By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | October 30, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
From homemade pasta and milled on-site sourdough to creamy cacio e pepe, specialty pizzas and more, we’ve rounded up the best Italian restaurants in Dallas.
Mister Charles’ spicy lumache arrabbiata, mixed with broccolini and tomato.
MISTER CHARLES
With its sleek decor, whimsical cuisine and spirited bar program, it’s easy to see why Mister Charles has become one of the hottest reservations in Dallas. On the menu, expect globally-inspired takes on traditional French and Italian cuisine like the white Sturgeon caviar made with fusilli and fontina, whole red snapper Milanese with tzatziki and carrot salad, and the pan-seared chicken with chanterelles, black truffle and sauce vin jaune. Need we go on? 3219 Knox St., Ste. 170,themistercharles.com
LUCIA
When we think of the best Italian restaurants in Dallas, our mind immediately goes to Lucia. This chef-owned resto is tried and true, boasting an ever-evolving menu of savory dishes, plus year-round specialties like the lauded house-cured salami, milled on-site sourdough and fresh pasta made daily. 287 N. Bishop Ave.,luciadallas.com
SASSETTA
Tucked inside The Joule Dallas Hotel, Sassetta showcases an array of innovative Italian options, ranging from the lobster spaghetti mixed with Fresno, Pomodoro, pistachio and fresh herbs, and the burnt honey pizza topped with taleggio, fontina and peppercorn, to the filetto con purea di aglio confit—a beef filet mignon with wild mushrooms, whipped gold potato and watercress. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to pair it with a signature Italiano cocktail. 1530 Main St.,thejouledallas.com
LA STELLA CUCINA VERACE
At La Stella Cucina Verace, it’ love at first bite. Paying homage to his Italian roots, chef Luigi Iannuario puts his creative spin on recipes spanning the various regions across Italy. The result? A smorgasbord of mouthwatering favorites, including the ravioli all’aragosta (featuring a lobster filling and lobster saffron cream) and the Agnolotti Pizzicati and Pappardelle Stellari. 2330 Flora St.,lastellatx.com
Sassetta’s alluring bar area showcases natural design details, romantic lighting, bold florals and a calming color palette.
NONNA
This family-friendly spot becomes an intimate escape once the sun goes down, the lights dim, and the stars appear through skylights in the soaring ceiling. As lively Italian music fills the dining room, sip Chianti by candlelight as a hearty bowl of pasta reminds you both of your first trip to Italy years ago. Insider’s tip: Check out Barsotti’s new bar next door, Bacari Tabu… you can thank us later. 4115 Lomo Alto Drive,nonna-dallas.com
MONARCH
Monarch’s mantra says it all: It’s a wood-fired, modern Italian restaurant serving handmade pasta, steaks and fresh seafood. Reserve a table at this ultra-luxe eatery and indulge in a melange of decadent dishes, including the sweet corn Agnolotti, Momma’s Spicy rigatoni alla Vodka and whole Maine lobster Spaghetti. For our seafood lovers, the Atlantic Halibut with saffron shellfish broth, Calabrian herb butter, clams and fennel is an absolute must. 1401 Elm St 49th Floor,monarchrestaurants.com
TAVERNA
A Knox Street classic, Taverna is a go-to for tasty Italian food and alfresco dining. Created by Alberto Lombardi, an Italianborn entrepreneur and successful Dallas restaurateur, Taverna offers great menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. And, with it being a risotteria, it goes without saying that you have to try one of its five different risotto dishes. 3312 Knox St.,tavernabylombardi.com
Taverna’s Tagliata di Manzo
DOLCE RIVIERA
How to immediately transport yourself to Italy? Just visit Dolce Riviera in the Harwood District near Victory Park. Its blue-and-white color scheme, paired with the enclosed patio adorned in lush greenery, evokes alfresco days on the Amalfi Coast. Enjoy homemade pasta and a glass of vino for the perfect buona notte. 2950 N. Harwood St.,dolceriviera.com
KNIFE ITALIAN STEAK
Helmed by famed chef John Tesar, Knife Italian Steak effortlessly fuses his NYC upbringing with global flavors to curate an authentic Italian menu that boasts both airy bites and hearty plates. While the housemade pasta are a must-order (think cacio e pepe and potato gnocchi), the steak offerings are just as impressive, with premium highlights including 240-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye from 44 Farms, a 90-day dry-aged bone-in Akaushi ribeye and more. 4150 N MacArthur Blvd.,knifeitalian.com
PERCH BISTRO & BAR
If pizza is on the mind, there’s only one place to go. Park Cities’ Perch Bistro & Bar serves a series of specialty pies alongside delicious pasta and big plates. Nosh on favorites like the Prosciutto and Pesto pizza topped with pesto cream, mozzarella, asparagus, mushrooms, goat cheese, prosciutto and crispy onions. 7709 Inwood Road,perchbistroandbar.com
Photography by: From top: PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND; PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE JOULE; PHOTO: BY CHASE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY