Dallas Super Chefs Team Up to Open Two New Restaurants: Buzzy Romantic Pizza Project Sure to Create a Scene

Two of Dallas’ most sought-after chefs are teaming up to open a pair of Italian-American restaurants in Highland Park Village this fall. Julian Barsotti of Sprezza, Nonna, and Carbone’s, is joining forces with Nick Badovinus — the man behind Neighborhood Services, Off-Site Kitchen, Montlake Cut, and Town Hearth — for the highly-anticipated project.

The new restaurants will be in a two-story space near the movie theater in the posh Highland Park shopping center.

The first floor will house Perfect Union Pizza Company, Badovinus’ casual, New York style pizzeria. In addition to artisanal pizza, the menu will offer chopped salads, rotisserie chicken, oysters on the half, and crudos — not to mention a substantial list of wines, beers, and cocktails.  

“Perfect Union Pizza Co. will be a place anyone and everyone can enjoy — it’s lighthearted and easy, with variety — just the way I like to eat with my family and friends,” Badovinus says.

Barsotti describes it as “a romanticized-retro version of the classic, upscale red sauce Italian-American joint.”

The restaurant’s atmosphere will be as relaxed as its food, with sunny decor flowing from the interior to the patio.

Barsotti’s concept, Fachini, will open in the space upstairs. Barsotti wants to revive old school charm with the formal, dinner-only spot. Named after the chef’s grandmother, Fachini will pay tribute to classic, upscale Italian-American dining.

Barsotti describes it as “a romanticized-retro version of the classic, upscale red sauce Italian-American joint.”

The space will be transformed with vintage glamour, and the menu will focus on classics like lasagna bolognese and tableside caesar salad.

Perfect Union Pizza Co. is slated to open late this summer, and Fachini will debut in the fall. Badovinus and Barsotti are partners in both restaurants. Considering the chefs’ respective success in the last year — Barsotti opened the sensational Roman restaurant Sprezza last April, and Badovinus opened the buzzy modern steakhouse Town Hearth in February — it’s no surprise that their new joint venture is already creating plenty of buzz.