Dallas discovered authentic Italian coffee when Corrado Palmieri brought his hometown’s traditions across the ocean.
The Salento native refuses to compromise, roasting beans in-house and baking pastries exactly as they’re made in Puglia’s heel.
His pasticciotti—a Southern Italian specialty rarely found outside Puglia or Utica, New York—has become the pastry locals crave most.
Why This Tastes Like Coffee in Milan
Palmieri sources his espresso machine from Italy, considered the Ferrari of coffee equipment in his homeland.
He roasts beans on-site following traditional Italian methods that Europeans and well-traveled Americans immediately recognize as authentic.
Even the mugs and pastry displays ship from Italy because every detail matters when recreating the cappuccino he grew up drinking in Galatina.
How Palmieri Cafe Became Dallas’s Italian Coffee Destination
Corrado left his family and friends in Lecce province after earning his MBA in Dallas, unable to find authentic Italian espresso anywhere.
The cafe opened in March 2016 after three years of preparation, driven by his mission to bring Salento’s Slow Food philosophy to Texas.
His commitment to making everything from scratch—coffee, pastries, gelato—earned recognition from Dallas’s Italian community and created lines that stretch out the door.
Food Highlights
- Pasticciotti: This Southern Italian specialty from Puglia features flaky pastry filled with cream that pastry lovers compare to finding gold in Dallas. 🥐
- Lemon Cream Cannoncino: Delicate pastry spirals get filled with bright lemon cream for a perfect balance of sweet and tart. 🍋
- Spinach and Ricotta Rustico: Savory pastry packed with spinach and creamy ricotta offers a traditional Salento lunch option. 🥧
- Chicken Rosemary Calzone: Herbs and tender chicken fold into fresh dough with olives for an authentic Italian handheld meal. 🫓
- Gelato: House-made Italian gelato follows traditional recipes for flavors that taste like vacation in Southern Italy. 🍨
- Cappuccino: Whole milk froths perfectly over espresso for the authentic Italian ratio that locals now expect every morning. ☕
Atmosphere
The Farmers Market location captures European dining hall vibes with indoor and outdoor seating that encourages lingering over coffee.
Natural light fills the casual space where regulars chat in Italian and newcomers discover what espresso should actually taste like.
The Bishop Arts location extends hours into evening, creating a neighborhood gathering spot that feels transported from Lecce province.
Bottom Line
Palmieri Cafe proves authentic Italian coffee requires someone willing to ship an espresso machine across an ocean.
The pasticciotti alone justify the trip, especially paired with a cappuccino made by someone who learned the craft in Italy.
When the owner defends Italian authenticity with passion in response to every question, you know you’ve found the real thing. 🌟
Address: Palmieri Cafe 920 S Harwood St, Ste 100 Dallas, TX 75201
📞 (214) 684-9932
🕐 Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat-Sun 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Second location: 307 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208 Outdoor seating | Good for working and groups