Chef Toby Archibald arrived on the Dallas scene in 2016 and quickly started working on some of the city’s most high-profile restaurants, including the fabulous downtown French favorite, Bullion (RIP). Now he’s opened his own place with a dining room accented with chic yet cheerful colors, as well as eye-catching faux white fur throws on the backs of a few chairs for a little New Zealand inspiration true to his roots. The menu is also inspired by world travels with his wife. Currently, you can only enjoy Kingfish Ceviche, Foie Gras Custard Pie, Confit Lamb Belly Sticks, and Parmesan-Buttered Grouper for dinner Tuesday to Saturday evenings, but snagging a table will be well worth it.

Cowtown has always been a fantastic destination for Texas cuisine, from steaks to barbecue, but it also boasts some excellent global fare if you know where to look. Chef Blaine Staniford and restaurateur Adam Jones have teamed up for a modern take on Italian with a culture of collaboration behind the scenes among chefs and sommeliers. The elegant space boasts a large number of cozy booths for romantic dinners for two or a fun meal with close friends. On the menu, house-cured salumi (including a decadent truffle version), Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, Smoked Spaghetti Carbonara, and 44 Farms Short Rib with parmesan polenta. The beverage program features hand-crafted cocktails with Italian inspirations, as well as plenty of memorable Italian wines.

Level 2 sommelier Vinh Le created Social Oak as a unique concept where diners can enjoy a beautiful selection of 56 wines and 28 whiskeys by the pour from state-of-the-art, self-serve machines. Though the focus sharpens on libations, a tapas-style menu of international share plates boasts an Asian flare—and helps soak up some of that booze so you can have another pour. Garlic Shrimp Flatbread, Wild Burgundy Escargot, Curry Chicken Satay, and Japanese Pork Belly Buns lead the list of must-try dishes.

The hit everyday brunch spot that got its start in the suburb of Mansfield has finally opened in Big D, a city that could use more Monday and Sunday brunch places. Each day from 7 am to 2:30 pm grab a seat and order a spread of Morning After Tacos (loaded with chorizo), Lamb Chops N Waffles, and five different types of Eggs Benedict, including one with 500-day-aged prosciutto. The drink menu boasts 45 different options, from non-alcoholic sips to a Mimosa Flight with four types of juice for DIY mixology.

In its heyday, Picasso’s Pizza & Grill was a favorite among DFW’s hungriest citizens and its closure after three decades saddened many a pizza fanatic. Well, as these things tend to go, former owners Andrew and Jennifer Albert have brought in their son, Justin Andrew Albert, to launch a new concept that also specializes in “Dallas-style” pizza, which is defined by a hand-rolled, super-thin crust. All doughs and sauces originate in the restaurant’s scratch kitchen and toppings range from the usual suspects (including three different types of pepperoni, fresh jalapeños, and pineapple for the weirdos), as well as premium goodies such as pancetta, prosciutto, sliced Italian sausage links, and Fior Di Latte cheese. Choose from preselected combos or create your own, available in Dallas style, Detroit style, Tavern style, and New York style. Pastas, salads, sandwiches, and a full bar round out the list of tough decisions.
How to book: Stop in for first come, first serve seating.