The DFW restaurant scene is bustling, so we understand if you missed a few that opened this year. Our guide will help you discover a new favorite.
This year was a big one for the DFW restaurant scene. Established eateries expanded and achieved substantial success. Yet, many new kids on the culinary block popped up, too. With so many good options in the neighborhood, some may have flown under the radar.
Here are 12 restaurants that opened across Dallas-Fort Worth this year. If you didn’t get to visit when they first opened, it’s not too late to check them out!
One note: The list below only includes spots with one location in Dallas-Fort Worth. We love seeing local restaurants and businesses grow, but we wanted to highlight truly one-of-a-kind places that opened up in 2024.
1. Bocca Osteria Romana
411 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Bocca Osteria Romana is nestled in an alley off South Main Street. Much like the best off-the-beaten-path restaurants in Italy, it’s well worth stumbling into. Salvatore Hospitality Group first debuted Bocca Osteria Romana in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and it’s bringing the restaurant to Fort Worth inside the former Tre Mogli building. The new Italian restaurant stays true to Roman cuisine, with housemade pasta, sauces, and seasonal ingredients. The Pomodoro E Stracciatella is a fork-twirling delight, while the Saltimbocca—which means “jump into your mouth” in Roman—marinates chicken breast prosciutto in a sage wine butter sauce.
2. Compatible Delights
5400 Woodway Dr, Suite 120, Fort Worth, TX 76133
Chef Cornelius Brown spent nearly ten years serving food at various pop-up locations. In April, he officially opened up the brick-and-mortar of Compatible Delights, a vegan restaurant in south Fort Worth. Brown first got into veganism for health reasons and soon saw it was tough to adhere to the diet when he went out, so he wanted to create an option for fellow plant-based eaters. He’s also keeping his Southern culinary background in the mix, so whether you order the Lasagna Platter, the BBQ MacNCheez Bowl, or the Kale Salad, you’ll enjoy some comfort with just the right amount of kick.
3. Le PasSage
4205 Buena Vista St, Suite 130, Dallas, TX 75205
Le PasSage’s interior design is modeled after luxury train travel, a la Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Personally, I’m more of an And Then There Were None fan, but either way, the mood fits. Most importantly, the food is fantastic. Le PasSage takes dishes from Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, preparing them with a French technique. The menu items offer a hearty mix, with the Five Spice Duck Breast and Dover Sole particular standouts. Save room for dessert—you won’t find Yogurt & Mushroom or a Smoked Tea Donut anywhere else. Le PasSage also has the Rose Café next door, perfect for a morning or lunchtime pick-me-up.
4. Crossroads Café
1014 US-67, Alvarado, TX 76009
About 30 minutes south of Fort Worth, Alvarado’s Crossroads Café seems constantly bustling yet always delivers top-notch, friendly service. The rotating list of specials is worth repeat visits, as well. Feast on the Taco Salad, a true smorgasbord of flavorful ingredients, or grab the Mushroom Swiss Burger for a hearty meal that will still leave you energetic for the rest of the afternoon. Before you go, stop by the “Established in 1854” Alvarado, Texas mural and snap a picture or two.
5. Goodsurf
317 S Second Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
Even if you’re unfamiliar with Dallas geography, you can presume that a landlocked city doesn’t provide immediate access to the beach. Goodsurf is turning that idea upside down. The entertainment bar provides pickleball and surfing using CityWave technology, which simulates the ocean. Goodsurf’s menu keeps up that “easy livin’” vibe with creative dishes like the Loco Moco, smash burger patties combined with mushroom gravy, a fried egg, and sushi rice. The signature cocktail list is impressive, too, from the Cannacucumber THC-infused drink to the Frozen Pumpkin Spice Latte.
6. Jākö Cocina y Agave
5754 Grandscape Blvd, Suite 110, The Colony, TX 75056
The party never stops at Jākö Cocina y Agave, which stimulates all your senses. The restaurant and bar opened on Halloween, and you’ll always find a lively atmosphere complete with impressive music, classy cocktails, and a ton of merriment. The menu reflects that “sharing is caring” feeling, too. The street food dishes, from tacos to Enchiladas Divorciadas, are all worth trying, and the Mar y Tierra will get you a mix of some of the best Jākö has to offer.
7. Flying Carpet
1223 Washington Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
This one is a bit of a zombie entry because The Flying Carpet was previously open. However, it closed down after undergoing repairs to its early-20th-century cottage. I empathize as someone who has recently had to replace a few things around the house. The Turkish restaurant is open once again, and that’s a good thing for fans of tasty food. Any of the kebabs are a terrific choice; it’s just a matter of what kind of meat you’re craving.
8. Radici Wood Fired Grill
12990 Bee St, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Radici opened in May and features open-fire cooking, adding a unique and savory flair to just about anything. The word “radici” means “roots” in Italian, and you’ll find plenty of Italian staples, such as Lasagna Blanca, Chicken Parmesan, and Fire Roasted Eggplant Involtini. There are only two non-coffee, non-wine desserts, but both the Tiramisu and Pistachio Olive Oil Cake are quite buonissimo.
Photo courtesy of Radici LLC.
9. Fort Redemption
5724 Locke Ave, Fort Worth 76107
One thing you know about a visit to Fort Redemption is you’re going to leave with a full, satisfied belly. Chef Tony Chaudhry started Fort Redemption as a food truck, and in the new digs, the menu has expanded to include steaks, cocktails, and much more. Of course, you’ll still find a behemoth of a burger here, a ¾ pound beef patty with classic toppings. It’s worth extending beyond a burger, though, particularly if you like brisket—the Brisket Mac & Cheese and Brisket Deviled Eggs are both meaty marvels.
10. Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles
1326 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, a concept started by chef Crystal Smith and backed by musicians Ne-Yo and Karlie Redd, initially launched in Atlanta in 2020. The eatery quickly gained steam and opened up a Dallas location this year. Browse the platinum albums along the wall and grab a pic with the Apollo Theater mural and “Everyday I’m Wafflin’” neon sign. Of course, we’re primarily here for the food. While options like Chef Crystal’s Cajun Penne Pasta and Cream Cheese Stuffed Brioche French Toast are both tasty, the classic Buttermilk Waffles with Chicken Tenders are in such high demand for a reason.
11. Lucky Dog Saloon
2701 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75201
The Katy Trail Ice House owners opened up Lucky Dog Saloon in July. Even though the bar is just a few months old, it feels like a neighborhood New York City/Chicago-style spot that’s been around for decades and decades. Cozy up in a booth and admire the nostalgic feel of old-fashioned bar fixtures and cool brick walls. Bring an appetite, too—the Wagyu BBQ Brisket is a must-try, and meats like the München-style Bratwurst and Texas Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage are a delectable treat. You lucky dog, you.
12. La Cabrona
2973 Crockett St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
The new La Cabrona is the most colorful restaurant on this list, featuring authentic Mexican decor, Day of the Dead-inspired murals, and bright pink seating. That would only go so far if the food weren’t outstanding, but thankfully, the restaurant delivers on that front. Chef Rosario Ortega is a native of Monterrey, Mexico, and her creative dishes look as tantalizing as they taste while honoring her Mexican heritage. Order any taco to indulge in the corn tortillas made with blue masa harina, which offer a truly unique look and taste. I’m also a sucker for a good Chiles Rellenos, and La Cabrona really knows—or should we say “relle-nos?”—what it’s doing there.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
