Two North Texas restaurants have earned serious international bragging rights. Knife, the long-reigning brainchild of chef John Tesar, and Nuri Steakhouse, a rising star in Uptown, were named to the 2025 list of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants.
What Is It
The annual ranking, published by London-based Upper Cut Media House, recognizes the most exceptional meat-focused restaurants across the globe — and includes just 19 from the United States, 3 of those in Texas.
The selection process evaluates nine key criteria, including meat quality and sourcing, menu transparency, wine pairings, service and kitchen technique — with no paid entries allowed.
Texas Cuts Make the Global Cut
This year, Knife secured its continued place on the list, this time at No. 47, while Nuri made its debut at No. 84 worldwide, less than a year after opening.
Tesar, whose Knife brand helped redefine the Dallas steakhouse experience in 2014, is known for his uncompromising approach to dry-aged beef. Knife’s signature steaks are aged in-house — some for up to 240 days — and trace every detail from breed and feed to age and cut. It’s a philosophy that, according to the World’s Best Steaks website, reflects “a chef who treats meat not as a commodity, but as a story.”
Though Knife Dallas is set to close at The Highland this August after more than a decade, the legacy continues through Knife Plano and upcoming locations in Uptown Dallas, including a new omakase-style concept called Pocket Knife and a social offshoot dubbed Switchblade.
A Fresh Face with Serious Credentials
Across town at Nuri Steakhouse, the mood is celebratory. The team — led by Executive Chef Mario Hernandez and Michelin-recognized Culinary Director Minji Kim — blends Korean culinary techniques with Texas steakhouse staples. Their standout offering? Texas Akaushi HeartBrand Reserve steaks, prized for their rich marbling and tender texture.
“This milestone is only the beginning,” said Nuri owner Wan Kim in a release, calling the recognition both humbling and motivating.
Nuri’s menu is curated with precision, featuring everything from Korean-marinated short ribs to a shareable tasting board paired with traditional banchan. It’s a sleek, modern experience designed to surprise even seasoned steakhouse regulars. Master Sommelier Barbara Werley oversees the wine program, adding another level of expertise to the restaurant’s already polished presentation.
Getting There
Knife and Nuri offer two distinct takes on steakhouse dining — one grounded in bold aging techniques and Texas grit, the other shaped by global flavors and quiet precision. What they share is a commitment to craft, unafraid to evolve, that’s earned them a place on the world stage.
Knife is 29 minutes from Legacy West, depending on traffic, while Nuri is 24 minutes.
Whether you’re after a long-aged ribeye or a marinated short rib with a side of kimchi, Dallas has the global credentials to match your appetite.
Hungry for more? Check out our dining guide.
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