Dallas, TX, December 12, 2025
Dallas is experiencing a transformative month for its restaurant scene, with numerous new openings reflecting a vibrant blend of culinary innovation and tradition. Notable newcomers include Puerto Cocina and Jo’Seon, while closures like Morton’s the Steakhouse highlight the industry’s challenges. Despite these setbacks, the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong, as local chefs adapt to evolving consumer preferences. December also hosts exciting events, promising a diverse and resilient dining landscape in the city. Supporting local establishments is crucial as Dallas continues to evolve its culinary offerings.
How Dallas is Reshaping Its Restaurant Scene This December
The Evolving Culinary Landscape of Dallas
Dallas, TX – The Dallas dining landscape is experiencing significant changes this December, with several new restaurant openings and notable closures shaping the city’s culinary scene. As entrepreneurs and restaurateurs innovate to meet consumer demands, the city is witnessing a blend of tradition and new culinary experiences that continue to define Dallas’s vibrant food culture.
The current restaurant transformations reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that Dallas is known for. New restaurant openings showcase the creativity and resilience of small business owners eager to contribute to the local economy. While challenges remain—such as operational costs and evolving consumer preferences—the determination of Dallas’s restaurateurs is evident, highlighting the potential for continued growth and revitalization in the sector.
New Restaurant Openings
Several new dining establishments have recently opened their doors in Dallas, offering a variety of cuisines and experiences:
- Puerto Cocina: A Baja-style Mexican seafood restaurant from the creators of Ayahuasca Cantina and Xaman Café, currently in soft opening in the Design District. The restaurant features a lively indoor-outdoor space, a full bar, and design elements that reflect both the nostalgia and momentum of a brand that’s been loved since 1985.
- Jo’Seon: An omakase-focused restaurant specializing in A5 wagyu beef, with AI-generated images projected on the walls and private car service for guests. A grand opening for VIPs was held on December 2.
- Babel: A dinner-only Middle Eastern restaurant from the owners of Open Sesame, offering a new dining experience in Dallas.
- Kirin Court: A Richardson-based dim sum restaurant that has opened a second location in Plano, at the corner of Custer and 15th Street.
- Jashan: An ultra-high-end Indian restaurant now open in Plano, offering a luxurious dining experience.
- Saffron House: A new addition to Victory Park, bringing a fresh dining option to the area.
- Roots Chicken Shak: A new franchisee-owned location in Addison, set to open on December 9, serving free sandwiches to the first 25 customers in line.
- Urbano Cafe: A retooled establishment with a new food menu and a liquor license, now featuring a back bar called Sylvestro.
Restaurant Closures
While new establishments are emerging, the restaurant landscape also sees closures that reflect the challenges faced by the local industry:
- Elm St. Saloon: The Deep Ellum watering hole closed on November 30 after its 5-year lease ended and was not renewed.
- Ferris Wheeler’s Backyard and BBQ: After eight years, this popular barbecue spot closed temporarily to rebrand as a music-focused venue.
- Morton’s the Steakhouse: The Uptown location closed on December 31 after 37 years; Landry’s is seeking a new location to reopen.
- Le Madeline in NorthPark: The café closed on New Year’s Eve after 35 years of service.
- The Blue Fish: The original location on Greenville Avenue closed; the original owner is interested in taking over the lease.
- CosMc’s: McDonald’s experimental concept closed two DFW locations, including one in Dallas on Campbell Road.
- Sushi Marquee at the Star: After eight years, this location closed due to financial challenges.
Industry Challenges
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has seen a significant number of restaurant closures in recent months. In fall 2025, 51 restaurants closed, including notable establishments like Kaiyo, Addison Cafe, Ferris Wheeler’s, Society Bakery, and the historic Spurlock’s Malt Shop. Industry experts attribute these closures to various factors, including increased operational costs, changing consumer behaviors, and economic pressures. The Texas Restaurant Association has noted an “industry slowdown,” with many small businesses facing challenges in maintaining profitability.
Despite these challenges, the Dallas dining scene continues to evolve, with new establishments opening and others rebranding to meet changing preferences. This adaptability is crucial for local business resilience and reflects a broader trend of entrepreneurship that characterizes the city.
Upcoming Events
As the year concludes, several events are set to take place in Dallas:
- Netflix House: Opening on December 11 at Galleria Dallas, this interactive experience spans over 100,000 square feet and features themed dining and exclusive merchandise inspired by Netflix’s popular series.
- Gorji Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Dinner: On December 31, Gorji Restaurant will offer a luxurious, globally inspired four-course dinner, including an ultra-premium A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef Tenderloin three-course meal, with dinner beginning at 5 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.
Conclusion
The Dallas restaurant scene in December 2025 reflects a period of transition, with new openings bringing fresh flavors and concepts, while closures underscore the challenges faced by the industry. As the city continues to adapt, diners can look forward to a diverse array of dining options in the coming months. Supporting local businesses and embracing new experiences will be key to sustaining the vitality of Dallas’s culinary landscape.
FAQ
What are some new restaurant openings in Dallas this December?
Several new dining establishments have recently opened their doors in Dallas, including Puerto Cocina, Jo’Seon, Babel, Kirin Court, Jashan, Saffron House, Roots Chicken Shak, and Urbano Cafe. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines and experiences, contributing to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Which notable restaurants have closed in Dallas recently?
Several Dallas restaurants have recently closed, including Elm St. Saloon, Ferris Wheeler’s Backyard and BBQ, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Le Madeline in NorthPark, The Blue Fish, CosMc’s, and Sushi Marquee at the Star. These closures reflect the challenges faced by the local dining industry.
What events are taking place in Dallas in December 2025?
In December 2025, Dallas will host several events, including the opening of Netflix House at Galleria Dallas on December 11 and Gorji Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31. These events offer unique experiences for residents and visitors.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New Openings | Puerto Cocina, Jo’Seon, Babel, Kirin Court, Jashan, Saffron House, Roots Chicken Shak, Urbano Cafe |
| Recent Closures | Elm St. Saloon, Ferris Wheeler’s, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Le Madeline, The Blue Fish, CosMc’s, Sushi Marquee |
| Upcoming Events | Netflix House (Dec 11), Gorji Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve Dinner (Dec 31) |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
