Introduction

Dallas may be known for its barbecue, Tex-Mex, and modern fusion cuisine, but beneath the surface of its bustling food scene lies a quiet but passionate community of British food enthusiasts. For those who crave the hearty comfort of a Sunday roast, the crisp crunch of fish and chips, or the rich aroma of a properly brewed cup of tea with scones, Dallas offers a surprising number of authentic options. Yet not all establishments that claim to serve “British food” deliver on tradition. Authenticity matters. Ingredients matter. Technique matters. And trust—built over years of consistent quality—matters most.

This guide is not a list of trendy pop-ups or gimmicky themed pubs. It’s a curated selection of the top 10 Dallas spots where British food is prepared with respect for heritage, sourced with integrity, and served with pride. These are the restaurants and pubs that locals return to, that British expats vouch for, and that food critics quietly recommend. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of British cuisine or a curious newcomer, these 10 destinations offer the real deal—no shortcuts, no substitutions, just honest, flavorful food rooted in centuries of tradition.

Why Trust Matters

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Dallas, food trends come and go with alarming speed. A new “British-inspired” bistro might open with a menu full of imported sausages and a Union Jack flag, only to disappear within six months. Without trust, diners risk disappointment—overpriced meals that taste like generic pub fare, fish and chips fried in reused oil, or “full English breakfasts” missing key components like black pudding or baked beans.

Trust in a British food establishment is earned through consistency, transparency, and attention to detail. It’s found in the use of real British sausages from trusted butchers, in the proper frying technique for chips (double-fried in beef dripping or high-quality sunflower oil), in the inclusion of traditional accompaniments like HP sauce, mushy peas, and Yorkshire pudding made from scratch. It’s in the staff who know the difference between a Cornish pasty and a Devon pasty, and who can explain why real British tea is steeped, not boiled.

These 10 spots have built their reputations not on marketing, but on repeat customers—British expats who haven’t tasted home in years, Dallas locals who’ve traveled the world for better fish and chips, and food historians who demand accuracy. They’ve survived changes in ownership, economic downturns, and shifting tastes because they refuse to compromise. In a world where authenticity is often a buzzword, these restaurants have made it a standard.

Top 10 Dallas Spots for Classic British Food

1. The British Pub & Grill

Located in the heart of Uptown Dallas, The British Pub & Grill is widely regarded as the gold standard for traditional British fare in the region. Opened in 2008 by a London native and his Texan wife, the restaurant blends British tradition with Dallas hospitality. The menu is a masterclass in classic dishes: the fish and chips are made with cod from the North Sea, hand-dipped in a beer-batter recipe passed down through three generations, and served with chunky hand-cut chips fried in beef dripping. Their full English breakfast includes locally sourced Cumberland sausage, streaky bacon, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, and a perfectly runny poached egg—all served on warmed plates.

What sets them apart is their commitment to sourcing. They import British cheeses like Stilton and Cheddar directly from Yorkshire, and their pies are filled with slow-braised meats and encased in flaky, lard-based pastry. The pub also boasts one of the largest selections of real ales in Texas, with rotating taps from microbreweries in England and Scotland. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with wooden beams, dart boards, and a fireplace that’s lit year-round. Regulars often say this is the closest thing to stepping into a London pub without leaving Texas.

2. The Yorkshire Tap

Nestled in the Bishop Arts District, The Yorkshire Tap is a cozy, unassuming gem that has quietly built a cult following. Its owner, a former chef from Leeds, opened the restaurant in 2015 with one mission: to serve Yorkshire’s most beloved dishes with absolute fidelity. The star of the menu is the Yorkshire pudding—light, airy, and risen to perfection—served as a side with every roast, but also as a standalone dish with gravy and onions. Their Sunday roast is legendary: tender braised beef brisket, roasted potatoes with rosemary, seasonal vegetables, and a rich, unthickened gravy made from pan drippings and beef stock simmered for 12 hours.

The Yorkshire Tap also offers rare British delicacies rarely seen outside the UK: black pudding, laverbread (seaweed cake), and even a traditional Lancashire hotpot made with lamb and onions, slow-baked in a ceramic dish. Their afternoon tea service is meticulously curated, featuring loose-leaf Earl Grey and Darjeeling, finger sandwiches with crusts removed, and scones baked fresh daily with clotted cream and strawberry jam from Devon. The space is intimate, with vintage tea sets, framed photos of Northern England, and a small bookshelf of British literature. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.

3. The Londoner

Founded by a British family who moved to Dallas in the 1990s, The Londoner has become a cultural landmark. What began as a small takeaway counter has grown into a full-service restaurant and beer hall, still operating under the same family ownership. Their menu is a nostalgic journey through British culinary history, from wartime rations to modern pub classics. The bangers and mash here is a revelation: handmade pork and beef sausages with a high meat content (85%), served with creamy mashed potatoes, caramelized onions, and a thick, savory gravy. The chips are thicker than most, cut by hand, and fried twice for maximum crispness on the outside and fluffiness inside.

The Londoner is also one of the few places in Dallas that serves a true “ploughman’s lunch”—a cold platter of mature cheddar, pickled onions, crusty sourdough, and Branston pickle, accompanied by a side of pickled eggs. Their beer selection is curated with care, featuring cask ales from Fuller’s, Greene King, and Young’s, served at cellar temperature. The decor is authentically British: red telephone boxes, vintage pub signs, and a dartboard that’s been used in local tournaments for over a decade. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest—and that’s exactly why it’s trusted.

4. The Highbury Kitchen

Located in the historic Oak Cliff neighborhood, The Highbury Kitchen is a family-run operation that specializes in British comfort food with a touch of modern refinement. The name comes from the London borough where the founder’s grandmother lived, and the menu reflects her recipes, passed down and perfected over decades. Their signature dish is the shepherd’s pie: minced lamb slow-cooked with carrots, peas, and thyme, topped with a velvety layer of mashed potato that’s been brushed with butter and lightly browned under the broiler. It’s served with a side of minted peas and a generous pour of beef jus.

They also offer a rare and beloved British dessert: spotted dick—a steamed suet pudding with dried currants, served warm with custard made from scratch. Their fish pie, made with haddock, salmon, and prawns in a creamy dill sauce, topped with mashed potato and baked until golden, is another standout. The Highbury Kitchen sources its ingredients locally whenever possible but insists on importing key items like British bacon, Marmite, and treacle. The space is warm and inviting, with floral wallpaper, mismatched china, and a chalkboard menu that changes weekly based on seasonal produce. It feels like dining in a grandmother’s kitchen—only better.

5. The Red Lion Ale House

With its rustic wooden interior, low ceilings, and walls lined with British memorabilia, The Red Lion Ale House feels like a slice of rural England transplanted to North Texas. The focus here is on hearty, traditional pub food paired with an exceptional selection of cask ales. Their steak and kidney pie is a standout: made with real beef kidney (not a substitute), slow-cooked in a rich, dark gravy, and encased in a buttery, flaky crust. The pie is served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and the gravy is so thick and flavorful that many customers order extra.

Their bangers and mash is another favorite, using pork sausages from a British butcher in Houston who imports them weekly. They also serve a proper Cornish pasty, with a crimped edge and a filling of beef, potato, swede, and onion—no shortcuts, no shortcuts. Their Sunday roast is served with Yorkshire pudding that rises tall and crisp, and their gravy is made from a 24-hour stock. The ale selection is curated by a certified cask ale steward, and the staff can guide you through the nuances of a bitter versus a mild. The Red Lion doesn’t have a fancy website or Instagram page—but its loyal patrons know: if you want British pub food done right, this is where you come.

6. The Wiltshire Table

Specializing in regional British cuisine from the southwest, The Wiltshire Table offers a menu that’s as unique as it is authentic. The restaurant is named after the English county known for its lamb, cheese, and cider, and the menu reflects that heritage. Their signature dish is the Wiltshire ham and egg pie—a layered casserole of cured ham, poached eggs, and creamy sauce, topped with puff pastry and baked until golden. It’s a dish rarely found outside of Wiltshire pubs, and one that has earned rave reviews from British visitors.

They also serve a traditional Devonshire cream tea: scones baked in a wood-fired oven, served with clotted cream from a dairy in Devon and strawberry jam made with British raspberries. Their lamb stew with dumplings is slow-simmered for over six hours, and the dumplings are made from flour, suet, and parsley—just as they are in rural villages. The Wiltshire Table also offers a weekly “British Cheese Board,” featuring six artisanal cheeses, including Double Gloucester, Caerphilly, and Wensleydale with cranberries. The decor is rustic-chic, with exposed brick, hanging copper pots, and a small garden patio with English lavender. It’s a quiet, refined experience for those who appreciate depth over flash.

7. The Black Sheep Pub

Located in the vibrant Deep Ellum district, The Black Sheep Pub is a favorite among younger crowds and British expats alike. While it has a modern, industrial-chic vibe, the food is deeply traditional. Their fish and chips are made with sustainable cod, battered in a blend of lager and sparkling water, and fried in peanut oil to order. The chips are thick-cut, golden, and served with malt vinegar in a paper cone—a detail many other restaurants skip. Their “Ploughman’s Platter” includes a wedge of mature Cheddar, pickled beetroot, crusty bread, and a generous portion of Branston pickle, all served on a wooden board.

The Black Sheep also offers a rare British breakfast option: kedgeree, a savory dish of smoked haddock, rice, hard-boiled eggs, and curry powder, originally brought back from colonial India. It’s not on every menu, but regulars know to ask for it. Their Sunday roast is served with a side of homemade mint sauce and a Yorkshire pudding that’s airy yet substantial. The pub’s beer list includes 12 rotating taps of British ales and lagers, and their staff are trained to serve pints correctly—no over-pouring, no warm beer. The atmosphere is lively but respectful, with live folk music on weekends and a no-phone policy at the bar. It’s British pub culture, reimagined for Dallas.

8. The Cotswold Café

True to its name, The Cotswold Café captures the charm of England’s pastoral region with its floral curtains, vintage teapots, and hand-painted china. It’s a breakfast and lunch destination that specializes in British comfort food served in a warm, homely setting. Their full English breakfast is legendary: thick-cut bacon, free-range sausages, baked beans in tomato sauce, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and a perfectly cooked egg—all served with a side of buttered toast and a pot of strong builder’s tea.

They also serve a traditional British lunch of bubble and squeak—a fried cake made from leftover potatoes and cabbage, crisped on the outside and soft within, often served with a fried egg on top. Their scones are baked daily and served with clotted cream and jam made from British strawberries. The café imports its tea leaves directly from a family-run estate in Assam, and their milk is sourced from a local dairy that uses traditional pasteurization methods. The Cotswold Café doesn’t have a large menu, but what it lacks in variety, it makes up for in precision. Every dish is made from scratch, every ingredient is intentional, and every cup of tea is poured with care.

9. The Welsh Harp

Specializing in Welsh cuisine, The Welsh Harp is one of the few restaurants in Dallas offering dishes native to Wales. The menu is a love letter to the country’s culinary heritage, featuring cawl (a hearty lamb and leek stew), Welsh rarebit (a rich, cheesy toast topped with a sauce of ale, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce), and bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf soaked in tea). Their cawl is simmered for 18 hours with lamb shanks, leeks, carrots, and potatoes, and served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

The Welsh rarebit here is considered by many to be the best in Texas: a thick layer of sharp Cheddar and ale sauce, broiled until bubbly and golden, served on thick-cut sourdough. Their bara brith is made with dried figs, raisins, and candied peel, steeped in Earl Grey tea overnight before baking. The Welsh Harp also offers a traditional Welsh tea service, featuring bara brith, cheese and crackers, and a selection of Welsh honey. The interior is cozy and rustic, with wooden beams, Celtic tapestries, and a small collection of Welsh poetry on the walls. It’s a hidden gem for those seeking something beyond the usual British staples.

10. The Royal Oak

Located in the upscale Preston Hollow neighborhood, The Royal Oak is the most refined of the list—but no less authentic. It’s the only restaurant on this list with a British-trained head chef who spent 15 years working in Michelin-starred pubs in London. The menu here elevates British classics without losing their soul. Their beef Wellington is made with prime fillet, duxelles of wild mushrooms, and puff pastry baked to a golden crisp. The Yorkshire pudding is served as a starter, risen high and served with a truffle-infused gravy.

They also offer a “British Seasonal Tasting Menu,” which changes monthly and features dishes like venison stew with juniper berries, smoked eel pâté, and a treacle tart with custard made from free-range eggs. Their afternoon tea is a multi-course affair: finger sandwiches, warm scones, miniature pastries, and a selection of single-origin teas served in fine bone china. The Royal Oak doesn’t advertise heavily, but it’s a favorite among British diplomats, visiting royalty, and serious food connoisseurs. The atmosphere is elegant but unpretentious—think dark wood, leather chairs, and soft jazz. It’s British fine dining, done with quiet confidence.

Comparison Table

FAQs

What makes British food in Dallas different from British food in the UK?

While many Dallas restaurants strive for authenticity, some ingredients are harder to source locally—such as British sausages, proper Marmite, or authentic clotted cream. Most trusted establishments import these items directly or partner with specialty distributors. The cooking techniques, however, remain true to British tradition: slow braising, double-frying for chips, and baking pies with lard-based pastry. The key difference is often the atmosphere: Dallas spots tend to be more welcoming to newcomers, while UK pubs may feel more insular.

Can I get a proper cup of tea in Dallas?

Yes—but only at the right places. A proper British cup of tea is made with loose-leaf black tea (like Earl Grey or English Breakfast), steeped for 3–5 minutes in freshly boiled water, and served with a splash of whole milk (never cream). Avoid places that use tea bags or serve tea with sugar already in it. The top 10 spots on this list all use loose-leaf tea and serve it correctly.

Is fish and chips really better in Dallas than in the UK?

It’s not about being “better”—it’s about being authentic. Many of the Dallas restaurants on this list use the same recipes and techniques as UK pubs, with cod sourced from sustainable fisheries and chips cut by hand. Some British visitors have been pleasantly surprised by the quality in Dallas, especially at places like The British Pub & Grill and The Black Sheep Pub. The difference is often in portion size—Dallas servings tend to be larger.

Are these restaurants expensive?

Prices vary. The Royal Oak and The Wiltshire Table are higher-end, with mains ranging from $25–$45. The rest are reasonably priced for Dallas, with fish and chips around $18–$22, and Sunday roasts $20–$28. Many offer lunch specials and early-bird discounts. Overall, the value is excellent given the quality and authenticity of the ingredients.

Do I need a reservation?

For The Royal Oak, The Yorkshire Tap, and The Wiltshire Table, reservations are recommended—especially on weekends. The others are first-come, first-served, but popular spots like The British Pub & Grill can get busy during Sunday brunch. Arriving before 11:30 a.m. on Sundays is ideal for the full English breakfast.

Can I order British food to go?

Yes—most of these restaurants offer takeout, especially for fish and chips, pies, and Sunday roast boxes. The Londoner and The Black Sheep Pub even offer pre-packed British tea kits with loose-leaf tea, scones, and jam for home enjoyment.

Are there vegetarian or vegan British options?

Traditional British food is meat-heavy, but several of these restaurants now offer plant-based versions. The Highbury Kitchen and The Cotswold Café serve vegetarian shepherd’s pie and vegan sausage and mash. The Royal Oak offers a mushroom Wellington. Ask for the seasonal specials—many chefs are happy to accommodate with homemade alternatives.

Why is Yorkshire pudding so important?

Yorkshire pudding is more than a side dish—it’s a symbol of British culinary identity. Made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk, baked in hot fat until puffed and golden, it’s traditionally served with roast beef and gravy. A well-made Yorkshire pudding should be crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and tall enough to soak up gravy. Getting it right requires precision, patience, and respect for tradition. The restaurants on this list that serve it properly are the ones you can trust.

Conclusion

Dallas may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of British food—but after visiting these 10 trusted establishments, you’ll understand why it’s becoming a hidden hub for authentic British cuisine. From the humble fish and chips at The Black Sheep Pub to the refined Beef Wellington at The Royal Oak, each restaurant honors the traditions of the British Isles with unwavering dedication. What unites them is not just their menus, but their philosophy: that good food is made with time, care, and respect for heritage.

Trust isn’t given—it’s earned. And these 10 spots have earned it, one perfectly cooked sausage, one crisp Yorkshire pudding, one properly steeped cup of tea at a time. Whether you’re a British expat missing home, a curious foodie seeking something new, or a Dallas native ready to explore beyond barbecue and tacos, these restaurants offer more than a meal—they offer a connection to a culture that values warmth, flavor, and authenticity above all else.

So next time you’re craving comfort that tastes like history, skip the generic pub fare. Head to one of these 10 places. Sit down. Order the roast. Pour the tea. And savor the real thing.