Special Occasion Restaurants

Aurora is decadence at its most classic. The quaint and intimate dining room exudes romance, with subdued lighting, candlelit tables, and soft accents. The open kitchen, set behind a frame of etched glass, looks like a theater stage, with the kitchen staff acting out a nightly performance. Their creations are as whimsical and elegant as the décor, with an array of French-inspired dishes that play on premium ingredients, inventive combinations, and classic pairings. The menu changes weekly, but entrees like Chicken Crusted with Lemon Thyme, Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Pomme Puree, and Lamb Rib Medallions with Sweet Potato Gnocchi suggest …

Located on the 27th floor of the Hilton Anatole, Nana is surrounded by panoramic views of Dallas. But the views are far from the only draw. Guests flock to the elegant, Asian-inspired dining room to sample the creations of Chef Anthony Bombaci, whose tantalizing menu is captivating and unique. Bombaci’s dishes look like sculptures on a plate, each a study in vibrant color, complementing texture, and playful forms. A Filet of Prime Beef is accented by the vibrant greens and oranges of slivered roasted carrots, delicate microgreens,and a lush sweet potato puree. A playful “Liquid Baked Potato Soup” features sour …

Transplanted from the hit restaurant that opened in New York in 2002, Craft Dallas maintains owner/chef Tom Colicchio’s original vision – to prepare the best seasonal ingredients simply and with finesse. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Craft’s menus offer dishes as diverse as the Short Rib and Shishito Pepper Hash for breakfast and the roasted and braised Muscovy Duck with cranberries for dinner. Every dish is presented on a platter at the center of the table to encourage sharing, and the gesture may extend to divvying up one of the many home-made desserts and pastries.

York Street Restaurant is governed by an ethical culinary philosophy, where “supporting sustainable, responsibly raised food lies at the heart of what we do best.” Chef Sharon A. Hage uses fresh ingredients in dishes like Wolf Fish Di Parma, which features a prosciutto roast, thin green beans, and sherry-shallot vinaigrette, and pairs her menu with a selection of teas that stands in for a more traditional wine menu. Also at the heart of what York Street does best is promote its family – get to know baker Armando Castillo; the waiter, Clint Patronella, and receptionist, Sheryl White. But most of …

Louise Lamensdorf brings a little bit of France to Dallas and a little “Paris On your Plate” with her restaurant, Bistro Louise. Bistro Louise has won a myriad of awards, and Louise herself has trained under some of the finest chefs in the country, but the real proof behind the success of the restaurant can be found in the food. The cuisine is American with French, Spanish, and Italian influences, and the result is an authentic, gourmet dining experience. Louise uses only the finest cuts of meat and seafood that have been flown in from all over the world, and …

Sophistication, quality, and artistic vision are served in generous portions at Dali Wine Bar and Cellar, where guests are introduced to the true genius of thoughtful flavor pairings. The Dali food menu reflects an appreciation for quality ingredients and intriguing combinations that highlight the essence of each dish. An invigorating selection of small plates also mingles with an impressive array of entrees and appetizers to suit diners’ different needs. And did we mention the wine? Whether ordered by the glass or bottle, aficionados and novices alike enjoy the comprehensive yet accessible wine list.

To quote Chef Joshua Laban Perkins, “Finding the essence of simplicity is to know water and its gifts.” This motto is personified through the interior décor of the restaurant as well as the menu. Soothing blues flow throughout the main dining room, with coral colored vertical sticks hanging below a high portion of a wall, sandy in color and covered in sea shells to portray a shore. A larger than cylinder shaped mobile of fish hangs down from the ceiling, giving guests the feeling of sitting on the ocean floor and looking up at a swimming school. Coast Global Seafood …

Loft 610 elevates urban elegance to a whole new level with chic and accommodating touches that stimulate both the imagination and appetite. Open in theory and design, the Loft’s Kitchen encourages guests to watch the spectacle of their New American cuisine food being prepared, while Executive Chef Tre Wilcox is continually revising and revamping his bold and satisfying menu. Mingle with a martini in the Lounge and enjoy a healthy side of vibrant ambience with your meal; and when the music takes you over, dance the rest of the evening away in the Loft.

Fine Italian cuisine is served before a classic and sophisticated backdrop, at Maggiano’s Little Italy. An Old World appreciation for accommodating service and hospitality is a driving force behind Maggiano’s continued success; though, the welcoming ambience may only be outdone by the similarly stellar authentic Italian cuisine menu. The essence of the true Italian dining experience is preserved in the restaurant’s Family Style menus of dishes meant to be shared and shared alike. And other favorites like the Lobster Ravioli and the Beef Braciole keep seats filled, and faces smiling, time and time again.

Although now defunct, Angela's Bistro was one of Dallas's quaint hot spots. Featuring a lush atmosphere with wood floors, cozy lighting, and modernist art work, patrons could feel perfectly at home as if they were in their own kitchen. While being soothed by classical and jazz selections, the food almost looks home-made and ranges from crab cakes, to cooked scallops, and usually ends with a chocolate pecan-crusted dessert. May Angela’s rest in peace.