Iconic Dallas Dishes

10 quintessential dishes all Dallasites must eat before they die

Dallas-Fort Worth has five-star restaurants, legendary chefs and wine lists that have won awards. We're enthusiastic foodies, ready and willing to try new things. We've lapped up fro-yo, canoodled with cupcakes and saddled up for the "better burger" wave.

We've lined up at food trucks, embraced gourmet tacos, chowed banh mi sandwiches and plunked down $3 for gourmet popsicles. We are fully behind craft beer.

But we still have our traditions, the dishes we've loved. They're not always the most upscale; in fact, they're often the opposite: the chocolate bag at Gershwin's, Snuffer's cheese fries, the chili at Tolbert's, the Palm Beach at Highland Park Pharmacy. These are the dishes we've recited to each other through the decades that form our collective culinary history.

For this list, we offer our 2014 update on the quintessential dishes of Dallas. Some have shown staying power, while others have emerged in the past few years as instant classics.

Cowboy ribeye at Stephan Pyles
Southwest cuisine pioneer Stephan Pyles first created this dish for the gone-but-not-forgotten Star Canyon in 1994. "I wanted to create something unabashedly Texan, so I took a bone-in ribeye steak, marinated it in three dried chiles for 24 hours, then grilled it over hickory," he says. The steak comes piled high with fried onion rings dusted with red chile; the accompanying pinto bean and corn stew is "reminiscent of the late 19th-century cattle drives," Pyles says. The cowboy ribeye is as popular as ever, and when Stephan Pyles moves his namesake restaurant down the road, Stampede 66 will inherit it and other Star Canyon favorites.

Tortilla soup at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Frenchman Bruno Davaillon is running the kitchen these days, but the Mansion will always be famous for its tortilla soup. The recipe was devised by former top toque Dean Fearing, at the behest of owner Caroline Rose Hunt, who had a version in San Antonio and urged Fearing to re-create it. His rendition has tomato puree as well as chicken stock, spiced with cumin, chili powder and a hint of cayenne, plus the requisite chicken, avocado, cheese and crisped tortilla strips. Contrary to popular belief, there is no mandate to keep the soup on the menu. People still like it, so it stays, and it's served at lunch and dinner.

Lobster shooters at Abacus
Kent Rathbun is the leader of a mini-restaurant empire that includes several concepts, but Abacus is his flagship, and the lobster shooters, which have been on his menu since it opened in 1999, have become his most famous dish. They are just fried mini dumplings filled with lobster scented with lemon grass and ginger, served in sake cups filled with a red curry-coconut broth. But the gimmick worked, and they are now quintessentially Dallas.

Mushroom soup at The Grape
The ownership of Dallas' oldest wine bar has changed, but one thing remains the same: the mushroom soup. Chefs have tried to change it up, and every time guests ask, "What happened to the soup?" (If you want the recipe, they'll gladly give it to you.) Current chef-owner Brian Luscher — who likes this creamy, comforting elixir with a bit of Sriracha, extra black pepper and lots of crackers — holds no grudges against the soup, even though it's not his. "I embrace the soup," he says. "I wouldn't change a thing." Neither would we.

Brisket at Pecan Lodge
Diane and Justin Fourton just wanted to open a catering business when they left the corporate world. But the barbecue took off, the Food Network and nearly every national food publication took notice, and now Pecan Lodge is one of the most famous restaurants in Dallas. People first lined up at Dallas Farmers Market, and they continue the tradition in Deep Ellum, just to get a taste of that brisket, with its magical mix of bark and fat. Dallas may not be known for barbecue, but it's known for this.

Burger at Maple & Motor
The debate over the best burger in Dallas will never be settled. But it's hard to argue Maple & Motor's national status, thanks to an episode of Diners, Drive-ins & Dives and a showdown on the Steve Harvey show, as well as mentions in local and national pubs. The burgers are a 75-25 chuck-to-brisket ratio, and the buns are buttered and toasted on the same flat top. Get the burger topped with cheese, thick Wright-brand bacon, griddled fresh jalapeños and a side of crisp tater tots. And don't try to sit down before you order. How many times do you have to be warned?

Popovers at The Zodiac
Neiman Marcus has more than 40 stores across the country, but there is only one original, in downtown Dallas. Presiding on the sixth floor since 1953 is The Zodiac, its very fine restaurant and the city's ultimate ladies-who-lunch spot. Graceful and refined, it preserves a kind of hushed, elegant civility that's personified in the complimentary popovers, freshly baked. Crack open the crisp, brown shell, watch the steam rise, add a pat of the accompanying strawberry butter, and all's right with the world.

Italian Stallion at Jimmy's Food Store
Jimmy's brings a slice of New York-style deli authenticity that is otherwise hard to find in Dallas. The Italian Stallion is a classic East Coast-style sub sandwich stacked high with Jimmy's excellent mortadella, capicola, soppressata, pepperoni, porchetta, coppa, prosciutto, mozzarella and provolone, offered in six inches or 12. The fact that the latter is too big for a single sitting only adds to the lore. Eat it there, at a table on the sidewalk, chased with an espresso, just like they do in New York.

The Mitch at Spiral Diner
The stereotype about Texas is that it's all meat all the time. But vegans around the world know they can find a beachhead at Spiral Diner, with branches in both Dallas and Fort Worth. With its Formica-topped booths, Spiral is exactly like a diner, right down to the milkshakes and patty melts. The only difference: no animals at all. The classic dish is The Mitch, a club sandwich with "bak'n," lettuce, tomato and a meaty slice of tofu, served with a side of creamy potato salad.

Soba noodles at Tei-An
One Arts Plaza hasn't been a friendly location for restaurants, but Tei-An has overcome the odds, thanks to the artful creations of chef-owner Teiichi "Teach" Sakurai. His tempura is lacy; his pressed sushi is plump. But it's the soba noodles that stand out. They're made onsite by hand, unique not just in Dallas, but in the country. You can get them many ways, cold or hot, but the prototypical dish is the sampler, with chilled noodles and a quartet of sauces for dipping, ranging from pristine soy to rich, nutty walnut.

Lobster shooters at Abacus have stayed on the menu since 1999.

Lobster shooters at Abacus restaurant in Dallas

Photo courtesy of Abacus

Lobster shooters at Abacus have stayed on the menu since 1999.

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Holiday Dining News

These Dallas restaurants are open on Christmas Day 2025

Lake Lawn

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Dallas restaurants are almost always open and ready to serve, with one exception: Christmas Day, a day that sees most close. But the restaurants on this list are the exception: Dallas restaurants that are open on Christmas Day — a true blessing for diners seeking a festive meal.

Here's all the restaurants across Dallas (and Fort Worth) that are open for dining on Christmas Day: (This list does not include Christmas Eve or Christmas to-go.)

Brio Italian. Italian chain will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with an array of classic comfort dishes, signature Italian cuisine, from savory starters to salads, main courses, to delectable desserts. 11 am-9 pm. Allen 214-884-3920. Southlake 817-310-3136.

Buca de Beppo. Italian restaurant will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with full menu plus three limited-time winter menu specials: pappardelle with Spicy Italian sausage, garlic, & spinach; pappardelle Bolognese with beef ragu, carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes; and pork osso buco in a puttanesca sauce over polenta. Prices a la carte. 11 am-8 pm. 214-361-8462.

Carbone Dallas. Italian restaurant will have a menu of appetizers, pastas, veal, chicken, pork chop, and seafood. Prices a la carte. 4-10 pm. 469-290-6009.

Catch Dallas. Uptown seafood and steakhouse will offer full menu plus holiday specials including $42 toro crudo, 20-oz Texas Wagyu ribeye for $130, and the holiday "Hit Me" cake with candy cane Klondike, white chocolate ice cream, brownie, and chocolate stout cake for $26. 4-9 pm. 214-983-1440.

The Crescent Club. Hotel Crescent Court restaurant will host Christmas brunch with omelet station, benedict station, crepes station, chilaquiles station, hot cocoa station, sushi rolls, lobster tail, crab claws, oysters, charcuterie, salads, salads, holiday sides, Yule log, gingerbread scones, cheesecake, macarons, and more. $150, or $60 for 11 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-871-3200.

Cut & Bourbon. Live! by Loews Arlington restaurant is hosting Christmas dinner with chef Robert Carr's holiday special, beef Wellington with whipped Yukon gold potatoes & glazed root vegetables wine demi-glace, in addition to traditional menu options including crab legs, Prime NY strip, and salmon. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. Prices a la carte. 5 pm-10 pm. 682-277-4950.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle. Christmas feast for four, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter green salad, veal & wagyu meatballs with tomato fondue, 40-oz Wagyu bone-in ribeye, sweet potato casserole with marshmallow & pecan crumble, Brussels sprouts, gingerbread butter cake with apple compote, chocolate mousse cake with peppermint crumble, $395 for four people. Dinner 2-8 pm. Dallas 972-490-9000, Plano 972-312-9115, Fort Worth 817-877-3999.

Del Frisco's Grille. The Holly Jolly Feast for 3-4 people, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter greens, New England clam chowder, 40-oz prime rib roast, green beans, scalloped Yukon gold & sweet potato gratin, red velvet cheesecake with cream cheese frosting, or apple cobbler. $295 for 3-4 people. 12-8 pm. Plano 469-661-8012, Fort Worth 817-887-9900, Southlake 817-410-3777.

Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet. Exceptional family-owned Texas chain will be open for Christmas Day, offering their full Mediterranean buffet for holiday dining, featuring falafel, chicken & rice, hummus, grape leaves, Italian green beans with tomato, eggplant in pomegranate molasses, tabouli, kale Caesar, and more. $24. Served at all seven DFW locations: Allen, Richardson, Plano, Mesquite, Irving, Grapevine, and Fort Worth.

Dolce Riviera. Brunch buffet includes omelet bar, bruschetta bar, carving station, and dessert station. $95, or $35 for 12 and under. All reservations require a $50 deposit. 10 am-4 pm. 469-458-6623.

Eataly — La Pizza & La Pasta. Three-course Italian prix-fixe menu includes roasted beets with whipped ricotta & truffle honey, burrata with Tuscan tomato bread compote, mushroom lasagna, butternut squash gnocchi with black truffle, tagliatelle with Tuscan ragù, lobster linguine, insalata di mare, tagliolini with white truffle, and panettone. Starts at $55. 10:30 am-9 pm. (The market is open from 9 am-9 pm.) 469-759-2800.

Ebb & Flow. Plano restaurant is open with regular menu featuring toasted ravioli, Cubano egg rolls, salmon piccata, and a brown sugar soy-glazed porterhouse pork chop with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. 11 am-2 am. 972-483-2266.

Ellie's Dallas. Three-course prix fixe menu for dinner at Hall Arts Hotel features winter greens salad, chestnut gnocchi, choice of beef picanha or sea bass, and buche de noel sponge cake, plus a la carte selections and festive cocktails. $95. 5-9 pm. 972-629-0924.

Farena. Loews Arlington Hotel restaurant will serve its traditional dinner menu including Margherita pizza, chicken parmesan, Prime 10-oz filet mignon, plus chef Tony France's Christmas special herb-crusted Prime rib. Price a la carte. 5-10 pm. 682-318-2810.

Fearing's. Christmas brunch features seafood raw bar, kale & spinach sesame salad, fruit & berries, bagels & spreads, smoked salmon, and meat carving stations. Note: Only limited seats remain. $165. 11 am-3 pm. 214-922-4848.

Flix Brewhouse. Small theater chain with in-house restaurant and craft beer brewery will host their annual "Flixmas" event, featuring holiday classics including It's a Wonderful Life. They'll serve their full menu as well as a month-long feature called the Kobe Curdmeister; a cocktail tied to Avatar: Fire and Ash called the Ashbreaker; a house-made soda called Pineapple Under the Sea (for SpongeBob: The Search for Square Pants), and a stroopwaffle inspired ale. 11:45 am-10 pm. Frisco 972-850-1300, Mansfield 682-877-8001.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. Both Dallas-area locations of this international chain founded in Japan will be open on Christmas Day, serving a holiday version of their Japanese barbecue with proteins to be grilled at the table plus fun small plates like kimchi, spicy cold tofu, cabbage salad, dumplings, shishito peppers, Japanese karaage fried chicken, spring rolls, calamari, fried cheese wontons, and chicken wings. Price a la carte. 11:30 am-10 pm. Deep Ellum 214-484-2744, Plano 972-704-3450.

Knife Italian. Ritz Carlton-Las Colinas restaurant is hosting a grand buffet inspired by the elegance of New York’s iconic Rainbow Room, with chef stations, live entertainment, and a Champagne and Bloody Mary bar. $159. 11 am-3 pm. 972-717-2420.

Kona Grill. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with special menu including 10-oz prime rib with half lobster tail & Yukon Gold mash; turkey breast with sage stuffing, green beans, & gravy; salmon stuffed with crab & brie; and pumpkin pie 10 am-10 pm. 214-369-7600.

Kyuramen. Japanese ramen spot in Frisco will serve its full menu plus a special "endless ramen" — unlimited noodle refills with any ramen order (dine-in only) — on Christmas Day, part of a limited-time promotion from December 22–28. If you leave any in the bowl, you pay an extra $2. 11 am-10 pm. 469-200-5252.

Le Bilboquet. Prix fixe menu offered on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom soup with black Périgord truffle, escargot in garlic butter, petite filet with spicy shrimp diablo and pommes purée, lobster risotto with Hackleback caviar, halibut with Dungeness crab, and choice of chocolate mousse or lemon tart. $125. 4:15-10 pm. Reservations on Resy.

Lombardi Cucina Italiana. Frisco restaurant will serve regular menu and chef specials including Feast of the Seven Fishes for two, halibut with cacio e pepe risotto, lobster ravioli, beef tenderloin with potato puree, Wagyu tomahawk ribeye, and salt-crusted whole branzino. Prices a la carte. 4-9 pm. 469-200-5677.

Maison Chinoise. Asian restaurant will serve regular menu with signatures like Peking duck plus chef specials including crab dumplings, dan dan noodles, pork belly char-siu puff, wok-seared filet mignon, and Shanghai tiramisu dome. Prices a la carte. 1-9 pm. 469-949-2991.

The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Rosewood Mansion restaurant features three-course prix-fixe dinner with tuna & salmon carpaccio, roasted chestnut velouté, endive celery salad, roasted cauliflower, baked salmon, tenderloin & short rib beef duo, potato puree, winter vegetables, vanilla cremeux, dark-chocolate mousse, or eggnog tiramisu. $165, plus $110 for wine pairing, or $70 for 12 and under. 11 am-7 pm. 214-559-2100.

Monarch. Three-course holiday menu served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day features prosciutto, focaccia with dip, squash caponata, radicchio watercress salad, tuna crudo with blood orange, beef tenderloin with horseradish crema, branzino with fennel confit, whipped potatoes, chestnut agnolotti, Brussels sprouts, orange chocolate cake, and gingerbread cookie. Extras include 45-day dry aged tomahawk ($210), Périgord black truffles ($45), alba white truffles ($80), Island Creek oysters ($24/$48) osetra caviar ($180). $175. 4–9 pm. Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. 214-945-2222.

Montage. JW Marriott Dallas Arts District hotel restaurant is hosting holiday brunch including charcuterie station, rustic breads, oysters, yogurt parfait, avocado toast bites, mini lobster rolls, omelet station, crepe station, Parmesan wheel pasta station, salad bar, carving stations, sweet potato casserole, squash soup, and dessert station. $105, or $45 for 12 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-736-7760.

MiYa Chinese. East Dallas restaurant will be open and serving handmade dumplings, noodles, dim sum, crispy duck, and orange chicken. Prices are a la carte. 1-8 pm. 214-484-1175.

Nobu Dallas. Sushi restaurant will feature a special brunch buffet with an expansive selection of Japanese and Western dishes, sushi, salads, pastries, desserts, and chef stations, and carving station on display. Note, no à la carte menu will be available. $90. 11 am-2:30 pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable. 214-252-7000.

Open Palette. Sheraton Hotel restaurant is offering a prix-fixe Christmas menu featuring choice of either holiday salad or lobster bisque, the pork chop, served with roasted butternut squash, sauteed green beans, and tangy pomegranate sauce. Dessert includes Open Palette’s Black Forest yule log. $65. 4-10 pm. 214-777-6574.

Palato Italian Kitchen and Lounge. Restaurant at Hall Park Hotel in Frisco is open for dinner ballroom with a full menu complemented by chef Eric Sakai’s holiday creations including mushroom tortellini en brodo, winter-spiced roasted lamb rack, pinenut-crusted halibut, and hazelnut pear cake. Reserve here. 5-10 pm. 469-922-2442.

Pyramid. Fairmont Hotel restaurant is hosting Christmas brunch featuring made-to-order omelets, Viennoiseries, avocado toast, lobster roll, smash burger, braised short rib, and smoked prime rib. Prices a la carte. 10 am-3 pm. 214-720-2020.

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. Holiday brunch features pepper-crusted roast beef, pesto chicken, truffle & English pea orzotto, 5-spice sweet potatoes, sesame Brussels sprouts, butternut squash bisque, pear pecan tart, bourbon cherry bread pudding. $45. 10 am-1 pm. 469-925-1800.

Reserve at the Highland. Three-course dinner served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom tart, lobster bisque, winter green & pear salad, maple-glazed duck breast with wild rice pilaf, halibut with parsnip puree, beef Wellington, eggnog creme brulee, or Yule log. $95, plus $5 for wine pairing. 5-9 pm. 214-443-9339.

Sadelle’s. Full regular menu will be available for Christmas, including eggs, caviar, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Prices a la carte. 9 am-6 pm. Highland Park 469-290-6009.

Saint Valentine. Old East Dallas pub will be open with steamed bun boxes by Rainbowcat, the resident pop-up by chef Misti Norris, available in four varieties: sausage, egg, & cheese; black curry; meatloaf & mashed potato; and spiced apple pie. $60 for two, served with sauce and fermented pickles. 5-12 pm.

Saltgrass Steakhouse. Reasonably priced steakhouse chain will be open on Christmas Day with a full menu of Angus beef steaks, seafood, desserts, and plus a featured special: center-cut top sirloin steak with grilled or fried shrimp. All locations in Bedford, The Colony, Denton, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, North Arlington, North Dallas, Plano, and Rockwall.

Sanjh Restaurant & Bar. Indian restaurant is hosting a Christmas buffet with live stations, made-to-order dosas, omelet station, and a roasted counter with turkey and assorted breads, plus desserts, stollen, and a chocolate and candy station. $65, or $32.50 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. 972-239-1800.

SER Steak + Spirits. Holiday specials available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day include oysters Rockefeller, branzino, duck breast with duck confit, Akaushi prime rib, and a Santa's Gift Box dessert trio with dark chocolate gingerbread mousse, orange financier, baileys mascarpone. Regular dining menu also available. 3:30-10 pm. 214-761-7479.

Starship Bagel. Artisanal Dallas bagel chain will be open for Christmas at all three locations — Lewisville, North Dallas, and downtown Dallas. 7 am-1 pm.

Stillwell’s. Hotel Swexan steakhouse will offer a Christmas dinner including regular a la carte menu plus beef Wellington with potato puree, roasted carrots, and truffle bordelaise.classic. $95. 469-405-1911.

STK Steakhouse. Uptown steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular menu plus holiday cocktails and features including turkey dinner with sage stuffing, parmesan-crusted Yukon mashed, sweet potatoes, and cranberry-orange chutney ($64; $29 for 12 and under), or prime rib with confit fingerling potatoes and green beans, $69. 11 am-10 pm. 972-842-9450.

Tantra Modern Indian Bistro. Fine-dining Indian restaurant in McKinney will be open with butter chicken, chili shrimp, kebabs, skewers, fried rice, naan, vegetable curry, and more, plus a full bar with beer, martinis, and margaritas. 11 am-11 pm. 972-363-7727.

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse. AYCE fire-roasted picanha, filet mignon, ribs, lamb, and full salad bar. $66. 11 am-10 pm. 972-779-7012.

Wicked Butcher. Steakhouse is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with an à la carte special menu featuring butternut squash soup, white truffle caesar, seafood tower, steak tartare, duck à l ’orange with orange marmalade & parsnip purée, rigatoni Bolognese, ginger miso Chilean sea bass with basmati rice, rack of lamb, prime rib, dry-aged bone-in filet, corn crème brûlée, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato mash, robuchon mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, gnocchi with black truffle & butternut squash purée, Valrhona chocolate souffle, and chocolate tart. Christmas Day: 11 am-9 pm. Dallas 214-444-7740, Fort Worth 682-231-8214.

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