Chef Stephen Rogers’s Dallas Dining Guide
Duck-fat fried chicken, Texas venison tartare, and street tacos top the list of must-try dishes in Dallas, according to the chef/owner of Gemma and Sachet.
Roots Southern Table's duck-fat fried chicken. (Photo: Mia Valdez)
Mon, February 2, 2026
If you don’t live in Texas, you might think of Dallas as a Tex-Mex or barbecue town—but it’s so much more than tacos and margaritas or tender brisket (though you’ll find best-in-class versions of those, too). Dallas is home to a vibrant mix of cultures and a community of passionate local chefs, so its diverse culinary scene is a food lover’s paradise—and a featured city in the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America series. To find out the best places to eat in Dallas, we asked Stephen Rogers, chef/owner of Gemma, an American bistro and James Beard Award nominee® for Outstanding Hospitality, and Sachet, a Mediterranean eatery and James Beard Award semifinalist® for Outstanding Wine Program, for his top picks.
Ahead of his Taste America event, Rogers shares his go-to restaurants in Dallas and favorite dishes and drinks, including duck fat–fried chicken from a James Beard Award nominee®, Texas venison tartare, and neighborhood gem tacos and margaritas.
Stephen Rogers.
A spread at Sachet.
What does it mean to be part of the JBF Taste America TasteTwenty cohort?
Being part of the James Beard [Foundation] Taste America TasteTwenty cohort is a meaningful moment for the entire team at both Sachet and Gemma. It’s a chance to recognize the hard work, long hours, and dedication everyone puts in every day. This honor shines a light on the people behind the scenes—cooks, servers, dishwashers, farmers, and more—who help bring our food and our vision to life.
It also gives us an opportunity to represent our community—Dallas, the place we call home. We’re proud to share a piece of where we come from through the food we make and the way we serve it. Being included in this amazing group reminds us that good food is about more than ingredients: it’s about people, stories, and connection. We’re grateful to be part of something bigger than ourselves, and we’re excited to keep learning, growing, and sharing what we do with others across the country.
What do you love about the food scene in your city?
People outside of Texas may tend to think Dallas is just a steak, barbecue, and Tex-Mex town, but it’s so much more than that. What really stands out is the passion and diversity; we have so much cultural depth. Dallas is home to such a wide range of cultures, and that shows up beautifully on plates around the city and in our nearby suburbs.
We have outstanding restaurants here of every kind, from upscale dining rooms to hole-in-the-wall gems. In addition to ambitious, exciting chef-driven restaurants, there are also entire Korean, Indian, Chinese, and Ethiopian enclaves with their own vibrant food scenes. There are wonderful Turkish, Lebanese, and Japanese chefs at small independent establishments (just to name a few!) scattered throughout the city and suburbs. It’s all rooted in a strong sense of pride, tradition, and community.
Go-to spot to take visitors:
El Come Taco—it’s a neighborhood gem. The cooking is fresh, vibrant, and creative, and they make some of the best margaritas in a city with a lot of great ones. (It's attached to a hidden mezcaleria next door.) The Tacos De La Casa, which are topped with potatoes and nopales, are one of my favorites! I also order at least one Texas Taco, which has fresh jalapeño and a slice of avocado. The street tacos are equally delicious, and they have so many interesting options!
Omakase at Namo.
Must-try dish in your city:
The duck-fat fried chicken at Roots Southern Table is a must! It’s unforgettable, perfectly brined, and crisp. Tiffany Derry’s wonderful restaurant is a staple in Dallas.
Best special occasion restaurant:
Một Hai Ba. Chef Peja Krstic’s intimate, casual spot which offers super creative takes on Vietnamese food, with influences from all over. It’s intimate, warm, and cozy. The garlic noodles are not to be missed! I also love the whole branzino.
What does an ideal night out in your city look like?
A progressive dinner! Start at Bowen House for perfect classic cocktails in a historic setting. Move to Namo for impeccable sushi from Kazuhito “Kaz” Mabuchi. Then make way for housemade pasta at Nonna, Julian Barsotti’s charming and creative seasonal Italian spot. Dessert is a light, sweet finish at Botolino—the best gelato in Dallas. We love the artisan gelateria’s gianduja [a chocolate-hazelnut flavor]!
What restaurant are you most looking forward to checking out?
Mamani, the Michelin-starred French newbie!
Lobster au poivre at Mamani.
The Texas Venison Tartare from Billy Can Can.
Restaurant dish you’d cry over if they took it off the menu:
If there’s one dish we’d be heartbroken to see go, it would be the Rabbit Pappardelle at our own restaurant, Gemma. It’s been on the menu for nearly a decade, and over the years, it has become something of a signature—both for us and for our guests. There’s something about the depth of flavor and comfort it brings that keeps people coming back. It’s a dish that feels rooted in who we are as a restaurant: simple, soulful, and made with care.
I would be sad if Billy Can Can ever took off the Texas Venison Tartare with egg yolk, juniper, dried cherries, and fried shallots. Please don't take this off the menu!
Favorite food/drink specialty shop:
Sara’s Market and Bakery—it’s a Mediterranean specialty store in the nearby suburb of Richardson. Their amazing mamoul [date- and nut-filled butter cookies with orange blossom and powdered sugar] inspired us to make our own mamoul tart at Sachet.
Who is another chef you admire in your city (and why)?
Misti Norris [culinary director at Far-Out Dallas]. She is a truly creative leader—someone who follows her own vision with confidence and originality. Her talent shines through in food that reflects her unique personality and bold approach. Staying committed to this kind of authenticity isn’t easy, but it’s what she believes in. She is a passionate supporter of our north Texas farmers, a commitment that strengthens both her work and our local community.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® culinary series presented by Capital One brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. The Taste America TasteTwenty cohort, comprised of 20 exceptional chefs and changemakers, showcase their talents and represent their city’s independent restaurant community at walkaround tastings and dinners nationwide.