The culinary landscape of Dallas is ever-evolving, and the latest edition of CultureMap's 'Where to Eat' column showcases a diverse array of dining experiences that are set to captivate food enthusiasts in 2026. From 'eatertainment' venues to traditional restaurants, this list promises something for every palate.
Casa Comal Cocina: A Tacos Extravaganza
Casa Comal Cocina, a Mexican restaurant in Irving, is a haven for taco lovers. The menu boasts a wide variety of tacos, from Mexico City-style carnitas and al pastor to upscale creations like lemon pepper chicken with arugula. The owners, Bachir and Elisa Ramadam, along with their partner Alejandro Vera, bring their expertise from the original Casa Comal in Santa Barbara, California, to Texas, where they have family ties. This restaurant is a must-visit for those seeking a flavorful taco experience.
Dave & Buster's McKinney: Entertainment and Deliciousness
The newest addition to the Dave & Buster's chain in McKinney is a 40,000-square-foot entertainment hub. It features arcade games, gaming suites, sports viewing, and a full-service restaurant and bar. The menu offers elevated bar basics, including bone-in and boneless wings, a plant-based black bean burger, and a Philly cheesesteak. The fun doesn't stop there; they also serve creative desserts like funnelcake fries with whipped cream, caramel, and chocolate.
Harissa Mediterranean: A Taste of the Middle East
Harissa Mediterranean, owned by brother and sister Jimmy and Rima Sejdini, brings a family-owned touch to the Mediterranean dining scene. The menu showcases Middle Eastern favorites with a focus on precision and quality. From hummus and falafel to grilled haloumi and lamb chops, each dish is a masterpiece. The restaurant also offers notable Northeast-style dishes like chicken lemon rice soup and a lahmacun flatbread topped with ground beef, onion, tomato, garlic, and red peppers. The full bar features cocktails such as an espresso martini made with Turkish coffee.
Pane Vino North: Neighborhood Italian Charm
Pane Vino North, a Plano resident's favorite, is a quintessential neighborhood Italian restaurant. It offers all the Dallas-Italian classics, including calamari, pork chop Milanese, pappardelle Bolognese, and linguine carbonara with pancetta, peas, and Parmesan. Most dishes are priced at a crowd-pleasing $20 or under, with a few exceptions like the bestselling lobster ravioli pescatore. The full bar and desserts like tiramisu make it a perfect spot for a casual evening.
Patty Lou's Smashburgers: Retro Burger Bliss
Patty Lou's Smashburgers, a retro-style burger shop in downtown Plano, offers a limited menu featuring smashburgers with American cheese and onion, smashed chicken burgers, hand-cut fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. It's the latest concept from Urban Family Concepts, and the name pays homage to Patty Lou Peters, a legendary Western swing group member. The milkshakes can be ordered spiked, and there's also beer, wine, and a fun frozen Jack & Coke.
The Red Chickz: Nashville Hot Chicken with a Twist
The Red Chickz, a Nashville hot chicken chain founded in Los Angeles, has made its Dallas-Fort Worth debut in Carrollton. They serve a halal version of Nashville hot chicken, including sandwiches, tenders, and loaded mac & cheese topped with chicken. The menu also features tacos with chicken, shrimp, or cauliflower done Nashville hot style, and interesting sides like crispy corn ribs with chipotle mayo. The chain has expanded beyond California, with five locations in the state and one in Cypress, outside Houston.
Scilla: Coastal Italian Elegance
Scilla, a new concept from Duro Hospitality, is a neighborhood restaurant in the 8111 Douglas office tower in Preston Center. The menu showcases coastal Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas, a raw seafood bar, and wood-grilled dishes like branzino, red snapper, Wagyu ribeye, and lamb kabobs. Highlights include seafood paella, lobster arancini, and gnoccho fritto, a puffy fried bread from the Emilia-Romagna region. The bar offers an Italian-style aperitivo program, and the interior is a stunning display of hand-painted murals and artisan finishes.
Sip’Stroke: Golf, Food, and Entertainment
Sip’Stroke, a new entertainment destination in Plano, combines a restaurant and bar with a golf simulator and indoor putt-putt course. The menu, crafted by accredited chef Madan Oli, features steak, burgers, bar snacks, and desserts. Highlights include prime ribeye frites, saffron salmon, maple leaf duck breast, Cabernet-braised short ribs, Wagyu sliders, and tacos with garlic shrimp. A second location is in the works, expected to open before the end of the year.
Tayta: Peruvian-Chinese Fusion in Richardson
Tayta, a new family-owned restaurant in Richardson, serves Peruvian entrees, Peruvian-Chinese fusion (chifa), seafood, and rotisserie items cooked in a special charcoal oven imported from Peru. Menu picks include lomo saltado, a classic stir-fry with beef, red onion, and tomato, and ají de gallina, a shredded chicken stew with yellow ají amarillo peppers. The restaurant is a family venture from Nidia Torres and her sons, Andreé and Diego Florez, who started their catering business, María Elena, over a decade ago.
Trucker’s Cafe: Southern Soul Food with a Twist
Trucker’s Cafe, a Southern soul food restaurant, started in Lancaster south of Dallas and relocated to Richardson in 2020. After a fire in July 2025, the restaurant closed for a year. The Richardson location reopened on August 1, offering its trademark cafeteria-style steam table loaded with meatloaf, fried pork chops, burgers, fried chicken, wings, steak tips, and vegetable sides like greens, mashed potatoes, sweet potato, and okra. The owners, Marcell and Paulette Woods, also operate a convenience store in North Dallas.
In conclusion, these restaurants showcase the diverse culinary scene of Dallas, offering a range of dining experiences that cater to various tastes and preferences. From 'eatertainment' venues to traditional restaurants, each establishment promises a memorable culinary journey.
