Indulge on Italian food at these top 4 Dallas eateries

Indulge on Italian food at these top 4 Dallas eateriesLucia. | Photo: Brian Q./Yelp
Hoodline
Published on March 12, 2020

Craving Italian fare?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the most exceptional upscale Italian restaurants around Dallas, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill.

1. Saint Rocco's New York Italian

Photo: Lisa V./Yelp

Topping the list is Saint Rocco's New York Italian. Located at 3011 Gulden Lane, Suite 100, in Trinity Groves, the cocktail bar and Italian bistro, which offers pizza, libations and more, is the highest-rated destination for high-end Italian cuisine in Dallas, boasting four stars out of 296 reviews on Yelp. 

"Located in Dallas' Trinity Groves, this upscale casual eatery takes its inspiration from the family dinner tables the [owners] grew up with as first-generation Italian Americans," explains the business' Yelp bio.

Regarding signature items, "The menu features unique twists on favorites, including the Sicilian lasagna, a deconstructed version of the classic, served tossed in [a] bowl with mini-meatballs, Bolognese and fresh ricotta, as well as the Pecorino Pastina with grilled jumbo shrimp and asparagus."

2. The Charles

Photo: Tina C./Yelp

Next up is The Charles, situated at 1632 Market Center Blvd. in the Design District. With 4.5 stars out of 160 reviews on Yelp, the deluxe Italian dining establishment has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to splurge. 

"You cannot find a better place to eat in the Design District," raved Yelper Molly M., who reviewed The Charles on Feb. 15. "Their pasta and meat selection is out of this world. And with the sides? You can't go wrong with the roasted beets. ... You have to start with the beef tartare. The cream with the horseradish shavings is amazing."

Yelper Todd C. added, "What an incredible evening we experienced at The Charles. ... The staff [was] very knowledgeable, attentive and friendly. The food was simply amazing, and the recommended wines were spot-on."

3. Lucia

Photo: Trammy D./Yelp

The Bishop Arts District's Lucia, located at 408 W. Eighth St., is another primo choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy Italian joint four stars out of 442 reviews. 

Yelper Janet T., who reviewed Lucia on Jan. 3, wrote, "If you like real Italian food, this is your place. You can get shared plates, so everyone can try a little of all their fabulous courses. The wait staff is knowledgeable and will take the time to explain the courses. It is a lot of food, so be prepared for that! It is hard to get reservations, but you can get on their wait list and get in that way quickly ... They also have seating at the bar if you are a walk-in."

And Rachel S. noted, "If you're looking to splurge on a nice dinner ... then this is the place for you! ... We enjoyed the Frico Montasio, which was a rich and flavorful thin potato pancake with cheese, sided with arugula and thyme. We also got the Crostini with mushroom ciauscolo. Both [were] great and would recommend."

4. Zio Cecio

Photo: Preston D./Yelp

Finally, there's Zio Cecio, a ritzy Italian restaurant in Bluffview, with four stars out of 109 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4615 W. Lovers Lane to give it a try for yourself. 

In the words of the business' Yelp page, "Zio Cecio's menu, carefully crafted by Francesco Farris, features an array of Italian specialties that represent the palate of his Sardinian roots, including a selection of appetizers, pastas, risottos, seasonal vegetables and wood-fired pizzas," as stated in the section highlighting specialties.


This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.