Dallas has never been lacking in steakhouses, but in recent years, an Italian steakhouse trend has slowly emerged, making it one of the most exciting times to seek out red meat. From Knife Italian Steak at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas to Monarch on the 49th floor of the National, pairing pastas and porterhouses has become a popular practice. Steaks and traditional Italian fare also appear on the menu at La Stella Cucina Verace in the Dallas Arts District, directly across from the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the Winspear Opera House. Now, the La Stella brand leans into the steakhouse concept full throttle with its new flagship location, La Stella Italian Steakhouse and Music Lounge.
La Stella officially debuted on Black Friday in the building formerly occupied by Lawry’s The Prime Rib, a Dallas staple for decades. During the final months, Lawry’s felt rather dusty and dated. Now, its 11,000-square-foot space has been completely transformed into an opulent, shiny, black-and-gold, Art Deco nod to Old Hollywood while honoring the building’s history.
The restaurant is sure to be a go-to space for listening to live bands onstage in the 21-and-over La Stella Music Lounge, such as Hunter Sullivan during the restaurant’s pre-opening sneak peek party. Beyond the exclusive invite-only shindig, the crooner and his band will appear twice more in December and will likely become staples at the venue along with several other local acts.
The stage and multiple dining rooms represent a logical expansion for the brand after achieving success with its initial location. Giuseppe “JP” Piccinini founded La Stella in 2022 as a tribute to his family’s Neapolitan heritage, with recipes from his mother as the culinary foundation for the concept. When the Lawry’s building became available, it was the final component of a vision to create a flagship concept that would be grander and more theatrical—from the music to tableside food preparation and presentation, such as truffle pasta finished in a Parmesan wheel or a 40-ounce Fiorentina-style steak carved before your eyes.
La Stella’s three private dining spaces offer exclusive touches, including rare gold-painted Ginori china (La Scala, Impero, and other discontinued lines), imported marble, and Murano glass chandeliers that illuminate vintage Italian furnishings from the 18th to early 20th centuries.
The host stand dates back to 1880, and the Art Deco doors date back to the 1920s. Portraits of acting legend Sophia Loren, who portrayed a character named Stella in the 1958 film “The Key,” adorn the walls. Floral installations from Piccinini’s wife, Alexandra Beswerchij, and her company, the Flower Atelier, bring pops of color to the space. And the whimsical touch of a restored 1967 Lambretta motorbike and sidecar provides guests with a unique photo op.
Without excellent food, none of this matters much. La Stella’s menu blends traditional Italian techniques with premium steakhouse sensibilities, including a Tuscan herb-rubbed prime rib on weekends as a tribute to Lawry’s and its most ardent fans.
Kick things off with the Polpette Della Nonna (translation: very humble meatballs), which get a less-humble touch with Wagyu beef, San Marzano marinara, and Tuscan basil extra virgin olive oil. They’re ideal to accompany the house-made bread.
U’purp (chargrilled octopus) looks gorgeous on the plate, covering zig-zagging lines of lemon-saffron aioli, along with crispy potatoes, ‘nduja, and taggiasca olives. Prosciutto and Burrata & Jam features 24-month-aged Prosciutto di Parma, bufala burrata, Sicilian fig jam, and black mission figs.
La Stella’s wow-worthy mains include the vegetarian Polenta con Funghi and Burrata, Branzino Mediterraneo, and Agnello Scottadito, a.k.a. Colorado lamb chops with a salmoriglio sauce. Being an Italian steakhouse, the Filetto al Barolo is a must. The 8-ounce portion of Mishima Reserve Ultra Wagyu center-cut tenderloin filet comes with a choice of Barolo demi glacé or green peppercorn crema.
For a sweet ending, wave over the gelato cart for something creamy to enjoy alongside a light and creamy tiramisu, and bask in the glory of the Italian steakhouse trend that is undoubtedly here to stay. Buon appetito!
La Stella Italian Steakhouse and Music Lounge, 14655 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, lastellaitaliansteakhouse.com
