"Chef Peja Krstic has one of the most interesting culinary minds in Dallas. He serves food influenced by French and Vietnamese flavors and techniques, with some dishes more obviously one than the other. For the past year, though, Krstic has been veering away from those limitations: The menu features a heavy Texas influence and a good amount of seafood from the Northeast, like skin-on Massachusetts black bass caramelized onion and apple chutney or eggplant curry roasted over charcoal. His efforts have been recognized — the Lakewood restaurant earned a Bib Gourmand at the 2024 Texas Michelin ceremony. The dining room atmosphere feels like something between an intimate French bistro by way of New Orleans and a homey, family-owned restaurant. Must-try dish: The garlic noodles, hidden away on the menu as a side, are a crowd favorite." - Courtney E. Smith