Two Dallas steakhouses have been honored in a new global ranking of the 101 Best Steakhouses in the World: Nuri Steakhouse and Knife.
The ranking, by London-based company Upper Cut Media House, is based on incognito reviews of each restaurant by so-called "Steak Ambassadors" who have industry backgrounds as chefs, food journalists, or "certified meat- and Wagyu masters."
The two Dallas entries join 17 others in the U.S. that made the cut. According to the list, the No. 1 best steakhouse in the world is Don Julio Parrilla in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Steakhouses were evaluated based on the quality and variety of its meat offerings, and additional factors such as wine list, staff service, online presence, interior design, and ambiance. The list emphasizes that each steakhouse was not evaluated on a "pay-for-play" basis to keep reviews objective.
Knife Steakhouse ranked No. 47 on the list, with the publication praising acclaimed chef John Tesar's expertise and dry-aging practices.
"In the heart of Dallas, Knife by Chef John Tesar has long stood as a bold reimagining of the American steakhouse—a place where dry-aged beef, culinary precision and Texan swagger converge to create one of the most compelling meat-centric experiences in Texas," the review says.
Steak at Knife in Dallas.
Photo courtesy of Knife
Prime Texan and Akuashi beef cuts are dry aged for up to 140 days to develop their signature taste and "velvet-like textures rarely found outside of Europe," and the curated wine list provides numerous options for pairing a deep red vintage with such boldly flavored steaks.
Guests who want to visit the Dallas location will have to make their reservations soon before it shutters at The Highland Dallas hotel at the end of August. (Fortunately, there is also a second Knife located in Plano which opened at the Shops at Willow Bend in 2018.)
Nuri Steakhouse debuted at No. 84 on the list after being open open for less than a year, after more than two years in the works.
Executive chef Mario Hernandez and culinary director Minji Kim source Nuri's steaks from local Texas farms like 44 Farms, and Blue Branch Ranch in Oklahoma. Other high quality cuts like as Wagyu steaks are imported from Australia and Japan.
"The restaurant employs a Jade broiler that reaches temperatures up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing for a perfect sear and caramelization, particularly on their Korean-marinated short ribs," the review says.
Nuri's elegant design was two years in the making.Photo courtesy of Nuri
Other Asian-inspired details that make Nuri stand out include its array of traditional Korean condiments and banchan (small side dishes), the review adds.
Nuri owner Wan Kim expressed his appreciation for the honor in a release.
"We are immensely grateful to our dedicated team and to the guests who have supported us from day one. This milestone is only the beginning," he said.
The only other Texas steakhouse to make the list was Jeffrey's in Austin, which ranked No. 52.
