10 Best Restaurants in Dallas

Dallas’s brunch scene is vibrant and varied, spanning cozy café spots in Oak Cliff to elegant European bistros in Highland Park and Uptown. Whether you crave forgiveness-worthy pancakes, farm-fresh New American cuisine, or indulgent French-style dishes, these 10 restaurants deliver. This list was updated September 2025 to include the newest must-try spots and dependable long-time favorites.

How We Chose

We selected these restaurants based on food quality (freshness, creativity, consistency), guest experience/service (attention, atmosphere, comfort), value (price vs portion vs flavor), reservation or seating availability, representation across neighborhoods, and a mix of new & classic spots. We refresh this list semi-annually to reflect openings, menu changes, and local feedback.

Restaurant List

Below are 10 of the top brunch restaurants in Dallas right now. They cover different styles, neighborhoods, and budgets.

Oddfellows

• Cuisine/Style: American / Breakfast / All-Day Brunch & Café

• Neighborhood: Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff)

• Price: $$

• What to order: Try the breakfast burrito; avocado toast; seasonal pancakes. Also excellent: their specialty coffee and craft cocktails. 

• Atmosphere: Casual, lively, good for groups or relaxed solo brunches.

• Tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid wait; outdoor seating in Bishop Arts can fill up. Phone ahead or reserve via Resy.

• Address / Reservation: 316 W Seventh St, Dallas, TX 75208; website: oddfellowsdallas.com 

• Why it’s on the list: Oddfellows blends classic American brunch staples with seasonal touches, excellent beverage & coffee program, and strong local reputation in Bishop Arts. Their all-day menu (7 AM–4 PM) gives you flexibility. 

Encina

• Cuisine/Style: New American / Farm-to-Table

• Neighborhood: Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff)

• Price: $$$ (roughly $31–50 per person typical) 

• What to order: Blue corn butterscotch pancakes; spiced honey glazed pork belly over cheddar grits; goat guisada tacos. 

• Atmosphere: Warm, elegant but unpretentious; ideal for relaxed weekend brunches.

• Tip: Brunch is only Saturday & Sunday 10 AM-2 PM; reservations are recommended especially for larger parties. Seasonal items change, so check the current menu. 

• Address / Reservation: 614 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75208; reservation: opentable.com / encinadallas.com 

• Why it’s on the list: Encina offers refined, farm-fresh ingredients with creative flavor combinations. It’s relatively new (opened in fall 2020) but already regarded as a neighborhood gem. 

Bistro 31

• Cuisine/Style: European (French / Italian / Spanish influences)

• Neighborhood: Highland Park (Highland Park Village)

• Price: $$$

• What to order: Lemon ricotta pancakes; eggs Benedict with country ham; Mediterranean-style salads. 

• Atmosphere: Elegant, upscale; polished interiors, good for more formal brunch or special meetups.

• Tip: Brunch hours begin early-morning on weekends; perfect if you want to avoid peak lunch rush. Parking tends to be easier on weekdays or early weekend.

• Address / Reservation: 87 Highland Park Village Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75205; phone (214) 420-3900; website: bistro31dallas.com 

• Why it’s on the list: For its refined European ambiance, excellent service, and consistent delivery of classic brunch fare done well. It represents one of the top-tier brunch experiences by price and presentation in Dallas. 

Other Top Picks

4. Ida Claire — Southern-inspired; chicken & waffles is a must. 

5. Maple Leaf Diner — Cozy all-day breakfast, hearty classics, very casual. 

6. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar — Soulful Southern brunch by downtown / Klyde Warren; great chicken and waffles, etc. 

7. Mercat Bistro — French-bistro atmosphere, classic fare; ideal for those who enjoy croques, quiche, etc. 

8. José — Elevated Mexican / Tex-Mex brunch in Lovers Lane / Lovers Ln area; good for tacos, chilaquiles.

9. The Heights — Casual neighborhood spot with dependable breakfast and brunch staples.

10. Commons Club (Virgin Hotel Dallas) — Chic design, innovative cocktails, a lively vibe.

FAQ

When should you book popular brunch restaurants in Dallas?
Weekends, especially Saturday & Sunday between 10 AM–1 PM, are peak times. For high-end or popular spots like Encina or Bistro 31, it's wise to reserve at least a day ahead.

Are there vegetarian/vegan options?
Yes. Many of these spots offer vegetarian-friendly items (e.g. pancakes, salads, vegetable-rich sides). Vegan options are less ubiquitous but often available upon request (ask ahead). Encina has a few vegetarian items on its brunch menu. Oddfellows has vegetarian sides.

Which neighborhoods concentrate the top brunch spots?
Bishop Arts District (Oak Cliff) is a big brunch hub; Highland Park / Uptown has more upscale/elegant choices; Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville have more casual / fun brunch options. If you stay in or near these, you'll have plenty nearby.

Practical Info

• Tipping / Service Fee: Standard in Dallas is 18-20% for table service. Confirm if a large party; some places may add automatic gratuity.

• Peak hours: Brunch is busiest between ~10 AM to 1:30 PM on weekends. Arriving closer to opening (for those restaurants that open at 9 or 10 AM) gives a better chance of getting a table without much wait.

• Common closure days: Some restaurants are closed at least one weekday (often Monday or Tuesday), or have limited brunch hours. Always check the current hours.

• Transport / parking:

  • Bishop Arts: limited street parking, some paid lots; ride-share is helpful.

  • Highland Park Village: has parking garage/lots.

  • Uptown / Downtown: valet or paid parking lots/garages; traffic can be heavy on weekend mornings.

Author & Policy

Author: A food writer who has explored Dallas’s brunch scene in person, across neighborhoods from Oak Cliff to Highland Park, tracking new openings and seasonal menu changes.

Editorial Policy: We include both new and established restaurants, emphasize verified menu & service quality, and update this list semi-annually (last updated September 2025).

Sources

• Encina website (menus, hours) — accessed September 2025. ENCINA+1

• Oddfellows website & menu listings. Oddfellows+1

• Bistro 31 and Highland Park Village info. Roost Cafe and Bistro+1

• Local media & dining guides: Eater Dallas; D Magazine; Dallas Observer; Secret Dallas. The Texas Tasty+3Eater Dallas+3D Magazine+3