Bullion

"After his noteworthy stint at The Mansion on Turtle Creek, French chef Bruno Davaillon spent two years creating the perfect setting and assembling the dream team to bring to life his vision of “elevated yet approachable” French cuisine. The result—opened in 2018—has not only been a resounding local success, but also garnered the team two James Beard Award semifinalist nominations in 2019 (for Best Chef-Southwest and Outstanding Pastry Chef.) The magic all happens in a gold-paneled tube that juts out from downtown’s modern 400 S. Record Building, and is connected by a glass staircase to the sidewalk below (some diners liken the structure to a spaceship, others a giant pencil eraser.) Inside, a sophisticated décor of bespoke wood floors, silk rugs, mid-century-style furnishings, specially-commissioned artwork and sculptures, and a blue-and-gold palette set the scene for meals that pay just as much attention to the details. Go the shared plate route with drinks and small bites (from steak tartare, burgers, and cheese boards to homemade potato chips dipped in béarnaise “ranch” sauce) in the lounge, or head right to the dining room for French classics served with a twist. The regular menu features lots of winners—escargot ravioli, duck a l’orange, bison strip loin—but it’s weekly specials like quenelle Lyonnaise, braised rabbit, and cassoulet that have diners coming back to try more. Sweet endings like chocolate souffle, mille feuille, and baked Alaska showcase why the pastry team has earned its share of accolades, too."

"Everything about Bullion is dazzling, from the gold-scaled building (designed by Swedish architect Martin Brudnizki) to the French menu by Michelin-starred chef Bruno Davaillon. Get drinks in the lounge (may we suggest ordering the French 75?), then continue to the gilt-intensive dining room for classic and contemporary French dishes. The canard à l’orange, roasted duck with orange marmalade, is especially good. The restaurant has a hydroponic farm in the building next door—pretty spectacular if you can sneak in a tour. "

"In what might be the first Dallas restaurant to enter the COVID-19 testing game, Downtown spot Bullion is now serving up a way to find out whether or not you’ve contracted the novel coronavirus. According to the Dallas Morning News, the ritzy restaurant owned by the Labora Group is providing drive-through COVID-19 tests priced at $200 each. Weirdly, that’s not the most expensive item on Bullion To Go’s menu — there’s also a “cellar raid” wine package priced at $225." - Amy McCarthy

"Much-lauded chef Bruno Davaillon serves up chic French fare at this restaurant inside the glitzy 400 Record building. Splurge on lobster thermidor or escargot ravioli at dinner, or enjoy a luxurious two-course lunch for just $29." - Amy McCarthy

"Bullion has swapped its reservation system from OpenTable to upstart booking platform Tock. The restaurant says that the reservation platform 'has everything we need to successfully handle the Bullion guest’s needs.' At present, Bullion is one of only a handful of local restaurants on the Tock platform, including Fearing’s, Circo, and Tei An." - Amy McCarthy