9 Restaurants in North Dallas That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

In a bustling city like Dallas, you can never run out of things to do. If you haven’t traveled to the northern part of the city in a while, this is your sign to do so! From Klyde Warren Park to Reunion Tower, there are a plethora of great sites and attractions to check out. While you’re there, make sure you check out the area’s thriving restaurant scene. You’re definitely going to get hungry during your visit. So why not visit one of the 9 top-rated restaurants in North Dallas we featured below? Check them out now!

Going out to eat is always a blast. But it can get pretty expensive. If you have a friend or family member who loves dining out but is also trying to take it easy on their bank account, send them a little GiftYa card as a surprise! GiftYa offers hundreds of e-cards for restaurants and bars around Dallas. Within seconds, you can send a virtual GiftYa card right to your friend’s phone! If you want to add a personal touch to the gift, you can send out a custom message before sending it over. It’s that easy!

1. Cadot Restaurant

French restaurant that skillfully blends inventive cuisine with casual fine dining

18111 Preston Rd, Ste 120 | North Dallas | cadotrestaurant.com

Nestled inside a quaint strip mall, Cadot Restaurant is a true diamond in the rough. So don’t underestimate this fine restaurant because of the location. Cadot serves some of the best French food in Dallas. 

Founder Jean-Marie Cadot, a Paris native, shows off his skills acquired from formal culinary training in France to the table through his fresh and inventive plates. Everything from the Flat Iron Steak to the Sea Scallops and Shrimp Linguine is cooked to perfection. Not only will the dishes delight your taste buds, but they will also please your eyes with their carefully arranged plating. If you want to experience a true French dining experience, you need to reserve a table at Cadot Restaurant for your next lunch or dinner. 

“When you think of Texas, you think BBQ. Well, think again because Texas has some surprisingly exquisite French food as well and Cadot tops the list! Don't be fooled by their location. They are in a strip mall but this is 5-star dining without the high prices.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Cadot Restaurant.

2. Maguire's Restaurant

Charming neighborhood restaurant that is known for its casual gourmet ideals

17552 Dallas Pkwy | North Dallas | maguiresdallas.com

Maguire’s Restaurant prides itself on providing casual gourmet dishes that cater to a wide variety of appetites and tastes. If you’re someone with an adventurous palate, this restaurant is for you. That’s not to say that Maguire’s menu is completely out of this world or incompatible with conservative tastes. But many of the items offer a fun twist on traditional dishes. 

The all-day menu includes several sections, including starters, salads, sandwiches, and meals from the grill. To finish off your meal, we recommend ordering some dessert. The Chocolate Lava Cake and Passionfruit Ice Cream Pie are usually a hit among guests. 

“My daughter and I both enjoyed our meals, I had the filet and was very happy with how it was cooked and the delicious sauce it was accompanied with. It came with mashed potatoes and asparagus which were both delicious. Maguires never disappoints. Thank you for another fabulous dining experience.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Maguire's Restaurant.

3. Roman Cucina

Stylish Italian restaurant in North Dallas serving up hearty dishes at low prices

7989 Belt Line Rd, Ste 315 | North Dallas | romancucina.com

Since 2001, Roman Cucina has served thousands of happy families in North Dallas. Many of them are looking for hearty Italian dishes sold at reasonable prices. Inside the restaurant’s casual and relaxed atmosphere, guests can unwind and enjoy each other’s company while dining on some of the best Italian food in North Dallas. 

This family-run restaurant sources much of its inspiration from the old-world home-cooked Italian comfort food made by the family’s grandmother. On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of appetizers, salads, soups, pasta, subs, and lasagna. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. Bringing the kids? Roman Cucina offers a special kids menu just for them. 

“The food, the atmosphere, the staff...all amazing. We went for my dad's birthday dinner and worried about my uncle being able to come (accessibility issues). But the owner reached out and made sure our group would fit comfortably. And it's not easy to get a group of 12+ to all enjoy one place, but everyone had a great time and really enjoyed the place.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Roman Cucina.

4. The Mercury

Upscale New American dishes served inside a hip, modern space

11909 Preston Rd, Suite 1418 | North Dallas | themercurydallas.com

Looking for a new date night spot? Try The Mercury. This chic restaurant offers a sophisticated culinary experience for guests inside a casual dining setting. For decades, Executive Chef Chris Ward has wowed visitors at The Mercury with his inventive, mouthwatering dishes. 

The menu features a unique assortment of dishes, including burgers, sushi, tacos, steak tartare, and more. A full drink menu including wine, sake, and cocktails is also available. You’ll even find some after-dinner cocktails on the dessert menu! Speaking of dessert, we recommend sharing some Cheesecake Eggrolls to help finish off your dinner. 

“I have been going to The Mercury for the past 10 years on and off and still is one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas. It is so hard to decide what to order because EVERYTHING is delicious. Consistent high-quality ingredients and preparation.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Mercury.

5. Street’s Fine Chicken

Modern kitchen specializing in brined and fried chicken plates

3857 Cedar Springs Rd | Oak Lawn | streetsfinechicken.com

Street’s Fine Chicken is the ultimate destination for people who love their poultry dishes. Brined and fried birds are the main attraction at this chic, modern eatery in the Oak Lawn neighborhood. You’ll find chicken in all sorts of dishes and entrees here. From the Chicken Lollipops to the Buttermilk Chicken Fried Steak to the Jumbo Tenders, every dish on the menu is made to please.   

Street’s Fine Chicken is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch. A bar menu featuring cocktails, wine, and beer is also available for guests during these hours. Whenever you come, you are sure to have a delicious and unforgettable meal. 

“I had the chicken-fried chicken with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. The mac was delicious! Just the right amount of cheese and a little crunch without being too creamy or heavy. The chicken was perfectly battered and juicy inside with a crisp coating.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Street’s Fine Chicken.

6. Ziziki’s

Local, family-owned Greek restaurant known for its fresh and modern plates

4514 Travis St, Ste 122 | Uptown Dallas | zizikis.com

Tired of visiting the same chain restaurant every time you go out? Change things up by dining at Ziziki’s instead! This local, family-owned Greek restaurant is dedicated to serving high-quality food using only the freshest ingredients available. 

Providing healthy food is also a top priority for Ziziki’s. All of the dishes are grilled and never fried. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. In addition to its regular lunch, brunch, and dinner menus, Ziziki’s also offered a seasonal menu. For the fall, Ziziki’s is serving up savory dishes like the Mushroom Fettuccine and Chilean Seabass. Yum! 

“Amazing food, best Greek I've had!! Brunch is always good, but the dinner portions are huge, bursting with flavor, and the drinks were very good! That patio is a very nice place, too! We loved it.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ziziki’s.

7. Royal China Restaurant

Family-style Chinese restaurant known for its hand-pulled noodles and housemade dumplings

6025 Royal Ln, Ste 201 | North Dallas | royalchinadallas.com

When people think of Dallas’s culinary scene, they usually envision hearty Tex-Mex dishes and heaps of soul food. However, you can also find a nice selection of Chinese restaurants here. Royal China Restaurant is one of them. Located on Royal Lane, Royal China Restaurant offers a heap of delicious Chinese meals like the Dong-Po Pork Belly and Thin Dan-Dan Mian. 

If you love noodles, Royal China is definitely the spot for you. Dozens of delicious handmade noodle dishes can be found on the restaurant’s extensive menu. While Royal China offers a wide selection of meat dishes, the restaurant also has plenty of vegetarian dishes for your friends who are meat-free. There’s definitely something for everyone here. 

“This place has the best dumplings I have ever had. Their variety is insane and they come with so many different garnishes and sauces. There is a wonderful spicy dumpling with chili vinegar and for a first-timer, I'd highly recommend a sampler plate to get a little taste of everything.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Royal China Restaurant.

8. Rex’s Seafood and Market

Popular seafood restaurant at the Dallas Farmers Market that always serves up the freshest catch

6713 W Northwest Hwy | North Dallas | rexsseafood.com

Dallas may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice seafood dish in this wonderful city. In fact, Rex’s Seafood and Market serves up some of the best seafood plates around. 

Originally opened as a seafood market that flew in products from all around the world, Rex’s Seafood has since grown into one of the best seafood restaurants in Dallas. Some of our favorite menu items include the Gulf Crab Caprese, Shrimp Pasta, and Sashimi Grade AAA Ahi Tuna. Bringing along the kids? Perfect! Rex’s offers a special kids menu containing classic favorites like chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, and fish and chips. 

“Rex is consistently tasty and a big favorite with North Dallas residents. The seafood is fresh, the sides are delicious, and the service is excellent. I highly recommend the salmon and mac & cheese. They also have a great kids menu so it pleases everyone.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Rex’s Seafood and Market.

9. Tupinamba Cafe

Authentic Tex-Mex cuisine served inside a cozy, rustic dining room

9665 N Central Expy, Ste 142 | North Dallas | tupinambacafe.com

We would be remiss to not include a Tex-Mex spot on the list. If you’re looking for a top-tier Tex-Mex restaurant in North Dallas, Tupinamba Cafe is it. As the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the city, Tupinamba Cafe is a true staple in the area. For years, locals have flocked to the restaurant to get their Tex-Mex fill. 

The menu includes a variety of hearty Tex-Mex dishes including enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and more. If you have enough room for dessert, we recommend trying some sopapillas or the flan. Yum!

“We have never had to wait over 10 minutes for our food. The food is always hot and absolutely delicious. My husband always gets the chicken enchiladas and my daughter get the steak quesadillas. They both say each is the best they've eaten. Service is on point as well.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Tupinamba Cafe.

Planning a night out on the town? Whether you’re organizing a special date or a casual get-together with friends, you can easily find a fun restaurant or bar in North Dallas! 

Is there a restaurant in North Dallas you love that we didn’t include on the list? Let us know in the comment section below!