If you are visiting Dallas for the FIFA World Cup, chances are you are already thinking about two things. Where to watch the matches, and where to eat between them. Dallas has always been a city shaped by global flavors, and during the World Cup you get the perfect excuse to explore them all.
This guide takes you beyond the stadium crowds and into the neighborhoods where locals actually eat. You will find spots inspired by countries playing in the tournament, plus places where you can experience Dallas’ own Tejano, Mexican American, West African, and Asian roots. And if you have dietary restrictions, you will discover many restaurants that communicate ingredients clearly so gluten-free guests and vegetarian travelers can relax and enjoy their meal.
Dallas is large, lively, and full of hidden gems, so let’s walk through some neighborhoods where you can eat well, celebrate the World Cup, and feel included at every table.
Taste the World in Dallas’ Global Food Scene
Dallas has an impressive range of global cuisines, which makes it easy to match your meals to the teams you are cheering for. You will find Japanese ramen, Korean barbecue, Mexican staples, and American comfort food throughout the city, often with convenient late-night or quick-service options. European flavors are also well represented, including French bistros, German delis, and Spanish tapas bars that work well for group dining during the tournament.
You can also explore African and Middle Eastern tastes across North Texas, especially at West African Way in Plano where Senegalese and Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice and benachin offer hearty, flavorful plates. Latin American restaurants are scattered across Dallas as well, with everything from Argentine empanadas to Brazilian plates available depending on the neighborhood. Together, these options create one of the most globally inspired match-day food scenes in the country.
Eat Local in Deep Ellum, Oak Cliff, and Downtown
If you want to mix food with match-day energy, Deep Ellum is a great place to start. The neighborhood is known for its street art, music venues, and lively dining scene. Before or after a match, you can grab tacos, barbecue, craft beer, or pizza by the slice. It is also where you will find many watch parties, rooftop patios, and bars with walls of TVs.
For a more community-focused experience, head south to Oak Cliff. This neighborhood has deep Mexican American and Tejano roots, along with a growing number of family-run restaurants. You will find dishes that connect history, culture, and flavor, which makes Oak Cliff a favorite for curious travelers. If you want to taste this area with a local guide, Oak Cliff is also the home of Incloodie’s Tejano Trails Tour where you try 4–5 tastings from small businesses that carry generations of stories.
Downtown Dallas is another convenient option, especially if you are relying on public transit. You can walk from your hotel to international restaurants, food trucks, sports bars, and parks that will host World Cup celebrations. Klyde Warren Park, for example, becomes a lively spot during large events and offers plenty of walkable dining.
Match Your Meals to the Countries You Are Cheering For
If part of your World Cup ritual is sampling food connected to the teams you support, Dallas makes the experience fun. Here are a few ideas inspired by countries commonly represented in the tournament.
Latin America
Dallas has no shortage of Mexican restaurants, from street-style tacos to regional dishes. You can also find empanadas from Argentina, Brazilian plates at Meridian, and Uruguayan options like the chivito sandwich at select restaurants. If you are exploring neighborhoods like Bishop Arts, Downtown, or Far North Dallas, you will find many Latin American menus that are easy to pair with match days.
Asia
From Japanese ramen shops to Korean barbecue and Vietnamese fusion rooftops, you will find Asian food everywhere in the city. Many restaurants offer gluten-free friendly items or can adjust ingredients upon request. These spots are also comforting options if you want something warm, quick, and deeply satisfying before heading back to the stadium.
Africa and the Middle East
As mentioned earlier, West African restaurants offer some of the most flavorful food in the region. You can also find Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes across Richardson, Plano, and Arlington. While these restaurants may not specialize in every country participating, you will still find traditional staples like kabsa rice, tagines, and grilled meats that align with regional cuisines.
Europe
Dallas’ European dining scene includes everything from French bistros to hearty German plates. If you are supporting teams from England, Germany, Spain, or France, you will have no trouble finding comfortable places to eat. These restaurants also tend to offer relaxed atmospheres that work well for group dining.
Tips for Eating Well During the World Cup
Dallas is a city that rewards planning. Here are a few quick tips to help you enjoy your meals during the tournament.
Expect crowds near stadium areas, especially in Arlington. Reservations help.
Heat is real in June and July, so choose restaurants with indoor seating or shaded patios.
Public transit is helpful for Downtown, Deep Ellum, and areas connected to DART.
If you are gluten-free, look for restaurants with clear ingredient communication or choose experiences that advocate for dietary-inclusive dining.
Explore Dallas Through Food With Incloodie
If you want to taste Dallas in a way that feels local, warm, and welcoming, the easiest route is joining a guided experience. Incloodie Food Tour was created to help visitors discover overlooked neighborhoods through culture, storytelling, and bold, inclusive flavors. On the Tejano Trails Tour, you walk through historic Oak Cliff, enjoy multiple tastings from family-owned restaurants, and learn how Tejano roots shaped the city.
Many guests say they discover places they would have never found on their own. Gluten-free and vegetarian travelers often share that they felt relaxed for the first time on their trip because the tour handled dietary needs with care.
If that sounds like the World Cup break you need, book a tour with Incloodie Food Tour and explore Dallas the local-first way.