Radar: Dallas
New and notable restaurants are dishing out everything from Asian to Italian. Plus, Eataly throws a really big party this month. — Michael Hiller
An artful presentation of toro sashimi. Photo courtesy of Akira Back
Akira Back
Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s new restaurant in The Colony pulls heavily from his Korean roots and teen years spent living in Aspen. We adore his impeccably fresh sushi and inventive sashimi. But it’s his toro and yellowtail tartare enlivened with ossetra caviar, wasabi, soy and toasted brioche that triggered a When Harry Met Sally dining room moment during our visit.
Grandscape, 5765 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony, 945-224-0505, akirabackdallas.com
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Made with a French custard-style base, the frozen treat’s ingredients are top quality, says co-owner Ben Van Leeuwen, and include Madagascar vanilla beans, Ecuadorian cacao and Sicilian pistachios. Standouts on the frequently updated menu include Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Praline Butter Cake, Earl Grey Tea and Strawberry Margarita, a Dallas-only flavor. Fort Worth could get its own special flavor soon; Van Leeuwen says he’s wrapping up negotiations for a scoop shop there that could open this year.
West Village, 3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas, 972-982-0232, vanleeuwenicecream.com
Dolce Riviera
After a two-year pause, this Italian-style bistro with a seaside feel is open with a new chef and a simple dinner-only menu. Begin with a glass of bubbly spumante at the indoor-outdoor bar, then head to dinner on the garden patio bordered by manicured greenery and carved stone fountains. Don’t miss chef Taylor Kearney’s ricotta gnocchi tumbled in brown butter and basil pesto, followed by his handmade cannoli for dessert.
2950 N. Harwood St., Dallas, 469-458-6623, dolceriviera.com
Photo by Kathy Tran
EVENTS
All You Can Eataly
Pack an adventurous appetite for this one-day festival with 25 tasting stations, cocktail bars, wine tastings, cooking demos and live music. Go for the imported prosciutto, wood-fired pizzas and regional pasta dishes, but hang around for the pig roast, a specialty of Sardinia. 7 p.m. June 24; tickets, $125; $195 for early VIP entrance. Purchase in advance on the website.
NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 469-759-2800, eataly.com/dallas
Michael Hiller covers the Dallas food and dining scene for 360 West.