Where to Eat in Dallas Right Now: 10 Sizzling Must-Visit Restaurants for May

Dallas’ restaurant scene is more active than ever, and it can be hard to keep up. We rounded up the latest and greatest in food happenings to determine the Dallas 10 restaurants you need to know about. These are your must-visits.

From José Andrés already beloved D.C. transplant Zaytinya to Matt McCallister’s soon-to-shutter FT33, here are your dining plans for the immediate future.

Fachini

This new Italian spot from chef Julian Barsotti (Nonna, Carbone’s, Sprezza) pays homage to the old-school red-sauce establishments of the 1950s, while giving a nod to some of New Orleans’ most noted institutions (think Galatoire’s, Commander’s Palace and Antoine’s).

From the romantic decor to the classic tableside caesar salad, Fachini sets a nostalgic mood. Must-try dishes include cast-iron steaks, veal chop marsala, lobster fra diavolo and 100-layer lasagna.

Perfect Union Pizza

Located right downstairs from Fachini in Highland Park Village is the restaurant’s more casual counterpart. Nick Badovinus’ Perfect Union Pizza (Badovinus and Barsotti are partners in both restaurants) offers inventive pies, spaghetti and meatballs, fresh salads, draft beer and craft cocktails.

Take advantage of the spring weather and order the Elizabeth (gin, basil, balsamic, strawberry) to enjoy on the outdoor patio.

Zaytinya

Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur José Andrés made his Texas debut earlier this year with the opening of Zaytinya at The Star in Frisco. It’s the second outpost of Andrés’ critically-acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant in Washington, D.C., loved for its small plates and mezze as well as its breezy, coastal decor.

Sixty Vines

Finally! Sixty Vines has arrived in Dallas proper, meaning you no longer have to trek to Plano for the perfect Cali-Italian meal. Head over to the gorgeous new location at The Crescent for thin-crust pizza, epic cheese and charcuterie boards, and excellent brunch.

Gung Ho

This trendy new American Chinese restaurant on Greenville Ave has a lot going for it. First off, the food is inventive (try the pickled veggie egg rolls or cumin-marinated lamb shoulder). Secondly, the craft cocktails are on point – plus there are massive cocktail bowls to share with friends.

Finally, the decor is as vibrant and charming as the Asian fusion offerings.

FT33

Matt McCallister’s critically-acclaimed, farm-to-table Dallas restaurant isn’t new to the city’s culinary scene – in fact, it’s about to close its doors for good. But before FT33 shutters on June 23, we highly recommend stopping in to try it, or enjoy its unique cuisine one last time.

Da Mario

The North’s dining scene got yet another gem this spring with the opening of Da Mario, a posh Italian restaurant at The Star in Frisco. Emerald-tiled walls, 1940s-inspired modern lighting and mahogany bar carts create a dreamy setting; while hand-crafted pasta and wood-fired pizza will transport you to Italy for lunch.

P.S. try one of the many negronis on offer.

Alice

This Pan Asian Dallas restaurant keeps it simple. There are about 25 items on the menu – including shareable plates like hamachi crudo, tuna tartare and crab dip – and the bar menu is short and sweet as well. Stop in with friends for cocktails and bites, or visit during the weekend, when the 50-seat restaurant turns into a fun lounge.

The Charles

If you haven’t already figured this out, Italian food is trending in Dallas. Need further proof? See The Charles, a new Design District eatery which channels the romantic country in everything from the interior design to the cuisine.

The restaurant offers a menu of simple, house-made pastas and wood-fire-grilled fish, meat and vegetables in an inspired space.

Ruins

The owners of Hungarian bar and restaurant Armoury D.E. have brought another concept to the neighborhood. Ruins is a bar and restaurant which specializes in agave-based cocktails rum, and Oaxacan food (it also incorporates some Caribbean and South American influences). As the name suggests, the restaurant has a rustic, boho feel – plus an outdoor patio.