Maybe it\u2019s the hot weather. The prolonged sense that restaurant food is just too expensive right now.<\/p>\n
Perhaps we want to stay home more. Pack our bodies with protein. Spend a little, not a lot.<\/p>\n
Restaurant News<\/p>\n
The August 2025 Hot List is comprised mostly of price-conscious restaurants. (With a few exceptions for when you want to treat yourself.) Consider making plans to visit one of these restaurants for happy hour. Or dessert. There are lots of ways to enjoy North Texas\u2019 hottest restaurants without the big bill.<\/p>\n
Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n
Botolino Gelato Artigianale \u2014 4 locations in Dallas and Plano![\"Beyond](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/5E3AUWSXYJAOXATYSF2CSR7ZSA.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Beyond gelato, Botolino sells cakes. This one has tiramisu gelato inside.<\/p>\n
Nathan Hunsinger \/ Special Contributor<\/p>\n
All the options at Botolino are excellent<\/a> \u2014 and take my word for it, I\u2019ve tried nearly every flavor of gelato. But my summertime favorite is Mascarpone and Fig, a creamy, rich treat with ribbons of gooey fruit. It\u2019s a feast to find those honey-sweet bites inside a tangy base of mascarpone. Go after work and before dinner, the ultimate time to beat the heat and treat yourself. <\/p>\n You\u2019ll spend well under $10 per person.<\/p>\n Botolino Gelato Artigianale is at 2116 Greenville Ave., Dallas; 5959 Royal Lane, Dallas; 269 N. Bishop, Dallas; and 2201 Preston Road, Plano.<\/p>\n Do\u00f1a Mar\u00eda Mexican Restaurant in Richardson We love this photo of Albina Garcia at Do\u00f1a Maria Mexican Restaurant in Richardson. <\/p>\n Imelda Garc\u00eda\/Staff writer<\/p>\n Mexican restaurant Do\u00f1a Mar\u00eda relocated to Richardson<\/a> to a space more than four times larger, reports our Imelda Garc\u00eda. The new spot is like a trip to Chihuahua, Mexico, where clothing from indigenous people are on display while chefs make flour gorditas and chile relleno burritos. Many of the dishes cost less than $10. <\/p>\n \u201cWe feel that we are giving back to people a little bit of what they have given us, making them feel at home with their food and many memories of their hometown,\u201d said co-owner Jorge Moreno.<\/p>\n Do\u00f1a Mar\u00eda Mexican Restaurant is at 101 S. Coit Road, Richardson. Closed Tuesdays.<\/p>\n Related:After moving to Richardson, popular Mexican restaurant adds more space, now serves dinner<\/a>Elaine\u2019s Cocktail Kitchen in Frisco Date night? Consider Elaine’s Cocktail Kitchen in Frisco.<\/p>\n Samantha Marie<\/p>\n Downtown Frisco has a classy new restaurant in Elaine\u2019s Cocktail Kitchen<\/a>. Go for a charcuterie board ($28), salmon rillettes ($16) or blue cheese mousse ($16) \u2014 yes, please! \u2014 or stay for a full meal. There\u2019s also the option to pop in for a date-night dessert and cocktail. <\/p>\n We\u2019re keeping an eye on this local restaurant group, Alora Hospitality. It also owns Three Empires Brewing in Frisco and Board and Bread in Prosper, with more restaurants and bars coming to both cities.<\/p>\n Elaine\u2019s Cocktail Kitchen is at 8763 7th St., Frisco. Dinner only. Closed Sundays and Mondays.<\/p>\n Encina in Oak Cliff Encina, a restaurant located in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood from Matt Balke and Corey McCombs, took third place in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best competition with its blue corn butterscotch pancake mix.<\/p>\n Courtesy of H-E-B<\/p>\n Oak Cliff restaurant Encina is officially grocery store famous. You know what I mean: Your favorite small business gets recognized by a big-box store, and all of a sudden, their local product is no longer a secret. That\u2019s what happened when Encina\u2019s co-owners placed third in an H-E-B contest and received a $10,000 check and a spot on store shelves to sell their blue corn butterscotch pancake mix<\/a>.<\/p>\n Haven\u2019t tried it yet? Pancake superfan Jamil Bata goes to Encina every Saturday.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you go to Encina and you go for brunch and you don\u2019t get the pancakes, it\u2019s like going to the State Fair and not getting a Fletcher\u2019s corny dog,\u201d Bata said. \u201cLike, did you even go?\u201d<\/p>\n Encina\u2019s Blue Corn Butterscotch Pancake Mix is available in nearly 60 H-E-B stores, including these local H-E-Bs: Waxahachie, Granbury, Mansfield, Fort Worth Alliance, Hudson Oaks, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Melissa and both Frisco stores. Or, let the chefs do the cooking and visit Encina for brunch at 614 W. Davis St., Dallas. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.<\/p>\n Related:Dallas small business scores big with product on H-E-B shelves<\/a>Flamant in Plano Chicken thighs, roasted vegetables and smashed croquettes are a hearty option at new restaurant Flamant in Plano.<\/p>\n Shafkat Anowar \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n Craving a cocktail? Flamant made the cut on our list of \u201cmost exciting new restaurants opening in 2025<\/a>,\u201d and if you live in Denton or Collin County, it\u2019s time to give it a try. <\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss the drinks, which range from frozen cocktails to \u201cspirit forward\u201d drinks to zero-proof options. The owners of Flamant \u2014 known for Michelin Recommended restaurant Rye and its stylish cocktail bar Apothecary, both in Dallas \u2014 are known for their fun yet balanced drinks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Flamant is at 5880 State Highway 121 (at Granite Park), Plano. Open for lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n Frenchie in University Park Frenchie opened at Northwest Highway and Preston Road in June 2025. It was formerly a Corner Bakery for nearly 25 years.<\/p>\n Steve Hamm \/ Special Contributor<\/p>\n We said 2025 would be the year of the all-day cafe<\/a> in Dallas, and Frenchie proves that point. Go nearly any time of day and you\u2019ll find croissants, quiche, goug\u00e8res and escargots created by French-born chef Bruno Davaillon (formerly of The Mansion and Bullion). <\/p>\n The restaurant was designed to be \u201cfamiliar\u201d and \u201ceasy\u201d and is a welcome addition to Preston Center.<\/p>\n Frenchie is at 8420 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas. <\/p>\n Hendy\u2019s on Henderson in East Dallas Have a drink or two first, and you might be able to convince yourself that the Roger Rabbit \u2014 made with carrot juice \u2014 is a “healthy” option at the new Hendy’s on Henderson in East Dallas.<\/p>\n Anja Schlein \/ Special Contributor<\/p>\n Late-night eaters, here\u2019s an idea: Head to new restaurant and bar Hendy\u2019s on Henderson between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. for a $15 cheeseburger and fries inspired by the McDonald\u2019s Happy Meal. We expect it to be popular among service industry staffers.<\/p>\n Those looking for a cocktail and dinner a little earlier will find a robust menu with a hot honey fried chicken sandwich ($17), roasted beets over labneh ($16) and other upscale bar snacks from Dallas chef Peja Krstic, who owns Dallas restaurants Mot Hai Ba and Pillar. Cocktails are colorful and inventive.<\/a><\/p>\n Hendy\u2019s on Henderson is at 2401 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas. Closed Mondays.<\/p>\n Joe T. Garcia\u2019s in Fort Worth Happy birthday to Joe T. Garcia’s, which turned 90 years old on July 4, 2025.<\/p>\n Steve Hamm \/ Special Contributor<\/p>\n In 1935, Joe T. Garcia’s restaurant served hot barbecue sandwiches for 15 cents and enchiladas for 35 cents.<\/p>\n Steve Hamm \/ Special Contributor<\/p>\n Almost exactly 90 years ago<\/a>, on July 4, an immigrant family from Mexico opened a restaurant on the outskirts of the Fort Worth Stockyards, selling barbecue and tamales. It remains in the same place today, though the original 16-seat restaurant is now a sprawling series of buildings and courtyards that can \u2014 and have \u2014 served more than 1,000 people at once.<\/p>\n It\u2019s one of Dallas-Fort Worth\u2019s oldest restaurants<\/a> and one of the few still owned by its founding family<\/a>. Happy birthday to a legendary Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant.<\/p>\n Joe T. Garcia\u2019s is at 2201 N. Commerce St., Fort Worth. <\/p>\n Related:A living list: Dallas-Fort Worth\u2019s oldest restaurants, aged 50 and up<\/a>Mexican Oak in Denton Mexican Oak in Denton is designed with a Day of the Dead theme.<\/p>\n The former Barley & Board on the Denton Square is now an upscale restaurant called Mexican Oak. It opened July 1, 2025. Its Mexico City-born chef, Jorge Romero, grew up in Chicago before moving to Texas for several decades. His menu includes beef empanadas ($14), short rib tacos ($19), blackened redfish ($34), fajitas ($22 to $38) and more.<\/p>\n Mexican Oak is at 100 W. Oak St., Denton. <\/p>\n Norman\u2019s Japanese Grill in Dallas Norman’s Japanese Grill opens on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas on Aug. 1, 2025. <\/p>\n Samantha Marie<\/p>\n \u201cIf John Wayne were to open a Japanese restaurant, this would be it,\u201d said Dallas restaurateur Chas Martin, speaking of his company\u2019s new spot, Norman\u2019s Japanese Grill<\/a>. There\u2019s sushi, Wagyu steaks, skewered meat and more, all served in a maximalist restaurant that used to be Oak Lawn Avenue\u2019s beloved Homewood<\/a> restaurant. <\/p>\n Norman\u2019s opens Aug. 1, 2025, and you can expect Dallas\u2019 well-heeled diners to put on a pair of boots and check it out.<\/p>\n Norman\u2019s Japanese Grill is expected to open at 4002 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, on Aug. 1, 2025.<\/p>\n Related:Norman\u2019s Japanese Grill to open soon in Dallas, replacing former Homewood restaurant<\/a>The PoBoy Shop in Dallas Evan Meagher, the owner of The PoBoy Shop in Dallas’ Preston Center, also operates Evan’s Meat Market on Oak Lawn Avenue.<\/p>\n Kathy Tran<\/p>\n Expect a brief wait at lunchtime at The PoBoy Shop, a petite space in Preston Center selling Louisiana-inspired sandwiches<\/a>. The muffuletta will entice many \u2014 and feed more than one \u2014 but with its price of $25, I suggest opting for the roast beef and provolone \u201cDebris\u201d sandwich or the hot pastrami with Cajun mustard, each $11 or $12 for a half. <\/p>\n I haven\u2019t yet tried the fried bologna with cheddar: That\u2019s next.<\/p>\n The PoBoy Shop is at 8421 Westchester Drive, Dallas. Open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, for now; dinner is expected to be added soon.<\/p>\n Related:Dallas\u2019 sandwich game gets stronger with new PoBoy Shop, opening July 7<\/a>Selda Mediterranean Grill in Frisco Pide, a form of flatbread served here at sister restaurant The Mayor’s House in Oak Cliff, is also available at the new Selda in Frisco.<\/p>\n El\u00edas Valverde II \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n Turkish restaurant Selda has expanded into Frisco, after its owners opened restaurants in Far North Dallas, Oak Cliff, Richardson and San Antonio. For an affordable dinner, share small bites like hummus ($9), stuffed dates ($12), tzatziki ($9), feta and olives ($10) and more. But it\u2019s hard to pass up the lamb shank ($27) or beef shish ($24). <\/p>\n Vegetarian and pescatarian options abound, and much of the menu is healthy.<\/p>\n Selda is at 9250 Dallas Parkway, Frisco.<\/p>\n The Sicilian Butcher in Dallas and Fort Worth The Sicilian Butcher started in Arizona. Its owners are now focused on expanding into North Texas.<\/p>\n Courtesy of The Sicilian Butcher<\/p>\n By early August 2025, The Sicilian Butcher is expected to open in North Dallas<\/a>, on Belt Line Road. If you can\u2019t wait for bruschetta, pizza, 10-layer lasagna and more, check out the existing restaurant in Fort Worth with a similar menu. <\/p>\n For $14, both restaurants will sell a \u201cFerris wheel\u201d of cannoli \u2014 a format that sounds fun to photograph and fun to eat. Or, opt for the \u201cgiant dessert board,\u201d also $14, for a taste of every dessert served on a 5-foot-long tray.<\/p>\n The Sicilian Butcher is expected to open Aug. 7, 2025 at 5225 Belt Line Road, Dallas. The Fort Worth restaurant is at 3200 Tracewood Way.<\/p>\n Sushi Kozy in downtown Dallas<\/p>\n Uchi\u2019s former head sushi chef has opened a new restaurant, Sushi Kozy, in downtown Dallas. PaperCity reports that chef Ross Demers<\/a> (of erstwhile Dallas restaurant Cry Wolf<\/a>) has joined the team. Given the chefs involved, Sushi Kozy tops my list for my next high-end dinner. Just note the price: Dinner costs $185 per person for 17 courses \u2014 the highest price tag of any restaurant on this list. <\/p>\n Sushi Kozy is at 2000 Ross Ave., Dallas. Closed Mondays. Dinner only, for now.<\/p>\n Taco y Vino in Garland For $50, Taco y Vino sells six tacos and a bottle of wine.<\/p>\n Smiley N. Pool \/ Staff Photographer<\/p>\n Dallas Morning News readers already love Taco y Vino<\/a>, the quaint and cozy Oak Cliff restaurant with affordable food. This month, co-owner Jimmy Contreras is expanding the restaurant to downtown Garland<\/a>, a newly revitalized area with plenty of old-school charm. <\/p>\n Contreras\u2019 new restaurant is small, and that\u2019s on purpose. \u201cI\u2019m not a big fan of big spaces,\u201d he said. \u201cYou lose intimacy.\u201d Look for bites like tuna crudo tostadas and spicy tamales alongside reasonably priced wines by the bottle and glass.<\/p>\n Taco y Vino is expected to open at 706 Main St., Garland, in August 2025. Find the original at 213 W. Eighth St., Dallas.<\/p>\n Check out past Hot Lists<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dallas-Fort Worth diners, have you noticed a shift in your dining habits recently? 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