Last year, we lost a lot of great restaurants (RIP Sissy’s), but we also welcomed some killer concepts. Now it’s time to forecast which of the newbies will be worth the buzz in 2018. From stellar interiors to creative cuisine, these new and soon-to-open spots are the ones we’re predicting will make a major mark on Dallas’s dining scene—and, more importantly, we’ll be visiting again and again.
9 Dallas Restaurants Everyone Will Be Talking About This Year
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Published Jan 18, 2018
Photo Courtesy of Bullion by Eighty Three Creative
Bullion (now Open)
It’s only fitting that the name of Michelin-starred chef Bruno Davaillon’s long-awaited contemporary French brasserie is another word for gold, as it is just that: a shiny treasure in the downtown Dallas dining scene. Experience the restaurant at its best by starting with a French 75, noshing on canard à l’orange and ending with the house-made chocolate bar.
400 S. Record St.; 972-698-4250 or bullionrestaurant.com
Circo Dallas/Facebook
Circo (coming February/march 2018)
Affiliated with NYC’s famous Le Cirque, this restaurant has Dallas written all over it. The first floor will be a typical fine dining establishment, serving French-Italian cuisine. Upstairs, however, you’ll find people in bathing suits and robes lounging by glass-bottomed pools. Word on the street is that complimentary Champagne will be served inside the women’s bathroom.
2619 McKinney Ave.; 214-708-7383 or circotexas.com
Fachini (coming February 2018)
Those who are familiar with Julian Barsotti and his magical way with pasta (as seen at Sprezza, pictured) need no further explanation for his new 1950s-style Italian-American restaurant. Be on the lookout for—wait for it—100-layer lasagna. A location next to the Highland Park Village movie theater means you can start planning those dinner-and-a-movie dates ASAP (because you’re definitely going to need a reservation).
33 Highland Park Village; hpvillage.com
The Statler/Facebook
Fine China (coming March 2018)
Remember all the fun stuff going down at The Statler? The restaurant with the most hype of all is this Asian-style spot with Angela Hernandez at the helm as executive chef. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Fine China won’t mean fine dining, as everyone knows stretchy pants are necessary when diving into a big plate of sesame chicken with fried rice.
1914 Commerce St.; thestatlerdallas.com
Steven Visneau
The French Room (now Open)
Foodies waited nervously in 2017 as the Adolphus Hotel worked to reopen this Dallas dining institution—and everyone breathed a sigh of relief when its timeless European architecture returned updated but not brushed aside for trendy designs. Sip perfectly paired wine while enjoying the tasting menu or three-course prix fixe in a setting where time stands still.
1321 Commerce St.; 214-651-3615 or thefrenchroom.com
Courtesy of Gung-Ho
Gung Ho (opening Any Day)
Some people still aren’t over Remedy closing, but the upcoming opening of Gung Ho (sibling to HG Sply Co.) in its spot is helping to heal the wound. Greenville Avenue enthusiasts have high hopes that executive chef Kirstyn Brewer can deliver killer Chinese with a twist. Oh, and there’s a walk-up window for takeout orders—it’s like they read our mind.
2010 Greenville Ave., Suite B; gunghodallas.com
Kathy Tran
Jalisco Norte (now Open)
With stints in Denmark, Mexico City and Cancun under his belt, chef Jose Meza is now serving up traditional fare with family flavors at this beautiful Turtle Creek Village newcomer. Think tuna tartare tostadas, queso fundido and arroz con leche. Don’t skip the Desert Scorpion cocktail: a spicy-sweet concoction of mescal, Licor 43 (a citrusy Spanish liqueur), crème de cacao, grapefruit bitters and Cholula hot sauce.
3858 Oaklawn Ave., Suite 470; 214-443-5183 or jalisconorte.com
Brad Murano
Sachet (now Open)
Who knew we only had to drive to Highland Park to taste the best of the Mediterranean coast? We’re vibing hard on the family-style menu featuring meze like French lentils, Lebanese okra, fattoush and more. Continue the feast with swordfish or Moroccan lamb chops, and finish with yo-yos (Tunisian doughnuts) served with honey lavender and chocolate dipping sauces. We had a feeling Allison Yoder and Stephen Rogers of our beloved Gemma wouldn’t let us down.
4270 Oaklawn Ave.; 214-613-6425 or sachetdallas.com
Up on Knox
Up On Knox (now Open)
This restaurant may have the best location in Dallas. Nestled on the corner of Henderson and Knox, it’s sure to be your new go-to meeting spot for drinks before a big night out. Should you stay for dinner, you’re bound to see and strike up a chat with owner Stephan Courseau, the friendly Frenchman who we all know and love from neighboring restaurant Le Bilboquet. The best news? It’s also open for breakfast and lunch.
3230 Knox St., Suite 140; 469-250-4007 or uponknox.com
