreaming about all of this food since I left brunch today… Yes, today. I amended this post to include brunch. It was that damn good.

Sixty Vines