Tastemaker Awards
Dallas' best restaurant and top chef revealed at 2019 Tastemaker Awards
After weeks of celebrating the best restaurants, bars, chefs, and more in our 2019 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, the winners are in.
We dedicated a special editorial series to honoring nominees in a more than a dozen categories. A panel of expert judges helped select all of the winners, except for Best New Restaurant. That was determined by you, our readers, in a bracket-style tournament.
On April 25, the winners were revealed at an awards ceremony and tasting event at Fashion Industry Gallery, emceed by award-winning chef Dean Fearing.
These are the 2019 Tastemaker Award winners:
DALLAS
Restaurant of the Year: Bullion
Downtown Dallas opus serving classic and contemporary French dishes from Michelin-starred chef Bruno Davaillon.
Chef of the Year: Misti Norris, Petra & the Beast
Norris has enjoyed vast critical acclaim and this award is just the latest.
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Eric Freidline, Sevy's
Well-liked chef de cuisine at Sevy's is the secret weapon at this popular neighborhood restaurant.
Best New Restaurant: Taco Y Vino
Oak Cliff restaurant does a great job demystifying wine, with killer tacos to boot.
Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year: Mot Hai Ba
East Dallas favorite is beloved by locals for its authentic Vietnamese food.
Best Pizza: Zoli's
Italian-American sibling of Cane Rosso has the best crust in town.
Pastry Chef of the Year: Andrea Meyer, Bisous Bisous
Accomplished, creative, and hard-working, she's the queen of macarons in Dallas.
Bar of the Year: Shoals
Deep Ellum spot boasts perfectly mixed drinks, doesn't get better than that.
Bartender of the Year: Chris Unruh, Tiny Victories
This congenial all-star has poured at many establishments around Dallas.
Wine Program of the Year: Al Biernat's
Dallas steakhouse has top-tier service under the guidance of sommelier/wine director Todd Lincicome.
FORT WORTH
Restaurant of the Year: Clay Pigeon
Everything at chef Marcus Paslay's restaurant is made from scratch, and they were ahead of the curve on craft cocktails, too.
Chef of the Year: Juan Rodriguez, Magdalena's
Popular chef has worked at many top Tarrant County spots including the Classic Cafe in Roanoke, Lonesome Dove, and Reata.
Best New Restaurant: Four Sisters
Vietnamese restaurant from chef Tuan Pham, named for his four sisters, is a family affair.
Bar of the Year: Twilite Lounge
New Orleans-themed neighborhood bar featuring live music started out in Deep Ellum.