Cafe Expresso

Recommends

Mama Dolly

Joined 3 years ago

Redfish That Melts in Your Mouth. The Headline says it all. I had a filet of Redfish that melted in my mouth. Growing up in Monterey, Calif. I know what fish is supposed to taste like when it's done "properly" and this was fantastic!

Not sure what the chef sprinked on the vegetables but it gave it them a wonderful flavor without hiding their flavors, (Even the tender baby squash and that's hard to do.)

I went in late (almost 9:pm on a Tuesday) so it was quiet but everything looked so clean and inviting. When my dinner arrived I knew I had found a new place to eat. I just hope they add Beringer's to the wine list. Their selection wasn't bad...it just wasn't Beringer's.

I topped off my wonderful meal with an Espresso but passed on the Cognac that I would usually have on the side. (I was 40 miles from home and driving alone.) But next time I'll check out the bar stock. (Wonder is they carry Martel? Hmmm,)

Doesn't Recommend

Jeannie Brinkman

Joined 3 years ago

Out of the way quaint little place. Hey I wanted to try something different, something romantic, it had nice white table cloths and it seemed that it would be quiet enough for enjoyable conversation, did not want to go to the same places we always go to. I thought I had found the perfect place. I had been there in the late afternoon and had a glass of iced tea on a very hot Friday afternoon. It was so good and the owner was so very pleasant. So I called, made reservations, as was recommended on the website where I went for the review. One was good, one was not so good, but I thought I would take a chance. They greeted us, had our table ready, only about 2 other groups in the entire place, it was 9:05. We looked at the menu, I noticed they were very proud of their selections, but I thought, "oh well". We'll see. I eat salmon all the time, even across the street at their competition and where it is always amazing. However for $32, I began to wonder. I shd have wondered for a moment longer. The salmon was not very good, I had to use the sauce to cover up the flavor of the salmon because it just was not pleasurable at all. The almond rice was just way overcooked white rice with a few almonds dried up and thrown on top of it. The only "if you want to call it that" good thing about the meal was the green beans. My husband had the chicken and he eats chicken also at the competition across the street, where it is always amazing as well. I was surprised to hear that he thought it was kinda of chewy, not a tender kind of taste. I mean gosh, how can you possibly screw up chicken? My caesar salad was good and the bread and iced tea were both good. We paid our bill, $90 for chicken, salmon, two salads and iced tea. We decided to go across the street to their competition for our usual dessert, and as usual, it was fabulous. Houston's----R&D Won't try Cafe Expresso again, unless I get thirsty for iced tea.

Recommends

jjenks

Joined 7 years ago

Hidden Gem. In a town like Dallas, there are a million places you can go to get excellent cuisine. So what sets one place apart from others? Customer Service. I was quite surprised at KStelle's review as I have yet to see Dieter give anyone a "disgusted" look. My wife and I do usually make a reservation though as you never know how busy a dining establishment will be, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. We have been going here for around 6 years and it seems as if Dieter is always genuinely happy to see us. A large number of Cafe Expresso's patrons are what I would call "regulars." That should tell you something right off the bat. It is rare that I have dinner there and do not see several of my acquaintances.

On to the food. Starting off with appetizers, the Foccacia bread with dipping sauce is a must. It is cooked in the same wood burning oven used to make the Pizza. The Calamari is always top notch and never "rubbery" like I have experienced in other restaurants. The regular menu offers a variety of "continental" Italian food such as Chicken Parmesan, Veal Canneloni, Manicotti, and Veal Picatta. Our kids love the "mix and match" choice you can make with a variety of pastas and sauces. The pizza is fabulous and cooked in an authentic wood burning oven. The "Specials" menu is where the real treats are though. The Veal is some of the best I have had in Dallas. The quality of the Filet is always excellent especially considering it is not a dedicated "Steakhouse." If you are lucky enough to come on a night where the Breast of Duckling is available you must try it. Forget any preconceived notion you have of Duck from other restaurants. It is simply the best I have ever had.

If you are looking for a restaurant so you can "be seen" this probably isn't for you. However, if you are looking for good food and a friendly atmosphere, Cafe Expresso might be for you.

Doesn't Recommend

kstelle

Joined 8 years ago

Do not recommend. My husband and I went to Cafe Expresso for a romantic evening night out, in a family oriented atmosphere. We were very disappointed, as we were met at the door by the host who was very annoyed that we had not made a reservation. He still decided to seat us, though obviously in disgust. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and we were beginning to enjoy our evening, when a couple that evidently frequents the restaurant arrived and they too had not made reservations. The restaurant was very busy at this time and the host, without any hinderance, looked our way in disgust again, since we were taking up his space. He then practically ran us out the door as we finished our meal. We enjoyed our meal, but will definitely not be back. Evidently they only welcome those dining with inherited reservations.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Hidden Italian favorite in North Dallas offers a menu loaded with pasta options.. In Short
Nestled unobtrusively in Preston Center, the restaurant is intimate, with 24 butcher paper-covered tables and low lighting. With 81 mix-and-match pasta choices, Cafe Expresso is not for the indecisive diner. The menu has three salads and five appetizers, including carpaccio and mussels. Entrees range from lasagna to Fumo, a smoked salmon and dill-cream sauce served over one of nine pastas. Diners save room for creme brulee--rich and a bargain at $4.50.