The Mansion is the grandfather of all Dallas restaurants, and it is consistently ranked one of the finest restaraunts in the WORLD by Conde Nast. Other guides favorably place the restaurants signature chef, Dean Fearing, among the culinary powerhouses in the U.S.
Despite all the hooplah, the Mansion on Turtle Creek would be a fantastic restaurant if it were priced about half of what it is. The menu is inventive and delicious, but the restaurant is simply not deserving of all the praise.
Nevertheless, the rich and famous still come (the price keeps away the trash, which is the one good thing about it, I suppose).
The menu is inventive southwestern, like lobster tacos, peach smoked poblano salsa, or oven roasted barramundi (an Australian fish) served over a reduction of clams and chanterelle mushrooms, etc. etc. ad nauseum.
Order from the menu (with entrees from $30-$60) or try the $90 tasting menu.
A sneaky trick is the selling of their house wine (actually inexpensive whites and reds by Le Esparaye) at a premium.
Breakfast and lunch are lovely ways to experience the elegance without the price.
Service is impeccable, and if there's something you're yearning for that isn't on the menu, just tell the maitre d'. He will pass your request to the chef who will undoubtedly cater to your desire.
Nice touches are personalized greeting at your car. They ask for your license plate when you make reservations so you can be greeted by name when you arrive.
Stuffy. Sophisticated. Delicious. Overpriced.