Who can turn down a mouthwatering plate of good Italian food? While many people travel to Italy to get the best plate of pasta they have ever eaten or to find that perfect slice of pizza, the Dallas/Fort Worth area has some pretty good options if you can’t afford the plane fare. So whether you are ducking in for an antipasti or are ready to go all out with a primi and secondi and, of course, a good glass of wine here are some of the best places in the Metroplex to find la dolce vita.
Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant 829 E. Lamar Blvd. Arlington, Texas 76011 (817) 265-9174 Hours: (Mon – Fri) Lunch: 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon – Thu) Dinner: 5:30 pm-10:30 pm; (Fri – Sat) 5:30 pm -11 pm; (Sun) 5 pm-10pm Having received numerous important awards in the last 15 years of service, Piccolo Mondo offers not only good food, but good atmosphere. All-time favorites are the Eggplant Parmigiana, the Pollo all Griglia and for dessert the cannoli and tiramisu has been pleasing customers for years. The house specialties are also worth a try from the Lasagna alla Bolognese baked with meat sauce, cheese and bechamel sauce to the Gnocchi al Pomodoro with potato dumplings with fresh tomato sauce. Reservations are suggested as this place fills up fast. The lighting is low and makes for great atmosphere and there is a baby grand emitting music that will sooth the senses as you dine.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $15 to $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Maggiano's Little Italy 205 Northpark Center Dallas, Texas 75225 Phone: 214-360-0707 Hours: (Mon – Fri) 11 am – 10 pm; (Sat) 11 am – 11 pm; (Sun) 12 pm – 9 pm This is family-style dining at its finest with large portions and above-average food. In fact, you will probably return again and again as the menu has some great offerings and everything is cooked just like you would expect. For parties that include four plus a six-course meal can be made- to-order with two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two main courses, two vegetables, and two desserts. Most of the menu options are southern Italy red (tomato) sauces and the lasagna and mozzarella marinara is one of the best around. You can try appetizers from Baked Shrimp Oreganata to Diced artichoke hearts, spinach, tomatoes and asiago cheese baked with Alfred sauce until bubbling and golden; served with crispy Foccacia bread and save room for dessert. You can order wine by the glass with a nice menu to choose from or you can even opt for Dom Perignon if it is a special occasion. This is a great place to celebrate and, while not low-key, it’s fun with good food that can’t be beat.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $15 - $25
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Open, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Open, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Adelmo's Ristorante 4537 Cole Avenue Dallas, Texas 75205 (214)559-0325 Hours: (Mon – Fri) Lunch 11:30 am – 2 pm; Dinner (Mon - Sat) 6 pm -10 pm You could say this place was charming, but you wouldn’t be doing it enough justice really. In the Knox/Henderson area of Dallas, the owner is passionate about what he does and it shows. Rated as the best veal chop in town, the staff is also on the “best” list. A very romantic atmosphere and very quaint since tables are few and hard to get. Try the Salmon Tartare or the Ravioli Florentine Stuffed Spinach and Ricotta and then move on to a Fettuccine Romano Smoked Salmon or the Meat Lasagna. With a good wine list and even better dessert list you can’t go wrong with the Crème Brulee or the Dallas Famous Cappuccino Ice Cream Pie.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $16 - $35
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Close, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Ferrari's Italian Villa 14831 Midway Road Addison, Texas 75001 (972)980-9898 Hours: (Mon – Fri) Lunch: 11:30 - 2:00 pm; Dinner: (Sun – Thu) 5:30 pm – 10 pm (Fri – Sat) 5:30 pm – 11 pm If you are looking for Mama’s Italian kitchen then you have come to the right place. This is a family-owned and operated establishment that takes pride in what they serve and, in fact, one of the owners and the manager were both born and raised in Sardinia. With that comes a blend of olive oil, seafood and fresh ingredients that are just like back home. Casual and fun atmosphere with a wood burning oven, the traditional food is old world all the way and prepared each day from scratch. Try the Nonna's famous Focaccia Bread, which is baked every day in the wood-burning oven. For a primi you won’t go wrong with the Gnocchi Della Mamma or the Cannelloni Fiorentina and for seconds the Vitello Alla Ferrari's or the Chilean Sea Bass with Lump Crab Meat is at the top of the list.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $15 - $30
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Café Italia 4615 Lovers Lane Dallas, Texas 75209 (214)357-4200 5809 Preston Road Suite 578 Plano, Texas 75093 (469)467-0444 Hours: (Mon – Fri) Lunch: 11 am -2 pm, Dinner; (Mon – Thu) 5 pm -10 pm; (Sat) 5 pm – 11 pm; (Sun) 5 pm – 10 pm A casual dining experience that also exudes elegance from the white tablecloth linens in contrast with the deep colors throughout, to the rich décor of the curtains, to the low lights and overall ambiance. Highlighting the southern Italian cuisine the best offers are lasagna (try the deep-fried wedge of chicken lasagna in a Parmesan cream sauce). Traditonal options such as the veal marsala and lobster ravioli are also crowd pleasers. There is a short wine list, but the options are good in both red and wine. Reservations are strongly suggested as this place fills up quick most nights of the week. Take note too that the dinner crowd tends to be a bit dressier.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $15 to $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Mi Piaci 14854 Montfort Dr Dallas, Texas 75254 (972)934-8424 Hours: (Mon – Thu) 11 am – 10 pm; (Fri) 11 am – 11 pm; (Sat) 5 pm – 11 pm Good Italian food, but with a ambiance that bespeaks of tranquility and being right at home. In fact, the view outsider the wall of windows is a cascading waterfall. Inside the lines are modern and chic and since Mi Piaci means “It please me” the food and service does just that as well. The homemade pasta is fresh to a fault (or you can choose one that has been imported) and the herbs and vegetables add just the right touch to each dish with blends of basil, olives and peppers. Other must-try menu favorites are the veal scallopini and the fazzoletti di mare. On everyone’s list is the mouthwatering tiramisu. More of the northern Italian blend of cooking, you can also expect the wines to match the service – just plain good.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $8 to $14
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed , Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Bice Ristorante 100 Crescent Ct Dallas, Texas 75201 (214)922-9055 Hours: (Sun – Thu) 11:30 am – 10:30 pm; (Fri – Sat) 11:30 am – 11 pm This is one of “the” trendy places to be seen eating in Dallas. Located in the Crescent Court, which in and of itself is chic to a fault, Bice Restaurant in Dallas is just one of the many around the world now in their 80th year. Serving Il Mulino-esque Italian food, the well-known Raffaele Ruggeri is in charge. Bice has hardwood floors, lots of brass and marble and also comes complete with all the modern fixtures and designs that make a place like this the best place in town. The menu stays traditional with the likes of eggplant parmigiana and, if you are in the mood, a beef tenderloin. Other musts are the tuna carpaccio and the wine list is long for just about any taste.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $25 to $50
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Campisis’s Egyptian Lounge “The Original” 5610 E. Mockingbird Lane Dallas, Texas 75206 (214)827-0355 Hours: (Mon – Thu) 11 am – 10 pm; (Fri – Sat) 11 am – 11 pm The best way to get the general feel of Campisi’s is to visit the original one on Mockingbird Lane, there are other satellites, but they don’t compare. Since 1946 this restaurant has been serving the best Italian food and even before they took credit cards the lines were still out the door. It’s a family-owned place and nowadays, since they expanded one half of the restaurant has a sports bar/pizza cafe feel and the other the “old-time” dimly lit room with traditional booths and tables, you can take your pick of ambiance. The pizza is excellent and you get it in the shape of an oval. Also worth mentioning is the salad (there is just something about it that makes you want seconds), Joe’s Special Garlic Cheese Toast and the Crab Fingers.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $10 to $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Open, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Closed, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Picchi-Pacchi 512 Main Street Suite 106 Fort Worth, Texas 76102 (817)870-2222 Hours: (Mon – Thu) 11 am – 3 pm; (Fri – Sat) 11 am - 9:30 pm Think red tablecloths and pizza, lasagna, pasta salad and sandwiches that are just good. For dessert save room for the tiramisu as you won’t regret it. Picchi-Pacchi is located in an excellent downtown Fort Worth location and the lunch time hours are always busy. You can your order delivered too, but best of all look for daily pizza specials as there are lots of “by-the-slice” options at good prices.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $6 to $8
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Closed, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Closed, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
Birraporett’s 668 Lincoln Square Arlington, Texas 76011 (817)265-0555 Hours: (Sun – Thu) 11 am – 11 pm; (Fri – Sat) 11 am to midnight This Italian Bistro in the heart of Arlington is going on 17 years of service and has one of the best patios around for outdoor dining. From salad to seafood, to sandwiches to anything grilled, you can find it here as well as the traditional Italian favorites like New York-style pizza, egg fettuccine and an amazing Alfredo sauce. A live band plays jazz during the brunch hours on Sunday from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm. With an Italian theme, brunch offers pastries, breads and croissants ala Italian.
Estimate cost per person for dinner = $10 - $20
Holiday Schedule: New Year’s Day – Open, Valentines Day – Open, Easter – Open, Thanksgiving – Closed, Christmas Eve – Open, Christmas Day – Closed, New Year’s Eve - Open
The Top List of Best Italian - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX