Dallas Foodies and Experts on Thee Best Restaurant Meal of 2022 - Eater Dallas

Dallas is loaded with great restaurants and there are so many great plates out there worth trying. Eater Dallas polled local chefs, journalists, and food influencers about their thoughts on the local food scene in 2022. Here are their best meals of the year — and you can read the full list of picks by your Eater Dallas editor as well.

What was your best restaurant meal of 2022?

Dean Fearing, chef at Fearing’s Restaurant:

“Sister Restaurant. This is the ‘sister’ restaurant to The Charles. Sister took over the old Grape restaurant and has blown it away. It’s a more open concept restaurant that’s jam packed full of action with amazing food and supported by a great team. Duro Hospitality has created another hit and are on track to do more.”

Nataly Keomoungkhoun, D magazine food editor:

“My favorite meal was the spaghetti with blue prawns, braised fennel, brined/charred jalapenos and garlic at Homewood Restaurant in February. Pasta is a go-to for me, and this dish had the most perfect balance of cream, acidity, and crunch. I savored every bite. And because Homewood changes its menu seasonally, I’ve had no choice but to live with the memory of that dish.”

Lily Kramlich-Taylor, Dallasites 101:

“ I had some razor clams at Cry Wolf covered in all the garlic and herbs and I’m still dreaming about them.”

Kevin Gray, Eater Dallas contributor:

“It’s a toss-up between Tatsu and Georgie, and though the two venues, cuisines and experiences are completely different, both nailed the food and hospitality. Tatsu serves omakase sushi in a minimalist, reverential setting that puts Chef Tatsu’s talents on display, and it’s difficult to think of a more exciting spot in Dallas right now. Georgie feels more familiar, leaning into great steaks and wines, but it completely upends the old-school steakhouse vibe. The modern dining room is fun and lively, the food is excellent and more interesting than it has to be, and the staff are some of the warmest in town.”

Steven Doyle, craveDFW:

“Charred black maitake and grilled scallop at Meridian. The maitake were especially enjoyable. The dish was supported by an exceptional soubise and garlic chive relish.”

Brian Reinhart, D magazine dining critic:

“In Dallas, the best thing I ate this year was a meatball special at Modest Rogers. And then it closed, because nobody went! Sorry. I’m still frustrated.”

Rosin Saez, Thrillist senior editor of food and drink:

“Sundays at Regino Rojas’s new-ish Revolver Taco Lounge Gastro Cantina in Deep Ellum means massive pots bearing bright red menudo, clay pots of deeply rich mole, oyster shooters, and all-you-drink cafe de olla. I wish I had a bovine’s multi-compartmental stomach just to eat everything on the buffet line. I dream about this meal.”

John Tesar, chef at Knife:

“In Dallas I would have to say it was either Tei An or El Carlos Elegenate.”

Amy McCarthy, Eater staff writer and former Eater Dallas editor:

“In Dallas, it’s Stepchild, without question. The duck heart ham that was on the boudin appetizer is something that I still think about.”