By Steven Doyle
Battuto Italian Kitchen is the latest addition to the fine Italian dining category set in a quiet neighborhood in North Dallas. Owned by radio’s Gene and Julie, Battuto offers up fresh made Italian pasta dishes, wood burning oven pizzas and other dishes roasted in the same oven. Look for refined fare at a reasonable price with an excellent wine selection priced fairly. 18101 Preston, Dallas.
Nonna is set in a small and unassuming strip mall off Lemmon Avenue serving up exquisite regional Italian cuisine, including house-made salumis, pastas and other refined fare. Do not miss the wood-fired white clam pizza as a starter for any meal, 4115 Lomo Alto, Dallas.
Nonna Tata should not be confused with the Nonna in Dallas. Our lists are primarily in Dallas, but we had to offer up this fine mom-and-pop restaurant. The prices in this gem of a trattoria will make you feel guilty. Side that with the fact that Nonna Tatta is BYOB, and you have a fantastic evening in Fort Worth well worth the drive. They will take seatings for the restaurant and serves up the best drinks found in Texas, 1400 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth.
Lucia might be the most successful tiny restaurant in Dallas, and is located in the prospering Bishop Arts District. The brilliant menu changes nearly each day, but we can say that each dish is handled with care and served with delightful Italian wines hand selected each week, 408 W. Eighth St., Dallas.
Zio Cecio is far removed from the hectic restaurant rush across the city, and home to some delicious fresh pastas and seafood Sardinian-style by an honest-to-goodness Italian fellow. Trade your Italian fishing stories with owner Francesco, and gaze into the candle-lit beauty of the romantic surroundings, 4615 W. Lovers, Dallas.
Urban Crust is downtown Plano’s answer to all things Italian. This might be better filed under our pizza category, but the restaurant offers so much more. The chef is a friendly fellow who you must listen to carefully to hack through the thick accent that endears this beautiful spot. Look for solid Neapolitan pizza along with fresh pasta dishes, and a damned good grilled steak, 1006 E. 15th, Plano.