New Trendy Italian Cafe Brings European Flair to Dallas’ Hottest Restaurant Center: District Dining Takes Off

A few weeks after opening gastropub Wheelhouse, the first of its three new restaurant concepts nestled together at the Dallas Decorative Center in the Dallas Design District, Headington Companies has unveiled its next eatery.

Trendy Italian cafe Sassetta is now open, offering a seasonal dinner menu curated in part by former Oak chef Brian Zenner, plus an extensive wine list. (Breakfast and lunch are coming soon.)

Small plates range from dry-aged beef meatballs with ricotta to baccala croquettes with tomato confit and roasted olives, while salads, handmade pasta, and seven kinds of pizza (like one topped with taleggio and Parmesan cheeses, black pepper, and burnt honey) round out the selection.

In a nod to Italian authenticity, Sassetta offers a casual European flair reminiscent of beloved Harry’s Bar in Venice. We’re gathering friends stat to sit alfresco and sample the spaghetti with shrimp, Fresno chili, and pistachio.

Headington’s third concept, Go Go (a grab-and-go cafe processing Wheelhouse’s and Sassetta’s to-go orders and also serving Counter Culture Coffee and house-made baked goods), is slated to open in the coming weeks. All three restaurants surround Center Court, an open-air complex anchored by artist Daniel Arsham‘s massive sculpture, Moving Figure, which was unveiled earlier this year.

Sassetta, 1617 Hi Line Dr., 214.307.5695.