Known as one of the fastest-growing food capitals in the U.S., Dallas’s penchant for international cuisines is palpable. Celebrated for its rich tapestry of cultures, the city is rich with ample and diverse food choices.
According to Donny Sirisavath, owner of Laotian restaurant Khao Noodle Soup, Dallas is finally getting the recognition it deserves when it comes to its culinary diversity. “People think of Dallas as just a bunch of pretentious cowboys and cowgirls,” Sirisavath tells Here Magazine, adding, “But Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. We have a lot of different cultures from the East Coast, West Coast, immigrants, and then of course [people] from Texas as well.”
Amid BBQ joints and Tex-Mex havens, Italian eateries have become treasured spots where families, friends, and food aficionados gather to experience old and new interpretations of Italian food. From warm bread dipped in olive oil to meticulously crafted lasagnas and pastas that speak of centuries-old recipes, Italian cuisine has carved out a cherished space in Dallas's booming food scene.
Savoring Dallas: A Hub of Authentic Italian Cuisine
Judging by the sheer amount of Italian restaurants in Dallas, it’s no wonder that Italian joints offering everything from a rustic trattoria experience to fine-dining, immersive escapades have soared in popularity. Join us as we delve deeper into the history, influence, and nuances of authentic Italian dining in Dallas.
Italian cuisine's influence in Dallas is multifaceted. It can be traced all the way back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when large influxes of European immigrants came to America in search of new business opportunities. While the number of Italian immigrants was smaller compared to states like New York or Pennsylvania, their impact in Texas was profound. Initial settlements saw Italian farmers cultivating lands, primarily in East and Central Texas; with places like Montague County becoming hubs for Italian immigrants.
Over time, as Italian-Texans assimilated, so did their food and traditions. Italian eateries began popping up in small towns throughout Dallas, introducing Texans of all backgrounds to the rich and versatile flavors of Italian cuisine, as well as the communal nature of Italian dining. As more residents became acquainted with traditional Italian food, dishes became infused with new flavors and techniques that appealed to a broader range of palates. Nowadays, it's not uncommon to find pizzas topped with local Texan meats, and pastas infused with the bold and smoky flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine.
Photo credit: 5PH/istockphotoTop-Rated Italian Restaurants in Dallas
The versatility of Italian dishes — with its wide range of sauces, desserts, and perfectly cooked al dente pastas — ensures that there's something for everyone to enjoy. The ubiquity of Italian-inspired dishes seen across Dallas' eclectic food scene is a testament to its lasting impact. Here are 12 of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Dallas:
1. Jimmy's Food Store: A Taste of Little Italy in Texas
- Address: 4901 Bryan St., Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Saturday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Phone: 214-823-6180
- Website: jimmysfoodstore.com
This East Dallas gem epitomizes the culinary heritage and communal nature of traditional Italian cuisine. Built as not just a restaurant, but a tribute to a family's long legacy, the establishment has been nurtured by three generations of the DiCarlo family since 1966. Brimming with exclusive Italian wines, pasta dishes, deli meats, and desserts, Jimmy's Food Store is one of the most popular spots for wine tastings and dinners in the city. Clinching accolades such as "Best Italian Sub" and "Muffuletta," Jimmy's is more than just a dining spot; it's a celebration of traditional Italian flavors and family legacy.
“The best muffuletta I've ever had outside of New Orleans, and all of the Italian sandwiches are world class," writes one user in a Yelp review. Another adds that Jimmy's has "the best deli counter in Dallas and farm-to-market fresh produce!"
2. Kenny's Italian Kitchen: Home of the Best Bruschetta
- Address: 5100 Belt Line Rd. #764, Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 972-661-9380
- Website: kennysitalian.com
Featuring a cozy ambiance with checkered tablecloths, Kenny's Italian Kitchen evokes the nostalgic, old town charm of a quaint Italian village. Serving up all the classics such as lasagna, baked ziti, veal parmigiana, a wide array of pastas, and chicken marsala, the restaurant caters to diverse taste preferences and dietary restrictions by offering gluten-free options, as well as a fully stocked bar with a curated wine list and cocktail menu. The restaurant also offers the option to split your plate with two different pasta options. Be sure to try the bruschetta appetizer while you're there — it's supposedly one of the best in the city.
3. Cane Rosso: Where Pizza Meets Passion
- Address: 2612 Commerce St., Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 214-741-1188
- Website: canerosso.com
Boasting multiple locations across Texas, Cane Rosso has become one of the most popular pizza chains in Dallas. Known for its authentic, wood-fired pizzas, the chain uses high quality ingredients to make its own dough, mozzarella cheese, and fresh pasta. Offering an "authentic Italian dining experience" complete with both traditional and updated Italian dishes, you can find staples such as Neapolitan pizza, Caesar salad, paninis, cheese and meat boards, desserts, and a long list of pasta options.
Cane Rosso also offers a brunch and kids menu, complete with dishes such as breakfast tacos with an Italian twist, skillet hash, and mimosas. And for the little ones, you can order kid-approved staples like cheese and pepperoni pizza, fried mozzarella, and more.
"Food is 5 stars all the way!" writes one user in a Yelp review. "Pizza is so good, the crust is thin but crisp on the edges but hearty and full of flavor and texture. The toppings are [also] premium fresh and so good."
4. PaneVino Osteria: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
- Address: 5000 Belt Line Rd., Suite 300, Dallas
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 469-677-1536
- Website: panevinoosteria.com
Located in a strip mall, PaneVino Osteria is another popular spot for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience — a welcome reprieve from the usual greasy mall food choices. Patrons can expect to find an elegant and modern aesthetic, complete with a curated selection of wines and traditional dishes such as scratch-made rigatoni, spicy pork ragu, soups, and salads. The restaurant also offers a selection of "to share plates," featuring classics such as fried calamari, charcuterie, mussels marinara, and more. Seafood lovers would be remiss to skip the lobster fra diavolo, a spicy Italian-American dish featuring lobster on a bed of fettuccini pasta.
5. Roman Cucina: The Heart of Italian Comfort Food in Dallas
- Address: 7989 Belt Line Rd., #315, Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Sunday: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Phone: 972-716-9950
- Website: romancucina.com
At this North Dallas establishment, simplicity meets authenticity, with classic Italian dishes served in a family-friendly and comfortable setting. Here, patrons can enjoy their favorite pasta dishes without breaking the bank, as most dishes are priced around $16. For those moments when indulgence calls, the restaurant beckons with its lavish seafood options, such as the langostino a fuoco, a tender lobster dish bathed in a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce, and gianni, a shrimp and scallop dish sautéed with mushrooms in a white diavolo sauce.
Whether you're looking for comforting, home-cooked classics or a taste of luxury, Roman Cucina is proud to offer dishes made using Nonnie (grandmother's) recipes.
"Great ambience! This place gives off a homey vibe with the dim lighting and the multitude of pictures hanging on the wall," writes one user on Yelp, while another adds that they thought "the service, food, and atmosphere was great."
6. Avanti Restaurant: Refined Italian Cuisine in a Lively, Chic Setting
- Address: 2720 McKinney Ave, Dallas
- Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 214-871-4955
- Website: avantirestaurants.com
Featuring fusion dishes that showcase the flavors of Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, Avanti stands out as a chic and intimate bistro that's been open for over three decades. Located in uptown Dallas, the dining experience at Avanti is elevated by the accompaniment of live music every evening (talk about the perfect date night). At Avanti, diners are treated to a diverse pasta menu featuring favorites such as a three-cheese spinach lasagna, the seafood-infused linguine pescatore, and the rich and creamy mushroom risotto.
Not to be missed are some of its bolder options like the sea bass adorned with a crab meat crust, or the tagliatelle Bolognese, served with a trio of pork loin, pancetta, and tenderloin. The restaurant also offers a complete wine and cocktail menu.
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Photo credit: kazuhide isoe/istockphoto7. Nonna: Authentic Recipes From Grandma's Repertoire
- Address: 4115 Lomo Alto Dr., Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Phone: 214-521-1800
- Website: nonna-dallas.com
Using locally-sourced products and ingredients, Nonna is helmed by acclaimed chef Julian Barsotti and features seasonal dishes that evoke the authentic and incomparable flavors of grandma's cooking. Nonna (meaning "grandmother" in Italian) has been a culinary beacon in Highland Park since 2016, serving up some of the most exquisite Italian delicacies with a Mediterranean flare. Standout dishes include a variety of wood-fired pizzas (especially the white clam pie made with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and oregano), the decadent tortellini di ricotta, and its artisanal cheese and meat trays.
"Love Nonna!" writes one user on Yelp. "Dined here a handful of times throughout the years and their food and service has always been great."
8. Il Bracco: Upscale Cuisine with a Modern Twist
- Address: 8416 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas
- Hours: Daily: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 214-361-0100
- Website: ilbraccorestaurant.com
Serving innovative spins on classic Italian dishes, Il Bracco is an upscale establishment that offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Featuring an array of fish and protein-heavy dishes butchered freshly in-house, Il Bracco is also well-known for its homemade pastas and bread. Other signature dishes include the steak tartare, crispy artichokes, and delectable entrees such as the Mediterranean sea bass served with mint gremolata and broccolini, and the eggplant parm topped with fresh mozzarella and house-made tomato gravy.
9. Lucia: Modern Italian Fare in a Rustic Setting
- Address: 287 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed Mondays and Sundays).
- Phone: 214-948-4998
- Website: luciadallas.com
Founded by chef David Uygur and his wife, Jennifer, in 2010, Lucia has been serving authentic and fusion Italian cuisine using only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. Featuring a seasonal menu, Lucia has become one of the most popular restaurants in Dallas' vibrant Bishop Arts District. Signature plates include its artisanal chef's choice salumi, house-made pastas, and bold fusion dishes such as the wild striped bass served with tomatoes, cream peas, and clams; and the wagyu bavette topped with purslane, zucchini, and anchovy butter. The restaurant was recently nominated for a James Beard award, according to the Dallas Observer. Due to its rising popularity, securing a reservation is recommended.
"Hands down one of my all time favorite places to eat," writes one reviewer on Yelp. "So delicious, excellent service, low key ambiance, reasonably priced relative to quality."
10. Dea: Where Mediterranean Delights Meet Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
- Address: 7709 Inwood Rd., Dallas
- Hours: Tuesday — Saturday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 214-764-3334
- Website: dea-dallas.com
Helmed by acclaimed restauranteurs Lynae Fearing and Tracy Rathbun, Dea's upscale aesthetic offers another refreshing and exciting addition to Dallas' culinary landscape. Drawing inspiration from Italy's picturesque coastlines — from Naples and Palermo to Valencia and Positano — Dea's menu evolves with the seasons, celebrating the rich and diverse flavors and ingredients found along these shores. Notable dishes include the citrus-cured crudo, the Arrabbiata Casarecce, which features braised octopus served with seasonal veggies, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a Tuscan-style steak.
For those seeking a more intimate and immersive dining experience, consider reserving a seat at the restaurant's kitchen counter to get a front-row view of Dea's executive chef, Roman Murphy, as he and a team of experts whip up your meal. It's akin to an "Iron Chef" experience, the restaurant claims.
11. Barsotti's: A Family-Friendly Eatery Featuring Classic Italian Fare
- Address: 4208 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas,
- Hours: Sunday — Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday — Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Phone: 214-522-4208
Nestled in the heart of Dallas, Barsotti's stands out as another haven of Italian-American culinary artistry. Led by chef Julian Barsotti, this neighborhood gem (formerly known as Carbone's) offers an authentic dining experience that echoes the rich flavors and traditions of Southern Italy, where Barsotti's family roots stem from. At Barsotti’s, guests are welcomed into a warm, family-friendly ambiance reminiscent of a corner grocery store. Signature dishes include the house-made ricotta served with garlic bread, baked squash blossoms, and lasagna cooked in a ragu Bolognese sauce.
"We love Barsotti's. We have been treated so well here by all the members of the staff," writes on user in a Yelp review, while another adds, "The food was amazing and the service was incredible. I highly recommend this place for a great Italian meal."
12. The Charles: Farm-to-Table Meals
- Address: 1632 Market Center Blvd., Dallas
- Hours: Monday — Thursday: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Phone: 469-917-9000
- Website: thecharlesdallas.com
This chic evening eatery aims to combine modern Italian design and gastronomy with a hearty Texan flare. Diners at The Charles are treated to a contemporary Italian culinary experience, with standout dishes that include the grilled halibut served with charred seasonal veggies; the lemon ricotta gnudi topped with hazelnuts and crispy sage and drizzled in brown butter honey; and the bucatini carbonara accompanied with charred poblano peppers and crispy pancetta. The Charles also features a full bar with an extensive wine list and signature cocktails.
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The Bottom Line
With its diverse range of eateries, the Italian food scene in Dallas has become an exciting cornerstone of tradition, innovation, and cultural fusion. From time-honored, family-run restaurants to contemporary fine-dining establishments, the city offers a slice of Italy at almost every corner. Artfully weaving traditional Italian flavors with Texan flair, these restaurants stand testament to Dallas's thriving food scene.
Whether it's pasta, pizza, or a modern interpretation of a classic Italian dish, Dallas is showcasing the spirit and tradition of Italian cuisine in its bustling and ever-evolving culinary landscape.
