If you want to make enemies, start talking about Italian food in Dallas. Everyone has a hot take on our Italian food scene. There's no good Italian food, there's actually a lot of good Italian food, or he only has one good Italian place (inevitably different from the good places everyone else recommends). ).
For this list, I'm going to try something different. Instead of ranking Italian restaurants, we present by category Italian-American “red sauce joints,” true Italian restaurants, and regional menus specific to one of his cuisines (such as Tuscan or Neapolitan). Masu. Please note that this list does not include pizza. We've listed the best pizzas in Dallas here and here and the most creative pizzas here.
We would also like to draw your attention to the 2018 Italian issue of this magazine. There, Lucia's chef, David, spoke to Uyghurs about salumi, and Julian he watched Barsotti make pasta from scratch, created desserts with Jimmy's staff, and chronicled Italian history. . Dallas food.
Best authentic Italian food
Lucia
Chef David Uyghur's journey across the Mediterranean cannot be categorized into one region of Italy. If you discover a new shape of pasta or charcuterie cut, you'll probably start selling it. Lucia is now a legend in Dallas for her strengths. A seasonally changing menu, fresh pasta so delicious you'll forget to order a main course, a small but carefully selected and incredibly affordable wine list, magical desserts, and some of the friendliest service in the city. . Lucia, 287 N. Bishop Ave.
Via Triozzi
The reason Dallas' historic Italian cuisine has such a bad reputation is because much of the Italian food is very heavy. It's filled with cheese, covered in sauce, and so rich that you might need a nap after eating it. Not what most people in Italy eat. Nowhere is that more evident than in the cuisine at Via Toliozzi, which combines owner Lee Hutchinson's Sicilian heritage with training at a Tuscan culinary school. What do you get when you combine those things? Light, bright and fresh dishes that use great ingredients, dressed simply and let the ingredients shine. Via Triozzi, 1806 Greenville Ave.
miss pasta
Notice that this top tier has three of the least booked stores in Dallas. And then there's Miss Pasta, a suburban fast-casual spot where you order at the counter. Giuliano Matarese's concept is simple. Fresh pasta is made at the front counter, cooked to order, and served with sauce. No frills, no waiter, two desserts and three bottles of wine. But his to-go pasta cartons include regional and home-cooked dishes from different regions of Italy, including his hometown of Naples. Miss Pasta, 3613 Shire Blvd., Ste. 100, Richardson
the charles
The city's most luxurious, flashy, and extravagant Italian restaurant remains one of the best. The Charles oscillates between lesser-known but authentic regional classics (focaccia di recco) and more familiar classics (grilled branzino). Luxury amenities abound, but ask about the rotating pot pie special. But best of all is the atmosphere. The Charles, a faithful recreation of life in Milan and Rome, offers great people-watching. The Charles, 1632 Market Center Blvd.
Also noteworthy in this category are: MoMo Italian Kitchen Nonna
The best Neapolitan
Partenope Ristorante
Chef Dino Santonicola hails from Naples and is best known for some of the best Neapolitan pizza in the country, but the pasta here is a draw in its own right, as is the list of creative salads that go all-in. We also have a wide selection of reasonably priced Italian wines. Partenope Ristorante, 1903 Main St., Dallas, and 110 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson.
the best of tuscany
Baonecchi Ristorante
Drive to Frisco and enjoy the cuisine of Lucca native chef Stefania Gambaccini. Like Partenope, Baonezzi is also on our best pizza list, but the menu also has plenty of pasta and seafood risotto. Baonecci, 7151 Preston Rd., Ste. 451, Frisco
best roman
Pizzeria Carina
OK, yes, this is a restaurant that appears on our best pizza list three times in a row. Founder Eugene Plyako took inspiration from Roman-style dough to create a style of pie that was extremely thin but flaky. He also uses sourdough to make fluffy pucha his bread sandwiches, folds pizza dough in half to create unique sandwich styles, and makes Mediterranean-style snacks like fried chickpea flour. We also provide. Pizzeria Carina, 6005 Berkshire Ln.
Best Italian-American, Albanian-Italian-American, or Hybrid/Fusion
Barsotti's
I said I don't rank Italian restaurants, but when it comes to classic red sauce and Sinatra, you can't beat Barsotti. The casual anchor of Julian Barsotti's culinary empire is the perfect place to enjoy dreamy Sunday gravy, hearty lasagna, and hearty appetizer salads. You can also purchase sauces to take home. Recent renovations have made the dining room even more eye-catching. Barsotti's, 4208 Oak Lawn Ave.
carbon
The only chain on our list, this New York import is the kind of place that redefines dinner theater. The entire room is a stage where you, your guests, your neighbors, and your wait staff become costumed characters. Bring extra cash to purchase veal chops, meatballs, and one of the deepest wine cellars in Dallas. However, if you want pasta without the theater, you might look elsewhere. Carbone, 1617 Highline Dr., Ste. 395
Il Bracco
The menu here is a hybrid of true Italian, Italian-American, and not-quite-Italian food, but the fresh pasta is maintained to a high standard, and overall everything is fresh, bright, and balanced. I am. Il Bracco, 8416 Preston Center Plaza
Sam's Pizza & Pasta
This exemplary Albanian-Italian restaurant in Cedar Hill is a vibrant neighborhood spot that looks like the ideal '80s hangout, right down to the checkered tablecloths. Sam's is the perfect place to showcase the soul that Albanian immigrants bring to red-sauce Italian-American cuisine. It may not be the real thing, but you'll be satisfied. Just about everyone has their favorite Albanian-run spot. Other examples include Tony's Pizza & Pasta, Eddie's Napoli, and Besa's. Ever wonder why Albanians are such a big part of the Italian culinary scene? We interviewed them to find out. 601 Cedar St., Cedar Hill
two men from italy
This place is a time warp, both good and bad. It was good. The recipe hasn't changed much since they arrived from Italy decades ago, and the price has changed only a little. Cons: The booths aren't replaced either and I'm not sure how often the place gets dusty. I'm not sure if I'd call Two Guys “good,” but I recently visited while recovering from an illness, so it was perfect for the comfort-seeking situation. Two men from Italy, 11637 Webb Chapel Rd.
Also noteworthy in this category are: fachini
best italian sandwich
You can't go wrong with a hearty Italian sandwich. jimmy's food store It's the most well-known and beloved option here, but there are two newcomers to the north and south of Dallas.Enzo's and Mr. Chenzo's— I'm ready for that, and my secret favorite Italian sandwich in my city (Jimmy's fans, cover your ears) is Super Jeff's Partenopea spicy monster sandwich large enough for two, with bread made from the same highly flavorful dough used for the restaurant's pizza.
best coffee and gelato
palmieri cafe It's as authentic as any Italian coffee shop in Texas, and it even has a gelato counter. But if you're looking for the perfect cold drink, your best bet is to head to your local chain. botolinoCarlo Gattini makes the best gelato you've ever eaten.
If You Can Swing It
we have not been able to visit La Stella or Osteria Il Muro I'll try to update this list soon so I can still update it. Il Mura has a good reputation, so I'm including it here. People drive from Dallas to Denton because reservations are not available. (According to a trusted friend, Il Muro is a great addition to the Denton community, but it's about on par with the Dallas options listed in the first tier of this list.)
As for La Stella, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants, its convenient location across from the Winspear Opera House and its growing reputation this year are two reasons why it's gaining attention. We will notify you soon.
newcomer
There are two celebrity-driven spots opening this spring that could have a big impact on our rankings. knife italian Created by Ritz-Carlton Las Colinas chef John Tesar, it features sumptuous ingredients (dry-aged steak and caviar bruschetta). Radici Chef Tiffany Dery cooks on the featured wood-fired grill. I'll report back a few months after each opens.
author
Brian Reinhart
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Brian Reinhart became D Magazine's dining critic in 2022 after six years writing about restaurants for the magazine. dallas observer And that Dallas Morning News.
