Italian Restaurants in Fort Worth (2025)

Texas Meets Italy at 61 Osteria in Fort Worth | Eater Dallas

Restaurateur Dain "Adam" Jones and chef Blaine Staniford make a damn good pair; their latest endeavor weaves together Italian and West Texas cooking — wild game, simple ingredients, and adventurous, sometimes unexpected combinations of Texan and Italian ingredients — and the wine list is smartly curated to mostly feature Italian bottles. Staniford intended to include Texas foods that could be sourced locally while utilizing his French training to craft the menu: "We didn’t ever want to be just a red sauce/white sauce [place], or pick a specific region," he says. The menu balances approachable standards (rosemary focaccia, tagliatelle bolognese made with brisket, and a bistecca Fiorentina for two) with chancey dishes: fermented peppers in a traditional Italian Christmas sausage dish are served over polenta and fennel — "We took a couple of hundred pounds of peppers from Comeback Creek Farms. They’re lacto-fermented meaning that we toss them in salt and they naturally ferment over a seven to 14-day period allows us to preserve them and keep them for a few months and the peppers to keep their flavor," Staniford says, noting that they are finished with a cook on the grill; the polenta comes from Brazos Valley Polenta in Waco and the sausage is made in-house. The branzino is served with the head off (a no-no in Italy) with the skin on and a pan sear, accompanied by Brussels sprouts finished with a mix of apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and sugar, plus citrus-roasted golden beets on top of turnip purée with hazelnuts — a dish "loaded with ingredients diners can easily identify" but arranged in surprising ways that make dining feel adventurous. Hospitality is a hallmark, beginning with Jones at the host desk — he walks guests to their tables and chats so that everyone feels like a regular; on one visit Jones seated the reviewer and asked if she was "the famous Courtney Smith," having recognized the name and done the legwork to prepare. Jones has operated and worked at restaurants in Downtown Fort Worth for 32 years (including the original Del Frisco), the dining room and entryway are decorated with large-scale custom art by his wife, Joey Lancaster, and feature oversized windows that look out into Downtown and a park across the street. The restaurant landed a Best New Restaurant nod in the 2024 Eater Awards. - Courtney E. Smith

Marcus Paslay’s Waterside staple turns out handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas with seasonal focus. Lauded by Texas Monthly and the Star‑Telegram since opening, it remains a local go‑to for relaxed, from‑scratch Italian.

Beloved Near Southside trattoria known for a tiny dining room, BYOB, and cash-only charm. The Infatuation and many locals praise its Northern Italian classics, from gnocchi to chicken Milanese, served with genuine neighborhood warmth.

Tim Love’s intimate Stockyards dining room channels classic Italian‑American glamour with handmade pastas and a noted no‑phone policy. Frequently spotlighted by regional media, it’s a special‑occasion pick with old‑school service and jacketed dinner vibes.

A Cultural District favorite where Chef Bobby Albanese cooks family recipes and pours energy into a leafy back garden. OpenTable diners and local magazines note its enduring appeal for date nights and pre‑museum dinners.

Inside The Harper, this modern Italian kitchen showcases an in‑house pasta room and occasional pasta classes. Recognized by Fort Worth Magazine readers, it’s a downtown pick for polished plates, good cocktails, and weekends that stretch into brunch.

Since 1996, this downtown counter‑service stalwart has served New York–style slices, pastas, and hearty parms. Beloved by office regulars and theatergoers, it’s a casual, family‑run stop that keeps Fort Worth’s quick Italian tradition alive.

Family‑run since the early 1980s, Aventino’s remains a west‑side classic for veal piccata, baked pastas, and gracious service. Fort Worth Magazine has chronicled its multigenerational story, and locals still book it for intimate celebrations.

South Fort Worth’s BYOB favorite where generous, classic plates and warm service define the experience. Recent reviews on major platforms praise its welcoming, family‑run feel and value—perfect for comforting red‑sauce cravings.

A Westcliff standby where owner Eli Golemi’s personal touch and BYOB policy keep regulars returning for garlic rolls, baked ziti, and old‑school comfort. Featured by Fort Worth Magazine, it’s a heartfelt neighborhood dinner choice.