With the opening of more and more hotels around Dallas, comes the thrill of having even more interesting places to dine. Some of the city’s best restaurants are off hotel lobbies, on sky-high hotel rooftops, and sprawling into hotel courtyards. From old-guard establishments to dazzling new concepts, this list includes an Italian restaurant where guests can witness chefs making pasta from scratch; a speakeasy sushi spot; and a lounge with live DJs, and plenty of fine cuts of steak. Venture into one of these worthy restaurants, tucked inside chic Dallas hotels.
Stillwell’s
The Hotel Swexan is home to this Michelin-recommended steakhouse, known for serving its own brand of beef — locally raised Akaushi cattle prepared with zero waste. Located on the hotel’s 7th floor, the restaurant boasts an attractive space, showcasing rich woods, leather, and vibrant jewel tones. From its dramatic design to its indulgent steakhouse fare, this is the kind of place that warrants a martini. For a cozy and intimate experience, reserve one of the horseshoe-shaped booths built for two, recessed in the wall, and curtained off from the dining room. Start with raw East Coast oysters, or splurge on caviar service, before exploring the well-produced steak program. 2575 McKinnon St., Dallas, stillwellsdallas.com
Il Modo
One of the best Italian restaurants in the Metroplex is located on the ground floor of Fort Worth’s Kimpton Harper Hotel. Snag a table by the pasta-making room, and peer through the glass at all of the action while you dine. Start with mussels ($21) or burrata ($18), both served with grilled sourdough. You can’t go wrong with any of the fresh pastas, but the linguini carbonara ($25) with egg yolk and lots of parmesan is a standout among them. Serious foodies can consider participating in Il Modo’s pasta-making or mixology classes. 714 Main St., Fort Worth, theharperfortworth.com
Sushi by Scratch
This 17-course omakase restaurant on the eighth floor of the Adolphus is the latest outpost of Sushi by Scratch. Its original location in California received Michelin stars in 2021 and 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant has a tucked-away speakeasy vibe, with guests required to ring a bell in order to get access. Once inside, the intimate space offers only 10 seats at the sushi counter. The fish is sourced straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, with courses ranging from melt-in-your-mouth nigiri to wagyu dishes and dessert. The chefs keep things interesting with insightful conversation, educating guests throughout the experience. 1321 Commerce St., Dallas, adolphus.com
Nobu Dallas
Hotel Crescent Court is home to Nobu, the celeb-loved Japanese-Peruvian restaurant and sushi destination known around the globe. Belly up to the sushi counter for a premium omakase experience, letting the chef showcase the restaurant’s freshest bounty, or grab a table and enjoy a la carte offerings. Along with sushi and sashimi, highlights from the kitchen include Chilean seabass with truffle-mirin soy ($53), spicy garlic scallops ($49), and grilled lambchop with rosemary miso ($27). 400 Crescent Ct., Dallas, noburestaurants.com
Fearing’s
Chef Dean Fearing’s eponymous restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Dallas has been a special-occasion go-to since it opened in 2007. Fearing is a beloved local celebrity, known to graciously visit with guests as they dine in his chef’s coat and cowboy boots. The menu leans into, what Fearing calls “Southwestern” cuisine, incorporating locally sourced meats and produce into Southern dishes with some Tex-Mex flair. Begin with a cocktail at Fearing’s adjacent Rattlesnake Bar, and then take in the sights and sounds of the open kitchen from your table in the dining room. Kick off your meal with Dean’s tortilla soup ($17) — it is iconic in Dallas, and beyond. 2121 McKinney Ave., Dallas, fearingsrestaurant.com
Catbird
Perched on the 10th floor of the Thompson Hotel, Catbird always feels like a party with its live DJ and buzzy crowd. The outdoor terrace is among the prettiest in Dallas, offering epic city views and photo ops at every turn. Chef Jeramie Robison’s Asian-inspired menu features an elevated take on pub grub with dishes like miso-butter shrimp temaki tacos ($13) and barbecue bao ($16). Cocktails are just as interesting, with complex ingredients and playful names. Try the Girl From Okinawa ($16), crafted with gin infused with yakiimo, or Japanese sweet potato. 1401 Elm St., Dallas, catbirddallas.com
