Roots Southern Table, Meridian, and More: Dallas Dining’s Best in 2021

(Top) Chef Tiffany Derry’s latest foray is a welcome sight in Farmers Branch, a quiet enclave that seems to leave the big openings to other ‘burbs. But Derry’s “homage to modern Southern cooking” is making noise for its vibrant menu that spans fried shrimp and grits to My Mother’s Gumbo, not to mention jerk lamb chops paired with black-eyed peas. The family-style duck fat fried chicken is a nod to Derry’s other venture, Roots Chicken Shak, and it proves the chef can do wonders with minimal ingredients — kinda like on that TV show on which she earned kudos.

Call (214) 346-4441 for reservations.

Lucia has long been known as one of the hardest reservations to come by in Dallas. After closing at COVID’s onset, the beloved Bishop Arts haunt has finally reopened. So, pardon us if we’re happy to say that’s still the case about reservations. Now housed in the former Macellaio space, tables are even tougher to score as the new dining room is set up for social distancing. But expect the same pre-pandemic array of delicate handmade pastas, plus a spring chef’s choice salumi plate with capicola, mortadella, and their kin, and some of the best chicken liver mousse around. Even better: There’s no bucatini (with guanciale and spring onion) shortage here!

This year-old-plus restaurant from Sarah Castillo (Taco Heads, Sidesaddle Saloon) is quickly becoming a Southside staple due to its charm, plus a small-yet-winsome menu that spans potato taquitos and birria tacos to “larger-format” plates such as the house specialty rotisserie chicken and spicy, crispy duck carnitas. The half-chicken, smoky and a perfect foil to pickled veggies, creamy pinto beans and straight-off-the-press corn tortillas, is a shareable sensation. As is the crispy octopus — not something any Fort Worthian would ever venture would be served in these parts. The chewy, charred tentacles share space with potato slivers and chorizo all in one heavenly bowl. The brunch menu shows similar vim and vigor, with carafes of mimosas and baskets of tamales good choices. A coveted table on the rooftop patio is tops, so reservations are a good idea.

The culinary darling of Deep Ellum, Fort Worth import Revolver offers cheap tacos that are both exceedingly delicious and extremely authentic. (Look no further than owner Regino Rojas’ mother making masa in the kitchen.) But there’s also La Resistencia, the owner’s heightened take on the whole experience. The seven-course prix fixe tasting menu ($95) features food from indigenous farms in Oaxaca like heirloom corn (maiz milpero) to make tortillas and marries those ingredients with Japanese cooking techniques to create outstanding versions of carne asada and Michocan-style birria tacos.

At this new modern Brazilian restaurant from notable chef Junior Borges (Uchi, FT33) expect to be delighted — starting with the bread. Yes, bread. Pillowy clouds served with marbled butter, whipped ‘nduja, ricotta, and green garlic relish, the starter sets the bar for your meal, which gets even more inventive. Just on the “snacks” part of the menu alone, there’s also a tapioca Brazilian cheese fritter and Beach Cheese on a Stick, the stuff of cheese dreams, while the sesame garlic pancake piques palates across the dining room. Larger plates riff into further greatness, from the wagyu picanha with an eggplant caponata to whole grilled octopus with more of that green garlic, plus a chile vinaigrette.

This modern Indian restaurant from mother-daughter Afifa and Sabrina Nayeb plays all the right notes, bringing innovative twists and a French flair to the cuisine. From poppy seed lamb rolls to a paneer salad with Campari tomatoes, the flavors are familiar yet elegantly finessed. The communal vibe provides an enhanced experience, with dishes like the cashew chicken tikka and pistachio lamb chops practically begging to be shared. Combine it all in a sophisticated dining room with emerald hues and retro finishes, and diners are in for a unique and upscale, yet completely accessible, meal.

This new-to-Dallas offshoot of the popular Austin concept, a Tyson Cole (Uchi)/Aaron Franklin (Franklin Barbecue) meaty mash-up, brings Asian smokehouse fare to the fore. There’s coconut rice, but with brisket; kettle corn studded with brisket burnt ends and togorashi; and oak-smoked salmon with a cucumber-yuzu broth, among other fusion food. With an inviting patio and communal tables, diners are already excitedly digging in with steak knives and chopsticks at the soon-to-be iconic old East Dallas location.

Jose is another entry bringing a fresh perspective to Mexican (Jalisco) fare, from no less than noted chef Anastacia Quinoñes. The seasonal aguachile (marinated fish with lime and chile) is a remarkable way to begin a meal here, and the dish matches the vibrant dining room. Other offerings are resoundingly innovative, whether it’s the quesadilla dorada (fried, stuffed quesadilla with carne asada and Oaxaca cheese) or the short rib enchiladas. And the carrot habanero soup, especially as the weather turns a touch cooler, satisfies in nuanced ways, with dabs of fried masa seemingly hidden (and welcome) in the broth.

The latest see-and-be-seen stop in The Village is this clubby Mexican hideaway, which has style to spare. Dark-wood accents, string lights and stained glass plays nicely along with signature dishes including hamachi aguachile, blue crab tostadas, and tacos by the dozen — camarones mole poblano, barbacoa, and cochinita Pibil, plus more — on housemade corn tortillas. You’ll surely wake up at brunch here, with the spicy Bloody Maria married with the chilaquiles rojos. Or maybe you might be sweet on the horchata-soaked French toast. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong in a place so right-on.

Sister is, well, the new sister restaurant to Design District heavy The Charles. But this baby is hardly naive, with an Italian and Mediterranean-inspired menu that aims to “seduce the senses and be a little edgy while still approachable,” all in a location that once housed the legendary The Grape. Yet this new offering from Duro Hospitality hopes to vibe as more neighborhood eatery than fine-dining establishment. Expect wood-fired meats, fish, and pasta, with Greek and Lebanese accents. Now that’s seductive.