New Cinematic Downtown Restaurant Gives Dallas’ Food Scene Sidewalk Patio Power

It’s hard to go wrong with a place named for a classic Campari cocktail that nods to the Fellini film La Dolce Vita. Americano, located in the former Charlie Palmer space at The Joule Hotel, invokes a cinematic vibe with an Italiano interior and a neon installation from artist Scott Reeder.

The enclosed sidewalk patio is the perch from which to watch downtown’s revitalized scene — it certainly was during Americano’s series of private soft- opening dinners. Executive chef Matt Ford mans the kitchen, putting his mod spin on Italian classics, from brick-oven pizzas to butternut squash tortellini and a soulful cioppino stew.

Like any good Italian eatery, gelato (amen!) is made in-house, and wine and cocktail offerings are aplenty via celebrated bartender Chad Solomon who through his cocktail-consulting firm Cuff & Buttons, designs all of the Joule’s beverage programs: There are several variations of vino on tap, while cocktails are zippy twists on Mediterranean classics — we recommend the Orzata Limonata. Salute! Americano, The Joule Hotel, 1530 Main St., 214.261.4600