La Comida is the embodiment of the American dream. Brothers Mario and Ivan Urtecho hail from the Yucatan region and, unlike a lot of Tex-Mex joints, you'll find authenticity and heart in this menu. Whether you want more Mexican fare like tortas or Tex-Mex classics like cheese enchiladas and margaritas, La Comida is likely to impress you. With a combination of Yucatan and Tex-Mex flavors, this restaurant is a departure from the mass-produced Mexican that's so long underwhelmed Texans. Try the empanadas: The Urtechos used to sell them door to door before starting their own restaurant.

If you want to impress someone with a lavish Vietnamese feast, Saigon Block is the way to go. The showstopper whole fish can feed damn near an entire soccer team and comes on a platter filled with fresh, fragrant herbs and everything you need to make your own spring rolls. If you're feeling particularly indulgent, try the Seven Courses of Beef feast. From roasted quail to deep-fried Cornish hens to butter-basted frog legs, this Vietnamese spot will get you out of your pho and banh mi rut.

In the ever-expanding world of healthy eats, it's all about plant-based right now. Few Dallas restaurants do it better than Tribal All Day Cafe, the restaurant, juice bar, coffee shop and cocktail bar offshoot of Dallas juice company Tribal. The menu is small but we love all of it, from vegan migas to beet hummus and macadamia vanilla ricotta toast.

When it comes to curing and foraging, Dallas chef Misti Norris is king — er, queen. That's never more apparent than on the menu at her Old East Dallas restaurant Petra & the Beast, where she goes wild with a must-not-miss charcuterie program. Expect your board to be different every time, and let her choose for you if you're feeling adventurous. Past treats have ranged from a pseudo-boudin terrine to whipped lardo and smoked beef tongue.

Dallas is swarming with fast-casual poke restaurants, each offering their own take on this classic Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish. But amidst the cacophony, one restaurant stands out: Malibu Poke. From the same team behind TJ's Seafood, Malibu Poke's menu was developed by former FT33 chef Matt McCallister, and there's serious creativity here. Try bowls like the bonito aioli tuna (serrano pepper, bonito flakes, micro basil, avocado, toasted coconut, crispy garlic) or build your own.

This sweet little West Dallas grocery store is a godsend when you're across the river and in search of organic produce or locally roasted coffee. It's not big, but it makes up for its size in the solid selection of healthy food and ready-made sides and sandwiches. If you can't make a farmers market but want fresh, in-season peaches or tomatoes, Cox Farms is a solid bet.

So you're stumbling through Deep Ellum late at night and need a bite. You've got options, but not all compare to Easy Slider, the food truck turned brick-and-mortar. You can get these juicy, oh-so-perfect sliders until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday nights, and if you're feeling especially adventurous, try the crackle shot, a shot of liquor (we suggest tequila) served with a chaser of pork cracklins that crackle when sprinkled with fresh lime juice.

Oh, how happy we were when formerly Oak Cliff-based Zoli's NY Pizza popped back up in Addison. Whether you're looking for classic New York-style pies or something more adventurous — or even a foot-long brunch cannoli made with Nashville hot chicken — Zoli's can accommodate. Try the CBR, a pizza topped with mozzarella, roasted chicken, bacon, pickled jalapeños, parsley, jalapeño ranch and an everything-bagel crust.

If you're in search of that perfect neighborhood joint — where everyone knows your name and the bar is stocked not just with great cocktails, but all your neighbors — Oak Cliff's Nova is the place to be. Open until late on weekends, it's not uncommon to find drinkers swarming this joint for late-night eats and one last nightcap. This retro-style gastropub serves up great specials, so always ask what's on the menu that night. And don't skip the surprisingly addictive chicken udon.

If you're looking for a patio with a pedigree, East Dallas' Smoky Rose is the place. This gorgeous, verdant patio has sweet little gathering areas and fire pits and offers the same flowery, outdoorsy decadence you'll find at the Dallas Arboretum across the street. The upscale barbecue dishes taste even better with a little fresh air.