Blake C.
Yelp
Nuri is one of the latest and most exciting restaurants to open in the Dallas area. Boasting elegance and an eye-watering build cost, Nuri had a lot fo prove even before it opened its doors. Having dines there this pas Sunday, I can say with certainty that it was worth it in every aspect.
To start, let's discuss the ambiance. The substantial price tag is immediately evident in the elegant inteiror decor, which makes you feel like you've stepped into a different world. The attention to detail is meticulous, from the inlays on the dining tables to the designer cutlery. What I particularly appreciated was that while it was elegant, it was not ostentatious; instead, it was very comfortable. I'm thoroughly impressed with their decor choices and the layout of the restaurant. It was also intimate and cozy- perfect for a date night.
The service was no exception when it came to the level of detail and care. The staff was attentive and caring but not overbearing. Throughout our meal, they consistently checked to ensure our glasses were filled and that we were satisfied with our food.One aspect that stoof out to me was that the waitstaff was not pushy or focused on upselling. It's a common issue with new concept restaurants, and it's a significant turnoff, but at Nuri, I never once felt pressured to order something I wasn't comfortable with.
It was also impressive to witness the attention to detail during a table turnover, with staff carefully checking the cutlery and wine glasses to ensure the setting was perfect. Small details like this matter to me, and it's rare to fine such meticulousness outside of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Finally, the most important part-the food. We were greeted with delicious rolls and sweet butter, the perfect starter. We opted for an array of appetizers from both their hot and cold menus: the wagyu dumplings, Korean pork belly, and the East steak tartare. The wagyu dumplings were savory and delicious, especially with the herb cream sauce. the pork belly had a ncie crunch on the outside and was soft in the middle. I particularly appreciated the bed of spinach and sweet soy accouterment. The East steak tartare was unique, with a sweetness flavor that may not suit everyone's palate, but it was a welcome deviation from the ordinary. The option to choose between East or West preparation styles is a thoughtful touch.
For our main dishes, we selected the 8oz Asakshi steak with Ora King Salmon. The steak was probably one of the best I've had in a long time. It was incredibly tender and almost melted in your mouth. The seasoning and grilled shishito peppers were a very nice touch. The Ora king Salmon was also cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and well-rounded flavor. We also ordered the Yukon Gold buttermilk mashed potatoes. Typically, I'm critical of mashed potatoes at restaurants, but these were prepared excellently. They were flavorful without being overwhelming or detracting from the other dishes; rather, they were complimentary.
For dessert, we chose the cheesecake, which featured a table-side press of chocolate ganache on top. The presentation was fascinating, as they used a machine imported from Korea to press the chocolate ganache. The cheesecake was delicious and now ranks as one of my top favorites.
In sum, Nuri had high expectations prior to our arrival, and I can say with certainty that it did not disappoint. I applaud both the waitstaff and management for their professionalism and service excellence.