There is “hidden gem,” and then there is il Bracco, the sleek Park Cities Italian that somehow feels like your neighborhood spot and your special-occasion splurge in one.
From the moment it opened, word spread fast about its fresh, chef-driven Italian dishes, from housemade pastas to fish filleted in-house and proteins butchered daily, all served in a modern, elegant setting at Preston Center.
Why Dallas Foodies Can’t Stop Talking About This Chic Italian Hideaway
Locals fell hard for the combo of polished service, a bustling bar, and a leafy patio where you can linger over wine and perfectly al dente pasta. 🍝🍷
Soon, glowing reviews started piling up, praising everything from the crispy artichokes to the rich, peppery cacio e pepe and tender Mediterranean sea bass.
Diners rave that it’s “easily my favorite Italian restaurant in Dallas” and highlight the consistently excellent service, fun atmosphere, and a wine list that keeps the night going.
What began as an upscale neighborhood Italian spot quickly became the go-to for date nights, girls’ nights, and family celebrations—the kind of place people recommend before you even finish asking for Dallas recs. 😍
Food Highlights
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Crispy Artichokes: Fresh baby artichokes fried to a delicate crunch and served with olive aioli, this starter is frequently singled out in reviews as “unlike anything I’ve ever tried before” and a must-order for the table. 🫒
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Cacio e Pepe: Housemade bucatini tossed with Pecorino and black pepper, this Roman classic shows off il Bracco’s pasta skills with perfectly toothsome noodles and a deeply savory, peppery bite that guests describe as one of the best in Dallas. 🍝
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Spicy Gemelli: Twisty gemelli pasta coated in a vibrant spicy vodka sauce with basil and Reggiano, loved by heat-seekers who want something comforting yet bold, and often mentioned as a go-to order for regulars. 🌶️
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Al Limone Linguine: Linguine with jumbo shrimp, lemon, chives, and breadcrumbs, this bright, zesty dish balances richness with citrus and is a favorite among those craving something lighter yet still indulgent and Instagram-worthy. 🍋
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Mediterranean Sea Bass: Pan-roasted with mint gremolata and paired with broccolini, this entrée earns raves for its tender, flaky fish and fresh, aromatic flavors—many reviewers admit they almost ordered pasta but were blown away by the sea bass instead.🐟
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House Made Focaccia & Meatballs: Fluffy focaccia with whipped ricotta, roasted garlic, and thyme makes the perfect warm-up act, especially when paired with the beef–lamb–pork meatballs in tomato gravy—the kind of duo people say they could make a whole meal out of. 🍞
Atmosphere
The vibe at il Bracco blends posh and approachable, with chic interiors, a lively full-service bar, and a leafy patio within the upscale buzz of Preston Center.
Repeat customers have often described it as sophisticated yet relaxed, ideal for everything from power lunches to date nights and celebratory dinners.
Reviews and discussions note that it can get energetic and a bit loud during peak hours, especially near the popular bar, which only adds to the big-city energy locals love.
Thanks to attentive service and polished touches, the whole experience feels like a mini escape to a sleek Italian hotspot—without leaving Dallas. 🍷✨
Bottom Line
Visit for house-made pastas, a buzzing bar scene, polished but friendly service, and a chic patio perfect for lingering over wine and sea bass. il Bracco is where Dallas locals go when they want Italian that feels special every time.
Address:
8416 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas, TX 75225
📞 +1 713-532-9950
🕔 Open daily, Mon-Thu, Sun, 11 AM–10 PM; Fri–Sat, 11 AM–11 PM