Three Italian Restaurants in the Dallas, Fort Worth Area

Are you in the mood to get some spaghetti sauce on your shirt? Check out three varied Italian dining experiences in the Mid-Cities area of Dallas/Fort Worth. Depending on your Italian desire and budget, these three places will soothe the palate.

Whether you are hosting the kid's soccer team, or you are out on a date, Joe's Pasta N Pizza, in Colleyville, will prove tasty and inexpensive. For the family or a kid's sport team (Joe's supports local athletics), you can sit at the long family style tables that support trays of pizza. Plain cheese or the works, Joe's makes pizza the old Philadelphia style. Lightly tan crispy crust with plenty of sauce and meat or veggie toppings, the pizza will fill you up in a hurry. Joe's pizza also re-heats very well, so be sure to get a to-go box. Besides pizza, Joe's offers the usual cannelloni, lasagna, or other pasta dishes. Salad and garlic bread rounds out the meal. You can bring your own bottle and Joe's provides wine glasses for you. Plenty of food at a very inexpensive price, Joe's service is decent. Not great, but for the price you will leave satisfied.

Ravioli's in Grapevine wants to be a fancier Italian restaurant than it is. Located in an old house, Ravioli's has been in existence for a long time and has a loyal following. It was popular before the town of Grapevine developed into a cutesy tourist area. White tablecloths and a serene atmosphere do not mask the lack of decent sauce. Ravioli's has the usual selection of pasta, chicken, and veal dishes. However, the pasta is heavy and the sauce is rather flat tasting. The bread and salads are good and the service is fine. Folks swear by Raviolis. Our experience was not uplifting. You will have to see for yourself on this one.

Now, if you cannot afford to travel to Italy, Café Italia in Grapevine is the next best thing. Authentic Italian waiters talk to you in their lilting accents. The warm Italian bread sets the stage for a pleasant dining experience. With small, intimate tables and lighting, Café Italia is an excellent Italian restaurant at a very reasonable price. The house salad with its house Italian dressing causes you to sop up the dressing with your bread. It is that tasty. Moving on to the main entrée, the pastas melt in your mouth. Unique flavors - tortellini vodka, tortellini michaelangelo - these pastas tickle the tongue. Light and smooth, you just want to keep eating even as you loosen your belt. Eggplant parmigiana or chicken parmigiana will have you falling out of your chair.

Full to the brim, you desire dessert. Tiramasu, profiteroles, cheesecake, or gelato are all worthy choices. Have a cup of espresso (with a liqueur or not) and linger at the table. Café Italia offers a serene setting and a full dining experience.

So, after dining at the above listed locations: if you are not full and do not have a spot of sauce on your shirt, then you did not eat Italian properly. Salut!

Café Italia
505 W. Northwest Hwy
Grapevine TX 76051
817-251-0100

Joe's Pasta N Pizza
420 Grapevine Hwy
Colleyville TX 76054
817-428-2332

Ravioli
120 E. Worth
Grapevine TX 76051
817-488-1181