Despite all the global influences, this is still the heartland of Texas, so it would be almost criminal not to try a seared, succulent BBQ steak. Most districts will have a signature Texan restaurant.
Deep Ellum
The throat-tickling, mouth-watering punch of hickory smoke hits you the moment you enter this soulful East Dallas district. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best ribs, steaks, and burgers in town – just what you need in preparation for a night of dancing in Sons of Hermann Hall, or a live music bar crawl. A cult restaurant here is Angry Dog, which serves up gourmet hot dogs with one heck of a spice kick. If you want to veer away from the Texan heat, the pizza at Il Cane Rosso is a must-try – it’s made to an Italian recipe so authentic that it’s certified by the pizza authorities in Naples.
• Angry Dog, 2726 Commerce Street, Dallas; • Il Cane Rosso, 2612 Commerce Street, Dallas;
Greenville Avenue
This hip, happening avenue is one of the main thoroughfares in Dallas. After a shopping spree on Lovers Lane, head to one of the quirky neighborhood eateries on the avenue. All diets and tastes are catered to, with everything from raw paleo restaurants to surf-n-turf extravaganzas. Seafood is especially celebrated here – try the lunchtime fish tacos and gumbo at the cheap and cheerful Aw Shucks. For an upmarket dinner, Nora Dallas serves up some of the area’s finest Persian cuisine. Feast on sautéed pumpkin starters and rich lamb and eggplant stews, seasoned with flavors more fragrant and less brash than a lot of more typical Texan dishes.
• Aw Shucks, 3601 Greenville Ave, Dallas; • Nora Dallas, 1928 Greenville Ave, Dallas;
Uptown
After pounding the scenic Katy Trail and doing some surreptitious celeb-spotting in this socialite hangout, you’ll be ready for coffee and cake at one of Uptown’s chic bakeries. Later, if you really want to live the high life, put on your glad rags and pop into the Champagne bar of the Hotel St. Germain where you can quaff oysters and Veuve Cliquot to a background of tinkling piano music and candlelit opulence. For more down-to-earth dining, try the good ol’ southern cooking of Sammy’s Bar-B-Q. You’ll need to loosen your belt a notch or two in order to accommodate the mile-high apple pie.
• Champagne Bar, Hotel St. Germain, 2516 Maple Ave, Dallas; • Sammy’s Bar-B-Q, 2126 Leonard Street, Dallas; Tel. +1 214 8809 064
Bishop Arts
Living up to its name with a cavalcade of street entertainers and indie markets, Bishop Arts is a fascinating place to stroll around. You can fuel your bargain-hunting expeditions with tacos and tamales from the numerous street food stalls and Tex-Mex spots. Follow the crowds to El Jordan, an eatery famous for its chicken-fried steak and packed breakfast tacos. For a dinner sensation, try your luck at the tiny, cozy Lucia. It serves innovative, Italian-inspired food so popular that it's booked a month in advance. However, you might be able to claim a seat at the counter by turning up on the day.
• El Jordan, 416 N. Bishop Ave, Dallas; • Lucia, 408 West Eighth Street, Dallas; Tel: +1 214 9484 998
