Mufso Dining Guide To Some Of The Best Restaurants In Dallas

Nation's Restaurant News, Sept 17, 2001

Maguire's

17552 Dallas Parkway, at Trinity Mills, (972) 818-0068. With inspirations borrowed from French, Asian and Italian cuisines as well as American favorites, this understated restaurant almost is a prototypical North Dallas dining experience. Specialties include pistachio-crusted mahi mahi, lamb OSSO bucco, meat loaf that's mesquite-grilled and covered with a port wine and veal demi-glace with wild mushrooms. Lunch and dinner.

The Mercury Grill

11909 Preston Road, at Forest Lane, (972) 960-7774. From the outside, it looks like a typical neighborhood strip-mall spot, but chef Chris Ward put his Mercury out front. The open kitchen produces a variety of New American dishes, such as mushroom risotto and rare tenderloin on noodles, which are drawing customers to the North Dallas location. Lunch and dinner.

Matt's Rancho Martinez

6332 La Vista, (214) 823-5517. Matt Martinez has created quite a following for his Tex-Mex specialties in the area. The flautas are superb, the veggie fajitas are a nice alternative and even the salsa is fresh. This East Dallas stalwart is very casual and popular. Lunch and dinner.

Mia's

4322 Lemmon Ave., (214) 526-1020. This family-run Tex-Mex eatery usually has a wait, but the noted enchiladas and other specialties provide filling fare and authentic tastes. Lunch and dinner.

Mi Piaci

14854 Montfort, (972) 943-8424. This top-notch Italian spot, located near Belt Line Road and the Dallas North Tollway, makes its own pastas and even cures some of its own meats, giving it an authenticity to savor. Lunch and dinner.

Nana Grill

2201 Stemmons, Wyndham Anatole Hotel tower, (214) 748-1200. Located on the 27th floor of MUFSO's host hotel, this restaurant elevates New American cuisine. A striking wine list accompanies the daily-changing menu. Nana was undergoing renovations during the summer, and the reopening date was uncertain.

Nick & Sam's

3008 Maple Ave., (214) 871-7444. Phil Romano, creator of Eatzi's, Fuddrucker's and Macaroni Grill, has crafted a steakhouse that's much more than that prosaic description. Chef Samir Dhurandhar also offers wild mussels steamed in Chardonnay and molasses-glazed grilled quail. A raw bar and broad selection of seafood expand the base, as does the extensive wine list. Dinner only.

Nuevo Leon

3211 Oak Lawn Ave., (214) 522-3331. With several locations, this country Mexican spot -- not many places serve beef tongue, mind you -- provides a distinct alternative to typical Tex-Mex. And the tequilas are potent and rare. Lunch and dinner.

Palomino Euro Bistro

The Crescent at Pearl and McKinney, (214) 999-1222. This Seattle chain has carved a place for itself in Dallas dining. It has become known for the spit-roasted chicken and salmon it offers along with its vibrant decor. Lunch and dinner.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

10428 Lombardy Lane, (214) 358-1912. With four locations in the Dallas area, this Cajun seafood spot draws massive crowds. That's a trademark of the Pappas Brothers of Houston, who operate the concept. Large portions are a signature, but expect a wait. Lunch and dinner.