25 Unique Lunch & Dessert Spots in Dallas

Knife Dallas

Created by Chef John Tesar, a James Beard-nominated top chef, Knife Dallas is a modern take on the classic steakhouse experience with an innovative and creative menu served in a stylish setting with excellent service. Knife Dallas features an extensive charcuterie program which includes grass-fed bison and lamb, specialty breeds of pork, house-made sausages, and brats, as well as chicken and seasonal game birds. The menu also offers classic and contemporary dishes such as dry-aged prime cut steaks and chops, pork belly brisket, and pig’s head served with bread and sauces. The menu also has a selection of seafood and meatless dishes such as homemade pasta, vegetarian entrees, and country-style seasonal salads, as well as a full wine list and cocktail menu.

5300 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, Texas 75206, Phone: 214-443-9339

The Meddlesome Moth

Tucked away in the Trinity Design District in Oak Lawn, the Meddlesome Moth is a stylish bar that serves some of the city’s best beers accompanied by excellent pub grub and hearty fare. Boasting a full bar with over 40 draught beers, two live ales, and more than 85 brands of bottled beer, the Moth is an ideal spot for getting after-work drinks or hanging out with the locals if you are passing through. Snack on delicious shared plates of duck wings, grits, sweetbreads and skin chips, freshly made salads, homemade pot pies and classics such as burgers, steaks, and fish and chips.

1621 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, Texas 75207, Phone: 214-628-7900

Chicken Scratch and The Foundry

Chicken made from scratch and a great selection of beers on tap – what more could you ask for? The good people at Chicken Scratch pride themselves on making chicken “the way mama used to,” using hormone-free chickens, fresh herbs and spices, and a variety of handmade sides like garden-fresh salads, homegrown vegetables, and specialty sauces. Chickens are slow-cooked on a pecan wood-fired rotisserie to give them full, intense flavor, a signature trademark of Chicken Scratch fare. Next door to Chicken Scratch is The Foundry, an industrial-style bar and beer garden that serves a fantastic selection of “simple drinks and strong pours” ranging from draught and bottled beers to local microbrews.

2303 Pittman St., Dallas, Texas 75208, Phone: 214-749-1112

Norma's Cafe

Norma’s Café has been a Dallas institution since 1956. The cafe serves an award-winning menu of delicious homemade dishes and comfort food, including their famous Mile-High Cream Pies. Located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of downtown Dallas, Norma’s has its share of regulars. Owner and caféteur Ed Murph started out wanting to give locals a taste of home away from home, and that tradition continues today with famous big country breakfasts of thick biscuits smothered in creamy gravy, syrupy pancakes, and towers of waffles. Lunches are just as crowd-pleasing, with favorites such as southern-fried catfish, chunky meatloaf, and their renowned Texas chicken fried steak. Diners can top it all off with a mouthwatering meringue, chocolate, or coconut Mile-High Cream Pie.

1123 W Davis St, Dallas, Texas 75208, Phone: 214-946-4711

Ruthie's Food Trucks

Rolling through the streets of Dallas and serving out-of-this-world gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Ruthie’s Food Trucks are fast becoming the go-to lunch option for those lucky enough to have one on their corner. The fleet started with Ruthie's Rolling Café—Ruthie serving classic grilled cheese sandwiches from the side of a van. The company now has four trucks, and Ruthie’s homemade sandwiches have gained cult status. Delicious menu items include the ever-popular classic grilled cheese; BBQ brisket with cheddar; chicken, mozzarella and pesto; and turkey, bacon, cheese and “slob” sauce. Every sandwich is served on crispy sourdough bread and grilled to perfectio.

The Woolworth

Located within walking distance of the West End District and the Dallas World Aquarium, The Woolworth is well worth a visit. Chef owned and managed, the Woolworth offers warm hospitality, excellent service and inspired modern American cuisine. If you stop by for lunch you can enjoy various shared plates, unusual salads and fabulous hand-held’s like their Lobster Grilled Cheese, Pig and Pear or a Short Rib Sandwich. They also offer tacos and a selection of hearty entrees. If you need a sweet treat you can feast on their famous OG Cake, Crème Brulee or Colosal Chocolate Cake. The Woolworth also boasts a sophisticated cocktail menu.

The Woolworth, 1520 Elm Street, Dallas, TX 75201, 214 814 0588

Eatzis Market and Bakery

Eatzis Market and Bakery is a European-style food market and eatery that serves a wide variety of seasonal dishes from grilled meat and seafood to fresh sushi, sandwiches and salads, deli meats and cheeses, pastries, desserts and sweets, and beer and wine. Freshly-prepared meals can be ordered in or taken out, and the market also serves as a retail shop where customers can purchase fresh foods. Eatzis Market and Bakery stores can be found in Oak Lawn, Grapevine, Lover’s Lane and Plano. The chain has won a number of awards for their fine fare and fantastic atmosphere.

3403 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, Texas 75219, Phone: 214-526-1515

Off the Bone Barbecue

There is nothing more Texan than a great BBQ and Off the Bone Barbecue is the place to get yours in Dallas. Owner and pit-master Dwight Harvey uses the freshest hand-selected cuts of meat and his own family recipe to produce some of the best BBQ you will ever taste. His famous Baby Back Ribs are a local legend, but there is also smoked brisket, sausage, pulled pork and smoked chicken waiting to excite your taste buds. Your choice of mouth-watering meats is served on a bun or taco or with sides of your choice - potato salad, baked beans, green beans, pasta salad and more. Knowing that diners find it hard to choose which meat is the most delectable, they offer a selection of combos and the Pitmaster’s Sampler.

Off the Bone Barbecue, 1734 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215, 214 565 9551

Uncle Uber's Sammich Shop

Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop is one of the best sandwich spots in Dallas. Serving a menu of creative classic sandwiches (like a solid cheesesteak made from shaved rib-eye and a Cuban pork and ham with melted Swiss cheese) with sides of golden fries, the shop also has a full bar with a variety of beers, wines, and spirits. Once lunch-only, Uncle Uber’s Sammich Shop has extended its hours by popular demand, offers Happy Hour Sunday-Thursday, and is open until midnight on the weekends.

2713 Commerce St, Dallas, Texas 75226, Phone: 214-653-8237

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Nammi Truck

Serving beautifully-prepared Vietnamese fusion food to the city of Dallas, Nammi Truck is a popular food truck with a menu of Asian favorites like their Bahn Mi Sandwich with Honey Barbecue Pork, Lemongrass Beef Sliders with Spicy Coleslaw, and Vietnamese tacos. Nammi Truck can be found at various popular spots throughout town, including Klyde Warren Park, Valley View Mall, and Lee Towers, as well at most events and festivals in the city.

Ellen's

Ellen’s is your quintessential home-from-home restaurant in downtown Dallas. The food is honest, down-to-earth American fare, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just loads of delicious fresh flavors which come from using the finest locally sourced fresh produce. The unique thing about Ellen’s is that they serve their entire menu all day long. If you fancy a Benedict or pancake stack for dinner, they are happy to oblige. Likewise, they happily serve up meatballs or burgers for breakfast. A few of their most popular dishes include their Benedicts (8 tasty options to suit everyone), their meatballs, the Angus beef burgers and the spicy Cajun Pasta.

Ellen’s, 1790 N. Record Street, Dallas, TX 75202, 469 206 3339

Trailer Cakes

Serving heavenly homemade cupcakes from the windows of a 1965 vintage Airstream called Bubbles, Trailercakes is owned and operated by “Chief Frosting Officer” Heather Zidell who found a way to create some of the world's best cupcakes. Though the cupcakes were once only available through pre-ordering from the bakery in Knox Street, Heather purchased Bubbles at an auction, gave her a makeover, and took their delectable sweet treats on wheels, making welcome appearances around town. Trailercakes also caters for parties and special occasions and offers over two dozen flavors.

Celebration Restaurant

Celebration Restaurant celebrates nostalgic memories of favorite childhood meals and the wonderful diversity of farm-fresh products available in the Dallas area. Celebration was Dallas’ original Farm-to-Fork restaurant long before that became fashionable. It has gone from strength to strength as people realize the importance of eating fresh, seasonal goodness. You can dine outdoors on the large covered patio or indoors in the comfortable dining room. The lunch menu features fabulous fresh sandwiches (gluten free options available), and perfectly prepared local meat, chicken and fish entrees. There are also healthy salads and soups and some delicious desserts to round off your meal, including Brownie Sundae, Homemade Fruit Cobbler and Coconut Cream Pie.

Celebration Restaurant, 4503 West Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209, 214 351 5681

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro is an award-winning French Bistro in the heart of Dallas. The welcoming interior boasts crisp white linen and crystal chandeliers to add a touch of elegance, making this an ideal destination for a romantic date night. The dinner menu starts off with French classics like Roasted Snails in Garlic Butter and Jumbo Shrimp in a Dijon Mustard sauce. The signature house soup is the Champagne Brie Soup, while classic Onion Soup is a close contender. Entrees include Boeuf Bourginon, Steak Diane, Duck with Orange Sauce and Fillet of Salmon. You cannot beat a classic French dessert so remember to leave some space for a Crème Brulee, Chocolate Mousse or Godiva Cheese Cake. St. Martins is open for dinner only.

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro, 3020 Greenvile Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206, 214 826 0940

San Martin Bakery and Restaurant

San Martin Bakery and Restaurant is one of the most popular local meeting places. Located on McKinney Avenue, San Martin Bakery cleverly combines the best of European and Latin flavors to add a new twist to old favorites. Their legendary brunch is a feast second to none and has eager customers coming back time after time. At lunchtime there are delicious sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and more on the menu – their Steak Wedge Salad is very popular. In the bakery department you will find a range of artisanal breads, cakes, tarts and cookies to take home with you.

3120 McKinney Ave, Uptown Dallas, TX 75204, 469 802 6652

Nick and Sam's

An unusual vaulted concrete ceiling, elegant tables and bright splashes of art welcome visitors to Nick and Sam’s in uptown Dallas. Against this elegant backdrop, visitors are invited to settle in and look forward to enjoying some fine Dallas cuisine. The restaurant is principally known for preparing some of the best cuts of meat available – these include lamb chops, local US beef and the best Wagyu steaks from Japan, Australia and the US. They also have an extensive appetizer menu and a delectable choice of the freshest sushi and sea food. Such elevated food deserves to be paired with a great wine and Nick and Sam’s offer a choice of 500 labels.

Nick and Sam’s, 3008 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, 214 871 7444

Rise No. 1

Presenting a classic Parisian salon de soufflé in the heart of Dallas, Rise No. 1 is a delightfully different restaurant and bakery which will totally seduce your taste buds with the iconic flavors of France. Their signature soufflés are an amazing confection, either sweet or savory, to serve as an appetizer or a wonderful dessert. Savory soufflés can also be enjoyed as a light main course – classic versions are blended with a fine French cheese, ham, truffle or mushrooms. The sweet soufflés are even more decadent, featuring wonderful liquors like Grand Marnier or luscious fresh fruits or chocolate. Other quintessential French dishes like Steak & Pomme de Terre (steak and chips), Parisian Ham Baguette and a classic Salad Niciose.

Rise No. 1, 5360 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209, 214 366 9900

The Mansion Restaurant

When you step inside the Mansion Restaurant at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, you enter an elegant and sophisticated place where guests immediately feel welcome. The culinary emphasis is on offering guests a menu of refined modern American cuisine, with touches of French influence here and there. In addition to their a la carte menu, the Mansion also offers a 5 or 7-course seasonal Chef’s tasting menu. Breakfast choices include bakery items, fresh fruit and cereal and your choice of Mansion specialties. There is also a special, beautifully crafted Vegetarian Dinner or Tasting menu. The dessert menu is sublime featuring favorites like Praline Cheesecake, Flourless Chocolate, Vegan Brownie and a Sorbet Tasting.

The Mansion Restaurant, 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219, 214 559 2100

HG Sply Co.

Offering large outdoor and roof-top terraces for alfresco dining, HG Sply Co. has a simple philosophy – to help you live a long and happy life by serving healthy, sustainably sourced food that has been manipulated as little as possible. Endeavoring to convince your taste buds that great tasting food can also be healthy, the restaurant’s menu is full of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, alongside carefully selected and minimally processed chicken, meat and fish dishes. Among the delicious offerings are a selection of healthy “hunter/gatherer” bowls – you choose a protein from the hunter list to add to your choice of tasty bowls of vegetable goodness.

HG Sply Co., 2008 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75026, 214 469 334 0896

Y. O. Ranch Steakhouse

Winner of the 2021 People’s Award for the best steakhouse in Dallas/Fort Worth, the Y.O. Steakhouse continues to impress dinners with outstanding fare. The meat comes from the legendary Texas Y.O. Ranch, which was established in 1880. Times may have changed but, the mouth-watering meat on your plate is still prepared just like the ranch hands did it 125 years ago. Besides their award winning steaks, the ranch supplies a selection of wild game and venison including the restaurants’ signature Buffalo Fillet Mignon. Pescatarians are equally spoiled for choice with a wide range of fresh fish and seafood dishes, including lobster and salmon.

Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, 702 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75202, 214 744 3287

Al Biernat’s

Al Biernat’s has long been a favorite Dallas steakhouse, offering every guest a warm welcome and a delicious meal served in an attractive setting. Although the restaurant is primarily a steakhouse, guests can look forward to a very comprehensive menu of traditional modern American fare. The lunch menu kicks off with a selection of tasty appetizers including Steak Tartare, Shrimp and Mango Ceviche, Atlantic Calamari and Crab Cakes. These are followed by soups, salads, sandwiches and a long list of delicious meat and fish entrees. Remember to leave space for a delicious dessert – choices include Flourless Chocolate Cake, Al’s Famous Coconut Cream Pie and a Chocolate Bourbon Bread Pudding.

Al Biernat’s, 4217 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219, 214 219 2201

Cane Rosso

Jay Jerrier fell in love with pizza when he visited Italy on his honeymoon. So great was his passion that he did everything necessary to become a pizza master back in the US. First he had an oven built in his back yard and before long he opened his first Cane Rosso in Deep Ellum. Everything that arrives on your plate is home-made – the dough is freshly made each day, the tomatoes are lovingly hand crushed and even the mozzarella is made in-house. After you have made the difficult decision of which pizza to choose (there are more than 20 options on the menu) you can order a fabulous Tiramisu, Zepoli or Ladybird Dessert Pizza.

Cane Rosso (original location) 2612 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75226, 214 741 1188

Cadot Restaurant

The Cadot family has been in the restaurant and bakery business in France since the 1700’s, so you know your taste buds are in good hands when you visit Cadot in Dallas. The main menu features several salads, as well as delicious morsels like their Sautéed Snails in a Pernod Garlic Sauce and Seared Foie Gras with Figs. Mains include many international dishes including Flat Iron Steak, Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb and fresh fish and seafood. If you are visiting at lunch time you can enjoy lighter plates including Croque Monsieur, Cheese Omelets with Frittes or perhaps a Cheese Burger. The desserts are rumored to be outstanding and include classis French Apple Tart, Crème Brulee, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake and more.

Cadot Restaurant, 18111 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75252, 972 267 7500

Fearing's Restaurant

Owned by the multi-talented (chef, restaurateur, cook-book author and recording artist) Dean Fearing, Fearing’s Restaurant offers the big bold flavors which have come to be associated with modern American Cuisine. The restaurant has won several awards and attracts a diverse clientele including many celebrities. The chef’s philosophy is based on bringing out the best features of fine locally sourced produce to provide flavorsome fare that pleases the palate and warms the soul. Dean’s Tortilla Soup and Rattlesnake Burger are legendary, and there are plenty of other delectable and unique dishes to enjoy. Desserts are decadent and delightful – think Molten Chocolate Torte or Strawberry and Rhubarb Tiramisu.

Fearing’s Restaurant, 2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, 214 922 4848