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Treat your out-of-town guests to the best lunch in Dallas, Texas, in any of these stunning spots. The Big D city is one of the most exciting and innovative dining scenes in the Lone Star State.
There is already cut-throat competition for lunch alone between long-standing old-fashioned diners, casual delis, fine-dining spots, food trucks, and street vendors. All contribute to the diversity of the food and the best lunch experience for Dallasites and tourists alike.
Whether you’re searching for diner-style American eats, Napoleon pizzas, breakfast tacos, or freshly baked pastries, you’ll enjoy a huge midday satisfaction at any of these restaurants.
27 Stellar Lunch Spots In Dallas, Texas
For lunch hour, Dallas is buzzing with a slew of wonderful eateries that offer anything from gourmet burger shops and fantastic steakhouses to trailblazing spots that promote healthy eating! To better understand what the city offers for lunch, here’s the roundup of the best lunch spots!
- Rodeo Goat
- The Mansion Restaurant
- Thunderbird Pies
- Meso Maya Comida y Copas
- Chop House Burger
- The Woolworth
- Fearing’s Restaurant
- Pecan Lodge
- Ellen’s
- The Henry
- Cindi’s NY Deli & Restaurant
- Maple Leaf Diner
- The Porch
- Rye Restaurant
- Knife Dallas
- Crisp & Green
- Commissary
- Las Palmas
- Velvet Taco
- Cane Rosso
- Mami Coco
- Mo’ Bettah’s
- Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill
- Hattie B’s
- Doc B’s Restaurant
- Sachet
- Salum Restaurant
Where To Relish In The Best Lunch In Dallas, Texas?
Before your next afternoon comes rolling around, take note of this compilation of these amazing lunch destinations in Dallas! They are all exciting culinary destinations that promise a lovely midday meal to remember!
1. Rodeo Goat
With its presence across Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Rockwall, and Houston, Rodeo is a favorite spot for its stellar burgers, cocktails, and solid craft beer selection. The burger shop is crowned as the “Best Burgers in DFW”, and its parking space is routinely packed with diners.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Greeted by an odd warehouse door, diners will then go on a journey of delicious burgers with all kinds of patties they wish for, from beef, turkey, and chicken, to Impossible options. The team only uses grass-fed beef and grounds it in-house, which is also a good sign of the quality.
The outdoor seating area at the Design District location boasts a stunning view over Turtle Creek and is voted as one of the best patios in Dallas.
The benches outside also accommodate large groups of diners. If you come for lunch on Monday, don’t forget to grab the Moon Tang cocktail at a very reasonable price.
Fans of cheese fries also shouldn’t miss out on Worthy Wednesday when the dish is only half-priced. Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM on weekdays, so stick around for delicious wines and beers if you have time.
What to eat?
The burgers are formidable, so let’s try the Sugar burger, Mike Rawlings burger, Nanny Goat, or Brad Sham burger and see why!
Cheese fries Surprise and cheese fries No Surprise are a meal themselves, laden with bacon and cheese, and can feed up to 4 people. Neil Young burger also gets many thumb-ups from vegans.
Location: 1926 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Website: https://www.rodeogoat.com/
Phone: (214) 741-4628
2. The Mansion Restaurant
Hidden away in the greenery of the Turtle Creek neighborhood, The Mansion gives a glamorous and sophisticated vibe that has been a Dallas icon for 3 decades. Dress up when coming there and join the crowd for a fine-dining lunch inspired by American and French cuisines.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Set in the historic 1920s estate, The Mansion’s dining room blends contemporary and elegant design with hand-carved ceilings, honey-colored walls, and stained glass windows. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic lunch, a business meeting, or whenever you want an indulgent midday meal.
The restaurant’s well-curated wine list also won the Wine Spectator’s 2022 Best of Award of Excellence. So, when the meal is over, you might want to stick around for a glass of wine at their comfy lounge.
What to eat?
Treat yourself to The Masion’s lunch tasting menu, where you can order starter and main course from the menu at a fixed price. Some standouts include the crispy skin salmon, prime burger, truffle fries, and 6-ounce beef filet for a satisfying midday meal.
Location: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219
Website: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/
Phone: (214) 443-4747
3. Thunderbird Pies
Founded by Cane Rosso & Zoli’s Pizza, this pizza pop-up churns out delish Detroit-style pizzas with cheese running edge to edge. The couples are also the team behind Zoli’s NY Pizza and Cane Rosso, two top-rated restaurants in Dallas, Texas.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
At Thunderbird Pies, the pizzas are baked in a traditional seasoned steel pan to nail the desired crispiness before being flavored with a secret double-stamp sauce recipe. Note that Thunderbird Pies opens at 3 PM on Monday and Tuesday and 11 AM the other days, so plan accordingly.
What to eat?
Dig into their legit Detroit-style pizza; anything from Drip Pan and Luka Brasi to Thunder Mifflin is phenomenal. They’re all packed with flavors and a perfectly crisp crust.
If you are a veggie-lover, be sure to get a taste of the Savage Garden, which comes larded with squash, tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini. Also, check out the dessert section at the end of the counter, with some great ice cream and milkshakes.
Location: 7328 Gaston Ave #110, Dallas, TX 75214
Website: https://www.thunderbirdpies.com/
Phone: (469) 577-1077
4. Meso Maya Comida y Copas
With unmatched attention to detail and precision, Meso Maya presents the authenticity of Vera Cruz, Chiapas, and Yucatan cuisines to your table. This restaurant is among the top-rated Mexican restaurants in Dallas, Texas frequented by many locals!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Head to Meso Maya for a culinary journey to central Mexico. In the kitchen led by chef Nico Sanchez, chefs grind specialty cocoa beans in-house and use them for mole sauce, whereas they use the wood-burning grill for the tomatoes in salsa.
Not just food, Meso Maya also crafts amazing margaritas and tequilas to elevate your midday meal. You can linger until 3 PM when Meso Maya’s happy hour kicks start to enjoy their drinks at a bargain price.
What to eat?
Enchiladas fans shouldn’t pass on the crow-please Pollo Serrano, Mole, and brisket enchiladas at this restaurant. Queso Poblano, Pozole Verde, Aracherra, and Herradura salmon are all chef’s specialties that guarantee your next returns.
Their Pastel De Chocolate is the best way to wrap up your lunch. You shouldn’t overlook their beverage menu, as there are stellar cafe de la olla (Mexican coffee), avocado margarita, cucumber margarita, and Oaxaca cocktails awaiting to delight your taste buds, too.
Website: https://www.mesomaya.com/
Location 1: 4123 Abrams Rd, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: (469) 998-1182
Location 2: 1611 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 484-6555
5. Chop House Burger
Widely regarded as one of the top restaurants in downtown Dallas, Chop House Burger has built a cult following with its budget-friendly prices without compromising the quality.
The burger shop near the Dallas Convention Center is a perfect lunch stop for gourmet burgers, French fries, and refreshing beer.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Chop House Burger’s menu relies on 100% certified Angus beef for their patties and locally-sourced poultry and beer. If you want to try something different, there are also non-beef items like falafel burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches to consider.
The eatery also offers decadent desserts and refreshing shakes made daily from scratch in-house for those searching to satiate their sweet tooth. The shaded outside patio is also a great spot to finish your lunch when the weather is nice.
What to eat?
Two shining stars in the burger section should be bacon cheeseburger and Ricky Bobby “Melt” with perfectly cooked beef. Yet, the Chop House burger is the biggest deal – well-constructed with the mild truffle sauce perfectly complementing the beef.
Their sweet potato fries and truffle Parmesan fries are also so well-executed that they almost steal the spotlight of the burgers.
Location: 1501 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://www.chophouseburger.com/
Phone: (214) 741-2747
6. The Woolworth
This stylish drinking den is a lunch destination for group dining, with various gourmet options from burgers to steak and fish. The stellar cocktails and stunning downtown view make having lunch there a unique experience!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
The restaurant’s diverse lunch menu ranges from share plates, street fares, and handhelds to entrees. A few items can also be adjusted to accommodate gluten-free diets. The dining room with library decor also has some Instagrammable spots to take photos.
You’d better grab a spot on the second-floor patio, where the balcony overlooks the city center and the giant ball structure to catch the great views. The Woolworth restaurant is also glad to take care of your party in the wood-paneled Library Room, which can accommodate a crowd of 50.
What to eat?
Their crab cake sandwich is a bomb that makes me hankering for the next visit. The eatery’s Caprese lollipops, chicken quesadilla, and Southern fried chicken are among the crowd-pleasers for lunch diners.
Black & Blue salad is an awesome choice for a lighter lunch. Yet, if you’re looking for a heartier meal, why not add chili-crusted steak to the salad?
Location: 1520 Elm St #201, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://www.thewoolworthdallas.com/
Phone: (214) 814-0588
7. Fearing’s Restaurant
Helmed by James Beard Award winner Dean Fearing, this eponymous restaurant showcases delish dishes that he took inspiration from his grandma’s affection for Southwestern cuisine.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Fearing’s Restaurant presents diners with up to seven dining settings indoors and outdoors. Diners can grab a seat in the live-action kitchen to catch a glimpse of the chefs masterfully preparing their food. Beyond the dining room, there’s a relaxed alfresco patio and wine cellar.
Notably, the mahogany-walled Rattlesnake Bar is a great place to enjoy some small bites while waiting to be seated. Fearing’s dedication to authenticity is also reflected in their use of a live-fire mesquite grill to cook the premium wagyu and Angus steaks.
Weekend brunchers shouldn’t miss out on the restaurant’s popular indulge-worthy Sunday Brunch. Yet, whenever you stop by, remember that reservation is always a must.
What to eat?
You should go for the chef’s legendary tortilla soup for a memorable starter. The 2121 Cobb salad with chicken fried lobster was also one of the best renditions I’ve had.
The Rattlesnake burger and mesquite grilled red snapper are a little under the radar, but they’re sure-fire hits soon. There’s also vegan masala fried cauliflower if you stick to a plant-based diet.
Location: 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://fearingsrestaurant.com/
Phone: (214) 922-4848
8. Pecan Lodge
Pecan Lodge is the ultimate answer if you’re searching for the best restaurant in Deep Ellum, Texas to get your BBQ fix.
Once arriving at the restaurant, you’ll be greeted first with a fast-moving line and then a spartan-inspired, rustic interior and the continuous buzz of the crowd, all of which makes for a perfect setting for a happy lunch.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
At this iconic BBQ joint, the brisket, beef ribs, and more are cooked in unique offset smokers, whereas sausages are ground and stuffed by hand. Pecan Lodge dishes up special offerings each day, so remember to ask the pit master for what’s available in the day!
What to eat?
Beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled porks, and burned ends will surely please the most serious meat craving! Pecan Lodge also nails their side dishes. Collard greens, fried okra, and West Texas pinto beans almost steal the spotlight from the smoked meat.
You should save room for what Pecan Lodge is widely renowned for: Aunt Polly’s banana pudding, mac and cheese, and The “Hot Mess” (sea-salted sweet potatoes with South Texas barbacoa and chipotle cream).
Location: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Website: https://pecanlodge.com/
Phone: (214) 748-8900
9. Ellen’s
This West End eatery treats Dallasites with big plates of home-cooking Southern food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Established in 2012 by Joe Groves, partner Andrew Chooljian, and Chef Russell Mertz, the restaurant’s name pays homage to Groves’ mother, Ellen Groves Corlee of Fort Worth.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
The best thing about Ellen’s is their customer-friendly hours, as breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are served around the clock. Accompanying the food is the full-service bar, where diners can sip on various caffeinated drinks, margaritas, and cocktails.
You can join Ellen’s bar’s half-priced margaritas on Monday, Wednesday’s Wine Down (50% off champagne and wine), and Throw Down Thursday (50% off bar drinks). The eatery also splashes 50% off the price for chicken fried steak and chicken fried chicken on Friday.
What to eat?
Many things on the menu are boast-worthy, especially the shrimp & grits. Joe’s mac and cheese, Ellen’s Prime meatloaf, fried Texas catfish, and chicken fried chicken are all trustworthy choices. The chicken fried steak is a huge steak with little breading that you will love.
Location: 1790 N Record St, Dallas, TX 75202
Website: https://www.ellens.com/
Phone: (469) 206-3339
10. The Henry
This chic and upscale brasserie serves anything from simple yet tasty smashed avocado toast to more sophisticated roasted branzino, all carrying Southern flavors and flairs.
Not only known as the most popular restaurant in Dallas, Texas, The Henry also spreads its wings to be the top place to eat in California and Arizona.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
The Henry is perfect for many occasions, from daily lunch and weekend brunch to a post-work cocktail at the bar with a hip and lively ambiance. The place also has a coffee and juice bar and fresh pastries baked in-house to complete your meal.
Not only known for its all-day meals, but The Henry also boasts a stylish rooftop terrace with a spectacular downtown view. The heated terrace reflects the influences from the Gatsby era and the happy hour running there from 4-6 PM.
What to eat?
The top choice at The Henry for lunch is short rib potstickers, which come with tender and flavorful meat.
If you’re craving something meatier, consider other hits like Korean prime skirt steak, seared ahi tuna, and hot honey crispy chicken. The palatable hot honey crispy chicken sandwich and harvest bowl can also make for a satisfying lunch.
Location: 2301 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://www.thehenryrestaurant.com/
Phone: (972) 677-9560
11. Cindi’s NY Deli & Restaurant
Cindi’s boasts five locations of this 50s diner throughout Dallas and a huge fan base for their Southern homestyle delicacies.
Cindi’s combines coffee shop, diner, and New York neighborhood deli in one, and it has won several awards like “Best Sandwich” and “Best Comfort Food” by Reader’s Choice.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Cindi’s NY interior is filled with playful murals by Vietnamese artist Tri Minh Nguyen, which adds to its liveliness and coziness. Inside, you can also spot a small New York-style bakery churning out fresh Challah, rye bread, bagels, and baked goodies daily.
The eatery offers daily specials for both lunch and dinner, which means you cannot expect the same experience with each visit.
The menu looks to New York influences for inspiration, and it encompasses a wide range of dishes, from pancakes, matzo ball soup, and chicken & dumpling soup to New York Reubens.
What to eat?
Egg Benedicts with Nova, matzo ball soup, and hot pastrami sandwich are the orders of many regulars. The brightest star, however, should be the New York Reuben sandwich, whose corned beef is 10 out of 10 until the last bite.
Cindi’s also the master of pancakes, with the most beloved options being blueberry, chocolate chips, and banana-nut pancakes.
Website: https://cindisnydeli.com/
Location 1 (Central): 11111 N. Central Expwy Suite G, Dallas, TX 75243
Phone: (214) 739-0918
Location 2 (Campbell): 7522 Campbell Rd, #117, Dallas, TX 75248
Phone: (972) 248-0608
Location 3: 3565 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75234
Phone: (972) 241-9204
Location 4: 306 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 744-4745
12. Maple Leaf Diner
Sitting in the Northern neighborhood of Dallas, Maple Leaf Diner specializes in breakfast and lunch diner classics with a Canadian flair. The menu is also partially inspired by French cuisine, as shown by their use of cabbage rolls, pierogies, etc.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Maple Leaf Diner is highly praised for its dedication to authentic Canadian cuisine. They use real Canadian bacon for their Canadian peameal bacon, while French fries in their poutine are hand-cut, and mozzarella sticks are breaded in-house every day.
The eatery also boasts a dairy bar serving pretty good Henry’s ice cream from Plano. If you stop in with a sweet craving, there are also freshly baked scones, butter tarts, cookies, and pies you can find in the bakery in-house.
What to eat?
Flagship Chicken Sandwich always draws tons of orders there. Maple Leaf Diner’s waffles also shine bright on the menu, and you can’t go wrong with the chicken, bacon & waffles, steak waffles, or country waffles.
Pizza burgers, lox benedict & latkes, and homemade cabbage rolls are other must-try dishes. Since it’s a Canadian-inspired restaurant, you shouldn’t sleep on the pot roast and chicken fried steak poutine. Remember to round out your lunch with some cream puffs from the in-house bakery.
Location: 12817 Preston Rd #129, Dallas, TX 75230
Website: http://www.mldiner.com/
Phone: (214) 434-1626
13. The Porch
Whether you’re a lunch diner, brunch lover, or late-night reveler, The Porch has everything to please your dining desires. Join this gastropub any time of the day for their down-home food and uptown cocktails.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
At The Porch, you can spot a mixed crowd of twentysomethings, thirtysomethings, to over-50 diners mingling the crowd. Whether day or night, their all-weather patio, also known as the porch, is always lively and buzzing.
After its overhaul, The Porch will add a porch swing and a refinished beer garden. Pet lovers will also delight that their patio and beer garden is dog-friendly.
To complement the chef-driven menu, The Porch has a classic urban tavern setting with a full bar where mixologists create impressive neo-classic cocktails.
What to eat?
The Porch’s beef stroganoff is mind-blowing greatness that you don’t want to miss out on! Besides, chicken fried steak, salmon burger, and roasted tomato soup are also trusted choices you can go for. Everyone also raves about the Porch’s phenomenal gooey butter cake, too.
Location: 2912 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Website: https://theporchrestaurant.com/
Phone: (214) 828-2916
14. Rye Restaurant
Rye has a romantic, cozy, homey vibe with wooden furniture, greenery, and mirrors hanging on the walls.
This Dallas foodie heaven is where delectable small plates are perfect for sharing, so you might want to come with your crew to experience different tastes. As for lunch, diners can choose from a tasting or an a la carte menu.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Rye’s interior blends mid-century and rustic charm, making it a lovely place for milestone celebrations. If you come in a big group (over 8 people), the restaurant offers a fantastic chef-tasting menu with 7-10 courses.
Rye’s electric menu heavily leans towards New American cuisine, but there are also notable cultural influences. The drink menu, especially cocktails, is also adventurous and impressive, with offerings like Somebody To Love or Sloe French Kiss.
What to eat?
My first choice is the Icelandic hot dog, which arrives with rosewood ranch wagyu beef and Icelandic sweet mustard. Equally palatable are rabbit ravioli, vaca frita tacos, and “so-fish-ticated”.
GELTy pleasure, a full plate of house pork belly goetta, croissant, lettuce, and spicy honey butter, is a crowd favorite for lunch there. Rye’s Chicago Style dessert also makes a sweet ending for your afternoon.
Location: 1920 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Website: https://www.rye.restaurant/
Phone: (972) 803-3391
15. Knife Dallas
Voted as the best steakhouse in Dallas by D magazine, Knife is founded and led by James Beard-nominated chef Chef John Tesar.
Sitting in The Highland Dallas hotel, Knife is a buzzing eatery frequented by hotel patrons and locals in the know. This Dallas steakhouse proudly claims to be the renovation of the steakhouse experience and showcases all all-natural born and raised Texas beef.
Beyond Dallas, this brainchild of Chef John Tesar also spread far to become one of the top restaurants in Plano, Texas.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
This Dallas steakhouse always ensures quality cuts by sourcing them from Heartbrand Beef and 44 other ranches in Texas. Beyond steaks, Knife also dedicates to their pastries, with Eric Cobb.
Don’t forget to check out their full bar to get a boozy lunch. There are plenty of options, from classic to specialty cocktails, along with craft and local beers and over 300 wine labels.
What to eat?
Top recommendations on the steak section include filet au poivre 8oz & frites, bone-in ribeye 24oz, and dry-aged bone-in ribeye. The steakhouse’s avocado fries also receive tons of love. If you crave burgers, there are plenty of tasty options like the Ozersky, Patty Melt, and Magic.
Location: 5300 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206
Website: https://knifedallas.com/
Phone: +12144439339
16. Crisp & Green
Crisp & Green pushes the boundaries of healthy eating by serving delicious and healthy bowls to their customers. This popular joint has a strong presence in the DFW area, with two locations at Lakewood and University Park.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
At this salad shop, health-conscious diners can choose from 7 varieties of bowls or build their own from plenty of options for the bases, premium toppings, dressings, and vinaigrettes.
They also make fresh and delicious smoothies, which is a quick fix for lunch if you’re in a rush. This Minnesota-based chain also caters to kids and plant-based folks, as you can spot an entire section for children and many vegan-friendly items on the menu.
What to eat?
On the very first taste of the No Prob Cobb, first-timers will be convinced even when they’re not salad lovers. Other signature salads you need to try to include classic chicken caesar, squash goals, Cinco De Light, and Wild Wild southwest. All come with nice presentations and big flavors.
Don’t overlook their bowl section, as the kitchen also whips up extremely good Seul Bowl (vegan-friendly) and The Bold & The Buffalo bowls.
Website: https://crispandgreen.com/
Location 1 (University Park): 6565 Hillcrest Ave Suite 140, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: (469) 868-6112
Location 2 (Lakewood): 6333 E Mockingbird Ln #165, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: (469) 722-1630
17. Commissary
Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Commissary is a market, cafe, and bakery in one. This bright and airy neighborhood deli is a favorite stop for strong coffee in the morning and fresh baked goods for all-day breakfast and lunch.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
The eatery’s interior has a vintage and cosmopolitan vibe that makes you feel like you’re in New York. From gourmet sandwiches and salads to lunch pastries, everything is made to order in-house.
The bakery is also a trusted supplier of wholesale baked goods and pastries for many local stores. On the premise, you’ll also find craft beer and wine available for a day out or picnics.
What to eat?
Everything is a solid choice in their not-so-expansive menu, from the smoked salmon bagel and French dip to a cheeseburger sandwich. Gelato is also a highlight at this brunch spot, so remember to add some pistachio, taro, or chocolate hazelnut for a sweet ending to your noon.
Commissary has some of the best coffees in two. It would be a shame to pass on their popular Cortado coffee, cold brew, and espresso.
Location: 1217 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202
Website: https://www.commissarydallas.com/
Phone: (214) 827-2927
18. Las Palmas Tex-Mex
Founded by two brothers, Sina and Pasha Heidari, Las Plasmas aims to honor 20th Century Mexican cuisine through its menu of nachos, guacamole, fajitas, and more.
Constantly named the best dining spot in Uptown Dallas, Texas, Las Palmas is where lunch is a perfect combination of delish Tex-Mex plates and great cocktails.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
To celebrate the spirit of 1980s Dallas, the owners decided to set Las Palmas in a vibrant pink building that previously housed Stephan Pyles’ Baby Routh. The retro vibe of the dining space is prominent, through 50s-style diner chairs, red vinyl banquettes, and the city’s memorabilia under dim light.
Las Palmas also has a well-curated drink menu to brag about, with a wide variety of cocktails, mezcal, tequilas, whites, and reds. The best time to visit should be during their happy hours, 2-6 PM, from Mondays to Fridays.
This Tex-Mex eatery is also perfect for alfresco dining, thanks to its pet-friendly patio. This outdoor seating area is also heated, with fountains and vintage music setting the tones for a perfect lunch or evening.
What to eat?
First-time diners can play it safe with house specialties like Chimichanga (deep-fried burritos), El cheeseburger, and chile relleno (stuffed green chile pepper). Yet, you can venture beyond and explore crave-worthy items like wagyu steak fajitas, queso Blanco, and nachos.
Exceptional brisket enchiladas, sour cream enchiladas, or seafood enchiladas also make you feel worth the drive there.
Location: 2708 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://laspalmasdallas.com/
Phone: (214) 647-1232
19. Velvet Taco
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or late-night taco cravings, Velvet Taco, with up to 5 locations across Dallas, will be sure to please. This funky taco spot transforms many dishes into a taco form you’ll love, from burgers and Indian chicken tikka to tuna poke.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
This quick and casual joint is prized for its creativity on its dishes. From bold, international flavors on tacos to modern twists on their Caesar salad chicken and rotisserie chicken. Velvet Taco’s WTF surprises diners with chef-inspired creations, so stop in for something new each week!
What to eat?
Their spicy tikka chicken never fails to delight my taste buds, as does the rotisserie chicken. Jot down these fan favorites: Mexi Cali shrimp, Korean fried rice, Kobe bacon burger, and Cuban pig.
Beer-battered cauliflower is a note-worthy option for vegan folks, too. The Red Velvet cake (which is also vegan-friendly) also gets the guests talking.
Website: https://www.velvettaco.com/
Location 1 (Addison): 15104 Dallas Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75248
Phone: (972) 703-9003
Location 2 (Deep Ellum): 2556 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 329-0663
Location 3 (Greenville): 4622 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (469) 248-8226
Location 4 (Preston/Forest): 11700 Preston Rd Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75230
Phone: (469) 436-8226
Location 5 (Uptown): 3411 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (469) 862-8226
20. Cane Rosso
Founded by Cane Rosso with inspiration from his visit to Italy, Cane Rosso has grown into 6 branches throughout the DFW area.
From the renowned Neapolitan pizzas to the magnificent mess of tasty sandwiches, this Dallas staple offers a quick yet filling lunch that leaves anyone awestruck.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
At Cane Rosso, the chefs rely on “OO” flour delivered straight from Italy for their dough. San Marzano tomatoes are hand–crushed to create the savory sauce, whereas mozzarella is made from scratch daily.
To guarantee authenticity, each pie is only baked within 90 seconds to a perfect charring in their wood-fired oven.
Accompanying your pies is a long list of beverages, from beers on tap, and wines, to cocktails you can find at the marble winding bar. For drinks, appetizers, and pizzas at a bargain price, hit the bar between 3 – 6 PM from Monday to Friday.
What to eat?
If you don’t know where to start, Cane Ross’s lunch specials offered on Mon-Fri from 11 AM – 3 PM are what you should head for! For Neapolitan pizzas, Margherita, Zoli, and Delia are among the best in town.
Beyond tasty pies, the pizzeria also does well at crispy Brussels, calamari fra diavolo, caesar salad, and meatballs.
Website: https://www.canerosso.com/
Location 1 (Deep Ellum): 2612 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 741-1188
Location 2 (White Rock): 7328 Gaston Ave #100, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: (214) 660-3644
Location 3 (North Dallas): 6959 Arapaho Rd, Dallas, TX 75248
Phone: (972) 961-2266
21. Mami Coco
This hole-in-the-wall restaurant in East Dallas has some of the best tacos and Flautas in the city. This no-frills offers affordable Mexican food and vegan and vegetarian options that will delight your plant-based folks.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Mami Coco is a cozy little corner, with a few stools at a counter and a few picnic tables out front for their diners to chow down their food. What greets you first is the colorful murals that give the whole place a cheerful and festive look.
Beyond street tacos, the owner De Los Rios also showcases his unmatched expertise with his enchiladas, Sopes, burritos, and especially Flautas (a dish made based on his mother’s recipe, which he highly recommends).
Don’t forget to join their lovely Taco Tuesday, when you’re treated to a combo of tacos and can soda for a tempting price. Note that this is a cash-only establishment, so bring your money!
What to eat?
A typical midday meal at Mami Coco should kick start with tacos, whether with Picadillo, Fajita, and bistec mixed or Pollo. The Flautas are also truly authentic and will leave you stuffed. Other highly recommended dishes include Prensado Sopes and quesadillas.
Website: https://mamicoco.org/
Location 1: 4519-4501 Bryan St, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (469) 996-2834
Location 2: 2706 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75223
Phone: (469) 996-2846
22. Mo’ Bettah’s
Mo’s Bettah’s will transport you to the islands with authentic Hawaiian dishes. Mo’s Bettah’s motto is “work with integrity”, which translates to Hawaiin as “Pono”, and the restaurant treats each guest like a friend.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Mo’s Bettah’s is a fun, upbeat place with genuine hospitality and a great reggae music playlist in the background.
The interior is filled with a Hawaiian vibe, as you can see many surfboards and canoe paddles on the walls, each of which reflects a special tie to the ocean. There’s also an outdoor patio to dine in if the weather permits.
What to eat?
Standouts like Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Steak, and Katsu Chicken always receive tons of orders daily.
If you’re an adventurous diner, don’t forget to taste the brand’s macaroni salad and steamed rice. You shouldn’t sleep on Kālua pig and pūlehu chicken, which are equally tasty and in good portions.
Location: 6471 E NW Hwy Ste. 100, Dallas, TX 75231
Website: https://mobettahs.com/
Phone: (214) 432-3240
23. Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill
This Dallas eatery is crowned as the top bistro in Dallas for smoked meats and seafood. Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill has consistently cooked their food, including the famous burgers, over their hickory wood-burning grill since 2015.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Kenny’s relaxed club ambiance and classy 1940s Chicago-style decor make it a perfect setting for any occasion. Despite the upscale dining space, most of the menu, from ribeyes, and filet mignons, to crab cakes, are a real bargain that won’t put a hole in your wallet.
Anything on the menu is well-crafted, but guests will also highly appreciate the complimentary, fresh popovers served before the meal. Grey Goose™ martini, prepared with the restaurant’s signature frozen tap system, only takes your dining experience to the next level.
The service here is also spectacular. This is where the server won’t rush you to make your order and keeps constantly replacing your martini glass with a fresh one to ensure your drink is always cold.
What to eat?
You can start your lunch with either of these solid options – French onion soup and Tenderloin Crostini. As for side dishes, the Adult Mac N Cheese and Bubbies Potato Cakes are hard to beat. You can never go wrong with ribs, filet mignon, and half-pound crab cake when moving to the mains.
Location: 5000 Belt Line Rd #775, Dallas, TX 75254
Website: https://kennyswoodfiredgrill.com/
Phone: (972) 392-9663
24. Hattie B’s
Hattie B’s is a nice addition to Deep Ellum’s dining scene, with a retro diner vibe, stellar chicken dishes, and a good selection of local beers.
The eatery has raked in several awards and accolades, namely “Best Nashville Hot Chicken”, “Best Fried Chicken”, and “Best Hot Chicken” by local publications.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
This fast-casual chicken restaurant boasts a spacious dining space of 91 seats inside. Their expansive patio, which covers 1,000 square-foot is also a favorite spot for those wanting to enjoy the weather.
Hattie B’s also offers 6 different spice levels, from Southern (no heat) to “Shut The Cluck Up!!!” to accommodate their diners.
There are some unique Dallas-only dishes that diners can enjoy at the Dallas location, notably the fried dill pickles with hot sauce. The extensive beverage options are also a new update at this branch, from batch cocktails, vodka, and whiskey, to white wines.
What to eat?
Indulge in the chicken goodness with chicken tenders, hot chicken sandwiches, SM Dark bones, and SM White bones. Side dishes like Pimento Mac & Cheese and Red Skin Potato Salad are also things to write home about.
If there’s still room for desserts, their divine peach cobbler (seasonal) and banana pudding are strongly recommended.
Location: 3000 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Website: https://hattieb.com/
Phone: (469) 425-8100
25. Doc B’s Restaurant
Doc B’s Restaurant focuses on delivering freshly-made and healthy fares for lunch and dinner. This dining spot is also extremely friendly to gluten-free diets, as shown in their gluten-free sauce, bowls, and buns.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Doc B’s also boasts a large collection of signature cocktails, craft beer, spirits, and wines, which means there’s something great to pair with your lunch dishes, too.
If you come later in the day, the restaurant also offers a vibrant happy hour (4-6 PM on Tuesday – Friday), with unbeatable deals on beers, wines, and bubbles at the bar.
What to eat?
The signature Wok Out Bowl is a surefire choice to delight anyone’s taste buds. The restaurant also pitches its “Very Special Entrees”, and I assure you that their Mama B’s chicken parm, 10-ounce chimichurri steak, and Chicken Paillard are all worth the hype.
Add hand-cut sweet potato fries, Knife And Fork Cobb, and The #1 Tuna Salad to your order for a heartier lunch.
Location: 2021 McKinney Ave #190, Dallas, TX 75201
Website: https://www.docbsrestaurant.com/
Phone: (469) 998-2330
26. Sachet
In their menu, Sachet blends multiple cultures on the entire Mediterranean Coast, such as Turkey, Greece, Lebanon, Spain, and Italy. The restaurant is known for its huge focus on vegetables to draw more health-conscious diners and small plates so people can share and taste more!
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Not just the food menu, Sachet’s has a solid wine list that carries flavors from Texas, Lebanon, and Spain. The cocktails are also Mediterranean Coast-inspired, which means diners can choose the perfect match for their plates.
What to eat?
What always impresses diners is their Yellow Beets, red beet hummus served with labneh (strained yogurt) and oregano. Small plates such as pita, octopus, and Crudite (herb labneh, warm pita, and muhammara) are also worth every scent.
You shouldn’t miss out on Sachet’s sandwiches. Whether you try the Sabich, porchetta spiced pork shoulder, or falafel, it always makes for a satisfying lunch.
Location: 4270 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Website: https://www.sachetdallas.com/
Phone: (214) 613-6425
27. Salum Restaurant
Led by chef Abraham Salum, the kitchen at Salum Restaurant dishes out some impressive seasonal New American fares.
Why should you visit this restaurant?
Tucked in a strip mall (in the middle of the West Village and Knox – Henderson areas), Salum’s quiet and intimate ambiance is a perfect setting for a nice midday meal.
The dining space is a harmonious blend of beige, green, and brown, creating an air of casualty and elegance at the same time. The open kitchen concept also allows guests to look at how their dishes are prepared.
Recognized as a trendsetter in the Dallas culinary scene, Salum has a constantly updated menu each month. This means that guests can taste the very best of the season. Salum also offers gluten-free buns and vegan-friendly Beyond meat for their burgers.
What to eat?
One of the excellent dishes for lunch is the Classic Coq Au Vin – chicken breast in the killer red wine marinade. Beer battered fish and chips, mussels main, and mussel appetizer are all to die for. Yet, you can customize your lunch by building your own burger from a variety of toppings on offer.
Location: 4152 Cole Ave # 103, Dallas, TX 75204
Website: https://www.salumrestaurant.com/
Phone: (214) 252-9604
Save This Guide To Dallas Top Lunch Spots!
Whether you’re an avid foodie or just looking for a leisurely, tasty midday meal, there’s no shortage of great restaurants you can turn to! Get your midday fix at top burger shops, fast and casual bistros, and trusty Mexican eateries!
Dallas is home to some of the best lunch spots in the country, so I believe you might have more fantastic options than this list has yet to cover! Feel free to comment below so I can add more to this list! Lastly, please give this article a thumbs up and share it with your folks!
