Step into the world of St. Martin’s Wine Bistro in downtown Dallas, where French-American culinary artistry meets an intimate and timeless ambiance. Fresh from its reopening in March 2024, St. Martin’s exudes a seasoned charm with elegant chandeliers, marble floors, exposed brick, and a cozy fireplace. This romantic haven hits all aspects of a great dining experience: beautifully prepared food, an excellent wine list, intuitive service, and an atmosphere that simply can’t be beaten.

If we lived in Dallas, we could see St. Martin’s Wine Bistro being one of our regular spots in town – it’s that good. Wine lovers of Dallas, you are so lucky to have such an amazing restaurant! With its loyal following and seamless transition to the new location, St. Martin’s proves perfect for special occasions or anytime you’re craving a fine dining experience.

Location & Atmosphere: What to Expect  

St. Martin’s Wine Bistro is a charming wine-centric restaurant in downtown Dallas, and wow, is this restaurant worth a visit? Owner Pasha Heidari went above and beyond with the decor of St. Martin’s Wine Bistro.

When you walk in, the first thing you will notice is the pianist to your left. Marble flooring combined with rustic brick walls and a fireplace create an elegant atmosphere that will appeal to even the most discerning diners.

But Dallas’ St. Martin’s Wine Bistro isn’t just for date nights. The classy countertop bar will appeal to those who simply want to stop for a good glass of wine and fine dining-level food in an upscale, relaxed atmosphere.

The Menu and Wine List at St. Martin’s Wine Bistro  

French-American cuisine rules the day at St. Martin’s Wine Bistro. You will find classics like Steak Tartare, Bone Marrow on Toast, and Lardon Salad with Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette.

The most popular items on the St. Martin’s Wine Bistro menu are:

• Champagne Brie Soup – the restaurant’s signature dish.

• Escargot St. Martin’s with roasted shallot and garlic butter sauce – love it or hate it; if a restaurant can do this dish well, that’s a good indicator of quality.

• Lobster Bisque is a seasonal dish that is a diner favorite. If it’s available, be sure to try it!

Not to be outdone, the wine list is fantastic. This is one of the most well-rounded wine lists we encountered during our time in Texas. Not only do they have an excellent bottle selection, but the wines-by-the-glass offerings are expansive! There are nearly 20 selections to choose from! If you’re not in the mood for a bottle, this gives you a lot of flexibility.

There’s no need to do wine corkage at a restaurant with this many offerings.

Our Experience  

There are certainly a lot of dining options in Dallas, but there were a few things that caught our attention before we even walked in the door at St. Martin’s. First, this restaurant is wine-focused. A quick glance at the wine list online shows that the team here knows their stuff. Many of our favorite Napa Valley wineries were represented.

Second, St. Martin’s Wine Bistro has over 700 flawless five-star reviews, and everyone seems to echo the same sentiment: great food, great service, great wine and great ambiance. After dining here, we have to say, each one of those reviews was spot on.

Our group tried:

• Shrimp St. Martin’s with white wine, shallot, garlic, and cream

• Rack of Lamb, herb-crusted with whipped potatoes and sauce Bordelaise

• Duck Breast with brandy sauce, figs, hazelnut, and whipped potatoes

• Coq au Vin Rouge, a bone-in chicken breast served with pearl onions, baby carrot, baby potato, and sauce Bordelaise

• Kansas City Strip au Poivre, a pepper-crusted strip steak with a brandy-green peppercorn sauce and pomme frites

Everyone we interacted with was knowledgeable and engaging from our waiter, Brett, who went by the name Jackson (who was fantastic, by the way), to Joe Shirghio, the Beverage Director and Sommelier. The service was impeccable.

Why You Will Love St. Martin’s Wine Bistro in Dallas  

• The piano! Creating a piano bar-like atmosphere in the restaurant truly sets this Dallas restaurant apart from the rest. Musician Luis Henderson plays there five nights a week.

• It’s romantic. St. Martin’s Wine Bar was voted the most romantic restaurant in Dallas for a reason. This is the perfect date night spot or special occasion restaurant.

• The food and service. It’s becoming rarer and rarer for restaurants to nail both food and service, but St. Martin’s does it with ease.

Tips  

• Dress for the occasion. While St. Martin’s Wine Bistro does not have a dress code, diners are usually smartly dressed. It’s common for men to wear jackets.

• The dining room is dim. The dining room here is pretty dim, thankfully the servers all carry mini flashlights to help read the menu.

• Make a reservation. This is one of downtown Dallas’ most popular restaurants. If you’re planning to dine for a special occasion, make a reservation.

Closing Thoughts

The food, ambiance, and service are what sets St. Martin’s apart from the rest. When you visit, not only are you treated like family, but the food is delicious too. It is a definite must-visit restaurant in Downtown Dallas, and absolutely worth the trip.