12 gorgeous Dallas restaurants that will blow you away

At local celebrity chef Dean Fearing’s namesake restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton, every design detail is carefully considered. The vibe is swanky Southwestern and achieved with onyx art frames, a chandelier with tangled steel antlers, and a copper-hooded open kitchen. Choose from three dining rooms for your surf-and-turf feast (don’t miss the famous tortilla soup), plus a glamorous bar and an outdoor patio with sweet city views.

Whatever designer Ken Fulk touches turns to gold, and this Dallas hotspot—an Italian American import from NYC—is no exception. From the neon sign out front to the granite in the bathroom to the golden booths carved right into the wall, Carbone drips with mid-century Venetian glam. A 1950s-flavored playlist matches the retro digs, and when the weather permits, there’s a sceney terrace with a red carpet, rattan chairs, and jewel-toned banquettes. Don’t skip the world-famous meatballs.

At this sexy steakhouse, you won’t be able to take your eyes off the 16-foot horse, made from over 4,075 crystal beads. That shiny statement piece is most definitely the main event at Trick Rider, but its cowgirl-chic setting also includes a giant horseshoe-shaped bar, walls adorned with vintage rodeo photos, and a ceiling mural of the Texas sky. Take in the opulent backdrop at the bar over oysters and a martini, or go all out with a Wagyu strip feast in the dining room.

There’s a reason this icon thrives in over 50 locations around the world. OK, that reason is world-class sushi, but Nobu Dallas is also downright beautiful. From the clustered lanterns to the steel-paneled columns etched with cherry blossoms, this Japanese Peruvian hideaway drips with elegance. Dishes are presented just as thoughtfully: The crispy rice and tuna appetizer is served with tiny spoons that recall caviar service, and the cappuccino dessert is topped with a miso brûlée.

Whether you’re a local or tourist, you should check out this steak-and-seafood destination for 360-degree Dallas views. Crown Block is set inside the iconic twinkling ball at Reunion Tower and wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows. But it’s not only about the view, thanks to sumptuous decor that also includes unique made-in-Texas art, a sprawling wine-display wall, and an open dessert station.

If you want to see Dallas at its prettiest, head up to the 50th floor of The National skyscraper and grab a seat in this sultry sushi and sake lounge. Velvet banquettes and colorful throw rugs complement the bird’s-eye view of downtown. Once you’ve had enough of your scenic surroundings, shift your attention to the menu, full of creative spins on rolls, like the truffle-topped King crab. Even diners who know their way around a sake menu will be impressed by Kessaku’s extensive selection.

This award-winning northern Mexican restaurant wows with jewel-toned furniture, Day of the Dead imagery, and one spectacular tequila display wall. It also carries an air of exclusivity, underscored by its members-only cigar lounge and private dining room displaying Oaxacan art. Expect elevated Mexican street food featuring elote mixed with lobster, bone-marrow tacos, and a show-stopping margarita sprinkled with citrus gold salt.

Ascend a curved staircase from RH’s furniture display room, and you’ll step into the lush garden oasis that is RH Rooftop Restaurant. Heritage olive trees stretch up to the skylight, shrubbery lines the banquettes, and fountains and chandeliers fuel one of the most lavish indoor-outdoor atmospheres in town. The menu is just as ritzy, featuring artisanal prosciutto platters, perfectly charred ribeye steaks, and a knockout lobster roll—hard to find in Dallas.

Dragonfly at the award-winning Hotel ZaZa leans into maximalist decor like clustered drop lights, a mirrored bar, and funky artwork, which includes a wall papered with faces. But you might be here for a coveted outdoor seat with views of the hotel pool, marble fountain, and greenery. The snacky menu is as eclectic as the setting, featuring lamb lollipops with pistachio-mint pesto and a spicy crispy chicken sandwich on a grilled brioche bun.

Minimalist furniture, tamboured wood walls, and whimsical Instagrammable touches—like an oversized swing and a neon “you are welcome” sign—distinguish this Virgin Hotels restaurant. Even the ingredients are pretty here: Decor includes a charcuterie case lined with housemade pâtés and fermented vegetables; an on-site garden supplies garnishes and produce in the French-meets-Texan dishes like a Comté cheese tartlet with wild herb salad and day boat fish with asparagus and garden peas.

This French restaurant is celebration central. For starters, it’s housed in an estate-turned-hotel with grand pillars, intricate crown molding, and white marble. But its restaurant is the property’s undeniable crown jewel: The main dining area is set under a dramatic arched passageway featuring a stained-glass wall and another with sweeping terrace-facing windows. Its seven-course tasting menu, complete with wine pairings, was made for special occasions.

Take a trip to the Italian Riviera at this transportive restaurant, which features ocean-inspired blue and white interiors, hardwood floors, and dainty drop lights. Dolce Riviera’s MVP is a spacious patio with spectacular faux lemon trees that form a canopy, plus a retractable roof. Naturally, the menu is a tribute to the Amalfi Coast and filled with housemade pastas like paccheri with rock shrimp and Calabrian chile and a can’t-miss gnocchi with black truffle cream.