6 Upscale Dallas Restaurants Worthy of a Michelin Star

Dallas is one of the nation's most well-known cities, complete with vibrant culture, diverse history, and a dining scene that continues to grow in both reputation and innovation. From celebrated chefs to rising culinary talents, the city has no shortage of award-winning restaurants pushing boundaries and delighting diners.

A Michelin Star restaurant is a dining establishment recognized by the Michelin Guide, one of the most prestigious and influential restaurant rating systems in the world. Stars are awarded based on the quality of food, mastery of technique, consistency, creativity, and value. Scoring leans heavily toward the food itself rather than service or ambiance.

What might surprise many, however, is that Dallas (and Texas as a whole) has zero Michelin Star restaurants. This absence isn't a reflection of quality but simply geography: Michelin has yet to expand its prestigious Guide into Texas. Currently, only a select number of U.S. cities and states are covered, with just over 1,500 restaurants nationwide earning consideration for one of those coveted Stars. However, if these 6 top-notch Dallas establishments were considered, we think they'd earn at least one shining Michelin Star.

This post was updated on September 14, 2025 to clarify the reach of Michelin Star restaurants and the atmosphere of Fearing's Restaurant.

If you're looking for a Michelin-worthy restaurant in Dallas, Knife should be the first stop on your list. Created by award-winning Chef John Tesar, this restaurant provides guests with a unique steakhouse experience that combines classic and modern steakhouse entrees.

The name Chef John Tesar alone may be enough to convince you how excellent Knife really is. Tesar was a contestant on "Top Chef," and has been recognized by Anthony Bourdain, Food & Wine, and The New York Times, just to name a few. Tesar has also been nominated for the James Beard Award and Knife was selected as the "Best Steakhouse" in Dallas by D Magazine.

Not only does Knife serve the best locally sourced meats, but the restaurant also has an extensive wine list with over 300 wines to choose from. In addition to their perfectly cooked steaks, you'll find items on the menu such as the Pepper Crusted Tuna, Butter Poached Lobster, and the Rack of Lamb with mustard, garlic, and an herb crust.

Monarch is a modern, Italian restaurant with an elegant and whimsical atmosphere, created by Chef Danny Grant, who holds two Michelin stars for his Chicago restaurants. Monarch's menu includes handmade pasta, steaks, pork chops, and fresh seafood.

With dazzling chandeliers and an incredible view of the city, every detail at Monarch makes the dining experience memorable. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the wood-fired hearth, where guests can enjoy fresh oven-toasted prawns, vegetables, or charred octopus.

To start with, you can also enjoy appetizers such as the Wood-fired Meatballs or the Ossetra Caviar service. For the main course, some of their signature dishes include the Wood-Grilled Whole Branzino with fennel confit, capers, and basil or the South Texas Antelope with butternut squash and toasted seeds.

For over 40 years, The Mansion Restaurant has been one of the best fine-dining establishments in Dallas. From the elegant grand staircase to the quaint and romantic outdoor patio, the atmosphere of The Mansion Restaurant makes it perfect for a night out or a private celebration.

The cuisine at The Mansion Restaurant combines contemporary American dishes with a French twist. Each item is carefully crafted with bold flavors and fresh, local ingredients. They also offer an extensive wine list and won Wine Spectator's 2022 Best of Award of Excellence.

You can visit The Mansion Restaurant for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner any day of the week. When you visit for dinner, you may start with distinguished appetizers such as the Butternut Squash Bisque. Some of the main courses include the Roasted Colorado Lamb, the Seared Halibut, or the A5 Wagyu Striploin.

Fearing's Restaurant is widely known as one of the liveliest, most vibrant fine-dining spots in Dallas. It features a bold, daring menu from an award-winning chef. The bold flavors at Fearing's Restaurant are created and inspired by James Beard Award winner Chef Dean Fearing.

The cuisine at Fearing's Restaurant combines classic American flavors with the signature flavors of the South. Esquire Magazine has named Fearing's Restaurant the "Restaurant of the Year" and "Table of the Year." Zagat has recognized Fearing's Restaurant as the 1. Restaurant in Hotel Dining. Forbes, The Daily Meal, and Gayot have also featured Fearing's.

Fearing prefers to keep his menu simple and not overcomplicate it with unnecessary ingredients. Sweet and savory blends are his specialty. At Fearing's Restaurant, you'll enjoy items such as Dean's Tortilla Soup, Pan Seared Eastern Shore Sea Scallops, or the Garlic Herb Marinated Lamb Rack.

In the Dallas Park District, you'll find Perry's upscale steakhouse, part of a well-known steakhouse group. The first level of Perry's Steakhouse & Grille includes a luxurious island bar with private dining areas and a romantic fireplace. Climb the elegant staircase to get to the expansive dining area on the second floor with beautiful views of downtown Dallas.

The Park District location has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Wine Spectator Award. Perry's Steakhouse & Grille has also been recognized as Best Romantic Dinner and Top Steakhouse in Dallas.

Whether you choose the Ahi Tuna Tartare Tower, the Escargot, or something else, Perry's Steakhouse & Grille has a variety of delicious starters to begin your dining experience. They also offer entrees for their vegan guests, such as the Vegan Skillet Chopped Steak or the Spaghetti Squash Primavera.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Monarch via Yelp.