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9 Dallas restaurants perfect for special occasions

A photo of Red logo
by Diana Spechler
Updated 18 December 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
4.9
4.9 (563)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
Service was amazing!! Food was subpar, ambience and music were also amazing
A photo of Cafe Pacific restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4048)
$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
Casey
Dined 1 day ago
Always reliable for great service and high quality food prepared as you ordered it the first time. Outstanding service staff and a warm and classy environment.
A photo of The Saint Italian Steakhouse restaurant
4.6
4.6 (363)
$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
Caleb
Dined on 24 Feb 2025
Lovely experience with a sleek decor and perfectly crafted food and cocktails. Will be back
A photo of Tei Tei Robata Bar restaurant
4.9
4.9 (338)
$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
AshleyVIP
Dined on 27 Feb 2025
Fantastic visit. Waitstaff was very attentive. Everything we had was delicious.
A photo of Kenny's Wood Fired Grill restaurant
4.8
4.8 (8391)
$30 and under
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
Marcus
Dined 2 days ago
Maria was our server and made our experience a wonderful one. She was very attentive to our needs and checked on us occasionally if we needed anything. My husband and I were celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and Maria made it extra special by giving us a personal card and dessert. The manager working that night gave us a $25.00 gift card for our anniversary. Thank you so much for an enjoyable evening. Marcus and Tino
A photo of Al Biernat's - Oak Lawn restaurant
4.8
4.8 (10285)
$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
OpenTable DinerVIP
Dined 1 day ago
We love this place. The food is outstanding. It definitely is as good as anywhere we’ve eaten from California, Vegas, NYC or Florida. The bone in filet with Diane sauce is certainly on the menu in heaven💁🏻‍♀️
A photo of Baboush restaurant
4.6
4.6 (427)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food and great options. Was very accommodating to our big group.
A photo of Fearing's restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6255)
$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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Very good steaks and the foie gras was amazing. Great service too.
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