Martinis and Pizza in Harwood District, Vandelay’s Brentwood Debuts, and More Dallas Restaurant News to Know

It’s been an unprecedented two years since Bon Appétit named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. But even through a pandemic, our city’s dining scene has persevered. With the overwhelming amount of recent openings (particularly in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and downtown), it’s easy to forget that many in the industry are still struggling, but Texas restaurants have been innovating to provide the comfort food — and cocktails — we need. Now, it’s time to look forward to the Dallas restaurant news ahead.

From exciting openings to unfortunate closures (plus, any other food news we might find fitting), The Dallas Dish is your weekly helping of need-to-know North Texas restaurant news.

A new Italian restaurant is coming to the Harwood District this fall.

Dallas’ Harwood District is getting yet another new restaurant this fall. Poco Fiasco, an intimate pizza and martini spot, will be located on La Rue Purdue (between fellow HD spots Harwood Arms and Elephant East). Expect elevated pies like Quattro Formaggi, The Texan with brisket and barbecue sauce, Grandma’s Margherita, and Bacon and Egg. There will also be starters like calamari, garlic knots, and beef tartare, as well as a few sandwiches and classic Italian dishes.

A build-your-own martini program will be a highlight of the restaurant, offering a variety of vodka, gin, vermouth, and olive options.

The newest dining concept from Hudson House owners opens this Thursday.

Brentwood, the latest concept from Vandelay Hospitality Group (Hudson House, Drake’s), finally opens its doors in Addison on Thursday, July 7. Inspired by the dining institutions of Aspen and Santa Fe, the new spot brings a Western American aesthetic, expanded patio with grand stone fireplace, and an “elevated take on the classic neighborhood family spot.” Standouts on the menu include sushi, chicken meatballs, burgers, San Francisco ribeye, and more.

A new sushi restaurant debuts at Mockingbird Station this week.

Also debuting on July 7, Sushi Mockï is a new Japanese eatery from Deep Sushi’s Armando Rameriz. Located at Mockingbird Station (between Urban Taco and Pure Milk and Honey), the new spot will feature sushi rolls, soups, salads, ahi tuna towers, fried rice, and more. Specialty rolls include the SMU Roll (the campus is within walking distance) and the Armando Roll — a riceless roll with crab mix, avocado, tempura flakes, and more.

The upscale spot features an intimate atmosphere that seats 49 people inside and 20 outside on the patio. Happy hour will be Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 6 pm and includes $4 sake and $5 wine.

An iconic Oak Cliff donut shop is closing temporarily.

According to the Dallas Morning News, 72-year-old Lone Star Donuts in Oak Cliff is closing temporarily for the month of July. But don’t fret, the favorite no-frills donut shop plans to return with a new menu (including breakfast sandwiches), as well as their classic donuts.