{"id":905226,"date":"2026-07-01T10:40:17","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T10:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/905226\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:40:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T10:40:17","slug":"hot-list-where-to-eat-right-now-during-a-hot-dallas-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/905226\/","title":{"rendered":"Hot List: Where to eat right now during a hot Dallas summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Hot List is living up to its name this month. It\u2019s July 2026 in Dallas-Fort Worth, and we\u2019re in the midst of a hot, hot American summer<\/a>. Better make a list of cool restaurants, am I right?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This month, we\u2019re eating light. Let\u2019s enjoy cold seafood dishes and pretty cocktails. Let\u2019s cheer loudly during World Cup matches and nosh on spicy mussels at the pub. Let\u2019s not forget about cold, delicious dips! (I would never.) Let\u2019s dream of dining someplace grand, like Paris or Mexico City or New York<\/a>, but let\u2019s find great dishes here in Dallas that remind you of all of those, without the plane ticket.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know about you, but life got busy recently. Let\u2019s slow down, get a little sun and grab a bite.<\/p>\n

Restaurants listed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n

Alania in Old East Dallas<\/p>\n

If you find yourself near Jimmy\u2019s Food Store or the Dallasite, two historic spots in Old East Dallas, look for the new Alania Mediterranean Grill<\/a>. A Turkish family has opened a restaurant serving mezze, flatbread, lamb chops and skewered meats. The dips were particularly good, especially the whipped Cyprus feta, carrots-and-walnuts and muhammara.<\/p>\n

Alania Mediterranean Grill is at 4812 Bryan St., Dallas.<\/p>\n

\"Finish<\/p>\n

Finish a meal at Alania Mediterranean Grill in Old East Dallas with Turkish coffee served on a silver tray.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Angie\u2019s in Little Elm and Plano<\/p>\n

So you\u2019re looking for healthful food without a big price tag<\/a>. That\u2019s Angie\u2019s whole thing: This chain restaurant from Phoenix sells salads, build-your-own bowls, cheeseburgers, burritos, rice bowls and even lobster rolls. (Come to think of it, what doesn\u2019t Angie\u2019s sell?) The idea here is high-quality food at a low price, served in a drive-through. If you go, tell me what you think.<\/p>\n

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Angie’s is at 2823 Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, and 701 W. 15th St., Plano.<\/p>\n

Argentina Bakery in Irving<\/p>\n

Just in time for World Cup matches, Argentina Bakery moved to a bigger space in Irving<\/a>. It\u2019s three times the size of the former restaurant, Staff Writer Kathy Wang reported. The homey restaurant serves empanadas, sandwiches and cake, and there\u2019s a full bar.<\/p>\n

Argentina Bakery is at 3143 W. Airport Freeway, Irving.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"In<\/p>\n

In celebration of global soccer legend Leo Messi\u2019s 39th birthday, staff at the new Argentina Bakery in Irving created a multi-tiered birthday cake.<\/p>\n

Steve Hamm\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Dumpling Queen in Flower Mound<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a dumpling queen in Dallas-Fort Worth?<\/a> I can\u2019t wait to meet her. Wang reports that Lulu\u00a0Du is the owner of a new restaurant in Flower Mound serving nearly a dozen types of dumplings alongside Chinese-American dishes such as orange chicken. Chefs here spend eight to nine hours a day wrapping dumplings. I\u2019ve got my eye on the crab xiao long bao, the pan-fried thumb buns and a chocolate lava and banana bao for dessert.<\/p>\n

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Dumpling Queen is at 1050 Flower Mound Road, Flower Mound.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Pan-fried<\/p>\n

Pan-fried thumb buns look delicious at Dumpling Queen in Flower Mound.<\/p>\n

El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

The Flying Fish (multiple locations)<\/p>\n

Much of the World Cup experience in Dallas-Fort Worth has been more bizarre than we could have projected<\/a>, but here\u2019s the oddest food deal I\u2019ve seen<\/a>: The Flying Fish\u2019s nine Dallas-area restaurants are serving a \u201csurf or turf\u201d summertime special. No joke: You get tinned sardines \u2014 the surf ($15), or canned Vienna sausages \u2014 the turf ($12). Both come with saltine crackers in what restaurant co-owner Shannon Wynne dryly refers to as a “m\u00e9lange” of mayo, mustard, Worcestershire and lemon.\u201d It\u2019s a build-your-own situation, y\u2019all, and the price is right! Worth a giggle, too.<\/p>\n

Flying Fish’s North Texas restaurants are in Addison, Arlington, Coppell, Fort Worth, Dallas, Garland and Plano.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\"Flying<\/p>\n

Flying Fish’s “surf or turf” deal goads customers to eat saltines and sardines in a silly summer special.<\/p>\n

Raynor Brumfield<\/p>\n

Ghost Pizza in Lake Highlands<\/p>\n

Lake Highlands\u2019 newest Italian restaurant has $3 slices of pizza<\/a>. That\u2019s the first thing to know. The second thing is this \u201cnew\u201d place comes from the family who started a pizzeria in Dallas in 1949. Their erstwhile restaurant in the Preston Hollow area closed after a 2019 tornado<\/a>. The owner told our Zacharia Washington he\u2019s \u201chappy to be back in the business\u201d and hopes Preston Hollow customers will make the drive a few miles east.<\/p>\n

Ghost Pizza is at 10675 Northwest Highway, Dallas.<\/p>\n

Kuluntu Bakery in Oak Cliff<\/p>\n

South African bakery Kuluntu is selling excellent croissants and loaves of sourdough in an area of east Oak Cliff called the East Dock. More than just a plate to eat, though, Kuluntu is a nonprofit business meant to empower women<\/a>, offer space for the community and provide a place for kids. I inhaled sharply, feeling so seen, when I saw the private room for nursing mothers. I\u2019d drive a long way to support a place like this.<\/p>\n

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Kuluntu Bakery is at 900 E. Clarendon Drive, Dallas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

La Lupita Taco & Mezcal in the Dallas Design District<\/p>\n

When Dallas Morning News food reporter Imelda Garc\u00eda says we need to eat the famous al pastor tacos at a new Dallas Design District restaurant<\/a>, we should listen. La Lupita is an established restaurant in Los Cabos, Mexico, that expanded to the Dallas Design District in early June. It\u2019s the first U.S. restaurant from the brand, and its place in Dallas denotes the \u201cvery special connection between Dallas and Cabo,\u201d CEO Carlos Ramirez told Garc\u00eda. Revered American chef Thomas Keller has already dined at La Lupita \u2014 a great sign.<\/p>\n

La Lupita Taco & Mezcal is at 1201 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A drunken barbacoa taco pictured at La Lupita on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Dallas.<\/p>\n

El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Maroma in the Dallas Design District<\/p>\n

While we\u2019re in the Design District, stop at Maroma for lunch or dinner. This coastal Mexican restaurant is a great option for a business meal<\/a>, as it has an impressive-looking dining room and an interesting menu. I love the tuna tostada with peanut salsa matcha, the guacamole to share, and an entree of gochujang adobo jumbo shrimp or red snapper in lemongrass coconut broth. Insiders know Maroma comes from chef Omar Flores, of Muchacho and Casa Brasa.<\/p>\n

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Maroma is at 1333 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas.<\/p>\n

Neighborhood Sushi in Highland Park<\/p>\n

For their first act in Dallas, the Austin-based chefs from MML Hospitality opened Neighborhood Sushi on Oak Lawn Avenue. It\u2019s a \u201cstrip mall sushi\u201d Japanese restaurant<\/a>, managing partner Larry McGuire calls it, in affluent Highland Park. You should try it out, not only because the food\u2019s good but also because it\u2019s the first in a series of restaurants from a Texas company doing big things. I especially like Neighborhood Sushi for an unplanned date night.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Neighborhood Sushi is at 4216 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas. It\u2019s the newest restaurant on this list, having opened June 30, 2026. Reservations recommended<\/a> but not required.<\/p>\n

\"For<\/p>\n

For a cold drink and some raw fish in Dallas, try the new Neighborhood Sushi on Oak Lawn Avenue.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News\"Executive<\/p>\n

Executive Chef In Chun holds a selection of nigiri at Neighborhood Sushi in Dallas.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News\"Fluke,<\/p>\n

Fluke, Scottish salmon, Baja bass, Madai snapper, big eyed tuna and fatty tuna are on the nigiri menu at Neighborhood Sushi, which opens June 30, 2026 on Dallas’ Oak Lawn Avenue.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News\"Chefs<\/p>\n

Chefs toss grilled edamame at Neighborhood Sushi, a new Japanese restaurant in Dallas.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News\"Kakigori<\/p>\n

Kakigori with mango, prickly pear, pineapple and coconut cream is one of five dessert options at Neighborhood Sushi in Dallas.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News\"Executive<\/p>\n

Executive Chef In Chun leads the kitchen at Neighborhood Sushi, an Austin-born restaurant expanding into Dallas. The company also owns Clark’s Oyster Bar and Swedish Hill, two more brands that will expand into Dallas-Fort Worth imminently.<\/p>\n

Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Osteria il Muro in Denton<\/p>\n

Have you tried to get a reservation at this tiny Italian restaurant 45 miles north of Dallas? It\u2019s nearly impossible. So when Denton chef Scott Girling was in the running to win Best Chef: Texas in the James Beard Awards last month and didn\u2019t take home the award, I cheered<\/a>. Really: We don\u2019t need reservations to be even more difficult for this lovely little restaurant. If you can\u2019t get one, follow along on Instagram<\/a>. It\u2019s delicious.<\/p>\n

Osteria il Muro is at 311 W. Congress St., Denton.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Osteria<\/p>\n

Osteria il Muro owner and chef Scott Girling makes raschiatelli pasta before service in June 2026. The pasta-making table turns into a four-seat counter during dinner service, which adds more seats to the tiny restaurant.<\/p>\n

Chitose Suzuki\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Palladino\u2019s Steak and Seafood in Preston Hollow<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a new steakhouse to try in Dallas-Fort Worth, make it Palladino\u2019s<\/a>, Dallas restaurateur Joseph Palladino\u2019s new place at Preston Road and Royal Lane. The menu includes classics like Caesar salad, lobster bisque, prime steaks, and mac and cheese. But I\u2019m intrigued by a few unexpected dishes for a steakhouse, like a crab crisp appetizer, Texas quail with ham hock gravy, sushi tacos and disco chicken. The adventure awaits.<\/p>\n

Palladino\u2019s Steak & Seafood is at 5959 Royal Lane, Dallas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Restaurateur<\/p>\n

Restaurateur Joseph Palladino and Chef Sam Hazen\u00a0created\u00a0Palladino\u2019s in Dallas.<\/p>\n

El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n

Queen\u2019s Head Pub in Deep Ellum<\/p>\n

Soccer fans will find much to love about the new Queen\u2019s Head Pub in Deep Ellum<\/a>. Even when World Cup matches are not on TV, this bar is worth a stop for spicy mussels, fish and chips or a cheesesteak topped with Guinness beer cheese. A living-room setup with couches, chairs and a fireplace will make you feel like you\u2019re drinking at a friend\u2019s house.<\/p>\n

Queen\u2019s Head Pub is at 2713 Elm St., Dallas.<\/p>\n

\"Chicken<\/p>\n

Chicken wings at the Queen’s Head Pub in Deep Ellum come tossed in choice of Buffalo, garlic Parmesan, spicy honey or spicy curry.<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Queen’s Head Pub<\/p>\n

El Rinc\u00f3n del D.F. in northwest Dallas<\/p>\n

For the ultimate World Cup souvenir photo, Dallas restaurant El Rinc\u00f3n del D.F. is stamping its tortas with the shape of a soccer ball. It\u2019s, frankly, adorable, and the sandwich sounds great, too: grilled beef or chicken, with guac, melted cheese and lettuce. Get \u2019em until July 19, 2026, Garc\u00eda says.<\/p>\n

El Rinc\u00f3n del D.F. is at 2900 Walnut Hill Lane (near Harry Hines Boulevard), Dallas.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Cute,Imelda Garc\u00eda\/Staff writer<\/p>\n

Smokey Joe\u2019s BBQ in Redbird<\/p>\n

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico stopped at Smokey Joe\u2019s BBQ in early June for a bite of beef, striking down jabs he\u2019s vegan. But his favorite bite, he told a group of reporters, were brakes.<\/a> Wait, I mused. Not brisket? Nope: Talarico loved owner Kris Manning\u2019s \u201crib nuggets,\u201d a more affordable version of brisket burnt ends. You can\u2019t find them very many places in D-FW, and Manning calls them a \u201cSouthern Dallas thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smokey Joe\u2019s BBQ is at 6403 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas.<\/p>\n

Stay Darlin\u2019 in East Dallas<\/p>\n

Looking for a Fort Worth vibe, but in Dallas? Henderson Avenue has become the country-chic center of the city, and its newest two-stepper is a bar and restaurant called Stay Darlin\u2019, or Darlin\u2019 for short<\/a>. It\u2019s a place for dirty martinis and cucumber margaritas and a sandwich called the Million Dollar Club that does not, in fact, cost $1 million. (It\u2019s $18.) When that one friend says \u201cI want to dress up,\u201d wear your boots or hats and scoot to Darlin\u2019.<\/p>\n

Stay Darlin’ is at 2929 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

New Dallas restaurant Stay\u00a0Darlin’ is located next to Dudley’s Sports Grill and across Henderson Avenue from Tecovas and Rancher Hat Bar. Wear your boots.<\/p>\n

Courtesy of Stay Darlin’<\/p>\n

Sue\u00f1o in University Park<\/p>\n

Snider Plaza is home to a Mexican restaurant called Sue\u00f1o, a stylish place for dinner<\/a>. It\u2019s in a new red-roof building near SMU that long-timers will remember as the site of the former Peggy Sue BBQ. Beyond the dinnertime food and drinks, Sue\u00f1o has a tequila lounge called Alma Agave.<\/p>\n

Sue\u00f1o and Alma Agave are at 6600 Snider Plaza, Dallas. Reservations recommended.<\/a><\/p>\n

Victory Tap in West Plano<\/p>\n

So you\u2019re looking for a bar with 32 TVs to watch the World Cup<\/a>. Alberto Lombardi, the prolific Italian-born Dallas restaurateur who owns Toulouse, Taverna, Bistro 31 and more, has opened a sports bar in West Plano that\u2019s his most casual so far. Victory Tap has plenty to keep sports fans occupied: cornhole, shuffleboard, foosball, a Formula 1 simulator and an outdoor bocce court.<\/p>\n

Victory Tap is located at 5973 W. Parker Road, Plano.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Walkers\u2019 in East Dallas<\/p>\n

New Greenville Avenue restaurant Walkers\u2019 is the wine bar East Dallas needs<\/a>. Why? It\u2019s open during the day, selling great sandwiches. It serves wine starting at happy hour, at a bar where reservations are not required. And it has a short but stout menu of New American food served at dinnertime. This is the Dallas restaurant everyone\u2019s talking about right now.<\/p>\n

Walkers\u2019 is at 3016 Greenville Ave., Dallas. Reservations recommended for dinner<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

WokStar Chinese in Dallas\u2019 West Village and on Walnut Hill Lane<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a hankering for orange chicken, xiao long bao, firecracker shrimp or lo mein, WokStar Chinese is now open in Uptown<\/a>. The West Village restaurant has a temperature-controlled patio \u2014 a must this season \u2014 and a cozy interior with booths and a bar. It\u2019s an easy answer for neighbors wanting a quick dinner or Chinese takeout.<\/p>\n

WokStar Chinese is at 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 307 (in West Village), Dallas. The original WokStar remains open at 8041 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas.<\/p>\n