Brian Nagele
Also known as “Big D,” Dallas stands as Texas’s third-largest city and is a central hub for artistic culture.
From symphonic concerts and musical productions to ballets, plenty of venues throughout the city grab anyone who loves a good performance.
Other pastimes locals enjoy include watching a Cowboys game or spending the day at White Rock Lake Park.
Dallas is also a popular hub for food-lovers. Although their trademark dishes include classic barbeque and Tex-Mex specialties, that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality Italian restaurants across town to enjoy pizza, pasta, and other tasty dishes.
However, with so many Italian restaurants available, it might feel overwhelming to try visiting them all during your stay.
Best Italian Restaurants in Dallas
- Lucia
- Terilli’s
- Taverna
- Nonna
- Carbone’s
- Jimmy’s Food Store
- Kenny’s Italian Kitchen
- Roman Cucina
- The Charles
- Sprezza
- Fachini
- Avanti Restaurant
- Campisi’s
- Bugatti Ristorante
- Partenope Ristorante
- Urbano Cafe
- Bellini’s Italian Cafe and Pizza
Luckily, I compiled this list of the best Italian restaurants in Dallas I encountered during my last few visits to the city to help you simplify your search if you don’t know where to find somewhere for lunch or dinner. That way, you can enjoy their Italian fare if you’re traveling alone or with others.
Lucia
287 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: 214-948-4998
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First up on my list of the top Italian restaurants in Dallas is Lucia, located on North Bishop Avenue, in the heart of the Bishop Arts District.
It has a rustic and vintage yet cozy atmosphere that immerses guests interested in trying their house-cured salumi, handmade pasta, and fresh bread.
Their menu changes frequently, so you’re encouraged to visit as many times as you want if you want to try everything.
I recommend their Rigatoni, Gnocchi Alla Romana, Dry-Aged Duck Breast, or Braised Lamb Shank. If you want something sweet after your hot dinner, try their Carnaroli Budino or Pistachio Babka.
Terilli’s
2815 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-827-3993
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Next up is Terilli’s, located on Greenville Avenue, deep within Dallas’ Lower Greenville neighborhood.
Immerse yourself in this restaurant’s funky atmosphere as live music plays as you dine on delectable Italian fare. They also offer outdoor seating on their rooftop bar with a nice view of the city’s skyline.
After starting with their Warm Brie, Crab Claws, or Cheese Bread, order their Lobster Ravioli, Spicy Chicken Penne, Sausage & Peppers Tortellini, or Chicken Terilli.
Don’t forget to top your meal off with an ice-cold Texas Summertime Martini or Terilli’s White Chocolate Martini. Feel free to ask your server for an after-dinner drink or vanilla gelato to end your night right.
Taverna
3312 Knox St, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-520-9933
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Are you having trouble finding Italian restaurants in Dallas specializing in Northern Italian fare? If so, consider booking your next reservation at Taverna on Knox Street, west of the Greenland Hills neighborhood.
This modern and refined restaurant is excellent for enjoying excellent Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
During my last visit, I tried their Risotto al Parmigiano con Salsa Tartufata, Fiocchi Al Gorgonzola, Gnocchi Rustici, and Sea Bass Brodetto with a side of truffle fries.
In addition, Taverna offers Saturday and Sunday brunch. Don’t forget to enhance your flavorful pasta with a refreshing red Italian wine or Taverna Spritz.
Nonna
4115 Lomo Alto Dr, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-521-1800
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Standing on Lomo Alto Drive, directly across from Craddock Park, is Nonna, a cozy and refined Italian restaurant.
They cook their artisanal pizza, salumi, and pasta using a wood-burning oven that ensures the best flavors for restaurant patrons. Their seasonal menu uses carefully sourced meat and produce from local providers.
If this is your first visit to Nonna, ask your server for their Gulf Flounder, Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Maine Lobster Ravioli, or Tortellini de Ricotta.
Personally, I like ordering an Aperol Spritz, Americano, Side Car, or Negroni cocktail to give my dinner an extra flavor kick. Don’t forget to finish off with their classic tiramisu for dessert.
Carbone’s
4208 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-522-4208
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You can find Carbone’s on the corner of Oak Lawn Avenue and Wycliff Avenue, minutes from Connor Lake. It has a modern grocery aesthetic that elevates its welcoming vibe.
By sourcing from local Dallas producers, their culinary team commits to crafting authentic Italian fare for locals and tourists alike.
I recommend starting with their Fried Ravioli and trying their Baked Eggplant Parm, Linguine Scampi, Veal Parm with Meatball Marinara, or Tortellini Vodka.
However, if you stop by for Sunday dinner, you can try their Linguine with White Bolognese. They also have an extensive list of 100% Italian dinner and dessert wines.
Jimmy’s Food Store
4901 Bryan St, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-823-6180
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Can’t find any quality Italian restaurants in Old East Dallas serving authentic wine and fare? If so, stop by Bryan Street for a bite at Jimmy’s Food Store.
This specialty destination has a vintage feel that immerses you as you take their imported wine, cheese, and other Italian favorites to-go. They also host free Saturday wine tastings from 11AM to 4PM.
Jimmy’s offers a wide selection of Italian subs you can enjoy at home or while exploring Dallas’ vast neighborhood attractions.
I like ordering their Calabrese Panino, Philly Roast Pork, Italian Stallion, and Muffuletta. Also, don’t forget to take a traditional or chocolate cannoli as a sweet treat.
Kenny’s Italian Kitchen
5100 Belt Line Rd #764, Dallas, TX 75254
Phone: 972-661-9380
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Located on Belt Line Road, within the Village on the Parkway Mall, Kenny’s Italian Kitchen is your best option for dining on quality ziti and ravioli.
After driving through Trafalgar Square, their cozy, casual dining rooms with checkered tablecloths are an excellent place to unwind. They also have a patio area.
Consider ordering Kenny’s Four Cheese Ravioli, Baked Ziti, Veal Marsala, or Sicilian Shrimp & Fettuccine after starting with their Garlic Cheese Bread.
Their menu options can be adjusted into gluten-free, whole grain, or vegetarian meals. Stop by on Mondays for $5 martinis, such as Ruby Slipper, Raspberry Lemonade, or Rob’s Pomtini.
Roman Cucina
7989 Belt Line Rd #315, Dallas, TX 75248
Phone: 972-716-9950
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Another restaurant you can find on Belt Line Road is Roman Cucina, nestled in the heart of Spring Creek Village.
This stylish establishment is an excellent family-friendly option for anyone looking for somewhere to take their kids to eat. You can expect the finest subs and cocktails when booking a reservation here.
During my last few visits to Roman Cucina, I tried their Gianni, Pasta & Meatballs, Veggie Sub, and Cheese Lasagna.
Stop by for their nightly specials, including $5 sangria on Sangria Sundays, a free kids’ meal with the purchase of one regular entree on Mondays, and half-price bottles on Wine Wednesdays. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free menu items.
The Charles
1632 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 469-917-9000
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If you prefer indulging in quality Italian fare in an upscale setting, The Charles might be your best option for an authentic fine dining experience.
You can find it on Market Center Boulevard. I consider it one of the most stylish Italian restaurants in Dallas because of its ornate walls and leopard-print booth seats, giving it a classy touch that only the Design District can uphold.
In my opinion, their best dishes are Prime Short Rib, Lobster Casoncelli, Charred Calamari, and Lemon Ricotta Gnudi.
Additionally, their Ruby Lightning, Arancia Passione, and Italian Old Fashioned complete any meal if you love experimenting with blended flavor profiles.
Sprezza
4010 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 972-807-9388
Sprezza is an elegant and upscale Italian-Roman restaurant located on Maple Avenue, several blocks away from Crescent Estates – Skyline Terrace Villas.
It’s as cozy as it is refined, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on their finest Italian cuisine and ideal wine pairings. Other restaurants in the Old Parkland neighborhood pale in comparison to its presentation.
I like their Crushed Tomato Pizza, Raviolini di Ricotta, Bucatini Amatriciana, and Red Snapper. Give your night extra class by ordering from their extensive list of red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. I also enjoyed their selection of cakes for dessert, especially their Pear Sponge Cake.
Fachini
33a Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: 214-838-9688
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Located in the Highland Park Village, near Douglas Avenue and Mockingbird Lane, Fachini is another excellent option to narrow down on your search for the best Italian restaurants in Dallas.
Their modern and sophisticated vibe makes it ideal for a night out with a friend or for any private events, like corporate dinners or birthdays.
In my opinion, their best dishes are Veal Parmigiana, Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Fusilli Alla Brandy, and Wagyu Tenderloin a la Pepe.
They also host happy hour every Monday through Wednesday from 5PM to 7PM, so don’t miss out on their Cosa Nostra, Passionista Sangria, and other seasonal cocktails.
Avanti Restaurant
2720 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 214-871-4955
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You can find Avanti Restaurant on McKinney Avenue, blocks away from the Quadrangle Shopping Center. This intimate and classy restaurant offers a luxurious dining room with a sleek design, an award-winning wine list, and live music every night.
Try their Crispy Veal Meatballs appetizer before ordering their Chicken Limone, Fettuccine Diablo, Wild Mushroom Risotto, or Crab Meat Crusted Sea Bass. I like ordering my dinner with a Texas Fizz cocktail or Connie’s Breeze martini.
Be sure to book a reservation on Date Night Wednesdays for a Prix-Fixe dinner for two or stop by for half-price wine bottles on Sunday and Monday.
Campisi’s
Multiple locations
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Campisi’s is a popular chain restaurant offering thin-crust pizzas and other Italian fare found on East Mockingbird Lane, Elm Street in the Downtown district, West Lovers Lane, and Dallas Love Field Airport on Cedar Springs Road. Its stylish dining rooms are ideal for casual candlelit dinners or private banquets.
Consider ordering their BBQ Chicken Specialty Pizza, Eggplant Parmigiana, Angel Hair Pasta with Meat Sauce, or Greek Pizza, and let your children pick from their kids’ menu.
Try their Negroni, Orange Spritz, or Tuacarita specialty cocktails if you stop by during the weekdays for happy hour. Don’t forget to treat yourself to their tiramisu or Italian cream cake for dessert.
Bugatti Ristorante
3802 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75220
Phone: 214-350-2470
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Nestled on West Northwest Highway, deep within The Shops at Bluffview, stands Bugatti Ristorante, a refined Italian eatery overlooking Bachman Creek.
It incorporates an old-school Mediterranean-Italian villa aesthetic that emphasizes its tranquility. Their open-air patio has an excellent waterfront view on any clear Dallas day.
After selecting one of their Italian red, white, or sparkling wines, I recommend ordering their Old World Gnocchi, Ravioli Primavera, Gamberoni, or Veal Piccata for a perfect flavor blend.
They also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options for anyone with specific dietary preferences. I like finishing my meal with their Bugatti Snowball or Classic Cannoli for dessert.
Partenope Ristorante
1903 Main, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214-463-6222
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Are you having trouble finding Italian restaurants in Dallas offering fresh takes on Neapolitan pizza? Then, look no further than Partenope Ristorante, located on Main Street, by Tower Hotel Dallas and Main Street Garden Park.
It has a chic and modern atmosphere, perfect for experiencing Dallas’ nightlife. Chef Dino Santonicola crafts authentic Southern Italian fare bursting with flavor.
I like their Trifolata Pizza, Ziti Alla Genovese, Grande Calzone, and Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca. Pair any of these dishes with their Napule or Barrel-Aged Fig Old-Fashioned cocktails or any wines by the glass.
The restaurant also offers Saturday cooking classes for anyone interested in learning how to craft a perfect Neapolitan pie.
Urbano Cafe
410 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: 214-823-8550
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After spending the afternoon at Garrett Park, you should consider booking a reservation at Urbano Cafe on North Fitzhugh Avenue.
This BYOB restaurant has a cozy and hip atmosphere decorated with abstract art. I prefer coming here for a lighter meal. They also have live piano performances every Tuesday night with rotating pianists.
Urbano Cafe offers plenty of pasta options to pick from for lunch or dinner. In my opinion, their best dishes are Braised Lamb Risotto, Chicken Saltimbocca, and Shrimp Fettuccine.
Don’t miss out on their Fried Calamari or Tempura Shishito Pepper sides, and be sure to ask your server about their best red or white wine pairings.
Bellini’s Italian Cafe and Pizza
921 N Riverfront Blvd Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 214-528-2844
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Finally, the last Dallas Italian restaurant I’d like to share with you is Bellini’s Italian Cafe and Pizza, found in the PGP Design Center, on the corner of North Riverfront Boulevard and Payne Street.
It has an intimate and refined atmosphere for enjoying dinner alone or with your family, complete with hanging lights, flowery pillars, and tables with white tablecloths.
I like starting with Fried Calamari or Crab Cakes and ordering their Meatball Parmesan Sandwich, Seafood Linguine, Stromboli Specialty Pizza, or Veal Florentine.
Feel free to ask your server about the best cocktails or wines to pair with each dish. After that, treat yourself to their cheesecake or creme brulee.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of Italian restaurants in Dallas offering excellent menu options nestled within a city known for its steaks and Tex-Mex.
Hopefully, this list can help you narrow down your next dining options for enjoying a casual dinner with friends or any special celebration.
Are you looking for something else to eat? Check out this list of Dallas’ best places for finding quality sushi.
Did I miss anything on this list? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be sure to visit them to try your favorite dishes.
