In Dallas, a discreet door leads to two connected yet distinct concepts: Nonna and its adjacent lounge, Tabu. This dual identity offers a complete evening, starting in a dining room known for its focused Italian cooking and finishing in a lounge inspired by the city’s oldest jazz club. Nonna itself is a quiet exploration of regional Italian food, built around seasonal ingredients and a wood-burning oven. The preparations are precise, with a bill of fare that changes almost entirely based on availability, creating a dynamic dialogue between Texan producers and Italian tradition.\nWhile much of the card evolves weekly, the kitchen has become known for two constants: a justly famous Maine lobster ravioli and an iconic white clam pizza. These dishes anchor a culinary program that otherwise shifts with inspiration, from house-made pastas like a regional cavatelli to wood-roasted quail or Gulf snapper. The cooking is refined but rooted in a rustic sensibility, where pristine ingredients are treated with respect. This quality has earned the restaurant recognition from the Michelin Guide.\nAdjacent to the main room is Bacari Tabu, a revival of the historic Dallas jazz club, Strictly Tabu. Here, the full selection from Nonna is served in a low-lit, intimate setting designed for cocktails and conversation, with live jazz featured on select nights. The lounge provides a different context for the same food, creating a fluid transition from dinner to late-night drinks. The two spaces, linked by internal thruways, operate in concert to offer a multifaceted outing under a single roof, balancing culinary craft with the atmospheric charm of a classic jazz haunt.
