Special Occasion Restaurants

It may seem like anything Chef Chris Ward touches turns to gastronomical gold; and this continues to be the case with Mercury Grill. A number of awards and prizes hang from this prized chef’s belt, and he uses them skillfully to create The Mercury’s fresh and intriguing menu. Dishes like the Pearl Couscous Carbonara and the Filet of Beef offer insight into Chef Ward’s appreciation for and mastery of classic cuisine, while others like the Forty-Eight Hour Braised Short Ribs and the Black Cod are tribute to his artful eye.

The artful fusion of tradition and intrigue that characterizes Master Chef Wolfgang Puck’s cuisine is seamlessly captured in Five Sixty’s captivating décor and stunning views. Perched proudly on the fiftieth floor of the Reunion Tower, this haute Asian/Fusion restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that line the 360-degree span of the dining room. Visitors may also marvel at the stunning sights before them from the two bars: one rotates to offer another element of wonder, while the second highlights an ultra-modern aesthetic. Favorites like the Suckling Pig and the Shanghai Style Maine Lobster rival the views in both rarity and awe.

Kenichi, located in Dallas’ Victory Park, not only serves traditional and modern sushi and exciting Pan-Asian cuisine, but it boasts one of the most popular bar scenes in town. This hip, trendy restaurant has a sushi bar, dining room, upstairs area and a mezzanine lounge each adorned with exotic wood, glass and metalwork. Guests are invited to enjoy one of the restaurant’s premium sakis while taking in the stylish surroundings. Besides being a chic hotspot, Kenichi’s Executive Chef Bodhi Durant and Master Sushi Chef Kiyomi Sano’s cuisine is fresh, inventive and extremely popular among locals as well as tourists.

Residing in Dallas’ upscale Highland Park Village, Café Pacific is an established seafood eatery with rich history and warm décor. Marble floors and dark mahogany wood greet diners upon entrance. Lining the walls are pieces from the owner Jack Knox's personal art collection, and filling the menu are savory dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. Entrées such as Grilled Asparagus Skewered Tiger Shrimp, Prime Aged New York Strip, or Garlic Rosemary Pan Roasted Chicken- display a need to delight a number of diverse pallets. A staple for over 29 years, Café Pacific has made a lasting commitment to create a …

Thoughtfully chic yet casual, Nonna was created as a gathering point for Highland Park dwellers to savor authentic, regional Italian fare. Local farms and ranches source much of the ingredients found on the menu, and a wood-burning stove not only warms the space, but cooks the restaurant’s famous pizzas. Speaking of pizza, the White Pizza of Little Neck Clams has garnered quite the reputation for being satisfyingly rogue. Other tasty treats include the selection of house-cured salumi, the Ravioli of Maine Lobster, and the Veal Saltimbocca alla Romana. Who are we kidding, every dish on this menu has found a …

Fine American cuisine with a Texas twist is what diners can expect at Bonnell’s in Dallas. Guests are welcome to soak in the sophisticated, yet relaxing ambiance set in the main dining room with candle lit tables, or to prepare their own custom event in a private room. Catering options are offered to make special occasions unique to each party, with the option of custom menus. The private space allows up to 48 guests comfortably. The food menu systematically complies with the 5 year consecutive winning wine list of the Esteemed Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, making Bonnell’s an all …

Nestled on 11,000 acres of picturesque Texas Hill Country, Rough Creek Lodge takes the edge off of roughing it and indulges guests with excellent amenities and finer cuisine. Some visit this upscale lodge to unwind at the spa, while others flock here for the unique hunting experience; many more know the true meaning of destination dining in every dish they savor from Chef Thompson’s rustic American cuisine menu. The Grilled Rib-eye is succulent; the Pan-roasted Tasmanian Salmon is visionary; and the Brown Butter Plum Tart is downright decadent. It’s easy to see why so many are staking their claim, and …

Breathe easy and enjoy the serene setting and approachable American fare of Café Modern, located in the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth. Chef Dena Peterson creates timeless comfort food with creative flare, taking pride in expressing worldly flavors with fresh ingredients determined by each season. Round tables in a round dining room create a desirable space for friends and family to gather for a relaxing and intimate meal. Syncing with the rounded theme, slightly curved floor to ceiling windows look out to calm reflecting pools, allowing guests the feeling of floating at ease, instilling an ambiance equally refreshing to …

Owner and Executive Chef, Brian Olenjack takes pride in the Texas style American cuisine carried out in his restaurant and through his name. Fresh, local ingredients and bursting flavors are the name of the game, and patrons will appreciate the special care he puts into each artful plate. Syncing with its location, mere seconds from the Cowboys stadium and the Ballpark at Arlington, Olenjack's offers an exciting environment for sports fans, offering flat screens throughout the patio, bar and private dining areas. The big game isn’t the only attention grabbing aspect of this Texas style grille!

Diners seeking excitement in flavor and fashion need look no further; Suze hosts guests in-house and also provide full service catering for cocktail parties, buffet dinners and anything in between. Regardless of party size or preferred ambiance, Suze produces excellent food and presentation. Recipes of comforting French fare from Northern and Southern France are fused with flavors from all over the world and innovatively prepared with the highest quality of local and imported ingredients. Executive chef Gilbert Garza and chef de cuisine Jeffery Hobbs strive to put quality, passion and flare into each dish, making each plate exceptional.

Striking in appearance, the Yao Fuzi main dining room is as impressive as the extensive food and beverage menu, offering guests the finest Japanese fare in a beautiful setting. Bright red walls, contrasting black and white tables, glowing purple overhead lights, and Asian-inspired art and lampshades band together in a unified, classy atmosphere. A lighted fish tank illuminates in the center of the room and flat screen televisions hang atop the full bar. The menu is composed of innovative Japanese noodle, rice, meat, poultry, soup, vegan and vegetarian dishes as well as an impressive list of special cocktails, beers, wines …

Nicola's Ristorante Italiano is essentially the best of both Italian worlds; authentic hand-made Italian dishes, served in a dashing contemporary dining environment. Guests can choose the full bar, intimate high-backed booths, and outdoor patio and mezzanine seating options to suit their comfort. Flat screen TVs provide entertainment in the form of Italian sports and programs. Groceries are delivered twice daily to ensure Chef Marchesi has the freshest of ingredients on hand at all times, and there are no freezers in the entire restaurant. Not only are fresh pastas and pizzas hand-made in traditional shapes, but they are also baked in …

Guests of The Ranch are encouraged to soak up the abundant Texas culture, dive into tempting menu items and relax in the midst of live Texas music. This dining destination takes pride in its location, so much that there is a giant iconic fork stuck in the ground at the entrance; a reenactment of the last boards of the porch being laid into place, and a worker exclaiming “It’s done, stick a fork in it!" The menu is stocked with seafood from the Gulf Coast, beef from the Southern Plains, and produce from local farms. Local bands for live music …

To dine at Jasper’s is to be surrounded by greatness. From the chic and contemporary décor that seduces the eye with a cool color scheme and clean lines to the savvy Gourmet Backyard Cuisine menu orchestrated by none other than Executive Chef and Partner Kent Rathbun, every component of the Jasper’s dining experience is intended to satisfy. Rathbun wields his expertise over American regional cuisine to construct dishes that both please the soul and intrigue the palate; and as an Iron Chef America winner, guests can rest assured that they’ll taste for themselves the Chef’s unique vision and flair.

Chef Tim Love’s Lonsome Dove Bistro serves contemporary American and wild game fare with fresh and local ingredients. Reflective of its name, the restaurant is made to look like an old western saloon with rustic décor fit for a cowboy, but sophisticated cuisine offerings are designed for the modern diner. New Zealand Red Deer Tenderloin, Red Snapper en Papillote, Seared Duck Breast, or any of the Prime Hand Cut Steaks are some of the fine entrée options available to order. The menu changes daily, so each visit is destined to be different from the last.

Palomino strikes a unique balance between chic and satisfying in its urban décor and satisfyingly rustic fare. Cocktails whirl around the decidedly contemporary space that boasts stone walls, sleek leather upholstery, and beautiful people. The impressive and accommodating menu seamlessly marries sophistication and flavor in dishes that are as lovely looking as they are tasty. Appetizers may be ordered to be savored and shared, and treats like the Roasted Garlic and Cambozola brick oven cheese plate warms the palate and heart. Another favorite is the Spit-Roasted Pork Loin and the signature Paella.

Similar to its senior New York location, Nobu in Dallas offers an array of Japanese cuisine including fresh sushi, sashimi, caviar, oyster shooters, tempura, and chicken, beef, seafood and vegetable hot dishes. The extensive bar menu sets a high standard as well, with a impressive list of sake, wine, cocktails and Cognac. A stunning interior with dark wood ceilings, grained wood tables and birch tree décor creates an elegant dining space for guests with a touch of Southern charm. Various seating options are available at the sushi bar, in the bar lounge, the main dining room, and a skylight room …

Catering to the need for a fun and interactive dining experience in Dallas, Simply Fondue was born in the late 80’s. More than 20 years later, this hot-pot spot of a good time continues to present diners with the unique opportunity to orchestrate their meal however they like with a variety of cheeses, meats, veggies, and sweets. Couples can turn up the heat taking turns dipping tasty morsels for each other, while large parties will truly enjoy this communal style of dining out. And with such a luxurious array of dipping chocolates and sweet treats, we may all be tempted …

Rafain has a long tradition of cultivating and evolving the traditional Brazilian Steakhouse. Founders Olimpio and Philomena started their first Churrascaria near Iguassu Falls in Brazil, in 1959. Since then they have been refining their cooking techniques and restaurant skills to present Dallas with an elegant Brazilian Steakhouse that’s also authentic. Rafain offers its diners 16 different cuts of meat prepared by authentic Gaucho chefs, as well as a gourmet salad bar with over 45 different items ranging from Tabouli salad to Brazilian Heart of Palm salad. All of these delicious dining options are presented in an elegant yet modern …

Many people may know Maguire’s as a prestigious catering company that has been serving unique, restaurant quality food for over ten years. Now Maguire’s gourmet dishes and sparkling service, that were once only available for large functions, are available everyday at Maguire’s Restaurant. Commensurate with the elegance of Maguire’s food and service, the restaurant itself makes diners feel like they’re having a custom made party thrown and catered for them, instead of throwing it for someone else. The restaurant is available for large parties, and Maguire’s has the experience to know the ideal atmosphere for your party.