Dallas' Best Group Dining 2008

Sophisticated interpretations of rustic Italian fare served in chic environs make this a top destination at Plano’s Shops At Legacy.

Reviews:

• “It was fantastic”
• “Exquisite authentic Italian cuisine”
• “Great service! "
• “All around EXCELLENT!”
• “Definitely will recommend it to all our friends”

Tips: The wine list leans heavily on the regions of Italy and California. Pineto Brachetto d’Aqui, a refreshing sparkling red wine is ideal for Dallas’ weather. Blood Orange Cosmo, Italian Dream, Chocolate Covered Cherry and Pinkcello are just a few of their delicious specialty drinks.

Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano or email Nicola’s Ristorante Italiano

Hibachi grill offers a traditional Japanese dining experience in a somewhat modern backdrop in Addison.

Reviews:

• “Great Birthday Place!”
• “GREAT FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS”

Tips: For a fun surprise, order the Kobe picture cake that comes with an edible picture of your chosen guest/subject on top.

Kobe Steaks or email Kobe Steaks

Mex-Mex eatery delivers upscale authentic dishes on the edge of the Knox Henderson and Lower Greenville neighborhoods.

Reviews:

• “Best Mexican Food”
• “Our Favorite Authentic Mexican Food Restaurant!”
• “Food and Hospitality are both VERY San Miguel!”
• “Cinco De Mayo”
• “Great drinks specially the Pomerita, a pomegranate margarita”

Tips: For those who like sweet, exotic drinks the signature Pomerita cocktail is the perfect blend of lime, pomegranate, and tequila over crushed ice this side of the border.

Cafe San Miguel

Restaurant serves Southwestern cuisine featuring Texan interpretations of classic south of the border dishes such as tacos and tamales.

Reviews:

• “Latin at it’s best and biggest in Texas!”
• “A smart combination of family-friendly and adult-savvy”
• “Don’t miss this Texas gem of a find!”
• “Hotel Ambience and Food”
• “Disappointing "

Tips: Enjoy deals on drinks weekdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Ama Lur or email Ama Lur

White-collar lunch crowd lines up for brisket and killer sides at this cheerful Uptown joint.

Reviews:

• “Best in the metroplex”
• “I was not impressed”
• “It’s ok”
• “Great local lunch spot "
• ""

Tips: Sammy’s caters and delivers for home and office events. Call for more information.

Sammy’s Bar-B-Q

A comfortable atmosphere and an internationally influenced menu make for a lovely dining experience in this former auto showroom.

Reviews:

• “Tucker – Close but not quite!”
• “Perfect night out”
• “A Seemingly Undiscovered Gem”

Tips: The notable wine selection may not include any of your standard go-to bottles. Don’t be shy to ask for assistance and try something new—the majority of the wines are from Australia.

Tucker

Upscale neighborhood restaurant tucked in the historic State and Thomas district serves creative modern soul fare to Uptown patrons.

Reviews:

• “Disappointed”
• “Awesome Birthday Dinner”
• “Excellent Eatery”
• “consistently eight out of ten”

Tips: Take advantage of the complimentary valet as street parking is scarce in the area.

2900 or email 2900

Sushi lovers pack this cozy, upscale room for super-fresh sashimi and delectable grilled plates.

Reviews:

• “Great, but some customer service issues”
• “My favorite restaurant in the DFW metroplex.”
• “FABULOUS SUSHI”
• “most authentic ROBATA bar in TX!!”
• “Authetico”

Tips: The raised, semi-enclosed tatami room is the perfect spot for a group gathering.

Tei Tei Robata Bar

A slice of Naples awaits the lover of Italian fare and culture on popular Henderson Avenue.

Reviews:

• “My Dream Romatic Scene”
• “Try it, you’ll love it!”
• “Peroni on tap, authentic pizza, what else do you need!”
• “Great taste at a great price”
• “A Perfect Blend”

Tips: Kids 12 and under eat for free Tue-Wed from 5pm-7pm.

Pulcinella or email Pulcinella

Local-favorite restaurant next to the Lakewood Theater dishes Tex-Mex fare with a smile.

Reviews:

• “Interesting dining experience.”
• “Do not visit the Cedar Hill Location!”
• “Keep Turning Us Away”
• “Awesome Tex-Mex!!! yummy”
• “Bob bob bob”

Tips: The margaritas are refreshing and strong.

Matt’s Rancho Martinez

Live salsa music and tasty small plates draw a fashionable crowd to this upscale Uptown spot.

Tips: Happy hour specials are offered weekdays from 4pm to 7pm. Mondays: $2 frozen mojitos; Tuesdays: $2 margaritas; Wednesday: half-price tapas; Thursday: half-price pitchers.

America’s Latin Cuisine & Tapas

Sleek modern dining meets au currant American cuisine in funky Bishop Arts district.

Reviews:

• " Great food and Amazing waiters"
• “Best food in Bishop Arts!”
• “There may be restaurant space available in Bishop Arts soon…”

Tips: head there in the early evenings (before 7pm) for uncrowded dining, even on weekends.

Grill 4 Hundred or email Grill 4 Hundred

First-class tapas and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in Plano.

Reviews:

• “A wonderful place to experience”
• “Great place”
• “bad service and overpriced food”
• “Amazing Executive Chef – Joshua Gurvey”

Tips: In good weather, the patio is ideal for outdoor dining.

Olea or email Olea

Authentic, un-Americanized Italian fare in a villa-like setting makes this family-owned restaurant a gem.

Reviews:

• “BEst food and BEST Hospitality”

Tips: The owners also runs Grano Italian Bakery & Cafe in Plano.

Ferrari’s Italian Villa

The setting is rich at Mosaic Dallas’ anchor restaurant for haute European cuisine.

Reviews:

• “CLOSED”
• “Great look…thats about it.”
• “Set a spell, take your shoes off, you’ll be there for bit”
• “Great food, and service”
• “What? Never Again.”

Tips: If you aren’t well versed in pairing your foods, order from the $39 prix fixe pre-theatre menu or the $85-$125 chef’s tasting menu.

Cooking classes are available on Saturdays; call for details.

Scene

Acclaimed chef and hospitality entrepreneur, Charlie Palmer’s superb Dallas debut is a destination for fresh elevated New American cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Manager from Hell”
• “Impressive!”
• “Big letdown.”
• “Best Atmosphere and Food”
• “Unbelievable… Service, Food, and Atmosphere”

Tips: If you can’t decide between the selection of pies from the display case, ask the staff to cut up tasting portions of three flavors for you.

Charlie Palmer at The Joule

Down home jazz club south of downtown combines rhythm, soul and blues with equally spicy food.

Reviews:

• “Best All Around”
• “Amazing Date”
• “Great Experience”

Tips: During live performances, choose a table in the adjoining dining room for comfortable conversation.

Brooklyn Jazz Cafe

Set in a charming historic house, this Uptown restaurant with doggy-friendly patio serves American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood.

Tips: Jazz fans can enjoy live music on Thursday nights and Sunday brunch.

The Cape

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