Apps Outdoors

These 5 standout Dallas restaurant patios invite you to feast al fresco

There’s no better time to be outside in Dallas than spring, and no better place to dine al fresco than The Plaza at Preston Center.

With one of the city’s best collections of neighborhood patios, The Plaza is where locals go to soak up sunshine, enjoy a breeze, and dig into unforgettable meals. From sleek Italian spots and vibrant Mexican fare to classic American staples and health-forward favorites, every restaurant here offers a patio that’s as inviting as the food is delicious.

Once a patch of gravel roads with a bold vision, The Plaza at Preston Center has become one of Dallas' most beloved destinations for shopping and dining. Built in 1950 by Sam Lobello and his father on leased land from the Caruth family, The Plaza was home to Neiman Marcus’ first branch store and, decades later, welcomed the University Park Public Library.

Now, as it celebrates 75 years, The Plaza continues its legacy with a stellar lineup of locally loved and nationally admired restaurants — many of them boasting some of the best neighborhood patios in the city. Here’s where to grab a seat, order something delicious, and enjoy Dallas dining at its finest.

R+D Kitchen (opened 2007)
Effortlessly stylish and always buzzing, R+D Kitchen serves up elevated classics like sushi rolls, burgers, and rotisserie chicken. Its cozy, covered patio is perfect for people-watching and lingering lunches, wrapped in the warmth of neighborhood charm and a polished, West Coast vibe.

True Food Kitchen The Plaza at Preston Center True Food Kitchen.Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

True Food Kitchen (opened 2013)
Health-conscious but flavor-packed, True Food Kitchen brings anti-inflammatory, seasonal dishes to a spacious and sunny patio lined with greenery. It’s a haven for fresh-pressed juices, hearty bowls, and wellness-forward cocktails — perfect for diners who want feel-good food that actually tastes amazing.

il Bracco (opened 2019)
This modern Italian spot quickly became a hit thanks to its house-made pastas, crudo, and expertly crafted cocktails. With a stylish patio that feels both relaxed and refined, il Bracco at The Plaza was such a success, it sparked expansion to other cities — proof that good design and great food are always in demand.

il Bracco The Plaza at Preston Center il Bracco's patio is well equipped with umbrellas. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Sushi under the sun at R&D Kitchen.

Muchacho (opened 2019)
Bright, bold, and full of flavor, Muchacho blends modern Mexican cuisine with a vibrant yet cozy patio setting. From mezcal margaritas to creative tacos and ceviches, it’s no surprise this spot has grown beyond Dallas. The original location remains a local favorite for al fresco dining with serious flair.

Muchacho The Plaza at Preston Center Muchacho. Photo courtesy of The Plaza at Preston Center

Frenchie (coming soon)
Get ready for Parisian charm in the heart of Dallas. Frenchie, the latest addition to The Plaza’s dining lineup, will offer French-inspired cuisine with a dreamy new patio perfect for long lunches, sunset dinners, or a glass of rosé under the stars. The renderings already promise a magnifique vibe.

Whether you're in the mood for pasta, power bowls, tacos, or timeless American fare, The Plaza at Preston Center has your table waiting — preferably outside, under the Texas sky. Here's to 75 years of flavor, flair, and unforgettable patio moments.

Omakase News

Reservations are open for new omakase restaurant at Statler Dallas

Sauvage

Reservations are open for one of the buzziest new restaurants in Dallas: Called Sauvage, it'll open on August 20 at the Statler Dallas hotel downtown, at 1914 Commerce St. #100.

Sauvage is the new concept from chefs Casey and Amy La Rue, who own La Rue Doughnuts, the artisan doughnut shop at Trinity Groves, and who previously owned Carte Blanche, the award-winning restaurant on Greenville Avenue which closed in 2024.

Sauvage marks their return to fine dining and will follow a similar tasting menu approach that they maintained at Carte Blanche, but with a smaller footprint: just 12 seats, with two seatings per night, and the restaurant will be open only four nights a week, from Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations can be made on tock.

They're calling it a "woodfire omakase." Every course will be done on the wood grill or smoker, with no gas and no fryer.

"The menu will be centered on a wood-fire tasting menu, with 16 to 18 courses cooked on a wood fire and served right to you," Casey says.

The menu is not yet online but they'll continue the focus on wild game they had at Carte Blanche — antelope, elk, venison — plus seafood, vegetable courses, and dessert.

Each course will celebrate wood-fired flavors, whether it's Moroccan antelope sausage with pistachio and fermented harissa, or wild boar burnt ends with sorghum glaze.

The convivial environment will put the diner in the center of the magic, watching as the sizzling meat and game are cut and cooked on the flame and plated — omakase-style.

Amy will do desserts and breads which will occupy 25 percent of the menu. They'll also offer a beverage pairing, although it won't be restricted to wine.

Pricing will be in line with what tasting and omakase places are charging: $245 for dinner, plus $125 for beverage pairing. The restaurant is located two doors to the left of the Statler hotel's front lobby. There is no access from inside the hotel.

Carte Blanche was the first stand-alone restaurant to achieve Forbes Five-Star in Texas for two years in a row, in 2022 and again in 2023. It was also the only Dallas restaurant to earn the prestigious 5-diamond award from AAA.

downtown openings