The Most Anticipated Dallas Restaurants of 2019

Every year we get excited about a laundry list of fresh eateries making their debut on the (rather daunting) Dallas restaurant scene, and this year is certainly no different. And while fabulous and flashy is usually a central theme in the city’s new hot spots, this year we’re digging the mellower neighborhood vibe that runs through the latest batch of newcomers. Here’s where we can’t wait to eat this year.

If you name a restaurant after your mama, God knows you’ve put your heart and soul into the project. Restaurateur Greg Katz’s new venture, a timeless American bistro with modern touches, will feature a big, crowd-pleasing menu filled with steaks, seafood and pasta. And the space itself has all the buzzwords that make us swoon: patio, courtyard, bustling bar, private dining. While the restaurant is starting its service with dinner only, Katz hopes to offer lunch and brunch when the time is right.

3215 N. Fitzhugh Ave.; no website yet. Projected opening date: March 2019.

While we don’t know too much about this place, what we do know is that Dallas eats up anything Nick Badovinus brings to the table. This cantina on Lower Greenville is the latest foodie feather in the cap of the chef behind Town Hearth (pictured above) and his first foray into the wonderful world of Mexican food. As is typical with the ever-mysterious restaurateur, advance details are slim to none. It’s been a while since a spot has survived on this block of Greenville Avenue, but if anyone can create a long-lasting concept here, it’s Badovinus.

1520 Greenville Ave.; no website yet. Projected opening date: Spring 2019.

Victory Park is ch-ch-changin’ and this was one of the first spots announced to kick off the future look and vibe of the growing neighborhood. This two-story restaurant has a 2,600-square-foot patio and is determined to be the go-to spot for a drink and a quick bite before or after a game or concert at American Airlines Center. The project is by Phil Schanbaum and Brandon Hays of This & That Co., so you know you can count on the buildout to be fun and the drinks and food to be fierce.

2401 Victory Park Lane #190; facebook.com/dibsonvictory. Projected opening date: March 2019.

Despite being one of the most popular neighborhoods for families in Dallas, Lakewood rarely lands any hot new dining options. So when word got out that the folks behind Boulevardier, Rapscallion and Veritas Wine Bar were opening a restaurant and bar at Mockingbird and Abrams, the locals lost their collective minds. Although details on the menu are being kept under wraps for now, count on serious bar food and draft beer among the offerings.

6465 East Mockingbird Lane #386; no website yet. Projected opening date: February 2019.

Perhaps the year’s most anticipated Dallas restaurant opening is Matt McCallister’s latest project, which promises the same locavore sourcing we’ve grown to love and expect from him. Picture a warm, inviting setting that centers around a large open kitchen preparing simple proteins and seasonal vegetables. Along with his own expertise, he’s bringing in an all-star staff: Maggie Huff continues as McCallister’s pastry chef, Lauren Festa oversees the bar program and Stacy Poole takes the reins as service director.

4002 Oak Lawn Ave., homewooddallas.com. Projected opening date: March 8.