Where to Eat in Dallas Right Now — 10 Must-Try August Restaurants

Editor’s note: Dallas’ restaurant scene is more active than ever, and, even for the most avid foodies, it can be hard to keep up. PaperCity‘s rounded up the latest and greatest in food happenings to determine the new restaurants you absolutely need to check out this month.

These are your must-visit Dallas restaurants for August.

Taco y Vino

The name says it all. This Bishop Arts District newcomer combines the magic of a taqueria, wine bar and wine shop all in one. Wine expert Jimmy Contreras and chef Sharon Van Meter joined forces to create the unique concept. The inexpensive restaurant aims to make wine as approachable and casual as tacos – hence the unusual pairing.

Diners can mix-and-match any three tacos on the menu for less than 10 bucks.

Izkina

Tapas and drinks with decorative floral accents are two things I really love, and Izkina delivers strong on both fronts. The new tapas bar attached to Deep Ellum Hostel is trendy, tasty, and fun. Plan on having a light meal of Spanish-inspired dishes like gambas, grilled baby octopus and pan con tomate.

The food is great, but Izkina is foremost a cocktail space. Enjoy the selection of Spanish wine, cocktails and house-made sangria.

Fine China

If you were a fan of Uchi’s now-defunct sister restaurant, Top Knot, you’ll love this new Asian eatery in The Statler hotel from Top Knot’s head chef. Angela Hernandez has crafted a delectable menu of American-Chinese cuisine, including dim sum, cold dishes, noodles and large dishes.

The fare is best enjoyed family-style among good friends. Fine China does, after all, have the largest communal table in Dallas (a 28 top). Ordering the Cantonese duck, roasted and served with peach hoisin and steamed buns, is a must.

Namo

Brandon Cohanim is on a roll. The 21-year-old SMU student and owner of Pok The Raw Bar is expanding his presence in West Village with a new, Japanese-inspired concept. The new, 20-seat restaurant, Namo, is Dallas’ first hand-roll sushi bar.

The menu rotates seasonally and includes about 12 options, available in orders of three, four, five or six.

Billy Can Can

I didn’t know that Dallas had been wanting for a proper saloon until I stepped foot in Billy Can Can. The rustic-chic restaurant from Tristan Simon’s Rebees has quickly become a hotspot, adding instant foodie cred to the Victory Park neighborhood.

Executive chef Matt Ford (Americano, CBD Provisions, Craft Dallas) draws inspiration from a variety of different cultures and flavors, including Creole, Cajun, Southern, German and early Tex-Mex. The menu consists of unusual comfort food, like Crispy Oyster Sliders on sweet potato rolls, and Hot Fried Quail.

The wide selection of libations and Wild Wild West atmosphere alone make it worth stopping in for a drink.

Tribal All Day Cafe

Dallas-based juice company Tribal has branched out into solid foods with the opening of Tribal All Day Cafe in the Bishop Arts District. The health-conscious hotspot offers Tribal’s beloved juices and juice shots, as well as nutritious meals, snacks, smoothies and coffee.

Imoto

Culinary power couple Tracy and Kent Rathbun have brought Dallas its newest Pan Asian dining option with the opening of Imoto in Victory Park. It’s Kent’s return to the Dallas restaurant scene after leaving Abacus in 2016. Tracy recently opened Lovers Seafood Market and plans to expand Shinsei with a new location.

Their joint venture is a culmination of the pair’s respective careers in the restaurant industry and shared love for Asian cuisine. Aside from the tasty cuisine, Imoto offers quite delicious craft cocktails.

Zaap Kitchen

Lao and Thai street eats have hit Greenville Avenue thanks to Zaap Kitchen. The fusion restaurant serves popular dishes like panang curry and pad Thai alongside regional specialties like the “dancing garlic riblets” and Laotian papaya salad.

Foxyco

Welcome Foxyco, a new restaurant from Stock & Barrel’s Jon Stevens in the Design District. The restaurant is not all too different from its sister concept, but it does have one big distinguishing factor. Its wood-fired grill is one of only two in the city, and it makes for deliciously smoky dishes.

Try the whole branzino with preserved lemon and baby zucchini or the lamb rack with mint-chile salmuera and crushed yukons.

Tight Quarters

Celebrity chef Tim Byres (Smoke, Chicken Scratch) has brought his culinary expertise to Legacy Hall in Plano – but don’t expect his usual comfort food. Byrnes is going in a health-conscious direction with his latest restaurant.

Instead of another meat-centric restaurant, Tight Quarters is focused on nutritious bowls and salads. Who said food can’t be fast and healthy?