Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Where to celebrate
  3. 9 Dallas restaurants perfect for special occasions
editorial list heading

9 Dallas restaurants perfect for special occasions

A photo of Red logo
by Diana Spechler
Updated December 18, 2023

Dallas is all about its special-occasion restaurants—they’re the city’s crown jewels, scattered throughout Downtown, Uptown, and the unassuming suburbs.

Whether you’re celebrating a personal or professional win, an anniversary, or just the joy of making it through the year, Dallas’s neighborhood bistros, steakhouses, and growing number of luxe transplants from other cities can turn any meal into a special occasion. Read on for a guide to nine stellar celebration restaurants to book in the city now.

A photo of Monarch restaurant
4.7
4.7 (542)
$50 and over
Italian
East Dallas
About the restaurant

Dress up for this chic and celebration-ready Italian spot. It’s steered by chef and owner Danny Grant, who once led Chicago’s RIA to two MICHELIN-star status. At Monarch, he serves wood-fired delicacies from the hearth. The pasta is housemade, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and diners get the best view of downtown in the city: Monarch is perched on the 49th floor of the National skyscraper and wrapped by windows for an occasion-worthy 360-degree look at Dallas.


Top review
Daks
Dined on Dec 14, 2024
Wonderful experience in the service was amazing will definitely be returned
A photo of Cafe Pacific restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3951)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Park Cities
About the restaurant

This long-standing seafood spot is quaint, elegant, and a go-to for intimate anniversary dinners. Though celebration meals usually mean crab remoulade and grilled Texas Gulf red snapper, Café Pacific is also a hidden gem for excellent steak, like pepper-crusted prime filet. Beautiful service—attentive, but never stuffy—completes the flawless fine-dining experience. Don’t miss the restaurant’s signature dessert, a toasted pecan-encrusted ball of vanilla bean ice cream with housemade chocolate sauce and an almond tuile.


Top review
Becky
Dined 1 day ago
Food is delicious every time. And the pecan ball is such a treat! Our server Drake was very attentive.
A photo of The Saint Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.7
4.7 (317)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant

Just off Deep Ellum’s beaten path, this new Italian-inspired steakhouse aces the ambiance test, making it perfect for anniversaries or special romantic evenings. Mood lighting, cozy booths, jewel tones, and one of the most beautiful bars in Dallas set the sexy scene. As do sumptuous mains like dry-aged wagyu New York strip glazed with a silky béarnaise sauce. Bonus points for oyster and caviar hour (expect discounted apps, bubbles, and craft cocktails) which happens daily at the bar and lounge from 5 pm to 6 pm.


Top review
Laura
Dined 3 days ago
Great everything! Love the music. Best steak ever. Drinks were delicious and you could taste the alcohol yummo!
A photo of Tei Tei Robata Bar restaurant
4.9
4.9 (322)
$50 and over
Japanese
Knox / Henderson
About the restaurant

The menu at executive chef Katsutoshi Sakamoto’s intimate and authentic Japanese restaurant is an ode to robata, a precise way of grilling over natural oak charcoal. From okra to artichokes to whole squid—ingredients you wouldn’t necessarily think to throw on the grill— the food is surprising and delicious, fueling a unique experience for an extra-special night. The sushi also stands out, and so do six kinds of toast-friendly Japanese whisky.


Top review
Keith
Dined 3 days ago
We’d never dined here before but had heard very good things. We were not disappointed. The “Oden” stew sells out fast and it is very limited. If available, the Sautéed Hokkaido Scallops in Uni Sauce is exceptional. On the regular menu, all of the sushi/sashimi we had was very good and the Chicken Karaage was very good. Our waiter was attentive and knew their wines. The restaurant was quiet and easy to hear and be heard in. Ample valet parking in the rear.
A photo of Kenny's Wood Fired Grill restaurant
4.9
4.9 (8274)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
North Dallas
About the restaurant

Chef Kenny Bowers, owner of five popular Dallas restaurants, grills everything to perfection at this bustling, occasion-friendly bistro, including oysters, asparagus, and burgers. Thanks to warm hospitality, a solid wine list, and a willingness to prepare any dish to your specs, Kenny’s draws plenty of revelers. The most famous part of the menu is the seafood, and the wood-grilled redfish, served with crab, shrimp, and creamy spinach is a must. The motto at this celebratory culinary staple? “Every day’s a holiday and every meal’s a feast.”


Top review
Jeremy
Dined 1 day ago
Dinner was great. We chose this place for our small work Christmas dinner and it did not disappoint. Jeremy our server was outstanding and went above and beyond what we could ask for. Literally went next door to get me a decaf cappuccino from Starbucks at the end of my dinner to have with our dessert- that is next level! Thank you for a great evening.
A photo of Pangea Restaurant and Bar restaurant
4.1
4.1 (2976)
$31 to $50
American
Garland
About the restaurant

At chef Kevin Ashade’s sophisticated Garland restaurant, made for group celebrations or special date nights, even the sides stand out. Case in point: crowds can’t get enough of the collard greens stewed in African spices with smoked turkey. The kitchen is a pro at shareable Cajun standbys like seafood gumbo and blackened catfish, plus international treats like jerk-roasted lamb shank. Ashade won “Beat Bobby Flay” with a coq au vin recipe in 2016, and lucky for you and your big night out, that’s on the menu, too.


Top review
Steven
Dined 7 days ago
Our service was great. The waiter took care of everybody and everything we needed (party of 8). Food was perfect as well
A photo of Al Biernat's - Oak Lawn restaurant
4.8
4.8 (10163)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Turtle Creek / Oak Lawn
About the restaurant

Restaurateur Al Biernat opened this Oak Lawn steakhouse in 1988, and it’s only gotten better throughout the years, earning all sorts of culinary cred. Known for celeb sightings, a super impressive wine list (at nearly 700 bottles, it’s one of the largest in Dallas), and world-class steak and seafood, the restaurant is a special-occasion classic. In addition to chophouse faithfuls, there are unique dishes like Japanese horseradish-crusted halibut. Don’t skip a pre-dinner drink at the bar, where a mesmerizing glass art-inspired painting spans the domed ceiling.


Top review
KimVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Loved it and can’t wait to come back!!! Great restaurant! Thank you for everyone that made my Mom’s Christmas Eve so special!!🎄❤️
A photo of Baboush restaurant
4.8
4.8 (424)
$30 and under
Middle Eastern
Uptown
About the restaurant

Dreamy cushions and lanterns add a transportive vibe to your night out at this Lebanese and Moroccan spot. Baboush is the brainchild of restaurateur Yaser Khalaf (of Darna Euro-Mediterranean Market in Plano) and just as great for early-in-the-game dates as it is for an easygoing birthday celebration. The restaurant is adored for kebabs and tagines, though the mezze platter gets special-occasion MVP status for having a little something for everyone. Share hummus, baba ganoush, and harissa labneh with friends, and be whisked away to the other side of the world.


Top review
Francis
Dined 4 days ago
The fresh food is what keeps us going back to Baboush and enjoy their Chef’s Hummus, Dolma, and Beef Cigars. For the first time, we tried the Shawarma Bowl - chicken and lamb. Both were AMAZING! The lemonade drinks are AWESOME!
A photo of Fearing's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (6203)
$50 and over
Southwest
Uptown
About the restaurant

This Southwestern icon in the Ritz-Carlton pulls out all the celebration stops, from a pristine open kitchen to powerhouse chef Dean Fearing’s renowned tortilla soup. Fearing’s is known as a sought-after backdrop for popping the question, but it’s also a go-to for a birthday brunch with friends or a celebratory cocktail at the Rattlesnake Bar. The menu offers a mix of innovative dishes like achiote-glazed antelope served with a braised rabbit enchilada, plus locally inspired comfort foods. More likely than not, Fearing himself will pop by your table in his cowboy boots to say hi.


Top review
AmyVIP
Dined 1 day ago
My sister and I have a lovely lunch today-the service was wonderful and the atmosphere was relaxing as always Thank you.
Explore other cities and regions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo