You’ll have to forgive us. For the Hot List in October 2023, there were so many new, interesting or trending restaurants in Dallas-Fort Worth that we expanded the list to a whopping 25. It’s high season for dining in North Texas, it’s time to indulge!
Restaurants listed in alphabetical order.
Andrew’s American Pizza Kitchen in Plano
We’ve had pizza on our minds ever since the Washington Post released a list of the best regional pizza joints in the United States and picked 11 in Dallas-Fort Worth. That’s a lot! One in Plano is worth giving special attention to: Andrew’s American Pizza Kitchen, which was the only restaurant among the 11 that was listed twice on WaPo’s list. That’s because Andrew’s is one of the only pizza joints we can name that makes more than five types of pie: deep-dish, tavern-style, “Dallas”-style, Detroit-style and two New York styles. Take your pick.
Andrew’s American Pizza Kitchen is at 1401 Preston Road, Plano.
Brix Barbecue in Fort Worth
Recently, our podcast, Eat Drink D-FW, offered a rare “takeover” episode all about barbecue. The new Brix Barbecue — once a barbecue trailer — is a shining example of how interesting craft barbecue in Texas can be, explains podcast guest Daniel Vaughn, barbecue editor for Texas Monthly. We had trouble choosing a favorite bite at Brix, which means you should to go hungry and try it all.
Brix Barbecue is at 1012 S. Main St., Fort Worth. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — or until sellout.
CocoAndré Chocolatier in Dallas’ Oak Cliff
The darling CocoAndré Chocolatier — also a horchateria — is closing its storefront, reports food editor Erin Booke. It’s best to go get a sweet treat from mother-daughter owners Andrea and Cindy Pedraza sooner rather than later, because the elder Pedraza is retiring and the cottage will be sold. The Pedrazas say CocoAndré will live on somewhere else, someday.
CocoAndré Chocolatier is at 508 W. Seventh St., Dallas.
Coco Ichibanya in Frisco
California curry chain Coco Ichibanya opened its first Texas restaurant in early September 2023, in Frisco. This Japanese restaurant is known for its pork cutlet curry and chicken cutlet curry, reporter Noor Adatia writes. The restaurant has a deep history in Japan dating back to 1978. Franchisee Michael Clark sheds some light on why this restaurant is here, now: “You find ramen, you find sushi and all kinds of other locations here in Dallas-Fort Worth,” he said. “You just don’t find a lot of dedicated curry restaurants, so it’s definitely going to be a growing market.”
Coco Ichibanya is at 9351 Warren Parkway, Frisco.
Gemma in East Dallas
If you haven’t been to East Dallas restaurant Gemma in the past week or so, get ready for a surprise: Owners Allison Yoder and Stephen Rogers redesigned the interior and the menu, launching a Gemma 2.0, of sorts, in late September 2023. There’s still a lot to love here, as there was before: an attentive staff, a list of entrees rooted in Italian and French cooking, and an emphasis on wine. The new Gemma is more comfortable and slightly more casual.
Gemma is at 2323 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas.
German Doner Kebab in Frisco
German Doner Kebab has more than 150 restaurants across the world, but the brand-new one in Frisco is the biggest one in North America. (Insert “everything’s bigger in Texas” joke here.) Call it GDK: That’s how those in-the-know talk about a shop that says it sells “kebabs of the future.” Its all-halal meats come stuffed inside waffle-style bread, multigrain bread or in a flatbread wrap, alongside veggies and garlic, yogurt and spicy sauces. The Gym Box might appeal to some: It’s a selection of meat, lettuce, tomato, onion and red cabbage, no fries. It promises 44 grams of protein.
German Doner Kebab is at 12025 E. University Drive, Frisco.
Green Point Seafood & Oyster Bar on Dallas’ Knox Street
Greg Katz of Dallas bistro Beverley’s has partnered with his brother Nik Katz to open an all-day seafood shop on Dallas’ Knox Street. Green Point Seafood & Oyster Bar is a “seafood brasserie,” as they call it: big on wine and oysters in a stylish but casual setting. We like it.
Green Point Seafood & Oyster Bar is at 3219 Knox St., Dallas.
Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth
One of Dallas-Fort Worth’s oldest restaurants, Joe T. Garcia’s, is seeing plenty of celebrity action this season. First Matt LeBlanc — Joey from Friends — stopped in. Then actor Mark Wahlberg and golfer Abraham Ancer worked the bar, pouring their Flecha Azul tequila. Who will show up next?
Joe T. Garcia’s is at 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth.
Jonathon’s in North Dallas
We were really rooting for Jonathon’s, the diner that was under construction for more than two years at Inwood Road and Forest Lane in Dallas. It’s finally open! Our Imelda García reports that married couple Jonathon and Christine Erdeljac stocked the menu with Southern comfort favorites like chicken and waffles, burgers, salads and more. They continue to operate Jonathon’s Diner in Oak Cliff, too.
Jonathon’s Forestwood is at 5337 Forest Lane, Dallas.
La Onda in Fort Worth
The Fort Worth restaurant serving some of the region’s most exciting seafood dishes closed in spring 2023, but it’s back open in a new spot in Cowtown. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram calls it a “better location” for chef Victor Villarreal, which hopefully will bring it some longevity. Follow along on Instagram for the latest.
La Onda is at 1165 8th Ave., Fort Worth.
Le Margot in Fort Worth
Gather up the girls, let’s lunch. While Le Margot would be fab anytime, we especially love this pink-chandeliered palace at lunchtime. You can’t go wrong with chef Graham Elliot’s French onion soup, followed by a Croque Madame sandwich. (Then a nap?) For those who go at dinnertime, it transitions into a white-tablecloth date-night spot with escargot pot pie, lobster thermidor and mussels provençal. Très chic!
Le Margot is at 3150 S. Hulen St., Fort Worth.
Lubbies Bagels in East Dallas
Lubbies makes it back on the Hot List this month because lines are still long for these great bagels. East Dallasites will remember Lubbies’ address as the former 20 Feet Seafood Joint, may it rest in peace. Sisters Jen and Andrea Lubkin describe their shop as “glammy grammy,” how adorable.
Lubbies Bagels is at 1160 Peavy Road, Dallas.
Maison Chinoise near Dallas’ Fitzhugh Avenue
This new contemporary Chinese restaurant is near Fitzhugh and Cole avenues and is a beautiful, upscale spot for dinner. After snacking on xiao long bao, crispy whole fish or Peking duck, ask to go next-door, to the speakeasy. Regines, as it’s called, is flashy and fun.
Maison Chinoise is at 4152 Cole Ave., Dallas. Regines is at 4152 Cole Ave., Suite 104, Dallas. Reservations are recommended for both.
Maji Sushi in Uptown Dallas
We’re still missing Yutaka, the 17-year-old Uptown Dallas sushi restaurant that closed in summer 2023, but we’re pleased to see there’s more Japanese food right in its place. Maji Sushi serves some of Yutaka’s popular rolls. It’s one of six new sushi spots in D-FW — with several more coming soon, Booke reports.
Maji Sushi is at 2633 McKinney Ave., Dallas.
Pearl Sushi in Dallas
Yet another buzzy restaurant has opened near Knox Street in Dallas. Pearl Sushi’s menu is big: oysters, nigiri, sashimi, sushi rolls, Japanese-style ceviche, veggie tempura and more. Customers can dine in or take food home from a takeout window.
Pearl Sushi is at 4640 McKinney Ave., Dallas.
Portillo’s in Allen
Chicago hot dog and Italian beef sandwich shop Portillo’s is continuing its expansion through Texas. Its latest, in Allen, opened in early September 2023. And, again, Chicago ex-pats and other fans lined up for lunch. Check out a photo gallery of some of the restaurant’s best-sellers.
The new Portillo’s is at 1955 Central Expressway, Allen. Texas’ first Portillo’s — which remains open — is at 4560 Destination Drive (at Grandscape), The Colony.
Sachet in Highland Park
In our hunt for best business lunches in Dallas-Fort Worth, we found 21 great spots. But if we had to pick just one in Dallas? We’d keep going back to Mediterranean restaurant Sachet. (And we have.) The “salady bowls” are healthy and the sandwiches are filling. The best bet is to go with a colleague who will share one of each — the porchetta spiced pork shoulder and the salmon bowl, say — for a delightful midday meal.
Sachet is at 4270 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas.
Strangeways in East Dallas
We’re sorry to say it, but if you want to have a drink at one of our favorite come-as-you-are bars, Strangeways, you’d better make those plans. Strangeways will close sometime in October 2023 after being open for 12 years on Dallas’ Fitzhugh Avenue. Owners Rocio “Rosie” Ildemaro and her brother Eric Sanchez would love to see you one last time.
Strangeways is at 2429 N. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas.
State Fair of Texas in Dallas’ Fair Park
You have one assignment this month, and that’s to get your sweet self to the State Fair of Texas for some fried food. For just 24 days every year, the State Fair of Texas takes the cake for offering the strangest selection of food in one walkable area. You’ve got funnel cakes and Fletcher’s corny dogs. Fried pho and fried Vietnamese coffee. Turkey ribs and tater tots. And have you seen that crazy pickle thing?
If you don’t know what to order, use our ranked list of the best and worst new State Fair of Texas foods, from a taste test on opening day.
The State Fair of Texas is in Dallas’ Fair Park. It runs from Sept. 29 through Oct. 22, 2023.
Surf Camp in downtown Dallas
When you’d rather be anywhere but here, head up to new rooftop bar Surf Camp. You’ll be livin’ on island time in the middle of downtown Dallas, at restaurateur Nick Badovinus’ latest creation. Here’s a look inside.
Surf Camp is on the third floor of 2130 Commerce St., Dallas. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only, in the evenings.
Trova Wine and Market in Dallas
Wine drinkers, head to Trova, the Preston Center shop lauded by Wine Enthusiast. Trova is one of the best restaurants in the country to eat and drink — where the food is just as important as the wine, the publication said. I especially love little orbs of fried goat cheese with truffle honey and pistachio; chicken liver mousse; and marinated olives. Owner Michelle Bonds’ knowledgeable staff will happily recommend a wine pairing for each.
Trova Wine and Market is at 4004 Villanova St., Dallas.
Via Triozzi in East Dallas
It’s worth planning in advance to get a reservation at Via Triozzi, the new Italian restaurant on Lowest Greenville. Service is warm and casual, and owner Leigh Hutchinson can be found strolling through the dining room, making recommendations. The menu is based on the time she spent in Italy, learning to cook, and indeed, the restaurant feels like an escape overseas.
Via Triozzi is at 1806 Greenville Ave., Dallas. Dinner only. Closed Tuesdays. A second-story terrazza will open eventually. Reservations on Resy.
Walloon’s in Fort Worth
Walloon’s is the best place for business lunch in Fort Worth. (Just make a reservation, cuz we’ve told too many people how good it is.) The menu at this spot on Magnolia Avenue includes oysters Rockefeller, a lobster roll, steak frites and seared redfish. The Southern-coastal vibe here is easy and breezy, just like a day at the beach.
Walloon’s is at 701 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth.
White Rhino Coffee in Frisco
Did you know White Rhino Coffee is the most prolific independent coffee shop in Dallas-Fort Worth? Their tenth shop just opened in Frisco in late September 2023. Interestingly, chefs in West Dallas make up all of the shop’s menu items from scratch: prosciutto fig pop tarts, vegan oatmeal cream pies, pumpkin whoopie pies, maple-glazed (and fried) chicken-on-a-biscuit and more. White Rhino started quietly in 2007 in Cedar Hill and has expanded to Deep Ellum, Midlothian, Arlington and more.
The new White Rhino in Frisco is at 8075 FM 423. Find other White Rhinos at whiterhinocoffee.com.
The Wilfred in Plano
The Wilfred in Plano is named for a magnificent-sounding canine, William Frederick. The dog’s dad, chef and restaurateur Ryan Oruch, created The Wilfred as a classy yet inviting space for cocktails and food. We’re impressed by the bar talent.
The Wilfred is at 4017 Preston Road, Plano, next to Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill. Evenings only. Closed Sundays and Mondays. You’ll need a code to get in.
Check out past Hot Lists
- September 2023
- August 2023
- June and July 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023 — theme was patios
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023 — theme was healthy
- December 2022 — theme was celebratory
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
