The Best Destination Restaurants in Downtown Dallas

For some people, heading into Downtown Dallas is an occasion reserved for special moments. For others, Downtown is a part of their everyday lives. No matter which category you fall into, there’s a good chance that you’re looking for a restaurant in the heart of the city to enjoy while you’re in the area. These are some of the best ones Downtown Dallas has to offer.

CBD Provisions

Website: cbdprovisions.com

Address: 1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

If you’re going to order a cheeseburger, you may as well go all out and order a gourmet one made by some professional chefs. At CBD Provisions, they have both professional chefs and trained mixologists on their staff - so the drinks are just as good as the food.

Located in Dallas’ Business District, CBD is the perfect place for you to grab a bite to eat at the end of a long day at work, or even to bring potential business partners to for a lunchtime meeting.

Don’t forget to pair your burgers with some of their delicious, fresh-cut fries. Just be sure to keep some napkins on hand to catch any stray drips!

“The bartenders are all mixologists. I am a tequila drinker so prefer to drink it neat and sip. This is the one place that I will say "surprise me" and am always pleasantly surprised.” - Yelp Review

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Cafe Momentum

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Website: cafemomentum.org

Address: 1510 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

What’s better than a restaurant that’s home to some of the best chefs in all of Dallas? A restaurant that’s home to some of the best chefs in all of Dallas, which also has a pretty amazing mission behind its operation.

Cafe Momentum makes some of the most delicious meals you can find in downtown Dallas, and they do so while running a community outreach program that’s geared towards helping young men and women who’ve recently been released from juvenile facilities to adapt to their new and better lives.

In a 12-month program, Cafe Momentum hires on recently released people to work in rotating roles around the restaurant where they can learn about all of the inner-workings of the restaurant business - including working alongside the chefs! And they pay them all the way through the program!

“An amazing meal with outstanding service that was even better because of the phenomenal mission. This is a must go to spot and I will definitely be back every time I'm in Dallas.” - Yelp Review

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Frankie’s Downtown

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Website: frankiesbar.com

Address: 1303 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202

Neighborhood: Downtown

Are you someone who frequently likes to attend games in the city - be they football, baseball, basketball, hockey, or soccer (Dallas has them all!) - and always starving for a bite to eat afterwards?

Frankie’s Downtown is the perfect place for you to swing by both after catching a live game  or even to hang out there while one of those games plays on their screens if you weren’t able to get some tickets.

Enjoy a beer or two while you chat with sports fans just like you, and be sure to chow down on a burger or some wings at the same time. They even have homemade pizzas if you’ve got an especially big appetite.

“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I went with a group of friends for happy hour and was blown away by the incredible and attentive service, and the awesome food and drinks.” - Yelp Review

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Cafe Izmir

Website: cafeizmir.com

Address: 211 N Ervay St, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Texas might be well-known for its bar-b-que and meat-heavy staples, but that doesn’t mean it’s all Dallas has to offer. In the same way, Texas might love to celebrate America, but that doesn’t mean Dallas would deny a cultural smorgasbord of restaurants from taking root.

Cafe Izmir might not be something you’d expect to find popping up in downtown Dallas, but it’s there and it’s there to stay! Offering up a wide selection of Mediterranean fare, this is your chance to travel abroad without actually having to step foot out of your own city.

Enjoy homemade falafel, hummus, and even some kabobs if you don't want to stray too far from your meat-loving comfort zone. The best thing about Mediterranean food, though, is that it offers up plenty of vegetarian options, so if you’re not a huge meat fan, this is actually the perfect place for you to dine.

“Cafe Izmir makes insanely fresh and addict-able food. I've been hooked on the hummus and Russian chicken salad for the better part of two decades. I've had most of the things on the menu and they are equally fantastic.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Cafe Izmir >

Rex’s Seafood and Market

Website: rexsseafood.com

Address: 920 S Harwood St, Ste 150, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Who ever said that being landlocked means you can’t find good seafood? At Rex’s Seafood and Market, they don’t just offer up some of the tastiest seafood you’ll find in Dallas - they also offer a culturally diverse selection of seafood for you to choose from.

All of their seafood is as fresh as they can possibly get it, imported directly from the fishing boats that catch seafood around the world. Rex’s can cook you up anything from sashimi ahi tuna to Scottish salmon to Chilean sea bass.

And if you like what they cook up for you, you can also grab some of that fish from their market on your way out so you can cook some up for yourself.

“Great seafood and nice casual family friendly atmosphere. My husband and I shared a lobster roll since we had never had one and it was awesome! My husband talked about it for days!” - Yelp Review

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Green Door Public House

Website: greendoordallas.com

Address: 600 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Looking for a new regular downtown spot to drag your friends to when you need to blow off some steam after a long week (or even a long day) at work? Green Door Public House, located just a few blocks away from Dallas’ Farmers Market is the perfect blend of casual and delicious.

With a come-as-you-are vibe that will have you feeling like you fit in with anyone there from the moment you walk through their front doors, you may not even need to bring your friends with you. Or maybe you’ll want to, just so that when you inevitably widen your circle of friends you can all hang out together.

Being located so close to the Farmers Market has its perks too. When their ingredients are in season, the owners at Green Door Public House will frequently run out the Farmers Market to support the local farmers as they make your meals.

“This place is the epitome of what a pub should be. Peculiar guests at the bar, mixed with great food, and LOTS of energy. Whether you're day-drinking or just need to relax.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa to Green Door Public House >

Chop House Burger

Website: chophouseburger.com

Address: 1501 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Neighborhood: Downtown

Burgers are meant to be enjoyed with all of the fixings - and if those fixings are fresh, locally-sourced produce, well, that’s even better! Chop House Burger’s origin actually came about at a different Dallas burger joint.

The first Chop House Burger was actually just its own individual item featured on the original Dallas Chop House’s menu. That gourmet burger became so popular amongst the Dallas public that it eventually warranted a restaurant all its own. 

Now, you can get these delicious handcrafted burgers in the form for an angus patty topped with the freshest produce they can find and all of that piled onto an artisan bun. Don’t forget the fries!

“I love CHB! Everything is always so fresh and delicious. Their truffle sauce is amazing and makes everything taste even better (ask for a side in which to dip your fries)!” - Yelp Review

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Whether you’re making a special trip downtown to enjoy everything that the area has to offer or you’re in the area frequently and just looking for a new place to regularly dig your heels into when you’re hungry, these are some of the best restaurants in Downtown Dallas. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments down below!

8. Ellen’s

Southern-Style cuisine featuring all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner

1790 N Record St | Dallas | ellens.com

All-day breakfast fans rejoice! Ellen's serves simple, southern-style favorites all day long. Pancakes for dinner and burgers for breakfast? It doesn’t matter at this location because the menu is your oyster. Their all day breakfasts are made using fresh ingredients that are locally sourced when possible and delivered right to their restaurant. 

They have two menus -- all day breakfast and all day lunch and dinner! They offer traditional, signature, and Mexican breakfast as well as a number of benedicts and an a la carte selection to ensure you’re getting all your favorites! All day lunch and dinner serves up everything you would expect -- burgers and sandwiches, soups and salads, entrees, and even a big bowl of mac and cheese to satisfy your inner kid at heart!

“I stop by Ellen's every time I visit Dallas. The food is delicious, the staff are friendly and the prices are great. I always have the egg breakfast and a mimosa before heading out to the airport to fly back home to L.A.” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa for Ellens

9. Partenope Ristorante

Modern Italian restaurant serving Neapolitan-style pizza, pasta, paninis, and cocktails

1903 Main St | Dallas | partenopedallas.com

Calling all Italian lovers! Partenope Ristorante started in Southern Italy when head chef and owner, Dino Santonicola was inspired to open the first authentic Southern Italian restaurant in Dallas. When visitors dine at his restaurant, they are family and not just customers! 

The menu is made up of appetizers, neapolitan style pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Dinner can be finished with an offering from the dessert menu -- tiramisu, limoncello panna cotta, or a canoli. Don’t forget to sample wine by the glass or a craft beer. If your love for Italian food extends beyond eating -- pizza making classes are available if you want to make your own Southern style pizza!

“Great spot for some authentic Italian food! The pizzas here are all about 12 inches, so we ordered the Margherita and accompanied it with the sweet potato gnocchi. Both were prepared beautifully and were hands down delectable!” - Yelp Review

10. Tei-An

Modern, Zen atmosphere featuring Japanese cuisine

1722 Routh St #110 | Dallas | tei-an.com

A taste of Tokyo is at your fingertips when you eat at Tei-An. Specifically, they specialize in serving soba noodles -- hot or cold. Owner Teiichi Sakurai was born and raised in Tokyo where he grew an immense appreciation for sushi and Japanese cuisine. In 1995, he moved to Dallas and opened Teppo Yakitori and Sushi Bar at a time when eating raw fish was new and unthinkable to many Americans. 

Many years passed in which he wanted to open another restaurant dedicated to serving authentic soba noodles. He spent an additional two years mastering the art of Japanese soba culture. Then finally, he was able to open Tei-An that serves traditional soba noodles in a modern, tranquil setting. 

“Outstanding amongst other Japanese café in Dallas. They highlight soba noodles that are made in house, yet additionally have an expansive assortment of good dishes. Fish flies in day by day from Japan and their sashimi is incredible!” - Yelp Review 

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11. The Woolworth

Upscale menu serving craft made cocktails, shareables, and entrees

1520 Elm St #201 | Dallas | thewoolworthdallas.com

The Woolworth is a chef driven restaurant serving scratch made food. The goal is to create interesting and innovative dishes shared with hungry diners. Whether it’s zoodles, lobster fondue, or southern fried chicken, their dishes won’t disappoint. 

You can choose from shareable plates, handhelds, greens, mains, and unique eats. You can go from simple classics to innovative dishes all in the same meal! They also serve brunch, desserts, and offer a happy hour to display their craft cocktails and premium liquors. 

“Such a great time with excellent servers, the bartender was creative and fun. Enjoyed the atmosphere on the patio with a summer breeze and view. Food portions were generous and yummy. I had fish tacos and zoodles with shrimp.” - Yelp Review

12. 3 Eleven Kitchen and Cocktails

Chef created menu serving scratch made cuisine and craft cocktails

311 N Market St #100 | Dallas | 3elevendallas.com

With an emphasis on serving scratch made food from farm to table, guests will be delighted with this American fare. Their food is homemade with a vintage twist. While the food might have a vintage feel, the atmosphere is modern and is a nod to the revival of the West End Historic District in Downtown Dallas. 

Choose from a three course meal, or select from the menu. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner. Bowls, flatbreads, seafood, Texas steaks, chicken, french toast, and omelettes all have a spot on one of these three menus. No matter the time of day, or the food you’re in the mood for -- 3 Eleven Kitchen has your back!

“Highly recommend!! I had a spicy margarita to start and it was amazing! I had the grilled chicken sandwich, the chipotle Mayo gave it a nice kick in flavor. Some of my friends had the chicken and waffles and said it was amazing!” - Yelp Review

Whether you’re making a special trip downtown to enjoy everything that the area has to offer or you’re in the area frequently and just looking for a new place to regularly dig your heels into when you’re hungry, these are some of the best restaurants in Downtown Dallas. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments down below!