A once-acclaimed restaurant in Dallas is returning with a new lease on life: Meridian, the restaurant at The Village Dallas complex at 5650 Village Glen Dr., which has been closed since mid-2024, is returning with a new identity, menu, chef, and profile and is set to open in early May.

Meridian was the Brazilian restaurant that opened in Dallas' The Village with a big bang in 2021 — part of an ambitious mixed-use dining and entertainment complex the complex initiated in 2020. It became a platform for popular chef Junior Borges and went on to win accolades such as CultureMap's 2022 award for Best Restaurant in Dallas, and another award in 2023 for Best Chef.

Since then, many of the original concepts have been tweaked or else closed, and Borges departed in 2023. Meridian then temporarily closed in late summer 2024.

According to the release, the new Meridian will celebrate approachability, community, and seasonality — shifting from its previous profile as a fine-dining destination and more towards "refined neighborhood bistro" — still chef-driven, but more relaxed and welcoming in spirit.

The dining room will boast a more laid-back, lived-in energy, while the bar will serve as a casual drop-in spot for cocktails, small bites, and conversation. Thoughtful service, a curated wine list, and a continued commitment to culinary excellence will remain at the core of the experience.

Meridian at The VillageThe Village

In a statement, the Village's VP of Food & Beverage Brandy Spence says the new Meridian will follow what they see as a shift toward a more relaxed, neighborhood-oriented style, with a flexible à la carte menu, shareable dishes, and a bar designed for casual drop-ins and conversation.

“We saw an opportunity to create something that feels more personal and more in tune with everyday life at The Village,” Spence says. “This next chapter of Meridian is about delivering thoughtful food and genuine hospitality in a setting that feels approachable, familiar, and connected to the community around us, and to Dallas as a whole."

Spearheading the transformation will be executive chef Eduardo Osorio, who has worked for The Village since January 2024 and previously worked for Catch Hospitality and the 50 Eggs restaurant group (Yardbird Table & Bar).

"This new version of Meridian is about creating a space people can return to regularly whether for a casual dinner with neighbors or a night out on the town with friends,” Osorio says. “We’re focusing on seasonality, simplicity, and soul without losing the thoughtful approach that’s always been part of the restaurant’s DNA.”