News Summary
Dallas continues to rise as a culinary destination with Knife and Nuri making their mark on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. Knife, crafted by chef John Tesar, ranks 47th, while the Korean-inspired Nuri takes 84th, both noted for their unique offerings. This recognition highlights the city’s shift towards upscale dining, showcasing its innovations in steak preparation and diverse culinary influences. As Knife prepares for expansion and Nuri adds international flair, Dallas’s culinary reputation grows.
Dallas has made a significant mark in the culinary world, with two local steakhouses, Knife and Nuri, earning prestigious spots on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list. Knife, the brainchild of celebrity chef John Tesar, secured the 47th position, while Nuri, a Korean-influenced steakhouse that opened just last year, ranked 84th. Notably, both restaurants represent the only entries from Texas on this global list, underscoring Dallas’s rising status in the upscale dining scene.
The competition for the top spots on the list is fierce, with the Don Julio restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina, claiming the top position. Among American steakhouses, Cote, located in New York, achieved the highest ranking at 10th place. The rankings for the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants evaluate establishments based on a comprehensive set of nine standards, which include the quality of meat cuts, service, wine selection, and transparency in business practices.
Knife is situated within the Highland Dallas hotel on Mockingbird Lane and is renowned for its dry-aged beef and modern interpretations of classic steakhouse dishes. Tesar has plans to relocate Knife to a standalone venue in Uptown later this year, which is expected to enhance its culinary offerings even further. Notably, Knife is celebrated for its aging techniques, with steaks aged on-site for up to 240 days, taking into account various factors such as breed and feed.
Nuri, supported by Wan Kim, the CEO of Smoothie King, opened its doors with a lavish investment of $16 million. The restaurant presents a visually striking Art Deco design reminiscent of “The Great Gatsby.” Executive Chef Mario Hernandez, whose qualifications include stints at Gordon Ramsay North America and Del Frisco’s, heads the kitchen. The restaurant’s Culinary Director, Minji Kim, honored with recognition from Michelin, adds further prestige with her expertise from Seoul.
The rankings describe Nuri as providing a luxurious dining experience that melds traditional steakhouse items with Korean culinary elements. Signature dishes include Texas Akaushi HeartBrand Reserve steaks, prized for their marbling and tenderness, along with Korean-marinated short ribs and a shareable tasting board featuring traditional banchan. Additionally, Master Sommelier Barbara Werley curates Nuri’s wine selection to complement the meal experiences.
Dallas is increasingly recognized as a premier destination for upscale dining. This change is reflective of a broader trend where the city is shifting from a focus on barbecue and Tex-Mex options to feature a diverse range of outstanding fine dining establishments. Previous accolades, such as those from the MICHELIN Star Awards in 2024, have further positioned Dallas on the global culinary map.
Knife and Nuri not only represent the best of Dallas steakhouses but also highlight the evolving culinary scene of the city. Knife is praised for its bold aging techniques and authentic Texas flair, while Nuri brings an international sophistication by blending Korean flavors into its steak offerings. With their distinct styles and celebrated dishes, both Knife and Nuri are poised to attract attention not only locally but also from steak lovers globally.
As Knife plans to expand its footprint in Uptown with innovative dining concepts like an omakase-style restaurant called Pocket Knife and a social venue referred to as Switchblade, the anticipation is high for what’s next in Dallas’s thriving culinary landscape.
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