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.

Steakhouse News

High-profile Palladino's Steak & Seafood heads to Preston-Royal Dallas

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Filet Mignon will be on the menu.

A high-profile new steakhouse is coming to North Dallas: Palladino’s Steak & Seafood, an eponymous concept from Dallas restaurateur Joseph Palladino, will open at 5959 Royal Ln., in the former Spec's space.

Palladino is the larger-than-life ex-NYPD police officer-turned-restaurateur known for concepts such as Nick & Sam's Steakhouse and the Coal Vines pizza chain.

Palladino's Steak & Seafood is a newly created concept, which will combine steakhouse, Italian dishes, and seafood, particularly sushi. The first location is already penciled in for New York, opening in the former Michael Jordan Steakhouse at Grand Central Terminal, which closed in 2018.

The New York location is being designed by the international design firm Rockwell Group and according to a spokesperson, is slated to open in early summer. The Dallas spinoff will open in winter 2025.

Palladino first landed on the Dallas restaurant scene in 1998 to partner up with the equally larger-than-life restaurateur Phil Romano, and went on to have a hand in the creation of Nick & Sam’s, the swanky steakhouse on Maple Avenue (now run by Sam Romano, son of co-founder Phil Romano), Nick & Sam's Grill, Dos Jefes, and more. He created Coal Vines as an homage to the casual neighborhood restaurants reminiscent of his upbringing in New York.

Joseph Palladino and Troy Aikman Joseph Palladino and one of his many celebrity pals, Troy Aikman.Instagram

Palladino was approached by Preston Royal's landlords to open a restaurant at the center. Given his local following and celebrity draw, as well as the large local appetite for steakhouses, Dallas made sense as a second location, particularly at the highly desirable intersection of Preston and Royal.

On the culinary side, Palladino is partnered with veteran chef Sam Hazen, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America as well as an instructor there. His star-studded resume includes La Côte Basque, the Quilted Giraffe, Quatorze, Michelin three-star Le Gavroche, Terrace in the Sky, Cascabel, and Tavern on the Green. He was most recently at Tao, the glitzy Asian concept from Tao Hospitality, where he worked for a decade, giving him sushi expertise.

Palladino is busy getting the New York location open first, and the menu has yet to be revealed.

"But it'll have high-quality steaks and seafood, along with some of my trademark specials and Italian dishes," Palladino says.

However, Hazen previewed a dish on Linked In, consisting of a slice of toast with a cut-out center of pate, with accompaniments that included cornichons and mustard — like a pate version of the classic "egg in a hole."

The hospitality will match the cuisine and ambience. “I intend to bring a very special steakhouse to the city, one that the locals can embrace," Palladino says. "They’re going to receive a good experience — that’s important to me.”

"Pate in a hole" dish shared by Palladino's chef Sam Hazen.Sam Hazen

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