The Dallas Dish – Sassetta Returns and the Best of Dallas Tex-Mex Lands on Lovers
Iit’s been two unprecedented years since Enjoy your meal named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. But even during a pandemic, our city’s dining scene has persevered. With the sheer number of recent openings (especially at Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and Downtown), it’s easy to forget that many industry players are still struggling, but Texas restaurants have been breaking new ground. to provide the comfort food – and cocktails – we need. . Now it’s time to look forward to Dallas restaurant news.
From exciting openings to unfortunate closings (as well as any other food news we might find appropriate), The Dallas Dish is your weekly helper of indispensable local food news.
Sassetta will reopen this week at The Joule hotel in downtown Dallas.
After closing a few years ago in the Design District to make way for the new Carbone, this upscale Italian restaurant reopens this Friday, April 8 in the former Americano space of The Joule hotel. Revamped by designer Jean Liu, the Sassetta 2.0 features terrazzo bathroom flooring, bright colors and artwork including an abstract mural depicting the rolling hills of Tuscany. New executive chef Jason Zygmont has created a menu of artisan pastas, house charcuterie, seafood and thin-crust pizzas.

Chef Julian Barsotti’s Tex-Mex concept, Odelay, officially opens today on Lovers Lane.
This new Tex-Mex concept from chef Julian Barsotti (Nonna, Fachini) just had its soft opening last weekend, and will officially open its doors today, April 6, at 5 p.m. The new spot will bring a hacienda-style setting with classic fare and margaritas to a prime section of Lovers Lane near Inwood Village.
After 14 years running Italian restaurants in Dallas, Barsotti is mixing things up after the success of his delivery-only concept, Ritas & Queso, launched during the pandemic. Sergio Pinto joins the team to manage the restaurant, while the bar program will be led by master sommelier Sergio Quijano. Designed by Liz Johnson of Wallace Johnson Studio, the former Cafe Express space has had a facelift — an inviting outdoor patio is set to be completed soon.

A new BBQ area from the original Lockhart Smokehouse Pit Master has opened at Farmers Branch.
Just opened on Spring Valley Road, Crossbuck BBQ is a new barbecue concept from pitmaster Tim McLaughlin. Using barbecue smoking and Asian/French cooking techniques, the menu features dishes like soy-smoked chicken, smoked prime rib and citrus-glazed salmon. You’ll also find sides including honey miso coleslaw, desert lime hominy, and baked beans.