Nonna Restaurant

I was in Dallas for some meetings and went on Unilocal to find a new place to have dinner with clients. I came up with two names and selected Nonna. The restaurant was warm and inviting and the wait staff were very nice and well informed about the offerings. Each of us had a different dish and we were all very pleased. The pasta was homemade and absolutely great. We had wine and shared small plates for starters and again everyone was pleased. The idea of finding a new place and having a great experience is always subject to chance but in this case a wonderful evening was had by all. When busing Dallas again I would surely come back as well as recommend to others.
Irwin Z

Nonna’s is wonderful! It’s a classy neighborhood Italian restaurant to the Highland Park folks. The food is excellent and the wait staff is nice. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.

Some of the best Italian in Dallas. The red sauce is the best I ever had. We ordered some to finish our bread off with. I’d go back just for the sauce!

The best Italian I have come across in Dallas. Order a clam pizza which had a white sauce, and it was perfectly crisp and delicious. Settled on the lobster ravioli and a wood fired fish special. Pretty happy with this experience. A wee pricey, and the room is super small. You need reservations for sure. Great wine service.
This restaurant tastes like those I experienced in New York and in my many years visiting Italy. Buona mangia!

Went on a Thursday early in December and we had a bit of trouble finding the restaurant. (ProTip, it’s in the strip across from the Whole Foods. The signage isn’t lit, but you’ll see it.)
The ambiance inside was nice and quaint. We showed up a few minutes late to our reservation, but had called ahead to notify them as such. We were told our 4-​top wasn’t ready yet, but we could be sat near their bar if we wanted them to push their 2-​top tables together. We said we could wait so we would be able to sit in the actual dining room, but after a while, we were told the table was still not ready and we finally agreed to sit at a large table near the bar.
Service was generally nice, but I don’t know if the inconsistency was because of where we were seated or if it was because they seemed to want to close the restaurant fairly early that evening.
We were given lovely flat bread to start off with, but unfortunately, our entire table felt underwhelmed with the whole meal. I personally walked away feeling that the pastas were a bit over al-​dente and/​or the pasta dishes we had were under-​salted.
Dallas isn’t lacking for great Italian restaurants, but unfortunately, this isn’t one I’d rank near the top based on this first impression.

I don’t know where to start … cannot think of a superlative that would do justice to describe my experience at Nonna. The restaurant is small, cozy and welcoming. The wait staff is professional, attentive and knowledgeable and the food superb. Four of us had dinner there and we started by sharing two salads that were fresh, seasoned perfectly and beautifully presented and a pizza that was to die for (and that comes from an east-​coaster who loves her pizza). That was followed with lobster ravioli with the most tender pasta and lobster and a delicate sauce that complimented the ravioli perfectly — it made me feel like I was back in Maine eating sweet lobster just off the boat. And the dessert, a fabulous end to a memorable meal. Can’t wait to go back … Thank you Nonna’s for an enchanted Christmas Eve meal –bravo!!!

Dinner this past Friday night was another wonderful experience. From the best Old Fashioned in town (keep it up Phillip!), to the delicious food (the rabbit cacciatore was spectacular), to the impeccable wine suggestion and service by Sergio, this is one of my top three «go to» restaurants in Dallas.

This was my first time at Nona’s and I can’t wait to go back!
Enjoyed a «date night» and it was perfect. The food was exceptional with a very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our waiter made some recommendations all of which were perfect, including the wine.
The pasta was fresh and delicious and the pizza was simple, yet full of flavor and so fresh!
It’s hard to do’ understated Italian’ well, but they do it perfectly.
Make your reservations early! This place stays full all the time

Nonna doesn’t disappoint! Everything was amazing from food to hospitality.
We had the baby octopus which was Delish w fried white beans, casino oysters to start, anolini squash, linguine, and finished off w the lemon meringue type ice cream/​nougatine
All the flavors were fresh, crisp, and highlights the ingredients in the dishes. Not too heavy not too light.

OMG. Amazing. The sage butter ricotta ravioli was literally the best pasta I’ve ever had. And the petite kale caesar was fantastic. Brooks had the bolognese and it was delicious. The Brussels as an app was also amazing. A little salty but I love salty. I’d come every day for my dish. Love this place and it’s close to where we live. It’ll hurt the wallet a little but amaze the taste buds. Man oh man. This place is fantastic.

Love how the menu changes. The food here is exceptional, well executed and service is friendly, helpful and efficient. Started with Suppli: fried spaghetti pomodoro. Surprisingly light for fried spagetti! We split the Linguine pesto Trapanese: fresh tomato, mint, basil, parsley, almonds & ricotta salata as our primi course. Just the right amount, flavors went so well together, and the final course for me was the Tilefish with early girly & cherry tomatoes, lump blue crab, dill, basil & hot chiles and for him Bershire Pork Shank with roasted tomato, gypsy pepper, cippollini & polenta bianco. Shared a bottle of wine, a light pinot nero, a little pricy, but delicious. And splurged on dessert with the neopolitan gelato and a light chocolate mousse.
Yes, we ate it all and didn’t feel one bit guilty! I wish I could eat here every week, but my budget and my waistline won’t allow it.
My goal now is to eat here at least once a season to check out the changing menus.

From beginning to end, this dining experience was absolutely superb. I would suggest making reservations. We were seated in the small, quaint side room and got waters and home made flat bread immediately, as well as a little bowl of olives. They have an extensive wine list, and we got a bottle of red we really loved for $ 60. Their cocktails also sounded great, and were $ 12-​$ 15 a pop.
The menu changes all the time, but I will still detail what we ordered, because we were absolutely floored by everything we ate. First, we ordered the «suppli» which were 3 small spaghettini fried cheese balls drizzled in home made pesto. Tiny appetizer for two people, but incredibly delicious. Also as an appetizer, we ordered the baked oysters, which were extremely flavorful and satisfied us until our next course.
For my entrée, I got the gnocchi with gulf shrimp. The gnocchi was made with sweet potatoes, corn and a bunch of other delicious, tomato based tastes. It was superb. Trip ordered the pennone (not sure if I remember this right!) with braised quail. The portions were perfect and we both savored every bite.
All of their desserts sound divine, but we got the praline semifreddo. It was essentially praline and pistachio ice cream but somehow less cold and way thicker. We talked about how fluffy yet creamy it was all night.
The service was impeccable and the atmosphere perfect. We will most definitely be back!

Excellent traditional Italian restaurant in Dallas. Don’t get fooled by the underwhelming façade, the interior is warm and elegant and make for a great evening.
The menu changes daily, the food is absolutely declicious and authentic and the service very friendly. They also keep bringing you fresh-​of-​the-​oven bread smothered in oil and deliciously buttery and crispy. I would dine on just this and wine.
We had the prosciutto and melon platter, the garden salad and the compressed watermelon/​cucumber salad (the later was disappointing) to start, followed by pasta entrees. The pasta were cooked to perfection and the sauces fantastic. Portions are on the small side for a real main course, I would suggest opting for the $ 7 supplement to make them bigger.

We participated in Restaurant week. The restaurant was packed when we entered. The noise level was loud but you could still talk, the lights were very dark. We got seated at a small 2 person table against a wall which seemed private even though we were in the middle of the restaurant.
We did not order any drinks as most of the wine is by the bottle.
The restaurant week menu had a good variety. I would pass on the cucumber/​watermelon salad next time. It was a little to vinegary. We loved the shrimp bread thing (we cant remember the name. lol) I got the pork chop with peaches and my husband got the lobster ravioli. I would have like to have seen another side with the pork chop as apposed to the purple cabbage. The meat seemed to heavy with nothing to balance it out. The lobster ravioli was delicious but for the price ($ 35 on the regular menu) 5 more pieces would have made it more worth while. Dessert was really good we both got the chocolate cake. Really rich with lots of texture.
Parking wasn’t an issue there is no valet since it is a shopping center so that was a perk!

We went here for our anniversary dinner. I would rate it a solid 4 stars. Most everything was good but it lacked the «wow» factor, and the tables are so close together that it is awkward to have a conversation. To me, this place is better for a regular dinner on a weekend rather than a special occasion destination.
I would give the restaurant credit for changing its menu every day, although there are a few constants. The down side is that if you have a favorite you can’t count on it being available next time.
We arrived early for our 5:30 reservation (the only time I could get) and before the restaurant actually began service. The maitre de said we could have a drink at the bar while we waited but the guy at the bar said the seats were reserved for dinner. We stood around for a few minutes, not really knowing what to do, until I finally asked for a table so we could sit and wait. We were seated and waited, unattended, until the restaurant opened. No one asked us if we wanted a drink, which was odd. The whole beginning was rather curious.
Once the restaurant started its service, we ordered drinks and then appetizers. They brought piping hot fresh bread with some small olives and that was excellent. The wife got some kind of beet salad and I went for the blue crab BLT ($ 16). The salad had a bit too much vinegar in my opinion. The «BLT» was good, but I was expecting some kind of small finger sandwiches since a BLT is usually a sandwich. It was tasty, however, the bacon dominated.
For entrees I ordered the lobster ravioli and they were excellent. The pasta was obviously fresh and the lobster was evident, not hidden in a filling. The wife got the tortellini with some kind of shredded beef in red sauce. I liked it more than she did. She thought it was a bit salty. But I thought it was delicious.
For dessert, we shared the semifreddo which the waiter said is their most popular. It was light and not too sweet, so we liked it.
Overall, it was an enjoyable dinner and the food was very good. The restaurant is upscale and modern. The service was helpful and friendly. Nothing was actually wrong with the experience, but it just did not wow us, and that is the reason for 4 stars.

I love pasta. I don’t get homemade pasta very often, but this place makes great pasta. It is a little starchy with the services. Meaning it’s not warm and friendly but more formal and reserved. We had the fried artichokes which were great. I also had several other pasta dishes that I can’t recall the names. This place is a once in a while stop just because I like places with the homie feel.

At first we thought the place might be closed, as it looks very dark from the outside and the sign is not lit. But we were able to find a parking spot right up front. Charming inside with a relaxing vibe. Huge wood fire oven sits at the back of the main dining room, filling it with gentle warmth and glow.
Came in without a reservation, on Thursday night, and there was one open table available. Four of us (and a baby) were seated immediately. They were not really set up for children, as they did not have any highchairs, although they were very welcoming and did not make a fuss about us bringing in a baby. I really wouldn’t recommend bringing kids as the environment is not really suited for them. However, we were with a VERY calm, well-​behaved little girl, so it was no problem for us.
Our waiter immediately brought us a light and airy «puff» of bread right out of the huge wood fire oven. They serve it on a wooden board with olive oil and fresh olives.
We started out with the Insalata tri-​colore. Just the right amount of salame, mozzarella and fresno chilies to give it a little kick.
The lobster ravioli was completely heavenly. It is the reason I am taking time to write this review. The freshest lobster I have ever had, in perfect homemade raviolis, in a light buttery sauce that can only be described as divine. We actually dipped our bread in the sauce after the ravioli was gone. It was THAT good. I only had a small taste of the Gnocci alla Bolognese, but I enjoyed it. The Ricotta pizza and the Salame Toscana pizza were also delicious, especially the crust. Hands down, Lobster Ravioli for the win.
Being dessert people, we got a little crazy with dessert. We ordered Ricotta e Pere, Pecan Semifreddo, Gelato Artigianale and an Olive Oil cake. WOW. They were all so unique and delicious it was difficult to choose a favorite. Looking at the menu, I would not have ordered the Pecan Semifreddo, just because I had no clue what it was going to be like. Our waiter suggested it, and it turned out to be the favorite.
Bottom Line: Definitely visit Nonna, Order the Lobster Ravioli and DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT skip dessert!!!

Had a reservation here for Valentine’s about 3 weeks in advance. So glad I did, because this place is small and stays packed!
There is no big sign outside that is lit at night. just look for the strip across the street from Whole Foods… it’s in there. No valet either, parking is available right out front… or park at Whole Foods :)
We sat at the bar for drinks since we got there a little early. Bar sits maybe 6 ppl tops. Bartender will present a good wine menu. I always let them recommend… hardly goes wrong.
We were seated 20 minutes early. yay! Pita bread to start is delicious served with some olives with the pits.
I can’t remember all the dishes names, but the food is all soo good that you don’t have to question whether you’ll enjoy it. You will, no doubt.
We had the biscotti, lobster Caesar, lobster ravioli, mozzarella and basil pizza, the ribeye for me and veal chop for her. All perfect. So fresh and perfectly cooked and seasoned, I really wanted to keep eating lol
Service was immaculate. I really think you’ll be wise to take your date here if she wants Italian and you want to impress. Bring your wallet though!

This place is located across from Whole Foods at the intersection of Lemmon and the tollway. It’s tucked away in a strip mall and a bit hard to find unless you’re looking for it since the sign doesn’t light up at night. The interior is very cozy with 2 small dining rooms and a bar. The waiter was quite helpful and very polite.
For our appetizer, we shared the pork ribs which were divine. The cauliflower garnish was particularly tasty and I wish there was more on the plate. The meat on the ribs just fell off the bone and succulent. For my appetizer, I had the quail stuffed with risotto. The quail was slightly overcooked but otherwise quite tasty. It’s not the largest portion but plenty for most people. My partner had the gemelli with spicy lamb ragu. At first, you can’t really taste the spice but once you eat a few bites with the oily sauce at the bottom of the dish, there’s a really nice spicy aftertaste. Personally, I wish it was more spicy but that may be personal preference. For dessert, we shared the torta with gelato and we both agreed that the torta was very dry and lacked sweetness. It definitely was not the greatest way to end the meal and I’d advise against that particular dessert for future diners.
Overall, it was a good but not great meal. The ribs were definitely the highlight and it’s a nice romantic environment.

Nonna Restaurant is an Italian Restaurant in the Parks Cities that focuses on authentic Italian dishes. You won’t find overly sauced and cheesy pastas, but you will find a wood fire oven, handmade pastas, and one of the best Italian restaurants in Dallas.
My Overall Rating — 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return)
Atmosphere — Nonna is tucked away in a nondescript shopping strip, but nothing else is nondescript. You’ll find a small bar, and a very elegant dining area with upscale settings and nice mood lighting. The main dining area also opens to part of the kitchen with a wood fire oven. It’s nice without the pretentiousness. 1 Star.
Service — On both my visits the service was excellent. Since they have a seasonal menu, it’s important to check with the waiter for recommendation. Never a disappointment, meals at Nonna feel very welcome and upscale without making you feel out of place. 1 Star.
Food — If there’s pancetta and quail on a menu you’re off to a good start. When it’s a quail stuffed with risotto and wrapped in pancetta you’re in for a one of a kind experience. It tasted as amazing as the description on the menu. And this was just one of the appetizers! We rounded it with grille hearts of romaine and burrata with fried brussell sprouts. Even the puffed bread was great. I highly recommend the lobster ravioli for a pasta, as this seems to be on the menu year round. It’s in a light butter sauce instead of cream. The cappalletti with bolognaise was also perfect. Again, it’s seasonal so the menu changes. The pizzas use the same base as the bread in a wood fire oven. It’s thin and Neapolitan style so if you like that you won’t be disappointed. Dessert was the always popular sticky toffee pudding & chocolate tart. Yum. 2 Stars.
Will I Return? — Yes. The fact the menu is seasonal is enough to warrant a visit every month or two. Why not more often? Nonna is not cheap. It shouldn’t be, because food this good is meant to be a unique experience each time, and Nonna is proof it’s possible. 1 Star.
My Unilocal Rating Scale (Sum of all parts):
1 Star — Atmosphere — Is it a cool dive? Perhaps an upscale place? No matter the type, atmosphere plays a big part and I’ll give a star if I like it or thinks it has great charm.
1 Star — Service — You can have a great meal with bad service. But that’s also what can make a five star joint drop to four. It’s important to the dining experience that service is great and on point.
2 Stars — Food — I’ll award up to two stars for the food, since this is the main reason we dine out. Sometimes the extra star is given for value, but it’s really all about the food.
1 Star — Will I come back? — If I know for a fact I’ll return, I’ll give this a star. A place has to make an impression for me to return.
Each Category can be given up to 1 star except food (2 stars) because I consider all these categories important to the overall dining experience. I will sum them up to provide my final Unilocal score.