Dietitians dine out, even for date night! Just a PSA; don’t starve yourself for dinner tonight. Seriously. The first goal of date night is enjoying the whole day that leads up to it. Not just a few hours of luxurious gluttonous eating. Starving yourself will lead to overeating. Let’s try to avoid that metabolic damage, shall we? Take these three simple steps to prevent the need to unbutton your jeans. First, start with a veggie. Then, hold the alcohol until your entree. Last, chew slowly and enjoy the conversation.
A Registered Dietitian’s Guide to a Dallas Healthy Date Night
After nine years of marriage, my husband and I have got date night down to a T. Sometimes it’s a low-key night with gelato and reality tv. And, there’s also times where I want hair curls and high heels. We switch up cuisine often, as Chase loves Asian food and tacos, while I love sushi and Mediterranean. Dining out in Dallas is a fun way to try new cuisines, as well as get out of your regular dining routine at home. We love batch prepping our ground meat and roasted veggies, but even that gets boring! The Stuart’s list of places of healthy restaurants in Dallas is continuously growing!
10 Dallas Healthy Date Night Spots
Date night is the perfect opportunity to split a few dishes, and order something you don’t typically go for! Try a new veggie like artichokes or a whole roasted fish. If you start with an appetizer, prioritize veggies, even if this means asking for a side to be a starter (this is me, with the brussel sprouts at TJ’s, every week). Meanwhile, if you are planning on ordering a cocktail, opt for the lower-sugar, lower-calorie options like a ranch water. Dining in Dallas is supposed to be fun!
Five Best Date Nights in Dallas
Lover’s Seafood
This spot gives me double date vibes. Fun and bursting with great flavor! Start with some fresh oysters or perhaps a crudo! The quality of the seafood here is top-notch. Then, add a protein rich entree like the daily market fish and a side of their lover’s slaw and crispy brussels done shinsei style (another date-night favorite!).
HG Sply
Build your bowl, protein + two veggies. Guac, garlic aioli or a fried egg as fat source. Spicy hummus starter with veggies. HG is a great place for happy hour; they make their cocktails with cleaner options like ginger kombucha Moscow mules and veggie infused liquor. Dietary restrictions thrive at this location and the waiters are really thorough in ensuring that your meal is everything you need it to be; whether that is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, vegan, or perhaps you just need to make it macro-friendly! Their new menu provides all nutritional values including calories, fat, carbs and protein along with the meal’s ingredients. Nothing to hide here!
Dive
A casual spot in Snider Plaza with a chef seriously passionate about health. My usual order is the The Market Catch with two veggie sides or the Salad sampler- hearts of palm, dive green and super spinach. The paleo curry shrimp salad if you’re feeling wild! And as pictured; the ceviche with plantain chips! There are so many amazing choices on this menu, and if you’re like most Texans, you need more quality seafood in your diet.
Written By The Seasons
This seasonal, health and flavor obsessed spot in not just in Bishop Arts anymore, but also in Uptown Dallas. The favorite restaurant, which is a sister concept to the beloved smoothie and brunch spot, Tribal Cafe, where you must try brunch, is one not to miss. I take all my guests here. Start with the bok-choy and wood-fired avocado shrimp. Follow it up with the Banana Leaf Mahi or the grilled salmon. But know that the menu changes seasonally! Vegans and vegetarians alike would love this spot as their menu is constantly rotating and they have so many plant based dishes; it truly is a healthy food mecca.
R & D Kitchen
You’ll find this casual spot in Preston Center; a sister restaurant to Houston’s. The rotisserie chicken is a salad choice, but you could be adventurous with The Osaka Style pressed sushi to start with and Yellowtail Sashimi & Kale Salad for an entree. Make sure and switch out the dressing for a gluten-free option like a simple EVOO and vinegar if you’re intolerant, like me.
True Food Kitchen
This is a classic go-to in Preston Center, Uptown, and Frisco. Despite it’s beautiful inviting atmosphere, it’s also kid-friendly if your babysitter cancels. The service is always fabulous and if you happen to have a toddler in tow (it’s me!) then the chick’n air-fried tenders are not to be missed. Or honestly, as your order on a salad! They are gluten-free and delicious. I know the grain bowl seems like it might be my go-to but I find that these tend to be a little too carbohydrate heavy for my blood sugar bliss lifestyle. Instead, I’ll do a vegetable crudite starter and a protein-forward entree like the salmon. Somedays, the open-faced turkey burger with a side salad to start.
Origin
An origin paleo-style restaurant on Knox-Henderson does everything quality. Avocado oil, pasture-raised meat, and heavy on the vegetables. But don’t worry, you can get a burger and fries and a beer, too. This is the perfect date night spot if you’re other half wants comfort food but you want a Define Dish salad! Everyone wins at this spot.
Tango Room
A sexy night night gem that hides in the limelight of Carbone. Although this is a classic steakhouse, they source local grass-fed meat for their menu and are thoughtful with preparations for gluten and dairy free modifications (ahem, me). We have gone for many date nights and really enjoyed the simple but delicious menu offerings.
TJ’s Seafood
After a rough day, you’ll find me here on a mid-week date. Always a favorite, especially sitting at the bar during the week for a Shrimp Louie salad (my obsession) or a lettuce-wrapped fish taco. They do, although this is date-night themed, have the cheapest healthiest kids plate that features fish and veggies. Don’t miss out on the classic specials: the grilled fish of the day with two veggies; usually the spicy sriracha slaw & green beans is a great staple. Ask for veggies to be cooked in oil rather than butter if you’re avoiding dairy!
Gemma
This french coastal restaurant sells a romantic vibe and the food is fresh and healthy with so much flavor. The original sister restaurant of Sachet, it shouldn’t be forgotten! The salmon, haricots verts and roasted carrots are not to be missed! A great spot for celebrations and birthdays that gives warm and welcoming vibes.
Overwhelmed on what to order? Make it simple. Any grilled/baked protein + steamed veggies and plain baked potato is a blood-sugar stable combo. Ask for a meal to be cooked in oil, not butter. Avoid creamy dressings, replace them with a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar combo.
If you want more guides, you can visit my posts:
My goal is to make healthy eating approachable in all settings and life phases. Whether it’s date night or brunch, I want you to feel confident in making healthy choices that are just as delicious as they are nutritious.
